Hollywood Icon Dan Tana, Founder of Legendary west Hollywood Eatery, Dies at 90
Dan Tana, the restaurateur who created a famed West Hollywood haven for stars and creatives alike, passed away at the age of 90. His namesake restaurant, Dan Tana’s, became a symbol of Hollywood’s golden era.
By Archyde staff | Published August 17, 2025
The culinary landscape of Hollywood has lost a titan with the passing of Dan Tana, the visionary behind the iconic Dan Tana’s restaurant. Tana, who established his celebrated West Hollywood establishment in 1964 and steered it until 2009, died at the age of 90. His departure marks the end of an era for a venue that defined discretion and complex dining for generations of Hollywood elite.
A statement from dan Tana’s confirmed the news, fondly remembering Tana as the creator of a “magical place” where his presence will forever be felt in the beloved “little yellow house.”
From Soccer Pitch to Culinary Stardom
Born Dobrivoje Tanasijević near Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Tana’s journey to restaurateur fame was as remarkable as the establishment he built. He began his adult life as a professional soccer player in Canada before venturing to Hollywood with aspirations of an acting career. he honed his craft with acting lessons from Jeff Corey,whose extensive list of students included Hollywood royalty like Natalie Wood and Kim Novak.
Tana’s early career in the entertainment industry included a foray into acting, with an uncredited appearance in the 1957 film “The Enemy Below” and roles in notable television series such as “The Untouchables” and “peter Gunn.” His path to restaurateur success began unconventionally, starting with washing dishes at Villa Capri and later becoming a maître d’ at the esteemed La Scala in Beverly Hills. This hands-on experience in the city’s classic eateries fueled his ambition to open his own establishment.
In 1964, Tana transformed a modest 1929 bungalow on Santa Monica Boulevard, formerly Dominick’s hamburger stand, into Dan Tana’s. He introduced a New York Italian menu and kept the restaurant open late,a novel concept at the time. Initially, the eatery didn’t immediately capture celebrity attention, but a rave review from the L.A. Times significantly boosted its profile. Soon, Dan Tana’s became a preferred clandestine meeting spot for actors and studio executives, drawn by its promise of privacy.
A Star-Studded Legacy
Dan Tana’s quickly became a legendary Hollywood haunt, favored by influential figures and regulars who appreciated its consistent quality and discreet ambiance. Columnist Army Archerd of Variety was a notable patron, and the restaurant consistently welcomed stars such as Johnny Carson, John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, Jack Nicholson, and Harry Dean Stanton. Musicians performing at the nearby Troubadour also frequently dined at Tana’s.
The restaurant’s menu featured several dishes named in honor of its famous clientele. Among these were the veal cutlet alla George Clooney and the New York steak,a long-time favorite of actor Dabney coleman,who reportedly dined on it multiple times weekly,frequently enough in the company of peers like Sean Penn and Al pacino. The restaurant’s unique character was even recognized in popular culture, with Robert Urich’s character in the TV show “Vega$” being named after Tana.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1950s | Worked at La Scala and The Villa Capri. |
| 1964 | Opened Dan Tana’s restaurant in West Hollywood. |
| 1970s-80s | Became a popular Hollywood celebrity hangout. |
| 2009 | Sold Dan Tana’s to Sonja Perencevic. |
| 2025 | Passed away at age 90. |
Did You Know?
Dan Tana’s enduring appeal lies in its consistent adherence to its original 1964 vision, a testament to Tana’s dedication to preserving the restaurant’s unique charm and atmosphere, a practice continued by its current owner, Sonja Perencevic.
A Continued Legacy
Beyond his success in the restaurant industry, Tana remained connected to the sport of soccer. He managed the Los Angeles Toros in the 1960s, served as chairman for the English team Brentford, and actively managed soccer clubs in Belgrade. These diverse ventures underscored his passion and multifaceted life.
In 2009, Tana sold Dan Tana’s to his close friend Sonja Perencevic, who has successfully maintained the restaurant’s distinctive character and ambiance. Tana then retired to Belgrade.His passing leaves a void in the hearts of many who knew him and dined at his legendary establishment, but his legacy as a restaurateur and a important figure in Hollywood’s social history will undoubtedly endure.
Pro Tip:
When visiting historic Hollywood landmarks like Dan Tana’s, embrace the atmosphere and savor the experience. These establishments offer a tangible connection to the past and a chance to walk in the footsteps of legends.
What are your favorite memories of Dan Tana’s or similar iconic hollywood eateries? Share your stories in the comments below!
The Enduring Appeal of Hollywood’s Classic Dining Establishments
Dan Tana’s embodied a specific era of Hollywood, one characterized by intimate dining, discretion, and a palpable sense of history. The restaurant’s success, driven by its founder’s vision and commitment to a unique experience, highlights the enduring appeal of establishments that offer more than just a meal. They provide a connection to culture, celebrity, and a bygone era. In an age of fast-casual dining and ever-changing trends, places like Dan Tana’s serve as anchors, reminding us of the importance of atmosphere, personal service, and a well-crafted story. The longevity of such venues frequently enough depends on maintaining authenticity while subtly adapting to the times, a balance Dan Tana himself mastered.
Frequently Asked questions About Dan Tana’s
- Who founded Dan Tana’s?
- Dan Tana, a former actor and soccer player, founded the iconic Dan Tana’s restaurant in 1964.
- When did Dan Tana open his famous restaurant?
- Dan Tana opened his namesake restaurant, Dan Tana’s, in 1964 in West Hollywood.
- What kind of cuisine did Dan Tana’s offer?
- Dan Tana’s specialized in New York Italian cuisine.
- Who was Dan Tana before opening his restaurant?
- Before becoming a restaurateur, Dan Tana was a professional soccer player and had a brief acting career in Hollywood.
- When did Dan Tana sell his restaurant?
- Dan tana sold his restaurant, Dan Tana’s, in 2009.
- What is the current status of Dan Tana’s restaurant?
- Dan tana’s restaurant continues to operate and is currently owned by Sonja Perencevic, who has maintained its original ambiance since 1964.
What are your thoughts on the legacy of Dan Tana and his iconic restaurant? Share your comments and insights below!
