I am at a loss for words. If you love food, you have to do whatever it takes to get here. I have eaten all over the world and there is just nothing like it. I took 3 guests who had no idea what we were getting in to and they said afterward that it was like a fever dream. Go. Sell a kidney. Do whatever it takes. The end. read more

WOW! What an incredible experience. Whether you are looking for a date night with the hubby, taking your mom out for a special night or just want some GOOD food, definitely need to check out Da Barbara. They've only been open since January but my husband is already ready to come back! It's a tiny space with about 12 seats (almost in an apartment), what it looks like but it's beautiful. You'll get to watch Barbara actually cook and serve you like you're the only person there. They don't have alcohol yet but there was another couple that brought their own bottle and we got a yummy mocktail. Absolute pleasure. read more

We had our first meal at Da Barbara and it was nothing short of magical! Chef Barbara has created an incredibly unique dining space where along with her dynamic team Hilaria and Jairo create an experience like no other. EVERYTHING was delectable and our next reservation is already made so we can taste some of the other delicious offerings from Chef Barbara! Gracie Mille! read more

I loved how intimate it felt with only a few tables. The service was exceptional as was the food! The Chef made vegan special for my friend. Can't wait to go back. read more

Da Barbara is so special and unique! I had a birthday dinner there and a Friendsgiving dinner last night and am already thinking of a reason to go back and eat more of Barbara's delicious homemade Italian food :) The setting is in Hollywood a few blocks down from all the craziness, and is beautiful and intimate. Parking is pretty easy to find within a few blocks of the restaurant. Our group ordered almost everything on the menu and every single dish was outstanding. I usually don't like potato gnocchi because they are often too heavy and starchy but Barbara's were out of this world, with a creamy porcini mushroom sauce that I am still dreaming of. Another standout dish was a seasonal raviolo filled with pear and pecorino sitting atop a butternut squash velouté. Another favorite was the homemade ricotta served with tomatoes and freshly baked bread. I could go on but you should just make a reservation and try for yourself - you will not be disappointed!! read more

This was an amazing experience all around, it felt like we were in a movie !! The atmosphere was warm and inviting and the food was out of the world ! Thank you so much Barbara and team , we will definitely be back and we will be bringing friends with us !! read more

Rich, deeply flavored, Fine Dining Italian menu. Service was excellent, warm inviting ambiance, plenty of parking nearby. Everything we had was beautifully presented and taste was 5 star. My only suggestion would be to add a house salad to the menu to pair with the yummy rich homemade pastas and meat dishes. BYOB as they do not have wine service at this time. It is a MEHKO Establishment so pay cash if you can, but they do take all cards. $$$$ read more

Haven't boarded a plane in three years. LA, SoCal? It'll be six years come March. An email notice came to me a couple of weeks ago about a new vendor who offered a few menu items through a local food consolidator. With our cold and, until recently, rainy weather, what better meal is there than a hot bowl of soup? Besides that, being a big pasta fan, she offered meatballs for sale, perfect for making a weeknight meal or meals. So I ordered two soups and the meatballs to fill my work night menu. I started with the scallop chowder (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=xq3Enmz960XlXZcy4325iw&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q) consists of bay scallops, butter, onions, celery, carrots, cream, corn, housemade pancetta, potato, garlic, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. This is different, in a good way, than what I expected. It was not overly creamy or buttery, probably a healthier chowder. The portion of this was generous as I made two meal accompaniments with this. The following night, I steamed half of the meatballs (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=BepcwjIQ6q12Ku_qFsPWpQ&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q) while cooking some spaghetti noodles; the listed ingredients are ground beef, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, eggs, bread, and parmesan cheese. It had a perfect amount of sauce to pair with the meatballs and noodles. I finished by trying the pasta e Fagioli soup (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=wMqVQo6va7gpJcauD6dvTw&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), a mix of beans, pancetta, celery, carrots, garlic, onions, pasta, and extra virgin olive oil in a light, clear broth. I clumsily dropped the plastic container and, unbeknownst to me, the bottom cracked, spilling some of the broth. Luckily, she thoughtfully wrapped the container tightly with plastic wrap to minimize my loss. I enjoyed how the pasta was random shaped sheets of pasta and the other ingredients were all distinctive in flavor. Thank you, Locale, for giving me the opportunity to try her cooking and recipes. Will order again if available when I need some weekday meals at home. read more

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This is my second visit to this lovely place. Chef Barbara and the family always welcome us with big smile. The food is amazing. Absolutely the best italian food you will ever find. This easily became our go to place for the special occasions. Thank you so much! read more

Such a unique and pretty dining experience. The food was delicious and prepared with care. Chef is proud of her creations and the service is on point. The only thing I wish we could have had is a glass of wine to complement the meal . I don't think they have a liquor license. Otherwise it was amazing! read more

Overpriced. Food wasn't worth it. Mediocre. Tiny portions. Would rather spend money elsewhere. I'm happy to respond to your claim that you have no record of my visit. Yelp doesn't not allow me to do a response to yours so I will edit my review. I was there in April. My wife and I sat upstairs all by ourselves. In my opinion, charging $27 for three pieces of shrimp is overpriced. This is just an example. I found all dishes to be too small for the price point. I'm sharing my honest opinion because people work hard to earn their money and they should have as much information readily available before deciding on trying a place. i'm not trying to deter anyone from coming to your restaurant. People can choose for themselves. Someone may see this review and be encouraged to try it. Additionally, while I'm at it, I don't believe there's any part of your website that mentions you don't have a liquor license. I received a text less than one hour before our reservation stating that it's bring your own wine. I think adding that information to your reservation page or somewhere else would be well thought out. read more

This is a very unique place. I don't think there is anything like that in LA. It's so beautiful and cozy. The food is out of this world. Every bite is an explosion of taste. Chef Barbara cooks right in front of you in her kitchen and you can see all the magic happening right in front of your eyes. The atmosphere is so welcoming that you feen like you are at your friend's house, not a restaurant. We are definitely making this our regular spot. read more

I've had the pleasure of dining here a few times now and can't wait to go back! Los Angeles is full of great restaurants, but what sets Da Barbara apart is how Barbara's warmth and hospitality shine through from the moment you walk in the door. This is a small and cozy place, and it feels as if you're attending a dinner party in a gorgeous home - where the host just happens to be a world-class chef and also a truly lovely person! Every detail is considered, elegant, and deeply personal - from the showstopping mural of the Roman landscape, to the lovingly homemade pasta, to the thoughtfully chosen tableware that complements each course. Love, love, love this special place and I know you will too! read more

A girls night Da Barbara, we couldn't ask for more, nice ambiance, great service and outstanding food Is a small restaurant but so intimate and warm that you don't want to leave. Everyone should have such a great experience read more

This was the finest Italian food my wife and I ever had. The executive chef Barbara that cooks right in front of you put all her love and experience to make our dining experience over the top. I will never eat a Bolognese at any other Italian restaurant and I will never eat garbage risotto balls, knowing the quality and the taste that is possible when I find a Chef uses the best ingredients along with her best training. The meal started with King oyster mushrooms, fried and breadcrumbs with the sweetest peas to accompany it and the homemade pasta was incredible. Definitely look forward to bringing family and friends to this special special place. It seats only 15 to 20 people and I recommend for the full experience. Make sure you sit downstairs so you can sit and see the kitchen and see Barbara do her magic with the wonderful ingredients that she gets thank you and look forward to coming back again. Howard and Ilene read more

I came back to LA after one year in Europe. A friend said: "you should see this great place of Barbara, it's like eating at home with a quality of a high end restaurant". Well, the space is limited, like staying in an open kitchen of a modern house. The food is incredibly well executed. The spaghetti al pomodoro (what easier than that?), were the best I ever had. The filetto incredibly juicy... a piece of meat always tender but often dry. Really a great experience, both the food and the ambience especially for a dinner in a few friends in love with excellent food made with top ingredients. Raimondo read more

The restaurant scene is LA is somewhat dull and menus from most places resemble one another. At Da Barbara we were thrilled to have an experience. One chef and one waiter handle everything like a duet! Succulent Italian food that has to be experienced. Loved everything about it! read more

I never write reviews, but this place deserves it, truly an experience. True Italian food from a Roman chef that makes you feel like you're eating at home. The must order dishes are the arancini, tomato sauce pasta, and millefoglie for desert. read more

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

Dining at Da Barbara is always a new opportunity for discovery. Chef Barbara pours her heart and soul into every detail of the dining experience. From the freshly baked crusty bread that reminds us of Italian bakeries and their inviting aromas spreading all around the streets, to the background music and the immaculate space. The food, now with the new summer menu items, shines as always. The new tuna tartar was a melt-in-your-mouth taste explosion! Every ingredient had a story. I had the good luck of trying a new pasta item she will soon be introducing: handmade fiorellini with Barolo reduction. A standout! Whether you are looking to celebrate something or simply for truly delicious and dynamic Italian cuisine, this is your place. Hear me out! read more

Da Barbara - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

If you ever dreamt of a master chef cooking JUST for you, this is the place! Da Barbara is an elegant and a very intimate restaurant to celebrate a unique occasion (romantic, too), or just to delight oneself with a delicious evening. I wouldn't hesitate to name it the best Italian restaurant in LA. There's a warm and intimate ambiance to this beautifully decorated restaurant. We were invited to celebrate a birthday of a dear friend, a party had 10 diners in all. We had the whole restaurant to ourselves. From the moment we arrived Barbara, the lovely chef and owner of the restaurant, greeted us and warmly tended to us throughout the evening (while giving us the privacy to enjoy our evening). Her kitchen is open and visible for all to see - so you feel like you stepped into someone's home, and not into a restaurant. She welcomed us so warmly and told us so proudly how her dream of opening her own restaurant came true. Throughout the evening, she explained to us about every dish that was going to be served and every wine that was poured into our glasses. The food, aahh the food! So savory and creative. From the Porcini Mushroom Stuffed Puff-Pastry, Fried King Oyster Mushrooms with Parmigiano Fondeta, served on a bed of green peas and caramelized onion purée, the hand-made (but of course!) Pumpkin Tortelli on a bed of Candied Pears (served with 3 Pecorino-Romano "leaves"), Salmon alla Putanesca, with Italian capers and Italian olives (what a difference!), roasted grape tomatoes and vegetables, to the most amazing dessert - freshly made Panna Cota with Vanilla and Strawberry sauce. It seems I'm lost for words to describe these incredibly delicious creations. Barbara's passion for authentic Italian cuisine is so evident in her innovative and crafty dishes. She does not save on unique ingredients, including the imported Italian water, flour, capers, olives and so much more. Her personal touch is shown all around the restaurant. From the beautiful chandelier, the gigantic print on the wall, the elegant stem ware, the small and spotless kitchen, and even the restroom with the tasteful touches. read more

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Amazing place!!! So welcoming and elegant! It's like your own private dinner party! Exceptional :)

For me, this is the most authentic Italian restaurant in LA. From the ambiance to the service and, wow, the food!!. The portion sizes mean you can eat like Italians eat, and each order an antipasto, primo, secondo and then share a dessert. We can't wait to go back again and try the dishes we didn't have last night! read more

Finally a place I am proud to call best Italian Restaurant in LA! Barbara is a genius chef able to combine Italian authenticity with innovation, beauty and outstanding taste. From her so incredibly smooth homemade ricotta to the intriguing pumpkin ravioli, to the immensely shocking "When liquorice meets mint" dessert that totally was my kid memory of the Elah candy in Italy. What an experience! The service was outstanding, attentive but never invasive. And di you see the décor?!!!! Beautiful, modern, inviting and and comfortable. Don't forget to check out Barbara's mom cooking spoons and handwritten recipes beautifully framed on the wall. We had a blast, thank you! read more

Are you looking for an intimate dining experience & want excellent food. Da Barbara delivers on her cuisine and her staff makes everything run smoothly. Check out their website and you'll discover their menu which we loved their shrimp appetizer & focaccia with ricotta. Then I had the lemon pasta with shrimp and I was dazzled. Kind of fun spot since you can get a table and enjoy the chef prepare the courses. Don't miss this diamond. read more

Great concept - cozy, inviting & felt as if I was in a familiar kitchen. Definitely reccomend.

Excellent outstanding chef just a wonderful experience highly recommended. Excellent pairing wine with food

Omg I wish we took pictures! We were so amazed by the food and the ambiance and the entire intimate experience that we forgot to take photos! Da Barbara is incredible! Chef Barbara and our waitress were so lovely. This is probably one of if not the only Italian restaurants in Los Angeles where you can get authentic Italian food cooked by an Italian chef straight from Rome! And all the magic happens right in front of you. We felt like we escaped to Italy for a couple hours because of how cozy and warm the environment felt. We had full conversations with Chef Barbara and our waitress (I'm sorry, I did not catch her name). We will definitely be coming back! The food was delicious! Order everything! Can't go wrong with any of it. If you love seafood, the sea bass is a must! The bread, the pasta, the sauces, the coffee--YUMMMM! All ingredients are meticulously sourced. It's simply an experience you cannot get at larger restaurants. If you have dietary restrictions, be sure to note that when making a reservation and Chef Barbara will modify certain menu items to meet your needs. LOVE LOVE LOVE! read more

We went to a 2pm Hamilton performance at the Pantages and walked over to Barbara's apartment for a 5 course dinner. What a treat! We mentor to celebrate my hubby's bday. Had a few friends with us too. Barbara made us a delicious five course meal. Caeser Salad, Homemade pasta & Pesto, Rack of Lamb with Pease potatoes, bread, and a delicious dessert with coffee. We brought two bottles of whine which she poured for us. Everything was delicious!! And Barbara was a gracious host and chef. Thank you for a wonderful meal, and for accommodating our picky pallets. Highly recommended for a quiet and enjoyable, custom meal away from restaurant crowds. She can accommodate up to 12 in her house, and told us she has a venue for up to 60! Don't hesitate, give it a try! read more

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I ordered the scallop chowder through Locale and it is so good! Can't wait to try her other items next week

Amazing quality, great presentation and real Italian traditional food. Barbara Pollastrini is the one to go for a soup, a pasta, cakes, focacce, any possible sauce and much more. read more

Such a fun, unique LA dining experience. Barbara serves an amazing Italian five course meal in her home and with a table set for 10 strangers you will meet the most interesting people! Our dinner was vegetarian / pescatarian and every dish was absolutely delicious. If you are looking for something off the beaten path, this is for you! read more

Da Barbara - Menu for the evening. - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I discovered Chef Barbara Pollastrini through Instagram and I fell in love with how beautiful her food looked. When i heard she hosted Secret dinners i signed up right away!!! And let me tell you her food really exceeded all my expectations. Not only is her food very beautifully presented, but it is DELICIOUS!!! I highly recommend if you are ever in the Hollywood area to check out her website and see when her next pop up is and recommend you make a reservation, she books up quickly. read more

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What a unique experience and what a treat. I went by myself knowing that I would have dined with other 9 strangers, which for me was really exciting. As soon as I walked in, Barbara welcomed me like only Italians can do, with that friendliness and warmth that brought me right back at home. I then sat with a unique bunch and shared with them not only the most pleasant conversations, but also the most delicious meal ever! 5 courses and each one just kept getting better and better. From beginning to end it was an evening to remember and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an extraordinary meal in a not-so-common setting. read more

A real gem. Barbara is an amazing chef. The location is perfect, the people are personable, pricing reasonable and well worth the trek from a far drive. Authentic and delicious Italian dishes. Gorgeous decor. This is the real thing people. Forget HIDDEN DINNER. They have someone working at Yelp that has completely deleted ALL their honest negative feedback over the past years. Figure it out, they charge $75-$120 per person and look at their food, look at the yelp pictures..Brussels sprouts boiled, very elementary level cooking, how in the world could that even be worth $20 a person it tastes horrible. The chefs are not real chefs like Barbara. Hidden Dinner targets young and stupid people who don't have a palatte for basics. They all seem to be friends of friends and half of them ate for free so it looks like they all paid just like you but it's a scam to trick everyone else that paid into thinking their cooking is actually worth even a dollar. Stick to this secret dinner, it's legitimate good eats. No scam, just real people, real good food. read more

...Im Italian and I leave in Los Angeles from 2001, and i had opportunity to try many good Italian and not italian restaurant in this pass time , but let me Tel you , I'm so Glad the "Secret Dinner" open in Los Angeles , because I had one of the most Amazing dinner that i don't have from long time, is it a REAL GOOD Italian food . Thank you for bring part of Italy in Los Angeles ! Also it was very interesting meet new people around a beautiful chic table ...BRAVE , i recommended if you are looking for real good food , presented in a sophisticate way , with the taste of Home made ! read more

My wife and I just recently attended one of Barbara's "Pop-up" dinners and we thoroughly enjoyed the evening! The food was fantastic- great traditional Italian food served with modern updates like zucchini pesto and almond-flour chocolate cake. Barbara herself was a delight and made it clear to all how much she enjoyed having us to her home and showing off what she loves. Also, figure on fellow dining attendees who seek something off the beaten path as well, so dinner conversation can get interesting! We drove over an hour to get here and would do it again. read more

I had the pleasure of dining at Barbara's events twice with my girlfriend, and both times were amazing experiences. Her food is Top Chef quality (actually we regularly dine at Top Chef's establishments, and we rarely are as impressed by the freshness, quality, preparation and presentation of the dishes as we are when Barbara is the chef), and everything about the experience is top notch. Her location - walking distance from the Pantages theater - make it perfect for a pre-show dinner. You'll end up spending less than going to a crowded mediocre restaurant and having to deal with reservations, stressed out hostesses "running late" on the overbooked dining room, and overpriced drinks and be treated to one of the best meals you can remember. To top it all off Barbara has a sweet and engaging personality (she is single guys...) and her warmth makes you feel at ease the moment you walk in. Thank you Barbara, we look forward to the next reason to celebrate, so we can treat ourselves to yet another delicious meal! read more

I've been to several secret dinners in both LA and San Francisco but this tops them hands down- Barby is an amazing Italian chef who takes the dining experience to a whole new level! Each course is brought out by a waiter then she comes out behind the curtain to tell you about each dish then slips back into the kitchen to prepare the next one. The table of 12 guests were strangers for the most part which made for a very fun night of conversation. No restaurant offers this level of food and setting for the price. My guess is this will take off and she'll need more staff, a bigger table and more nights offered. This is a very cool way to dine out! now how to keep it a secret.... read more

Though I would like to be selfish and keep this all to myself, the work of chef Barbara is too good to stay hidden for long... There is no doubt a seat at this secret dinner will quickly become the hottest in the LA gourmet scene. read more

This was my first time trying anything like this, especially in the dating scene and I am VERY glad I went. Not only was the food absolutely incredible, but the ambiance was just right for a nice relaxing meal with people who became my friends very quickly. There was so much culture under this roof that there was never a dull moment. I had the opportunity to meet some amazing people and share some of my own stories as well. Barbara was an immaculate host and prepared a very fine italian cuisine. Such a cute venue and what a cool way to spend a night. Throw on some classy clothes and give this a shot! I'll definitely be back. read more