Formosa Cafe

Review summary

1. E

   Ellen

   Los Angeles

   4 reviews

   3.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   I've patronized many iterations of the Formosa over the years. Back in the day they served one of the absolute best Mai Tais I've ever had made by a great bartender. No more. The one today didn't have a float of dark rum. In fact, it tasted like there wasn't any rum at all. No pineapple wedge, and while its ingredients as listed on the menu include orgeat syrup, I'm sure there wasn't any. So thumbs down for that. (The table person was nice enough to take it off our bill.) I've never gotten a cup of wanton soup that had noodles. I've had only wanton soup with lots of--wontons. Their version, which came in a huge bowl that serves two, had a ton of skinny egg noodles and five small wontons. The broth was neither here nor there, so this is no Chinese kitchen where they save the bones and make rich, flavorful stock they freeze and use as needed. No depth of flavor whatsoever. The eggrolls, meh. No hot mustard or apricot sauce. The orange chicken was more crisp than chicken and very hard and dark. I thought it had been pre-made and reheated. Honestly, the orange chicken at Panda Express tastes better. The Brussels sprouts were actually very good--and those came off the happy hour menu. When dishes were served, a kitchen server came out of the kitchen and placed the dish on the table with a one- or two-word description and without a smile or any sense of hospitality. When we got the bill, there was only one fortune cookie. Did they want us to arm wrestle for it? This is not the place to enjoy a fabulous meal and meaty conversation it was so incredibly loud. The executive chef needs to to take a long, hard look at what's coming out of the kitchen and consider adding some elevated dishes. Last, but not least, while our table person was extraordinarily sweet, she was overworked and running around like she was the only one in the place. Inattentive, but I'm guessing it was not her fault. I miss the old days. There's nothing here that would compel me to return.
   

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2. K

   Karen

   New York City

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We all loved it and that's rare! Service was fantastic!!
   

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3. E

   Elizabeth

   Philadelphia

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Fantastic experience Super cute The food was delicious
   

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4. J

   Jody

   Orlando

   34 reviews

   4.0

   34 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Hostess stepped up to make it right after a chaotic arrival experience, seating us in a booth and sending a server over promptly to fill water glasses and make us feel welcome (thanks!). Tasty dishes complemented by traditional tropical cocktails. It wouldn’t hurt to add more rum-forward beverage options or some less complicated recipes. Unmatched Old Hollywood vibes. Always a treat to spend an evening surrounded by such inspiring decor.
   

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5. J

   Jason

   Orange County

   33 reviews

   5.0

   33 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It was my first time at Formosa Cafe, I had a great experience. Great food and service. It was real treat to eat at a historical restaurant.
   

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6. S

   Samuel

   Los Angeles

   6 reviews

   4.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on 21 November 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   A very cool space! We were excited to get a table in the trolley car. Brussel Sprouts and Lettuce Wraps were our favorites for sure!
   

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7. K

   Katherine

   New Orleans

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 18 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   My husband I come here often and always have great food and good service.
   

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8. A

   Angie

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 17 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It was my friends first time at The Formosa and she loved it. Its my most favorite restaurant in Hollywood. The food, music and atmosphere are the best. The staff are always so freindly. I love the dim chill lighting that sets the mood. I always look forward dining here.
   

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9. S

   Scott

   Los Angeles

   20 reviews

   4.0

   20 reviews

   Dined on 17 November 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   The Walnut Shrimp was not as good as advertised. Too little sauce.
   

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10. C

    Carlene

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 17 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    As soon as we stepped foot in the door, we had an exceptional experience at the Formosa Café, celebrating my 50th birthday. Would celebrate any special occasion here. Loved it.
    

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