The Formosa  officially reopened on Friday June 28th, 2019 after a $2.4 million  renovation that took the better part of 2 1/2 years. Restored  by Bobby Green and his two partners at  Group 1933, the newly revamped interiors are beyond spectacular.

As an interior designer, I practically lost my mind when I saw the glorious red and gold chinoiserie wall paper, paired with tassel laden Chinese lanterns. The trolley car, dating to 1902, has been meticulously restored. You can now see the backside of the trolley  which had been hidden for decades. I remember dining in it years ago, and it wasn’t nearly as glamorous and special as it is now. And one of the first things I did when I got to the restaurant was to check out the bathroom… I’m obsessed with bathroom details because it tells you just how much they really care about their establishment. It did not disappoint. The chinoiserie wallpaper trimmed in gold had me drooling, I think it might be time to remodel my own home!

Residential trends over the last decade or so have been  about  sleek modernism, primarily  as a way to minimize costs. It’s  beyond thrilling to see a restaurant embrace such luxurious design details. When it’s as well done as this, it makes you want to change how you live. Truly customized interiors like this are life changing because they dazzle your senses. Without a doubt I’ll be returning to the Formosa, not just for the lux trimmings, but because the food is also incredible. I think I had some of the best Spring Rolls and Chinese Chicken Salad I’ve ever had. Thanks chef David Kuo!

7156 Santa Monica Boulevard                                                                            West Hollywood, CA                                                                              323.850.9050

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