Everyone should have this experience in their lifetime! I went to Da Barbara for a special birthday and the evening was magical. If you've ever wondered what the perfect meal is, this is it. Every dish was carefully and deliciously prepared to please a king and queen. And that's how we felt that night. We walked in to what felt like a "welcome home". The ambiance was cozy and classy, the staff truly cared about making us feel at home. The space is small and the kitchen is right next to the chef's table. Try to get a downstairs table to see her in action. Chef Barbara Pollastrini took every care, from the beautiful plates, to each and every ingredient, to end up with a flavorful masterpiece. We tried everything, almost... the pastas, the meatballs, salads, and the best panna cotta I've ever had.. and I've had a lot. Everything made in house. It was one of the most memorable nights at a restaurant, and I cannot wait to go back... Don't wait for a special occasion. Treat yourself as soon and as often as you can. "Life is short.. Eat the good stuff!" read more

The food was so good and genuinely delicious. I enjoyed seeing the Cheff cooking in the open air with the great ingredients that do not give your stomach bloating. I also like the little portion of the food. Ilaria was our host and she was also so great with advising us about the food and freshness of the food. Definitely recommend this place to All. read more

I'd heard so much about this micro kitchen and decided to finally try it out. I booked a table for my son's birthday. I am patting myself on the back because this was the best choice for the occasion. I'd already calibrated my expectations because their Instagram page was transparent - the restaurant sits on the first floor of the chef's home, so I already anticipated some limitations like the lack of a liquor license (which was completely fine). As I was welcomed into the restaurant, I drank in the sight because it was so beautifully appointed. Green walls were the perfect backdrop to white and grey granite tables. The chairs were a muted grey and the lamps provided a metallic pop of gold. Everything - from the water glasses to the utensils to the furniture to the menu to the bathroom - was thoughtfully curated. I noticed the bathroom even had tampons, a Tide pen - everything a woman needed! Women-run businesses are so thorough. Now the food. Get the tortelli. There are 3 kinds of filling so we chose the potato and truffles and it was a revelation. A creamy dream in a small mouthful. We tried the lemon pasta, the short rib, and the sea bass - all of which were delightful as well. Our son loved the steak tartare so much he asked for it to be his dessert. We truly savored every bite. I'll be real - the portions are TINY. But that's probably because they use expensive, premium ingredients to bring authentic Italian flavors to life. Additionally, we could taste all the love in the food. That's what made it worth it for us. These people genuinely wanted us to enjoy our time there. They do charge for water it seems. I'm not quite sure of the pricing breakdown because we weren't given a paper receipt. We were just handed the little payment machine and the page detailing the items went away as soon as we put the card in. A minor issue. Do note that no animals are allowed as it is a very small place. And bring your own wine, they don't charge corkage fees. I'm jealous of all y'all who will be dining there soon. It'll be a night you won't soon forget. And ask for a photo with Barbara to commemorate the occasion! That darling lady will happily oblige. read more

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Heard about this fine-dining restaurant from a friend and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. We had tickets to a play in Hollywood, so the 5:30 reservation worked out perfectly and gave us time to make the 8:00 p.m. show at the Pantages a few blocks away. Right from the start, Chef Barbara and the decor made the place feel both warm, welcoming, and upscale. She's from Rome, and her female servers from Milan and Venice were chatting in Italian throughout the night, which added to the charm and authenticity. We started with the meatballs and fresh-baked focaccia. Both were excellent. The meatballs were juicy and packed with flavor, with a great marinara sauce that wasn't overpowering, just really well balanced. For pasta, we shared the lemon saffron shrimp dish. It was light, flavorful, and something a little different. It came with one butterflied shrimp on top, which perfectly crowned the dish. For the main courses, we ordered the filet mignon roll and the veal and artichoke special. The rolled filet was very good and definitely the standout given the amazing sauce. We rarely order veal and didn't know what to expect, but for what it was, it was good, not great, and probably the least "exciting" dish of the evening. Not bad, it just didn't have the same flavor "pop" as the other dishes and ones we saw traveling out from the kitchen. Dessert was a crumble-style cake that was delicious and the perfect way to end the meal. The atmosphere is cozy and beautiful, and the service was great. You can bring your own wine with no corkage fee, which is a nice bonus. If you can, I highly recommend sitting downstairs near (in) the kitchen... aka chef's table! There are four tables downstairs, and it's a better experience since you get to interact with Chef Barbara and with the staff. Think dinner and a show before our show (play). Upstairs has a few smaller tables, but it doesn't have quite the same energy/vibe. Easy parking right across the street, which is always appreciated in Hollywood. We arrived right at our 5:30 opening reservation, and the door was locked, but they opened promptly thereafter. It appears they keep the door locked to control disruptions during the meals as well. Overall, a really enjoyable evening with great food, a wonderful atmosphere, and a unique dining experience. We'll definitely be back. I also noticed several guests who were talking as if they were repeat customers, which says a lot. I got many bonus points from my wife...who enjoyed the romantic experience. A departure from the typical taco and burger places I drag her to! Thank you, Barbara, for sharing your talents and giving us this cherished memory. Arrivederci! read more

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Chef Barbara is amazingly talented! Her deft technique strikes the extraordinary balance between rich and light. Beautiful space that makes you feel at home in an elegant way. At first glance, portions might be considered small for American expectations. But each bite teleports in ways that make you want to savor rather than devour. read more

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Da Barbara in Hollywood feels like one of those under-the-radar spots you almost don't want to tell anyone about--because once the secret's out, good luck getting a table. Tucked away with a vibe that's effortlessly cool and a little mysterious, it sets the tone the second you walk in. The space is intimate and beautifully designed, with low lighting, great music, and the kind of energy that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. The food? Absolutely excellent. Every dish that came out felt thoughtful and well-executed, like there was real intention behind the flavors and presentation. I left full but already thinking about what I'd order next time. The staff was attentive without hovering, striking that perfect balance of laid-back and professional. If you're looking for a dinner spot that's stylish but not overhyped, Da Barbara delivers the kind of experience that quietly blows you away. read more

Da Barbara - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Had the pleasure of dining here last Thursday evening with my longtime friend who was in town for work. She is a die hard "Chump" and heard about this special place from Jeff Lewis. As someone who doesn't watch reality television, it was natural for me to be a tad bit skeptical-- but this is indeed a very special place and as a person who is not familiar with Mr. Lewis, he is now in my mind favorably! The restaurant itself is a little bit away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood proper, in an unassuming location that felt semi residential. The entire time I did not feel like I was at a restaurant; I was completely relaxed and before I knew it we were there for 2 1/2 hours! The restaurant itself is intimate and the kitchen is literally right there so you're in the mix of the action! We started with the shrimp appetizer, and shared a few pastas (including a gnocchi w/ pesto), and a main short rib dish, saving room for their bread pudding for dessert. We also enjoyed a bottle of white wine BYOB style. More than enough food for two ladies! The food was excellent and made with love. The standouts for me was the tortelli of the day with the spinach house made ricotta and the beef short rib, which was a bit different than I expected but absolutely delicious and I was craving meat! I am unsure if the menu is seasonal, But I liked that it was not super huge. At the end of our meal, we were able to have a delightful conversation + photo with Chef Barbara and the (sorry I forgot the woman's name, but she had excellent service!). Thank you also for not scoffing when I wanted to take the little bit of food we had left with me! read more

Da Barbara - tortelli of the day - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Have dined at Da Barbara twice and can honestly say it's one of the few Italian restaurants that I can go to in LA where I will enjoy the experience, atmosphere and most importantly, the cuisine. Barbara puts her heart and soul into every dish. Top quality, authentic Italian ingredients create meals with her own special touches, and is what you will enjoy here (I'm picky with Italian food because my mother was born in Italy and my family are all crazy good Italian cooks.) The fact that you can bring your own wine without a corkage fee is an added bonus, and the service was fantastic both times. Seeing Barbara a few feet away preparing the food is like being cooked for at home. What's not to love?! I highly recommend Da Barbara if you're looking for an authentic Italian experience. If you're used to Italian American food, this won't be your cup of tea. read more

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Last night I had the pleasure of dining at Da Barbara, and what a delightful treat it was! The decor is stunning, the service was attentive and knowledgeable. And the food was nothing short of delicious. In an intimate setting, with beautiful high ceilings, one feels like they're inside the kitchen as Chef Barbara is creating all of her culinary delights right before the patrons eyes. I greatly look forward to my next visit!!! read more

After 3 phone calls and requesting specific seating we were sent upstairs. The staff was confrontational. Overall the experience didn't meet all raving reviews. Wouldn't recommend to go in larger groups since space is very limited. read more

Very intimate restaurant. Home made dishes made right in front of you in her kitchen. Girlfriend Rena H, was surprised for Valentines day. We brought our own bottle of wine. Wonderful hidden gem. read more

Da Barbara - Pasta - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This place is a gem! It has a cozy home vibe and all the staff is making a point to make you feel welcomed at their home. The chef actually lives her dream. She is not there to do a job. She is there to bring you into her world of love and experiencing food and gosh does she know how to do that?! This lady pours her heart and soul into sharing her gift with people. I have been blessed to experience many fine dinners, and that is so much more than a dinner that is what hospitality should be. Tip: try the pasta specials Thank you Barbara and the whole team for making my birthday dinner such a whimsical experience! read more

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The hype is real. What an incredible experience. The food, service and ambiance are top notch. Eating here feels like a little secret food heaven without the pretentiousness of other LA experiences. All at once you feel like you're dining in nonna's kitchen, but yet a beautiful setting (see pics). Each successive dish was a wonderfully presented flavor burst. We started with burrata and roasted small tomatoes, simple yet delicious, followed by very flavorful scallop crudo with fresh peaches and finally (for starters) an incredibly flavorful pea veloute with pesto. The pasta of the day courses were equally delicious. The eggplant parm tortelli were fresh and delicious in a thick but soft tomato sauce, while the star of the evening (for me) was the pork and mortadella tortelli in white sauce. There was so much flavor in this dish, I wanted 5 more! The main courses, veal saltimbocca and stuffed filet mignon were both very well executed and flavorful as well. We finished with a lovely chocolate cake with homemade whipped cream which was a wonderful finish to an incredible experience. Both Chef Barbara and our waitress Ilaria were sweet and funny. Food courses were very well paced, which I greatly appreciate. We will definitely be back! read more

Da Barbara - Interior - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Cute little restaurant in LA. It takes a lot to hit a 5 star review with me but this restaurant hits it on all the areas. Everything tasted really good as I've included a few pictures. It's a limited menu but it's good and run by one executive chef. You can actually visibly see her working. We were seated on the second floor in a quaint space. We knew we were able to bring our own wine for a corkage of $20 which was easy. All dishes were delightful & as a matter of fact my only criticism is I wish each dish had a little more in them. Portions were small but they were really good. If you're looking for intimate fine dining Italian restaurant this is a good place to try out. Service was really good as well. They allowed us to change our reservation to an earlier time with a phone call. Perfect for couples. ***Leave your phones in your pockets or on silent please, and respect others. read more

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This place is very interesting. It is unique in a way that it is a small space, but very cozy, elegant and classy. Not noisy at all and you eat in peace in a relaxing atmosphere. Great if people are on their first date. The food tastes great and the service is great as well. Everyone is very friendly. It feels like you are home and the food is being prepared in the kitchen right in front of you.. I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

My girlfriend and I had the pleasure of dining here for the first time tonight and had a wonderful meal. Both the eggplant and the Velouté of the day came out promptly and were both delicious. I had the sea bass, and my girlfriend had the tagliolini pasta with shrimp. We enjoyed the flavors of both and would have them again. Both waitresses were attentive and friendly. The chef even took time out to say hello. We'll definitely be back. Rick and Linda read more

Absolutely outstanding Italian dining. The perfect hybrid between homestyle and elegant. Staff is incredibly friendly and the space is as cool as it gets. Highly recommend. read more

It was my first time dining at Da Barbara and won't be my last. From amazing high quality food to exceptional service, our dining experience is was perfect! We loved the intimate feel. Will definitely be back! read more

My wife and i came up from San Diego to stay the night close by to have the Da Barbara experience. We had heard about it from a Sirius radio host. We were excited after reviewing the website, menu and photos. We arrived and it was like eating in a private dining room. The chef was in the kitchen, only 10 feet away. The service and the food was incredible. It exceeded all our expectations. You will be hard pressed to decide what to order as there are so many delicious items. We are already planning a return trip to try those we missed. If we lived close by, we would be regular visitors. I rarely post but this is one of those unique experiences you have to share with others. Make that reservation now and you will see what i am talking about! read more

I feel so lucky to have been able to eat at Da Barbara. Such a quaint restaurant that is a "iykyk" type of spot. It's in a work/live loft building on the corner of Fountain and Cahuenga. The fresh pasta was absolutely amazing. We had the 5 tomato marinara and the lemon cream with (a) shrimp, as well as the homemade focaccia bread and the grilled garden board for appetizers. For dessert the special was panna cotta with a fresh strawberry sauce. Portions are small but the quality of the ingredients makes up for that. We left feeling completely satisfied and not overstuffed. Service was excellent and Barbara herself was very welcoming and friendly. I would love to go again. One note, they do not have drinks on the menu, but you can bring your own bottle of wine and pay a corkage fee. We just enjoyed the bottle water they served. (Sadly we dove into the pasta dishes before getting pics ) read more

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Amazing staff that works very hard. Amazing team in the kitchen. I have only been able to visit once, Valentines day, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Food was great quality and masterfully crafted. Dining area is minimal and uncluttered (industrial chic?), would love to go again and try other items on the menu. read more

We were invited several days ago to this restaurant and can only speak for the food and service, not the price/value, as we did not pay. The ambiance is unlike the vast majority of restaurants. I can't recall last time I went to a restaurant and said I had an "intimate experience". It's almost like a private dining room with your Italian aunt/mom/bestie cooking for you. (IMHO she's too young to be called "nonna", but you never know). Barbara took special care to prepare a menu special for us. I do not know what the experience is like if you go on a "public dining" night (as opposed to a night that's open for just one party). Food was spectacular, both from flavor as well as freshness perspective. She prepared these unique rolled up zucchini pieces with homemade ricotta cheese inside. Her baked chicken was juicy and just perfect, and her bread , just amazing. I'd love to return to Da Barbara again to try more of her dishes. read more

A hidden gem. Don't miss this place. Warm, inviting, low key but upscale. It is so special to be able to watch the chef cook. I love it here. The food is divine. Absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish. Get the specials!! No tasting menu when we went so we did a La carte. Bring your own wine!!! 25$ corkage fee per bottle, they don't have their liquor license quite yet. Thank you so much Da Barbara! read more

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I went to Barbara yesterday for a date, and we had a wonderful time right from the start. The atmosphere is incredibly cozy and beautifully designed, perfectly matched by impeccable service from beginning to end. Our waitress, Alessia, was so welcoming and gave us some excellent recommendations. ​As an Italian, I can confidently say the food was outstanding. Every dish was packed with flavor, 100% authentic, and truly elevated traditional Italian tastes. I honestly didn't expect to find such incredible Italian food in Los Angeles--in fact, I think I ate better here than at many restaurants back in Italy! It makes me so happy to find a place that genuinely honors real Italian cooking, standing out from the many 'fake' Italian spots out there. ​I highly recommend this place. It's perfect for a date night, but just as great for a relaxing evening out enjoying top-tier food. If you want to experience genuine Italian cuisine, this is absolutely the place to go. read more

After numerous conversations manager agreed to take reservations for May 9th at 7 pm and accommodate our request for downstairs seating for group of 7 people. We arrive exactly at 7 pm and upon arrival we were told that it's difficult to seat 7 people on First floor and tried to convince us to have a seating in the 2nd floor balcony. One of the guests told the manager that the best experience of this place to be able to see the cooking process (open kitchen concept) by sitting on 1st floor. That was our reason for trying this place. Manager rudely brushed off one of the guests who tried to reason with her and told her that since she wasn't one who made reservations the manager wouldn't speak to her. Finally our guests agreed to seat on the balcony. Now - about food. We will not complain about small portions but by seating on 2nd floor and restaurant having only 2 employees (manager and servant) and without food service elevator, dishes arrived late and cold. This overpriced restaurant have to have over the top service which wasn't offered to us. In USA customers are always right (which is the slogan of the industry) but apparently in Italy it doesn't mean a thing. I never previously posted any component Yelp, but this experience was so uncomfortable and unacceptable that this time I decided to post. read more

Finally found time to visit Da Barbara. Super cool, chic, inventive and beautiful venue and ambience. The service from beginning to end was fantastic, attentive, elegant and understated. LOVED all that. Alas... the food. It just didn't reach the level I was hoping for. I believe these are old school original recipes. That doesn't make them good. Authentic? Sure. My Cioppino was oily and needed salt. My Short Rib was over done and unrecognizable. The tuna with caprese also needed salt, the panna cotta had a red wine reduction that simply didn't work. I was SO hoping for a meal that matched the atmosphere and it fell short. I might recommend Barbara set aside these concepts, and branch out on her own, with a menu that matches the unique and elegant world she's created. I look forward to a new take on the food and wish nothing but the best the team, who seem so passionate and excited for what they're doing. read more

Da Barbara - From upstairs dining looking down. - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Amazing! Everything tasted delicious!!!! I loved the intimate feel and service was excellent!

Da Barbara was divine! Incredible hand made pastas and amazing filet! The brandy flambéed shrimp was a crowd favorite. There wasn't a dish that we didn't like. The service and ambiance made for a very special evening read more

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Wonderful Valentine's Day meal! Such a charming spot. The food was incredibly tasty. Delicious. Scallops, lobster ravioli, filet mignon. A cream puff raspberry dessert. Perfect date night. read more

Wedding Anniversary Celebration Time! Da Barbara was absolutely awesome. I had found this notice about "Da Barbara" which means "from Barbara" in Italian located on the corner of Cahuenga and Fountain not far from us. The whole place is about the size of our living room and kitchen put together. My husband (marito) described it as Molto Elegante. The food was truly authentic - we watched as Barbara put everything together. We started with some ricotta cheese she had just made, but we added Porcini Mushroom Arancini with Pecorino Romano Fondue - probably one of the tastiest things I've ever had in my life!!! The servings are not large but we savored every bite and left feeling quite full. The presentation and detail of each dish was just beautiful. Just as important as the food was the warmth of Barbara and her two servers, Alexia and Matt Matt is an actor and I'm guessing Alexia might be as well. There were only ten of us in the ristorante for this early seating and Barbara was cooking her a** off in the kitchen. Alexia and Matt made a perfectly choreographed team to assist her. The food was as fabulous and authentic as the proprieteress. There was no pretentiousness, none of that attitude you find in many high end restaurants. Since my husband is in a wheelchair Barbara asked the server to come out and park our car and they assisted in every way possible. They don't have a license for alcohol - if I had realized I might have taken a bottle of Prosecco with us - but we didn't need it! We were high on the warmth and love that Barbara shows for the food and her clients. https://barbarapollastrini.com/ read more

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It's fun to look at Chef Barbara cooking in her kitchen , creating your dish with her passion and love for food , color , design. The quality of the ingredients she uses it's very high . Her new take on Italian classic it's surprising and inspiring . Very good dinner experience. read more

Da Barbara - Kitchen - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Amazing food, ambiance and service!! Da Barbara has such an intimate atmosphere and feels like you are sitting the Chef's kitchen as she prepares you dinner!!! Cannot recommend this place enough!!! read more

In a city flooded with Italian hotspots helmed by celebrity chefs, Da Barbara ("From Barbara") is in a class by itself. You'll feel as if you've joined an exclusive dinner party in the home of Chef Barbara Pollastrini, who whips up Roman pastas and classics from an open kitchen. The tiny restaurant is tucked into a non-descript Hollywood highrise; if you can find the entrance, you'll still need to ring the bell for entry. There are just five tables on two levels; the upper level offering a more private space for meeting or kanoodling. Even the wait staff feel like old friends (ours was a financial analyst and Italophile who moonlights as the restaurant's server and host).And then there's the food--don't be fooled by its simplicity and lack of gastro-molecular hyperbole. Each dish is bursting with great care and flavors that tantalize the tastebuds--from the crispy arancini, to handmade tortelli, and flower-flecked reduction of fruits from Italy. Da Barbara is the Italian restaurant you've been looking for. It's the place your Nonna would love, where you come again and again for authentic cuisine in a warm and welcoming space. Bergerbites highly recommended. read more

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Great intimate place. We really enjoyed everything we ordered from this place. We will be coming back!

This place is a GEM. I lived in Italy and can attest to how authentic the food and ambiance are. Every starter was incredible and the pastas were magical. Barbara came to speak with us and was the most welcoming and warm host. A perfect experience. read more

This place is so special!! The atmosphere is charming and homey, the food is authentic and delicious.

Amazing 5 stars well deserved. First to start the food is nothing you'll find at other restaurants. The presentation, service, and the quality is definitely top notch. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, has the right amount of music & lighting going on. One of the best restaurants I've ever been in. I will continue to come back with the rest of my family and friends. Please stay open forever! read more

Da Barbara is an absolute gem and one of the very few places in Los Angeles where you will find such high-quality Italian food that is also made with such care and attention. Of course, there are many amazing Italian restaurants in Los Angeles. However, this place is so small and the head chef herself has such direct control over nearly every aspect of cooking and ingredient selection, that the result is a completely fresh, completely handmade exquisite dinner. Beautiful Torrelli stuffed with fresh porcini mushrooms flown in from Italy were amazing. The rolled filet mignon literally melted in my mouth. Plus the inside is so elegant and the staff is so friendly. As a native Los Angeleno who is half Italian, this place gets my seal of approval. Go get a meal from Barbara before she blows up and has to expand! Though at that point I'm sure it'll still be amazing. read more

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Amazing simply amazing. The food the service the atmosphere. The experience of a true Italian Chefs table is what you get. Food made with love and ingredients that are fresh. The focaccia bread is delicious. Pasta made fresh and sauces made to order. Chef Barbara thank you for a wonderful and delicious experience. read more

Da Barbara - Chef Barbara in all her glory ‍ - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Excellent experience and the food is delicious, make this a date night for sure. I heard about this from Jeff Lewis Live from Doug's review, it will disappont. read more