| Occasion: Dinner | Cuisine: Italian | Price: $$$ | Ambiance: Casual | Service: 4.5/5 | Taste: 4.4/5 |
Overall: 4.4/5
Location: 9071 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: 310-275-9444
Website: https://dantanasrestaurant.com/home/
Hours: Sun-Sat 5pm -10:30pm, call for reservations (12pm-4pm)
This year’s Spring break led us to LA, where we were excited to explore all the iconic touristy stops and eateries we could find. After cruising down Sunset Strip, we were eager to try Dan Tana’s which was recommended by dear friends who grew up in the area. Knowing the restaurant’s popularity, they suggested we make an early reservation. Luckily, we snagged a 5pm seating. Despite its reputation for attracting celebrities and sometimes overrated food, we were excited to try this iconic Italian restaurant in West Hollywood. Reviews from Tripadvisor (4 stars) and Yelp (3.7 stars) had mixed reviews but the Infatuation (4 stars) was more promising. So here it is: our review of Dan Tana’s Italian Restaurant. Let’s dive into our recommendations, thoughts on atmosphere, and overall experience of one of Los Angeles’ most beloved Italian eateries.
Contents
- 1 Discovering Dan Tana’s: A Local Favorite Since the 1960s
- 2 Immersed in Classic Italian Ambiance At Iconic LA Restaurant Dan Tana
- 3 A Taste of Tradition: Exploring the Menu
- 4 Our Culinary Journey: From Appetizers to Entrees
- 5 A Glimpse into the Future: What’s Next on Our Menu
- 6
- 7 Final Thoughts: Embracing Tradition at Dan Tana’s
- 8 Other Restaurant Reviews from MyFearlessFoodie:
- 9 You may find it interesting to read:
Discovering Dan Tana’s: A Local Favorite Since the 1960s
Located in West Hollywood, the moment we stepped inside, we felt transported. It’s been a fixture in the neighborhood since 1964 when Yugoslavian expat Dan Tana took over the old Dominick’s. Recognized for its timeless charm and red-sauce classics, Dan Tana’s became a favorite haunt for Hollywood stars seeking anonymity. Through the decades, it has retained its old-school ambiance and loyal clientele, including regulars like Jack Nicolson, Leo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Cameron Diaz, and Drew Barrymore’s family. Today, you’ll find business travelers, tourists and celebrities alike in the dining room of this iconic LA Italian restaurant.
Immersed in Classic Italian Ambiance At Iconic LA Restaurant Dan Tana
Entering Dan Tana’s from the bright afternoon sunlight, we were instantly immersed in the cozy, dimly lit atmosphere that defines classic Italian dining. The deep red leather banquettes, round wooden tables, and red-and-white vinyl tablecloths set the stage for what was to come.
Chicken Parmesan at Dan Tana’s
A Taste of Tradition: Exploring the Menu
Seated at a round table with seats that made us sit upright and at attention, we were served by experienced waiters in old school tuxedos. The straightforward menu, reminding us of New York Italian eateries, boasted classic red-sauce dishes and a promise of authenticity. A note on the front page emphasized their attention to food allergies, providing assurance for our family’s shellfish, nuts, and sesame allergies.
Prosciutto & Melon at Dan Tana’s Italian Restaurant
Our Culinary Journey: From Appetizers to Entrees
For starters, we indulged in the TANA SALAD, or ‘CHOPPED alla Nicky Hilton’ ($20.00). The refreshing mix of greens provided a fresh start to our meal, setting the stage for the savory meal to come. Lily’s favorite was the PROSCIUTTO & MELON ($28.00), a perfect combination of her favorite fruit and deli meat for its sweet and savory blend. The CHICKEN, PARMIGIANA ‘ala Nikola’ ($45.00) was a must-try, given its reputation as their signature dish. Lily and her father indulged in what the Infatuation’s Brant Cox calls “cheesy fried goodness. ” Despite the hype of the chicken parmesan, the HOMEMADE LASAGNA ($34.00) stole the show, which was our collective favorite with its rich flavor and comforting appeal.
Tana Salad at Dan Tana’s Italian Restaurant
A Glimpse into the Future: What’s Next on Our Menu
As we plan our return visit, we’ve already set our sights on returning to this iconic Italian LA restaurant. Reviewers tell us we should indulge in the FRIED RAVIOLIS ($19)and NIKA’S CAESAR SALAD ($28) to start. The PENNE ARRABIATA ($29) seems to also be a fan fave for a spicy kick. For those seafood lovers, the LINGUINI AND CLAMS ($49) with white sauce seems to be a go-to winner. One piece of advice for future diners: no need to over-order! Almost every entree comes with its own side of pasta. And with the cozy atmosphere, the tables can feel cramped even before the food arrives!
Homemade Lasagna at Dan Tana’s Italian Restaurant
While we couldn’t indulge in dessert this time, the CAPPUCCINO ICE CREAM ($15.00) comes highly recommended and is on our list for next time if we can save room for dessert.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Tradition at Dan Tana’s
Dan Tana’s isn’t just about the food; it’s about the experience. From the warm hospitality to the classic ambiance, every moment felt like a step back in time. Despite the cramped quarters, the lively atmosphere and authentic cuisine made it a memorable dining experience. As the iconic LA Italian restaurant of choice in West Hollywood, for us, Dan Tana’s lives up to its reputation, offering a taste of old-school charm and great classic dishes! Come see for yourself and drop a comment below and let us know what you think!
We hope this review was helpful. Thanks again for reading and stopping by!
Hello! I'm Pat, and I'm thrilled you've visited our site! Here we honor the many kids facing food allergies fearlessly. Alongside my foodie teen, Lily, who deals with multiple food allergies, we share our exciting food discoveries from travels and everyday life. Join us as we navigate life with food allergies, providing resources and promoting safe dining options. Let's inspire a new generation to make informed choices for our health, well-being, and communities, while having fun along the way!
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