Tribute to Dan Tana: Beloved Restaurateur Passes Away
Dan Tana, the iconic restaurateur behind the famous eatery on Santa Monica Boulevard that served as a Hollywood hotspot for decades, passed away on Saturday in Belgrade, Serbia. He was 90 years old.
Born Dobrivoje Tanasijević, Tana was a professional soccer player before he opened his renowned Italian restaurant in 1964, which he managed until its sale in 2009. By then, his establishment had become a favorite among A-listers, frequented by stars including Elizabeth Taylor and Kirk Douglas.
Alison Martino, a historian, confirmed Tana’s death. She is a friend of the current proprietor, Sonja Perencevic, who had been with Tana in Belgrade just prior to his passing. While she was not aware of the cause of death, she expressed that Tana lived a fulfilling life and highlighted the restaurant’s intention to honor his legacy.
A Journey from Athlete to Restaurateur
Originally from near Belgrade, Tana made a name for himself playing professional soccer in Canada before he moved to the U.S. to pursue acting. His film debut came in the 1957 war movie “The Enemy Below.” Struggling to find acting roles, he began working as a dishwasher at Villa Capri in Hollywood, eventually becoming the maitre d’ at La Scala in Beverly Hills, which paved the way for his culinary career.
Creating a Star-Studded Dining Experience
Before long, Tana opened Dan Tana’s in West Hollywood, aiming to provide a restaurant where celebrities could enjoy meals into the early hours. He identified a gap in the market for high-quality dining options that stayed open late, as patrons often had to settle for coffee shops. However, the restaurant did not become an instant success.
It gained momentum when actor Richard Burton, who wed Taylor in the same year the restaurant opened, became a regular. The establishment saw a surge in popularity during the 1970s, coinciding with big-name acts performing at the nearby Troubadour, drawing crowds to the area.
A Lasting Legacy
Known for its red-and-white-checkered tablecloths and distinct ambiance, Dan Tana’s evolved into a local institution, catering discreetly to stars and moguls. Notables such as George Clooney and Nicky Hilton have menu items named after them, contributing to the restaurant’s allure, especially amongst tourists eager for a celebrity sighting.
Despite not being hailed for gourmet cuisine, Dan Tana’s remains popular for its comfort dishes like fettuccine Alfredo and chicken Parmesan. Jonathan Gold of the Times captured the restaurant’s charm in a 2016 review, recalling a humorous date experience. He acknowledged some dishes might be seen as “ordinary” but affirmed the establishment’s significant position in L.A.’s dining culture.
As several other iconic L.A. eateries have closed, Dan Tana’s persists, praised for its unique atmosphere and attentive staff, who remember returning patrons’ preferences. Martino honored Tana’s life in an emotional toast at the restaurant, urging guests not to be sad but to celebrate his legacy, a sentiment echoed as patrons raised their glasses to remember him.
