Formosa Cafe

Our Story

Located in the heart of West Hollywood, the Formosa Cafe is a legendary establishment steeped in history and brimming with the magic of Hollywood's Golden Age. Since its grand opening in 1939, it has welcomed countless stars and admirers, becoming a beloved landmark and a testament to Los Angeles' vibrant past.

The Formosa's legacy is woven into the fabric of Hollywood history. Once situated across from the Samuel Goldwyn studio, it became a regular haunt for icons like Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, James Dean, and Elvis Presley. Imagine catching a glimpse of Ava Gardner gracefully gliding past the classic red leather booths or John Wayne enjoying a quiet scotch late one night. These stories, shared through whispered tales and faded photographs, have become part of the Formosa's DNA, breathing life into its walls and imbuing them with an undeniable charm.

A meticulous restoration project unearthed the iconic, original red trolley car, a breathtaking relic dating back to 1904, now confirmed to be the oldest surviving red train car in existence. Alongside it, boxes filled with autographed celebrity photographs and storied memorabilia, retrieved from long-forgotten storage, have been carefully integrated into the Cafe's design, offering a tangible connection to the glamour and intrigue of bygone eras.

With its new menu, inspired by the Cafe's culinary evolution since the 1920s and named best restaurant in West Hollywood, the Formosa invites guests to savor a gastronomic journey through time. This carefully curated menu, crafted in collaboration with local Los Angeles archivists and hospitality experts, honors the establishment's rich history while offering a contemporary culinary experience.

Celebrating Chinese American Heritage

One of the most striking elements of the Formosa is its collection of vintage black and white headshots, a captivating visual chronicle of Hollywood's golden age. To further illuminate the rich tapestry of history, the Formosa Cafe team has embarked on a mission to celebrate the contributions of Chinese Americans to the entertainment industry.

Working closely with the original family and local historians, the Cafe has meticulously curated a collection of original photographs and artifacts, reflecting the unique perspectives and stories of Chinese American talent in Hollywood's early days. This exhibition, nestled within the historic Yee Mee Loo bar area, showcases the accomplishments, challenges, and triumphs of Chinese Americans in breaking down barriers and shaping the landscape of entertainment.

Renowned Oscar-nominated filmmaker and author Arthur Dong, whose work brilliantly examines the history of Chinese Americans in Hollywood, lent his expertise to this project, drawing upon his extensive collection of pictures, lobby cards, and headshots to illuminate a crucial yet often overlooked chapter of cinematic history. The Formosa Cafe is proud to stand as a platform for preserving and celebrating this vital part of Hollywood's legacy.