# Formosa Cafe

> Formosa Cafe — Asian restaurants in West Hollywood, CA.

## Key facts
- **URL**: https://frankiapp.com/business/formosa-cafe-1937
- **Type**: Restaurants
- **Cuisine**: Asian
- **Location**: West Hollywood, CA
- **Address**: 7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046, US
- **Phone**: 13238501009
- **Website**: https://theformosacafe.com
- **Coordinates**: 34.090547, -118.346112
- **Claimed**: claimed
- **Vibes**: Cozy, Iconic, Casual, Cultural, Buzzing

## About
Formosa Cafe is a legendary West Hollywood bar and restaurant founded in 1939, located at 7156 Santa Monica Blvd. Originally a haunt for Golden Age Hollywood icons like Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, and Elvis Presley, the space has been lovingly restored to honor that storied past. The interior features an original 1904 red trolley car, confirmed as the oldest surviving red train car in existence, alongside walls lined with vintage celebrity headshots and memorabilia. The menu is a retrospective of Asian fusion cuisine, with vegan and vegetarian options, and a full bar with inventive cocktails. The cafe suits everything from date nights and celebrations to casual solo outings and group gatherings.

## Hours
- Monday: 11am - 4pm, 5pm - 11:45pm
- Tuesday: 5pm - 11:45pm, 11am - 4pm
- Wednesday: 5pm - 11:45pm, 11am - 4pm
- Thursday: 5pm - 11:45pm, 11am - 4pm
- Friday: 5pm - 11:45pm, 11am - 4pm
- Saturday: 5pm - 11:45pm, 11am - 4pm
- Sunday: 5pm - 11:45pm, 11am - 4pm

## Highlights
- **Old Hollywood legacy** — Founded in 1939, once frequented by Sinatra, Bogart, and Elvis.
- **Asian fusion menu** — Dishes like sticky sesame noodles and walnut shrimp earn consistent praise.
- **Golden Hour specials** — Cocktails and bites like dumplings and egg rolls for $10 each at happy hour.
- **Iconic 1904 trolley car** — The original red trolley car is the oldest surviving one in existence.

## Amenities
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Parking
- Credit Card
- Happy Hour
- Outdoor Seating
- Full Bar
- Reservations
- Delivery
- Take Out
- Kid Friendly
- Wheelchair Friendly
- Health Score
- Masks Required
- Staff Wears Masks

## Social
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theformosa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheFormosaBar/about/?ref=page_internal

## FAQ
### Where is Formosa Cafe located?
Formosa Cafe is located at 7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046.

### What are Formosa Cafe's hours?
Formosa Cafe is open every day from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM for lunch and again from 5:00 PM to 11:45 PM for dinner and late-night dining.

### What kind of food does Formosa Cafe serve?
Formosa Cafe serves Asian fusion cuisine with a menu rooted in a retrospective of Chinese American culinary history in Los Angeles. Popular dishes include sticky sesame noodles, walnut shrimp, scallion pancakes, dim sum, chicken soup dumplings, and shrimp dumplings. The menu also features strong vegetarian and vegan options throughout.

### What is Franki?
Franki is a restaurant discovery app that helps you find great places to eat through real video reviews from actual diners. You can browse reviews, photos, and videos of Formosa Cafe on Franki, and earn cash back when you dine there. Download Franki on the App Store or Google Play to start exploring.

### Does Formosa Cafe have happy hour specials?
Yes, Formosa Cafe offers a "Golden Hour" happy hour where select cocktails and food items, including shrimp dumplings, chicken soup dumplings, and veggie egg rolls, are priced at $10 each. Standout cocktails like the Pink Cadillac and the Matador are popular choices during this window.

### What is the history behind Formosa Cafe?
Formosa Cafe was founded in 1939 and sits across from the former Samuel Goldwyn studio in West Hollywood. Over the decades it became a regular haunt for Hollywood legends including Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, James Dean, Elvis Presley, and Ava Gardner. A major restoration brought back the cafe's iconic features, including an original 1904 red trolley car now confirmed as the oldest surviving red train car in existence, along with vintage memorabilia and autographed celebrity photos.

### Is Formosa Cafe good for special occasions and group outings?
Formosa Cafe is widely praised as one of the best spots in West Hollywood for celebrations, group hangouts, date nights, and girls nights out. The buzzing atmosphere, full bar, outdoor seating with a rooftop area featuring heated lamps, and a rich historical setting all come together to suit a wide range of occasions. The cafe also takes reservations, so you can plan ahead for a larger group.

### Does Formosa Cafe have outdoor seating?
Yes, Formosa Cafe has a patio and a rooftop area equipped with heated lamps, well-suited for outdoor dining in the West Hollywood evenings.

### How can I contact Formosa Cafe or follow them online?
You can reach Formosa Cafe by phone at (323) 850-1009 or visit their website at theformosacafe.com. You can also follow them on Instagram at @theformosa or on Facebook to stay up to date on events and specials.

## Reviews
### drg — 5.0/5 · Nov 7, 2019
Old Hollywood with a Chinese twist #vegan #vegetarian

### kristinatravels — 5.0/5 · Aug 6, 2023
First time going to The Formosa Cafe and it was sooo good! We got the Sticky Sesame Noodles, Walnut Shrimp, Asian Greens, Dim Sum, Scallion Pancakes, and Sauvignon Blanc. Everything was DELICIOUS. Very happy with my experience there.

### cupcake — 5.0/5 · Apr 24, 2024
One of my favorite places in West Hollywood! Amazing history food and service here at the Formosa a must visit! 
Stop in for “Golden Hour” 
Drink- Pink Cadillac 
Food - Shrimp Dumplings , Chicken Soup Dumplings, Veggie Egg Rolls 
All $10 each during Golden Hour.

### endlessariana — 5.0/5 · Aug 19, 2024
Such a cute spot for a girls day. We had the pink Cadillac to drink and we loved it.

### eatbeat — 4.3/5 · Jan 17, 2025
They screen movies upstairs Fridays. Good drinks and food. Nice rooftop with heated lamps.

### aimeecarp27 — 5.0/5 · Nov 22, 2025
I’ve been waiting to come to this historic restaurant and it did not disappoint. Amazing ambiance, service, food, and very fun cocktails

### foodxnutrition — 3.1/5 · Oct 1, 2022
Chinese restaurant in WeHo.
Experience: 6
Food: 5
Service: 8.5

### foodiesinamerica — 5.0/5 · Nov 20, 2019
So much nostalgia of Hollywood’s past here. Serving Asian food in a super cool setting.  #asianfusion  #vegan #vegetarian  #patio #happyhour #outdoorseating

### javen562 — 5.0/5 · Nov 2, 2019
If you like tequila definitely try out “The Matador” !!  #patio #happyhour #outdoorseating

### nat124 — 4.5/5 · Mar 17, 2023
Formosa 😋