Dan Tana Passes Away at 90: Beloved Restaurateur Behind Iconic West Hollywood Eatery

Dan Tana Passes Away at 90: Beloved Restaurateur Behind Iconic West Hollywood Eatery

Dan Tana, the well-known restaurateur and former actor whose famous West Hollywood restaurant became a magnet for celebrities for more than fifty years, has died at the age of 90. His passing was confirmed in a heartfelt post by the restaurant’s staff on Facebook.

“The great Dan Tana has passed on,” the message read. “He created a very magical place, and our beloved little yellow house will always carry his spirit.”

From Yugoslavia to Hollywood

Dan Tana was born Dobrivoje Tanasijević in Belgrade, in what was then Yugoslavia. Before making his mark in Hollywood, he had an entirely different career path. As a young man, Tana was a professional soccer player, a sport he excelled in and which brought him to Canada. However, instead of continuing on the soccer field, he decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a new life in Hollywood.

When he arrived in Los Angeles, Tana started from the very bottom. He worked as a dishwasher and slowly worked his way up in the restaurant world. Eventually, he became a maître d’hôtel, which gave him experience in hospitality and customer service.

At the same time, he also pursued his interest in acting. He began studying drama under Jeff Corey, a respected teacher whose students included well-known stars like Natalie Wood, Angie Dickinson, and Kim Novak. After changing his name to Dan Tana to better fit in with Hollywood, he landed his first film role in 1957 in The Enemy Below. He later appeared in television shows such as Peter Gunn.

The Birth of Dan Tana’s Restaurant

By the mid-1960s, Tana decided to follow a different passion—food and hospitality. In 1964, he opened his own restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard, taking over a small hamburger stand called Dominick’s. He named the restaurant after himself: Dan Tana’s.

The restaurant specialized in hearty New York–style Italian food. One of Tana’s smartest business decisions was to keep the restaurant open later than most places in town, which quickly made it popular with entertainers and late-night crowds.

The turning point came in 1966 when the Los Angeles Times published a glowing review of the restaurant. The review helped bring in a flood of new customers, and from there, Dan Tana’s quickly became one of the most talked-about spots in Los Angeles.

A Star-Studded Clientele

Part of the restaurant’s charm was its location. Just a short walk away was the famous Troubadour nightclub, where legendary musicians often performed. Many of them ended up at Dan Tana’s afterward to eat and relax. Over the years, stars like Elton John, Bette Midler, Bruce Springsteen, and Axl Rose became regulars.

Its proximity to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also made the restaurant a favorite for actors and filmmakers. Hollywood icons such as Kirk Douglas, John Wayne, Jack Nicholson, Cameron Diaz, and Johnny Carson were among the many who dined there. In fact, Carson once called Dan Tana’s his favorite L.A. restaurant on The Tonight Show. That particular moment happened when guest Richard Burton mentioned being turned away from the fully booked restaurant.

Because of its reputation and loyal celebrity following, many of the dishes at Dan Tana’s were eventually named after famous customers. For example, veal cutlets were named after Jerry Weintraub and George Clooney, shrimp scampi after Lakers owner Jerry Buss, and a New York steak after actor Dabney Coleman.

A Legacy of Hospitality

For decades, Dan Tana’s was not just a place to eat; it was a gathering spot where Hollywood legends, musicians, athletes, and everyday people could share a table. The cozy yellow building became a symbol of old-school charm in a city that is constantly changing.

Even after retiring, Tana continued to be remembered fondly by his staff and customers for the warm and welcoming atmosphere he created. His story was one of reinvention—moving from professional sports to acting and finally finding his greatest success in the restaurant world.

Retirement and Passing

In 2009, after more than forty years of running the restaurant, Dan Tana sold the business to current owner Miljenko “Perence” Perencevic. Following the sale, he retired and returned to Belgrade, Serbia, where he spent the rest of his life.

On his passing, the restaurant’s message summed up his lasting influence: “Our beloved little yellow house will forever feel his presence.” Though Tana himself is gone, his legacy lives on in the restaurant that bears his name and in the memories of the many celebrities and everyday visitors who enjoyed a meal there.

A Life Remembered

Dan Tana’s story is not only about the success of a restaurant but also about the life of a man who never gave up on his dreams. From a soccer player in Yugoslavia to a dishwasher in Hollywood, to an actor and finally one of the most famous restaurateurs in Los Angeles, his journey was filled with reinvention and perseverance.

His ability to build a space that attracted some of the world’s most famous people speaks to his natural charisma and understanding of hospitality. To many, Dan Tana’s restaurant was more than just a place to eat; it was a second home, a meeting place, and a piece of Hollywood history.

Dan Tana lived a long and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy that will continue through the restaurant he built and the memories of those who knew him. At 90 years old, he remains a shining example of how passion, hard work, and courage to follow one’s instincts can create something truly timeless.