Los Angeles has lost one of its true legends. Dan Tana, the man behind one of Hollywood’s most beloved dining spots, has passed away at the age of 90.
His passing, confirmed over the weekend in his hometown of Belgrade, Serbia, closes the chapter on a remarkable life that spanned sports, acting, and ultimately, culinary stardom.
From Soccer Fields to Hollywood Dreams
Before he ever thought about opening a restaurant, Dan Tana was already making waves as a professional soccer player in Canada.
His journey took him from Yugoslavia to North America, where he briefly chased an acting career.
He even appeared in the 1957 World War II film The Enemy Below.
But as fate would have it, a side job washing dishes in Hollywood became the stepping stone that set him on a path toward a far greater legacy.
Rising Through the Ranks in Beverly Hills
Working his way up from dishwasher to maître d’ at the famed La Scala in Beverly Hills, Tana learned the ropes of hospitality at the highest level.
Those early experiences gave him the confidence to launch his own restaurant, with a vision of creating a warm, late-night gathering place for Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Building Dan Tana’s into a Legendary Spot
In 1964, Dan Tana’s opened its doors on Santa Monica Boulevard.
At first, it wasn’t the celebrity magnet it would later become.
That changed when Richard Burton, one of the era’s most celebrated actors, became a regular.
Soon after, the Troubadour music venue across the street began using Tana’s as its go-to spot for industry meetups, even booking Elton John there early in his career.
Overnight, the little yellow house with its neon green sign transformed into a cultural landmark.
A Place Where Stars Felt at Home
From the 1970s onward, Dan Tana’s became more than just a restaurant—it was an institution.
Stars like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean were part of the early lore, while Cameron Diaz, Harry Dean Stanton, and countless others kept the tradition alive through the decades.
Diaz often spoke about her attachment to the restaurant, calling it “the first place I ever ate in Los Angeles” and noting that it had remained unchanged since her teenage years.
Tributes Flow for a True Visionary
News of Tana’s passing was shared by LA historian Alison Martino, who manages the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Her heartfelt words described him as a man who “created a very magical place” and whose presence would always linger within its walls.
Even Robert Urich’s TV character in Vega$ was named in his honor—a nod to just how deeply he influenced Hollywood culture.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
Today, Dan Tana’s is owned by his longtime friend Sonja Perencevic, who has pledged to preserve the restaurant exactly as it’s been since it opened more than 60 years ago.
“Dan lived a wonderful life, and we will keep Dan Tana’s in his memory forever,” she said.
A Life Lived with Purpose and Passion
From soccer pitches in Yugoslavia to red-checkered tables in West Hollywood, Dan Tana lived a life defined by ambition, charm, and an uncanny ability to bring people together.
His restaurant wasn’t just about food—it was about creating a community where legends and locals alike could share a table, a laugh, and a late-night meal.
His passing leaves a hole in Los Angeles, but his spirit lives on every night the neon lights of Dan Tana’s flicker to life.
