Dan Tana, a former actor and the beloved owner of Dan Tana’s Restaurant in West Hollywood, has passed away at the age of 90. His restaurant, which he opened in 1964, became a popular gathering spot for stars and industry figures. In a heartfelt Facebook post, the restaurant staff shared that Tana had “passed on,” celebrating the magical atmosphere he created.
Tana’s journey began as a maitre d’ at famous venues like La Scala and Villa Capri. He recognized a gap in the Los Angeles dining scene—the need for a late-night spot where stars could enjoy a meal past midnight. In a 2014 interview, Tana recalled that at the time, the only options were coffee shops.
The restaurant’s staff reminisced about Tana’s pride in his roots, even mentioning his past as a soccer star in Yugoslavia. They celebrated his rich stories about icons like Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra, marking him as a legend in the industry.
In 2009, Tana sold the restaurant to Sonja Perencevic but was happy to find that its charm remained intact. Perencevic echoed this sentiment, assuring patrons that nothing had changed since its opening. Many Hollywood figures, including Cameron Diaz and Jack Nicholson, frequently dined there. Diaz fondly noted that her first meal in Los Angeles was at Dan Tana’s, and it felt like stepping back in time.
The ambiance of the restaurant, with its white shutters and red booths, has hardly changed. The menu still features items named after famous patrons, and Tana even inspired a character on the TV series Vega$.
In a world where places often change, Tana’s commitment to keeping his restaurant as it was, along with the joy he brought to countless guests, leaves behind a lasting legacy. While he may be gone, the space he created will continue to resonate with the warmth of the stories he shared and the memories made within its walls.
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Dining,Obituaries
