WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The world of Hollywood dining and entertainment is mourning the loss of Dan Tana, the legendary restaurateur whose eponymous West Hollywood eatery became an institution for celebrities and film industry elites. Tana passed away on August 16, 2025, at the age of 90.
Born in Belgrade, Serbia, in 1935 as Dobrivoje Tanasijević, Tana moved to the United States as a young man and quickly made a name for himself in both acting and business. Before venturing into the restaurant industry, he had a brief acting career, appearing in films and television, including a role in the 1964 classic The Thin Red Line. However, it was his keen business sense and magnetic personality that would solidify his lasting legacy in Hollywood.
In 1964, Tana opened Dan Tana’s, a cozy Italian restaurant on West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. Over the decades, the restaurant became synonymous with Hollywood glamour, attracting A-list celebrities, producers, and directors. It became a place where deals were made over pasta and politics were debated across candlelit tables. Known for his warmth, charm, and ability to make anyone feel welcome, Tana cultivated an atmosphere that drew patrons back again and again.
Beyond the glitz of Hollywood, Tana was admired for his relentless work ethic and dedication to the restaurant industry. He maintained an active presence in the kitchen and dining room long after selling the restaurant in 2009. Colleagues and friends remember him as a mentor, a friend, and a fixture of the community who embodied the golden age of Hollywood hospitality.
Dan Tana’s death marks the end of an era for both West Hollywood and the broader entertainment world. Tributes have poured in from celebrities, restaurateurs, and longtime patrons, all emphasizing his impact on Hollywood’s cultural and culinary landscape. Many noted that Tana’s legacy was not only in the food he served but in the countless memories, connections, and friendships he fostered over six decades.
Tana is survived by his extended family and a community of friends and admirers who will carry forward his legacy. In remembering Dan Tana, the world celebrates a life marked by passion, charisma, and an unwavering love for people, food, and the art of hospitality. His influence on Hollywood dining and social culture will be remembered for generations to come.