Dan Tana, founder of the iconic L.A. restaurant known for its celebrity clientele and red-sauce Italian cuisine, has passed away at the age of 90. Born in Serbia, Tana played professional soccer before opening his namesake restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood in 1964.
Tana’s restaurant quickly gained a reputation as a favorite among A-listers, including Johnny Carson, Elizabeth Taylor, and Kirk Douglas. The eatery has been known for its discreet way of catering to celebrities, and its menu features comfort food fare such as fettuccine Alfredo and chicken Parmesan, rather than traditional Italian dishes.
Celebrity chef Chris Bianco’s father painted a portrait that mysteriously vanished, and Tana’s restaurant was also subject to a memorable review by Jonathan Gold in 2016. Despite the critic’s comments about some of the food being “ordinary,” the restaurant has endured due to its charming old-world experience and loyal staff.
Tana passed away on Saturday in Belgrade, Serbia, where he had retired after selling his restaurant in 2009. His wife, Biljana, daughters Gabrielle and Katerina, and daughter-in-law Alison Martino are among those who will miss him. A video tribute to Tana was shared at the restaurant, with guests raising their glasses and the din of the crowded room soon returning.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-08-16/dan-tana-restaurant-obituary