Formosa Cafe

03/27/2008 Posted by NotAnLAlien

The waitress was better than most I've encountered in Los Angeles, the drinks were great- they did not unfortunately get me drunk enough to enjoy the food. The Calamari was cooked nicely but the weird sweet-pesto(ish) sauce that came with it was well, weird. I had the truffle-lobster-mushroom macaroni & cheese which sounded good but came out smelling like movie theater popcorn and tasted the same. My boyfriend had the chow fun which appeared to be missing a few ingredients (but it was too dark to tell) and was cooked in the same butter flavored oil that my food was drowning in. This my friends is called Grill-on, anyone that's worked in a low to mid end restaurant will probably be familiar with it - bleh..... go for drinks but stay far far away from the food.

Pros: not well lit enought to attract actors

Cons: bad food

02/06/2008 Posted by caligari

A bit of old Hollywood. Great food with an eclectic asian flavor, reasonable prices and amazing desert. A relaxed place to go with friends. (try the Molten chocolate volcano thing)

12/22/2007 Posted by ortensia

I heard horrible things about this place but I loved it. I think they may have a new chef. Good food. Great drinks. I like that it is a little seedy when its not busy. The first time we came here we had the best waitress not the second but hey I have had worse.

Pros: good music, food and drinks

08/23/2007 Posted by leschnei

The atmosphere at this old Hollywood joint is really cool. The walls are plastered with movie stars photographs and the whole restaurant I think is in a train car. The food was good but I didn't think that it was fantastic. My ahi was way over cooked and chewy. The wasabi-spiced mash potatoes beneath it however were delicious. I also liked the lobster macaroni and cheese.

Pros: Parking

Cons: average food

08/19/2007 Posted by slimtherobot

Be nice to the bartenders and you'll have great drinks. Don't bother anyone with your screenplay or movie idea, and you'll have a good time. The food is good [kobe burger, truffle fries and sliders are particularly nice]. Don't expect a scene, don't complain when you don't find one. Classic, classy old watering hole for anyone who appreciates late nights and Hollywood's golden age. That said, Formosa is not a nursing home for old LA. It's a testament to the staying power of good things. Bring good company because you never know if you'll be drinking alone with a Hollywood ghost or waiting for a table amidst a throng of modern-day Hollywood royalty. Far from the tabloids, near to the soul of the city.

Pros: Ambience, menu, staff

Cons: Not for scene-chasers

07/10/2007 Posted by hiella

First off let me say that I think I came here at the wrong time. I went here last night at around 8pm. It was like a ghost town. It was dark and dingy and was really just a typical little dive bar. We were starving so we decided to stay anyways and order some food. We had pad thai, chicken satay, and calamari. Everything was very bland. I don't really understand how pad thai can be bland considering that it is not a particulary difficult or advanced cuisine to make and is basically considered fast food in Thailand. Anways, it was very very very dark in there and I am not sure if it was a good or bad thing that I could not see my food. After reading the postings about happy hour I can see how maybe $4 chicken satay paired with a beer or a very basic cocktail (i.e. vodka tonic, rum and coke) would be a draw. However, even when I have happy hour, I still want to enjoy reasonably memorable food. This is not the place for it. The couple next to me left right after being seated, commenting that they thought it would be nicer inside. Hopefully someone will save this L.A. landmark.

Pros: Nice server and bartender.

Cons: Food, atmosphere.

04/07/2007 Posted by marden

I jokingly challenged my friend to find us place in Hollywood where we could: drink, smoke, eat, and sit comfortably. She took us here, and it was a total success. We beelined to the back patio, and it had it's own little bar! The bartender was really nice, and took the time to chat with us. We ordered beers and potstickers, and both were really good. I highly recommend this place!

Pros: Perfect place to relax and chat with friends.

Cons: Food was a little more $ than I expected, had to park a few blocks away.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

03/22/2007 Posted by mayboo

The menu is now a hybrid of some of the great, classic Chinese dishes that regulars had come to love (Kung Pao Chicken, Fried Rice, etc.), as well as new variations on a few of the old chef's creations--new & improved Kobe Burger and Lobster Mac & Cheese, among others! The menus still mention "tapas-style", but the majority of the dishes are regular sized. Be sure to ask the server about any specials not listed on the menu--they usually have some tasty treats hidden away. And try the Molten Chocolate Souffle--it's more of a rich cake than a true souffle, but it's WORTH THE WAIT!!! Happy Hour is one of the best deals in town! $4 appetizers (ribs, chicken shu mai, chicken satay, veggie spring rolls), plus $3 beers, $5 wines & sake, and $5 specialty drinks (such as the sublime Pomegranate Cosmopolitan!). Stop by for Happy Hour, 4 to 7pm, Monday through Friday. The back patio is open at night, Wednesday through Saturday--on the weekends, check for table service with a cocktail server on the patio. Formosa's relaxed upper deck is typically open on the weekends during the summer, but fair weather and demand may prompt them to open it sooner! It's a great place for a date or a party! Weekdays are more relaxed, but the place is packed on the weekends. Overall, Formosa has retained its relaxed, chill vibe and has begun to focus on service--servers are all laid-back and friendly, atmosphere is hip, but not pretentious!!!

Pros: Chill Vibe, Service, Improved Menu, Happy Hour

Cons: Food can take a while on busy nights--usually still worth it!

01/06/2007 Posted by matthewgladstone

hello all, and thank you for the wonderful reviews. as of january 5th, 2007, i am no longer going to cook and act as executive chef at the formosa cafe. i have been offered some tremendous opportunities and will be focusing on the fine dining off premise catering work. please check my website for updated information within the next month and i look forward to cooking for you soon!! www.matthewgladstone

Pros: matthew gladstone chef

Cons: after jan 7th... who knows!!!

11/13/2006 Posted by smooph

I always like going here whether it's for some quick dinner before a night out or a party on the roof- the atmosphere is great, the food always good and the cocktails are well mixed. I always feel very "Hollywood" here, but not in a bad way.

Pros: Atmosphere, food

Cons: Parking- use the valet!