Formosa Cafe

Review summary

1. D

   David

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

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

   The Formosa has been restored to its original stylish, 1930s Hollywood Chinese Era ambience of sophistication but not too stuffy. Good food, good drinks, classy and comfortable.
   

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2. L

   Linda

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

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

   Went for a late lunch with my partner. We chose to sit in the train car. We ordered Crispy Potstickers, Kung Pao Chicken, and Lettuce Wraps with Pork Belly and Shrimp. Everything was freshly prepared, and portions were generous. We also had 2 beers and one simple cocktail. Service was perfect. We weren't bothered too frequently, nor were we neglected. Bill was just over $100 before tip. I highly recommend The Formosa Cafe.
   

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3. D

   Daniel

   Orange County

   2 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

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

   After Thanksgiving family dinner. Such a great experience! Loved the atmosphere and memorabilia and food and service were great! Several in our party remarked on the unique and fun choice of restaurant.
   

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4. L

   Lenora

   Central Coast

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

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

   I’ve been so many times and yet every time I find a new thing to fall in love with.
   

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5. E

   Ellen

   Los Angeles

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 6 days 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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6. K

   Karen

   New York City

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on November 27, 2024

   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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7. E

   Elizabeth

   Philadelphia

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on November 25, 2024

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

   Fantastic experience Super cute The food was delicious
   

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8. J

   Jody

   Orlando

   34 reviews

   4.0

   34 reviews

   Dined on November 24, 2024

   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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9. J

   Jason

   Orange County

   33 reviews

   5.0

   33 reviews

   Dined on November 24, 2024

   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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10. S

    Samuel

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 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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