Belgrade, Serbia – Renowned restaurateur and Hollywood icon Dan Tana, who owned the iconic West Hollywood celebrity hangout Dan Tana’s restaurant for nearly five decades, passed away on Saturday at the age of 90. Born Dobrivoje Tanasijević in Yugoslavia, Tana had a storied career as a professional soccer player before transitioning to acting and eventually opening his beloved restaurant.
Tana’s restaurant, which was opened in 1964, became a favorite among Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, James Dean, and Frank Sinatra. The eatery’s New York Italian cuisine and unique late-night hours made it a magnet for actors and studio executives looking for a private dining experience.
Tana continued to be involved in soccer throughout his life, managing teams and running clubs in Los Angeles and Belgrade. He sold the restaurant to his friend Sonja Perencevic in 2009 and retired to Belgrade, where he passed away.
The restaurant released a statement paying tribute to Tana’s legacy, saying “This man is a legend, and as you know, a legend never dies.” Tributes have poured in from fans of the restaurant and the entertainment industry, who remembered Tana as a kind and generous individual with a passion for good food and good company.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/scene/news/dan-tana-dead-hollywood-restaurant-1236491267