Formosa Cafe, Los Angeles

What the name of this restaurant doesn’t convey, however, is the quality that awaits you inside. Opened in 1934, this train-car restaurant has preserved its star-studded history, with hundreds of black and white portraits from Grouxo Marx, Elvis
Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Marlon Brando to Humphrey
Bogart, are autographed evidence of the bar's former patrons.

It's also a prime landmark for out-of-towners who crave a taste of the classic Hollywood scene. Industry folk still flock to the bar's happy
hour for specialty mai tais, martinis and snacks.

Chef Owen Timoteo

The tables were beginning to fill up quickly on the night my guest and I visited for dinner, despite the fact that it was barely 7:30pm on a weeknight. Our gracious
server, started us of with a couple of cocktails from their fully stocked bar along
with a selections of delicious appetizers that I must say were absolutely
delicious, and perfectly made by talented young Chef Owen Timoteo.

Formosa “Landmark” Ribs

We started with the Formosa “Landmark” Ribs; simply delicious, tender and the
taste was amazing to behold, this great combination provided a sumptuous
tasting of succulent chops that practically melted in your mouth, and the
sauce was a perfect foil to the mix of flavors and textures.

Shrimp Tempura

Chicken Shu Mai

Next; the Shrimp Tempura, you can’t go wrong, the large shrimps were delicious,
we truly loved. Also do not miss the Chicken Shu Mai, very good and served
with three spicy sauces, and finally the last appetizer was the Filet Mignon &
Caramelized Onion “Sliders”, with chipotle mayo, blue cheese, balsamic
vinegar served on a pretzel bun, the flavors of this mini slider was
simply fantastic, what a great selection of appetizers, we were
already full, even without starting our dinner!

Filet Mignon & Caramelized Onion “Sliders”

The dinner menu offers a variety of tempting dishes that you really need
someone to guide you, because you just can’t make up your mind,
so we asked our server, what should we try ?

Lobsters Truffle Mac & Cheese

She graciously told her, not to worry, we will surprise you, then she showed up with
a tempting platter of 3 entrees, that were again, divine to the eyes and to the palate; Lobsters Truffle Mac & Cheese, with shitake mushrooms and caramelized onions,
this version possessed an even more colorful flavor profile and presentation
that the other Mac & cheeses’ I’ve had in the past.

The word ‘presentation’ is key when describing the artful delivery of Formosa’s exquisite cuisine. It was observed by gastronomes centuries ago that when we dine, we ‘eat’ first with our eyes. This fact is taken full advantage of by Executive Chef Owen Timoteo and her veteran staff, who make sure that the visual appeal of
each dish maintains a level of creativity that will impress diners before they
even lift a fork. The entrees we sampled were no exception to this rule.

Ponzu Salmon with Edamame

The magnificent Ponzu Salmon with Edamame served along with a delicious curried salsa was an innovative marvel. We also tried an incredible preparation of Mongolian Beef, with savory wok-cooked vegetables, and white rice. These appetizing renderings were also works of art on their respective platters.

Mongolian Beef, with savory wok-cooked vegetables

The dessert my guest and I shared was no less remarkable. Chef’s house specialty, the Molten Chocolate soufflé, which is a chocolate lover’s delight. The rich, gooey brownie at the bottom reminded me of chocolate lava cake, but that was only the beginning. It was smothered by a huge scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. This turned out to be one of the most decadent treats that I have consumed in a long time.

Molten Chocolate Soufflé

After a couple of coffees and a little digestion time, my guest and I eventually made our way slowly through the throng of happy guests, that had now managed to fill practically every seat in the house. It was clear to see that, they too, understood the satisfied contentment that can readily be enjoyed when dining with a "trusted friend."

Formosa Café is one of the best restaurants
in Hollywood that I truly recommend.

For map and location click Here!

For more information please visit their website at formosacafe.com

Today is: Tuesday, April 23, 2024