Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Da Barbara

    4.9 (93 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndItalian
    Closed 5:30 pm - 9:30 PM
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Da Barbara Photos

    DA BARBARA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Quiet
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Da Barbara

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Steak tartare
    Lissa L.

    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). [[HIGHLIGHT]]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.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I noticed the bathroom even had tampons, a Tide pen - everything a woman needed! Women-run businesses are so thorough.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]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.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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.

    Side table downstairs
    John S.

    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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Right from the start, Chef Barbara and the decor made the place feel both warm, welcoming, and upscale.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]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.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere is cozy and beautiful, and the service was great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You can bring your own wine with no corkage fee, which is a nice bonus. [[HIGHLIGHT]]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[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Think dinner and a show before our show (play). [[HIGHLIGHT]]Upstairs has a few smaller tables, but it doesn't have quite the same energy/vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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!

    Ian L.

    Chef Barbara is amazingly talented! Her deft technique strikes the extraordinary balance between rich and light. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Beautiful space that makes you feel at home in an elegant way.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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.

    Ryan S.

    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.

    tortelli of the day
    Deidre M.

    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!

    Lucy V.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]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.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Seeing Barbara a few feet away preparing the food is like being cooked for at home.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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.

    Pasta

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very intimate restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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.

    Interior
    Robert W.

    The hype is real. What an incredible experience. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The food, service and ambiance are top notch.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Eating here feels like a little secret food heaven without the pretentiousness of other LA experiences.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]All at once you feel like you're dining in nonna's kitchen, but yet a beautiful setting (see pics).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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!

    The best chocolate cake EVER! It was light and not overly sugared

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]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.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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!

    From the outside at night
    Johnny M.

    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.

    Beautiful chandelier and art

    See all

    Review Insights

    30 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ryan S.
    440
    738
    1500

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 6
    Love this 19
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lucy V.
    2
    74
    55

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Robert W.
    51
    154
    70

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ryan C.
    2
    106
    8

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Johnny M.
    1
    218
    154

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Teri F.
    1
    107
    94

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Amazing! Everything tasted delicious!!!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]I loved the intimate feel[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and service was excellent!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Foodie H.
    2
    237
    25

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul C.
    119
    53
    16

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

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

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

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

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mario V.
    308
    18
    19

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Thank you so much it was special having you

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nick M.
    58
    76
    26

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul L.
    2
    27
    14

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Barbara P.

    Barbara P.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Da Barbara Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Da Barbara

    Do you offer soft drinks or only water? If not, we are welcome to bring our own drink, correct?

    Hello, yes this is a bring-your-own-wine restaurant. We also offer Crodino, a classic Italian non-alcoholic aperitivo.

    Hello how much is the corkage fee?

    Hello We don't charge a corkage fee 😊

    What should we expect as far as parking? How much time should we allow? We are a party of 4 on May 10 at 6:00. We are so excited!

    Hello, we have street parking About the time For how many people is the reservation?

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Maccheroni Republic

    Maccheroni Republic

    4.4
    (4.6k reviews)
    5.6 mi
    $$

    I LOVE their Bianchi & Neri, seriously the best pasta dish they offer. I am a big fan of thin…read morespaghetti, the black noodles are because of squid ink. It is tossed with shrimp, mushrooms, and roasted pancetta, all in a rich creamy bisque. Our party of 5 all ordered this and we never regret it (about $25 per plate). We also ordered a seasonal dish called Paccheri Nero Di Polpo featuring squid ink paccheri pasta cut to resemble calamari and served with cooked octopus ragù. They serve free bread as you wait and you can help yourself to olive oil, vinegar, and/or their chili oil. Can't go wrong with an order of calamari. Their meat balls were tasty and more sausage forward.

    Maccheroni Republic - Life is full of pasta-bilities!…read more So if you know anything about me, you know that I love pasta more than just about anything. While I can only officially claim about 12% Italian heritage, I'm 100% down for Italian food, especially homemade pasta, any day of the week. I'm spending this week in Little Tokyo for a conference, and while Japanese food is also absolutely my jam, when Maccheroni Republic slid into my Yelp feed, I knew that I had to hoof it over there immediately after we broke for the day. I saw the front of the building, and my heart sank because it looked closed, but then I noted the sign that indicated that the entrance is on the right side of the building through the courtyard. Thank goodness! I strutted through the courtyard, and observed about 15 people waiting for tables. Unbothered, I went up to the host stand and chatted with the stylish maitre'd - Dino - who indicated that he could have a table for me in 7-10 minutes. I proceeded to wait and I watched how he deftly sat the other waiting parties in order without difficulty or notes. To the untrained eye, it might have looked a little chaotic, but Dino absolutely knew what he was doing. About 15 minutes later, Dino sat me at a corner deuce in the inside dining room where I had a nice view of everything. Angel efficiently took my order and did a very good job of overseeing my table as well as about nine others. The dining room is so cute and homey, and the patio is a welcome respite from the bustle and business of downtown. Since I was "da sola" or on my own, I just tried the shrimp cakes and I ordered the Rigatoni all Norma which is one of of my go to pasta dishes since I don't eat much meat. Incidentally, this dish is named after Norma, the famous 19th-century opera composed by Catanese native Vincenzo Bellini. According to legend, a famous Sicilian playwright, Nino Martoglio, tried the pasta and was so overwhelmed by its perfection that he exclaimed, "Chista è 'na vera Norma!" ("This is a true Norma!"), comparing the culinary masterpiece to the musical one. So says Wikipedia anyway. The shrimp cakes were delivered quickly by a sweet food runner who kindly checked on me periodically during my dinner. The four shrimp cakes were accompanied by sauteed onions which paired really nicely with the crispy cakes that were brightened with a spritz from the fresh lemon wedge. She also brought a basket with four slices of Italian bread which I enjoyed with the EVOO and Balsamic that were on the table. My Watermelon Ciao was also so good. It was sweetly tart and such a nice treat on a Monday! Not long after I polished off the shrimp cakes, the rigatoni was delivered and dusted with a generous layer of parmigiana. The little fresh mozzarella pearls glistened on the top of the pasta and slowly melted and oozed into the sauce as I stirred it up. Yum! The rigatoni were al dente and delicious, and they were perfectly sauced. Of course, the eggplant was perfectly cooked as well, I only wish there had been a few more pieces of it - although by the time I ate the last noodle, I was so full! Alas, I had no room for dessert, but I intend to bring some of my conference colleagues back for a meal before the end of the week because it was THAT GOOD. I also loved that this place is NOT pretentious at all. There were all sorts of folks enjoying their food here from medical professionals in scrubs to college kids in shorts and t-shirts, and I was also very casually attired, but I was treated well and welcomed with graciousness and delicious food! Mille grazie Maccheroni Republic, Dino, Angel and everyone at this wonderfully lowkey yet fabulous trattoria.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    MASCARPONE FLAN
    MASCARPONE FLAN
    Scallops with squid ink risotto

    See all

    Scallops with squid ink risotto
    Cento Pasta Bar

    Cento Pasta Bar

    4.4
    (1.2k reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $$$

    Charming laidback outdoor courtyard setting nestled in trees and a lively kitchen-view, counter…read moreseating inside. The menu is inviting with plenty of great options without being overwhelming. Less is more. But let's talk art (culinary, that is). The dishes certainly deserve main features. To start "the best Caesar salad in LA" and I quote which was certainly true. Grilled octopus charred on the inside and juicy at the center. Spicy pomodoro is perfectly al dente and a well-balanced sauce. But, my favorite-- the agnolotti! Wow, melt in your mouth! The flavor profiles of corn, crème fraiche, and old bay were delicious. My only wish -- larger serving of this (smallest pasta serving on the menu). To complete it, banana pudding tiramisu -- delicious too with a firm center and oozy outside. Atala was wonderful and very sweet. Recommendation: come with a group of at least 4 to try more on the menu -- the large plates (branzino and ribeye) looked excellent! Definitely a worthwhile visit.

    Cento is located a little in the cut, but definitely worth seeking out…read more I came for dinner and we had some really outstanding dishes. Of the things we ordered, I really loved the farro salad ($22?) best. Refreshing pomegranate seeds are mixed with the farro and give the salad an added crunch. The farro sits on a bed of dill infused crème fraiche. It is a deliciously refreshing salad and the perfect complement to any meal. For pastas, the sweet corn agnolotti ($28) was so light and fun. The little pockets of agnolotti is stuffed with corn and swims in a savory broth anchored by crème fraiche. It's giving summer and I'm absolutely here for it. Cento's dining space is quaint, so make sure to make a resy.

    Photos
    The kitchen view from our seats
    The kitchen view from our seats
    Spicy Pomodoro
    Spicy Pomodoro
    Beef Tartare

    See all

    Beef Tartare
    Bestia

    Bestia

    4.3
    (8.4k reviews)
    7.1 mi
    $$$

    This was one of the best meals I have had in a long time. The Cheap Sunglasses cocktail was nice…read more The housemaid buttermilk ricotta with grilled bread was sublime. The prosciutto and arugula salad was without equal. The Cavatelli alla Norcina was so good I thought I died and went to heaven. We ordered one of each dessert and they were all good. But the Vin Dolce Chiffon Cake, sauteed apricots & cherries and vanilla-mascarpone whipped cream, rules over them all.

    I ate at Bestia several years ago, before COVID, and I still think about that dinner today. I had…read moreflown from New York during a dreary stretch, and landing in sunny Los Angeles felt like arriving on another planet. California offered an immediate rush of light, space, and possibility. My memory is that when I turned my phone back on at LAX, my friend messaged to say he'd gotten us the hookup at Bestia. That dinner belongs to a chapter in which I spent considerable time in California and felt energized by the contrast with New York. My friend is highly discerning, with impeccable taste in food, design, and culture. He notices details most people miss, so when a place impresses him, I pay attention. From the moment I saw his message, I knew the reservation meant something. Even before we entered, Bestia's character was evident. Faded lettering crossed the corrugated metal facade, while brick walls and old loading doors preserved the warehouse's industrial history. Inside, enormous windows and garage doors brought light into a room shaped by glass, exposed ductwork, and warm amber pendants. When I fantasize about living in a loft, many of the attributes I picture are here, especially the incredible windows and connection to the street. Inside the restaurant, the dining room achieved a combination I rarely encounter. It had the table density and collective buzz of a great New York restaurant, but within a large, design-forward space closer in scale to something found in Chicago. New York creates energy through tight rooms, while Chicago excels at ambitious spaces with strong architectural identities. Bestia captured both advantages and made its considerable footprint feel alive and unified. We sat shoulder to shoulder at a pale stone counter facing the open kitchen. Golden era hip hop was playing, and A Tribe Called Quest still rings a very specific bell. I ordered the squid ink pasta, and it was exquisite, with enough depth and precision to command attention amid everything happening around us. We also spotted an unmistakably A-list celebrity, whom I will leave unnamed, making the night feel quintessentially Los Angeles. During that period, I often stayed at the Ace Hotel downtown, and the Arts District felt vibrant, raw, and full of possibility. The proximity to Skid Row could be deeply jarring, with severe hardship existing beside ambitious development and expensive restaurants. That contrast kept the neighborhood from feeling like a neat story of urban renewal, even as Bestia seemed to anchor its evolution. The warehouses and loading docks gave the area a character that no new development could convincingly recreate. Nearby, I also remember the American Apparel complex during its demise and the rise of impossibly cool Los Angeles designer John Elliott. His Escobar sweatpants and Villain hoodie helped define the kit of that moment; loyalists will understand. Los Angeles is a fickle city, drawn toward whatever is new and shiny, which makes Bestia's longevity especially impressive. Scene without substance is plastic, and Bestia earned its electricity through exceptional cooking, assured service, and a remarkable space; if I lived in Los Angeles, this would be one of the places I'd rely on whenever I wanted to impress someone. This is absolutely one of my favorite restaurants in the world.

    Photos
    Bar area!!
    Bar area!!
    "Coffee and Donuts"
    "Coffee and Donuts"
    Squid Ink Spaghetti

    See all

    Squid Ink Spaghetti
    Donna's

    Donna's

    4.3
    (708 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$$

    Food, incredible. Drinks, amazing. Service, always on point!…read more Always worth the hype when we come to Donna's. Had a booth this time and were one of the first people into the restaurant. Pro tip: the 5pm reservation never disappoints. Street parking was not bad either. Definitely a good date night spot!

    Wow, I was surprised at how busy this place was on a Wednesday night. We had 5:45 pm reservations…read moreand when we got here the places was FULL. I feel the seating was a little tight in certain areas put they did make clear walking paths. Traffic to get here was horrible but we got lucky and found a non-metered spot about a block away as soon as we arrived in the area. For apps, we ordered the garlic bread and meatballs. The garlic bread was different. It was a sourdough loaf with oozing garlic butter inside but was only toasted whole so overall ate very soft and I missed the typically toastiness I get with most garlic bread. The flavor was still very good, especially dipping it into the marinera that accompanied the meatballs. For entrees and sides, we ordered the lasagna, the eggplant tortellini, the chicken parmesan and the broccolini. I can only say they really like their parmesan here. I'm not the biggest fan so I brushed a lot of it off. The tortellini was the star of the show for me and I think it was partially because all the other dishes were marinera + parmesan so it gave a nice break in the flavor profile. Something to consider when ordering next time. The chicken parmesan was delicious. I found the lasagna to be okay and would pass on the broccolini next time (to be fair, I got rid of all the cheese so that probably change the flavor profile they were going for).

    Photos
    Bar area.
    Bar area.
    Vodka pasta
    Vodka pasta
    Broccolini

    See all

    Broccolini
    Mother Wolf

    Mother Wolf

    4.0
    (1.4k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$$$

    Food was absolutely amazing. Quality of the noodles and the pizza were impeccable, and the cooks…read morehave it down to a science. The highlight was the zucchini blossoms, their special. I recommend the arrabbiata, the oxtail ragu, and the amatriciana.

    Mother Wolf continues to set the standard for Italian dining in Los Angeles…read more The service was nothing short of phenomenal. Andrés was an absolute professional--his knowledge of the menu was outstanding, and his recommendations made the entire experience even better. He was attentive, personable, and clearly passionate about ensuring every guest had an exceptional meal. The food was spectacular. Every dish was cooked to perfection, and every bite transports you straight to Rome--except with much more comfortable seating (IYKYK). The quality of the ingredients and attention to detail are evident in every course. And don't skip dessert--the dessert menu is absolutely top-tier and the perfect ending to an unforgettable meal. The ambiance ties everything together perfectly. The music creates an energetic, upbeat atmosphere that's ideal whether you're kicking off a night out or winding down after a fun-filled day. It strikes the perfect balance between elegant and lively. Mother Wolf isn't just a restaurant--it's an experience. Between the incredible food, impeccable service from Andrés, and vibrant atmosphere, it's easy to see why it's one of the best dining destinations in Los Angeles.

    Photos
    Open kitchen
    Open kitchen
    Polpette Di Coda (Oxtail Meatballs)
    Polpette Di Coda (Oxtail Meatballs)
    Croquettes, least memorable of the night for me but good!

    See all

    Croquettes, least memorable of the night for me but good!

    Da Barbara - italian - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...