Formosa Cafe

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1. E

   Essaygee

   Washington DC

   7 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   Classic Hollywood. Food was ok but the ambiance, service and vibe more than made up for it. Cocktails were a bit weak (pay attention!) but overall a very fun night. We went as a couple but definitely someplace to bring a group.

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2. JF

   JojoF

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall4food4service4ambience5

   Food was great they even had organic chicken on the menu which is so rare for Chinese food. and the prices were great. Only down side was we were sat in the train even though there was plenty of seating in the main dinning room with the AC blasting. The train was very bright and hot during the day. Would not recommend sitting in the train before sunset. Ambiance 10/10.

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3. SM

   StephaneM

   Los Angeles

   15 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   15 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   i always like it. Could be better on dessert 🤷🏻‍♂️

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4. LF

   LukeF

   Los Angeles

   11 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on June 25, 2022

   overall3food4service3ambience3

   Poorly staffed for a Saturday lunch. The Waiter was great, the bartender was poor- didn’t know how to make basic drinks. Food is always great.

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 23, 2022

   overall3food5service5ambience1

   I wanted to sit in a booth but when we arrived it was already loud near the bar so we sat in the dining car because every place else was closed still to sit in the restaurant at 6:30 pm and was sat under a vent which was extremely freezing. I asked if they could turn it off which they did but someone else sat in the car since everything else was closed in the restaurant and they wanted it on so I sat with it blowing on me for the rest of my dinner, an hour. I wanted to sit at the end of the train car to get away from the terrible noise near the bar and the freezing cold blowing air but since most of the restaurant was closed there was no where to go and I already asked to move when we first walked in because of the noise level and I didn’t want to ask again. Five things on the menu were not available to serve, this was my first time at your restaurant so I was very disappointed. I asked our waiter who was wonderful about it who said they were having problems in the kitchen….or something but he wasn’t sure he said?? Five things on your small menu that weren’t available to order and we drove an hour to get there. For the hype for this restaurant to have so many things sold out on a Wednesday night, so many places in the restaurant closed, and it was so noisy I could barely hear the girl I was sitting across from I was extremely disappointed. I’m sure you really don’t care about what I have to say but I would have loved to have had the time of my life being with my girlfriend since kindergarten that we had been dreaming about going there for years.

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6. PK

   PeterK

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 20, 2022

   overall4food4service4ambience3

   The food and the service were excellent--our friendly server guided our choices effectively, and carefully explained the structure of the menu. We also appreciated the history of the cafe, and the photos and mementos of the famous diners (or drinkers!) that had preceded us. Our only concern: turn down the volume of the music. That noise made chatting difficult--and the selections made it difficult as well to associate the venue with some of the famous patrons, like Sinatra.

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7. MR

   MeghanR

   Chicago

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 19, 2022

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   Unique, savory brunch menu, and everything was delicious. Generous portions, lovely cocktails. Love this place for dinner and drinks and I'm happy to have it on my weekend brunch radar!

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8. GH

   GaryH

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 19, 2022

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   Wonderful Fathers Day lunch! Pork belly breakfast sand which so delicious — crunchy toasted bread, juicy pork belly, blended with perfectly sunny side up egg, crunchy veggies, and sliced avocado. Thumbs up on the orange chicken. Good pot stickers. Egg rolls hot and crispy but a little mushy on the inside. Fabulously mixed Jordan Paradise cocktail — well balanced! I'll try to make it at home!

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9. B

   Bart

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on June 19, 2022

   overall5food5service4ambience4

   We absolutely love the food at Formosa! It does tend to get a bit noisy though. We will always went back!

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10. JL

    JeffLfromTO

    Los Angeles

    88 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    88 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    We enjoyed our visit. The menu is limited in comparison to a traditional Chinese restaurant. I don’t like spicy food. I am convinced that the kitchen staff tried to accommodate my request, but the food (Kung Pao Chicken) was a bit too hot (spice-wise) for me. Even still, I/we love places with a history and the Formosa certainly qualifies. I hadn’t been in that area for decades. We shall return sometime.

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11. D

    Daley

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall1food4service1ambience1

    We were seated with a film festival that we had no part of and did not want to attend. The films and ambience were extremely loud. We didn’t receive some of our food and drinks. Our server took over 15 minutes to get us our check and had not written down our order, so we had to tell her what we had ordered. We tried to speak with management, but they said it was not their problem and offered us no compensation. The food was pretty good, but not worth the price or the horrible service or ambience. I will not be returning and I will not recommend this restaurant to anyone else.

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Wonderful experience at a classic Hollywood establishment. Decor is vintage, yet up to date as well. The same can be said for the food and drinks. Up to date takes on classic Asian fare and cocktails. Younger crowd. Music a bit loud, but our reservation was late.

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13. CF

    ClaireF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Drinks and food were delicious! Ambience was great and lots of cool Hollywood history and pictures!

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14. CF

    CraftyFoodie

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    We stopped in for appetizers & cocktails around 12:30pm so the place was definitely quiet and mostly empty. The interior is breathtaking, it's like you stepped back in time. I really enjoy visiting historic places and this place feels like it's had it's fair share of history. We tried the potstickers and egg rolls which were really good; the cocktails were excellent! Our bartender was amazing (if my memory serves me correctly, his name was Daniel), he was so sweet & friendly and made some delicious cocktails. I had the Rosemary 75 and my husband had the an Old Fashioned, both were 10/10. I'm excited to come back to try their dinner and more tasty concoctions.

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15. P

    Ponyboy

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall4food4service2ambience4

    Service was sloOOOow but to be fair, our server seemed slammed. Overall a good experience at a neighborhood favorite.

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall2food1service5ambience4

    The space is special, the service was kind and attentive. The food however tasted cooked from frozen, at best. There is so much potential but I would never dine there again and would never recommend anyone to dine either, solely based in the food. Would love to taste food that matches the unique interior.

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic As Always

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18. SF

    jadeSF

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent service.

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19. CA

    CynthiaA

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything, from the service, to the background music, to the food and drinks, was excellent. Will def go back.

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20. S

    Swa78

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2022

    overall3food1service5ambience5

    The food was terrible. I would love to go back, but there must be a huge change in the quality of the food.

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was delicious- service was friendly! I’d always wanted to go there and now I did and I’ll be back one day.

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22. KM

    KellyM

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I attended a short film screening night on the rooftop last night. I had a 6:30 pm reservation and we got a great table. Thanks so much Sandy! The place was busy. Everyone was having a great time and there was excitement in the air. I had a Nay Nay Rose Martini that was incredible! My boyfriend is vegan so we got all vegan options, the pancake, egg rolls, Asian greens, cauliflower and fried rice with tofu no egg. It was all so delicious! My boyfriend loved it all. Jess , Abby and Drake were our servers and they were so attentive and sweet. We had some other friends show up to join us and the staff was very accommodating.. My friends all loved the food as well. The bartender Larry made us all great drinks! The short films were all super entertaining. Then we all headed down stair for more fun! I met Sunny the bartender. Another sweetheart. What a great night! Thanks Formosa! I can’t wait to come back.

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23. OP

    OmarP

    Los Angeles

    60 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a gem. Food and service are wonderful! Gluten free options are abundant and delicious here too!!

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24. JA

    JoyceA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    EVERYONE was fantastic! My waiters were fabulous! And the food was great! Chefs kiss perfection!

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25. MW

    MichaelW

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic good and atmosphere. The rooftop lounge is quieter than inside with a private bar. Absolutely worth the visit and we'll be there time and time again!

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26. LD

    LisaD

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    Really enjoyed the atmosphere. Service was great. Food was average. Not exceptionally tasty or hot.

    Report
27. SN

    SarahN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Loved everything about our amazing experience at Fermosa! The food was delicious the environment is cozy and the history of the place makes it an extra fun visit. Our server, Matt, was the perfect balance of checking in and letting us enjoy our conversations and did a great job with my food allergies. I was really able to enjoy our experience because of the care and attention Matt and the kitchen took to make sure I had delicious options and knew what to avoid! Thank you so much Fermosa! We will be back!

    Report
28. AW

    AmyW

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Food is great and portions are generous. Well balanced cocktail list. I went on a Friday night when they were slammed so things were forgotten, but that happens when a place is busy. Will def go back

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29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5

    We had a great experience with our server and bartender, everything was on time however we probably waited a little bit longer at certain points in the night than we wanted to for drinks. The hostess was absolutely rude and told us she wouldn’t be able to take us without a reservation, however we asked to sit at the bar and made a reservation for 15 minutes later on OpenTable and then all of a sudden they had space to seat us at a booth. Seemed a little counter intuitive to me, even when we went back to tell her we had a res she was still pretty unresponsive and we received several eye rolls and attitude from her. Otherwise the chow fun noodles and the orange chicken were my absolute favorite. The green tea martini also phenomenal.

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30. P

    Prezzie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and drinks and even better atmosphere! Highly recommend.

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31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I love everything about this place. Food & drink are amazing and the staff is refreshingly friendly and accommodating! Love the ambiance - old school Hollywood!

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32. KG

    KatGadd

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Met friends and had a great meal!

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33. OP

    OmarP

    Los Angeles

    60 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Place is fabulous. For those of you with a gluten-free need, this place rocks. A friend who has a severe allergy had no problems and so enjoyed his very tasty food. Legendary place for all!!! Eat here!!!’❤️

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34. NB

    NoreenB

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience3

    We came shortly after they opened and were immediately in love with the ambiance. Very old time vibes with antique items. For us being one of the only tables in there, we were surprised when the food (Orange chicken, rice, bao) all came out cold. The taste was good but temperature was off putting. Additionally the staff was super unprofessional. There was a waitress wasting a bowl of rice over by the check out kiosk and another busser talking to her and being obnoxiously loud and doing fake kicks. Really took away from the whole experience. Which is saddening because I heard great things about this place. Maybe dinner is better but brunch is not it!

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35. DR

    DollyRoger

    Columbus

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    What a gem. I have been wanting to visit for years and finally made it. Drinks and food were delicious, I just wish they told you some of the Chinese dishes do not come with rice.

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36. AN

    AlexN

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a great space. Such a good atmosphere and the food + drinks were great.

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Had a great time at Formosa! The orange chicken, beef and broccolini, soup dumplings, and scallion pancake were amazing! Dan Dan noodles were good but they aren’t lying when they say they’re spicy! Overall, great meal!

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38. JB

    JeremyB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service, delicious food and spectacular drinks! Our party of 6 had an amazing time and we will be back again!

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39. LB

    LoonBear

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing historic atmosphere with wide variety of craft cocktails and great assortment of Asian dishes and bites. Perfect for an early meal before a show as its quiet when they open for dinner at 5pm inside. So wonderful that this restaurant was saved and restored.

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40. j

    jonathanb

    Miami

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    We made a last minute reservation and thoroughly enjoyed our meal, our drinks, the ambiance, and the service. This is a cool Hollywood throwback restaurant with very good food.

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