This is Nestled in a corner of LA where the hustle and bustle seem to pause for just a moment, this quaint Italian gem offers a culinary experience that's as rich as its heritage. Walking into Da Barbara is like stepping into the home of an Italian nonna, who greets you with a warmth that's impossible to resist. Let's start with the scallop chowder. Now, I've had my fair share of chowders, but this one, consisting of bay scallops, burro, cipolle, sedano, carote, panna, mais, pancetta fatta in casa, patate, aglio, pepe di cayenna, pepe nero, e sale, was a pleasant surprise. The flavors were well-balanced, not drowning in cream or butter as many tend to do. The portion was generous enough to last me two meals, which is a win in my book. Buono lavoro, Barbara. Moving on to the meatballs, a dish that can either make you cry with joy or with regret. Thankfully, it was the former. The polpette, made of ground beef, cipolle, aglio, sale, pepe, uova, pane, and formaggio parmigiano, were cooked to perfection. I paired them with some spaghetti noodles, and the sauce--oh, the sauce!--was just the right amount to coat each meatball and noodle without turning the dish into a soupy mess. Bravo! Now, the pièce de résistance, the pasta e fagioli. A mix of fagioli, pancetta, sedano, carote, aglio, cipolle, pasta, and extra virgin olive oil in a light, clear broth. Even with my clumsy hands, which managed to crack the container and spill some broth, the soup was still divine. The pasta pieces were delightfully irregular, adding a rustic charm to the dish. La vita è bella! But what truly sets Da Barbara apart is Barbara herself. Her presence in the cucina, her storytelling about each dish, and her genuine passion for her craft make dining here an experience, not just a meal. Her restaurant is a reflection of her--warm, inviting, and full of character. The ambiance? Perfetto. An open kitchen, elegant decor, and even the restroom had a tasteful touch. It felt more like a family gathering than a restaurant, and that's something money can't buy. So, would I recommend Da Barbara? Assolutamente. If you're in LA and craving authentic Italian with a personal touch, this is the place to be. Grazie, Barbara, for a memorable meal and for making us feel at home. Salute! read more

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Da Barbara and it was nothing short of a sublime culinary experience. This intimate Italian restaurant exudes charm and modern sophistication, making it an ideal spot for a romantic evening or a special celebration. Or even make it a place for a good party. I' From the moment we stepped in, the warm ambiance and attentive wait staff set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The decor was tastefully done with soft lighting and elements that create an inviting atmosphere. The tables are well-spaced, ensuring a sense of privacy for each diner. We made reservations for the chef's table, which was amazing watching the chef at work. What I loved the most was that she was smiling while preparing each dish. Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the food. The menu at Da Barbara is a delightful journey through authentic modern Italian flavors. Each dish is crafted with precision and a passion for quality ingredients. We with started fresh Ricotta with tomato confit. This was amazing! It was so balance between savory and delicate taste of the ricotta. It was a perfect precursor to the culinary delights that followed. To top it all off, the dessert menu was a sweet symphony that left us with a lingering sense of satisfaction. We had TWO different deserts. The Cannolo with Sabayon cream and apple flambe created a heavenly finale to our dining experience. What truly sets Da Barbara apart is not just the exceptional food but also the impeccable one person server, that was there before having to ask for her. She was attentive but not intrusive. needed her. Her attention to detail, genuine warmth, and knowledge of the menu elevated our evening to a level of hospitality rarely experienced. In conclusion, Da Barbara is a gem. It's a place where passion for food, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating a memorable dining experience come together seamlessly. I highly recommend this intimate and fabulous establishment for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Italy in a modern setting. read more

Just had dinner at Da Barbara and, wow, it was an awesome experience! This place is the perfect mix of cozy and fancy, great for date nights, special occasions, or even a fun party. From the second we walked in, the vibe was welcoming, with super friendly staff and a cool decor that made us feel right at home. We even got a table near the chef's area, which was super cool - watching the chef do her magic and always with a smile. Let's get into the food because, honestly, that's what you're here for, right? Da Barbara's menu is like a trip through Italy but with a modern twist. Started off with this fresh Ricotta with tomato confit that was just out of this world - the perfect mix of savory ricotta and sweet tomato. Such a great start! And the desserts? Had to go for two because why not? The Cannolo with Sabayon cream and the apple flambe were both to die for. But what really made the night was the service. Our server was on point - there whenever we needed something but never hovering. She knew the menu inside out and just made our night even better. All in all, Da Barbara is the place to be. It's not just about the amazing food but the whole experience. Definitely coming back here and telling all my friends about it. If you're craving genuine Italian with a modern vibe, this is your spot. read more

Had the pleasure to taste some authentic italian food, cooked with passion and love, in a lovely secret location in Hollywood tonight! What an experience! If you americans in LA wants to get the feeling of what italian dining is REALLY about, don't miss this super-exclusive, intimate and true-at-heart experience! Barbyla's Secret Dinner is a lovely, warm, cozy, nice and relaxing dinner experience. The meal is cooked with passion and love, and every course is explained personally by the cook herself, with her typical italian accent! The chef being italian, the italian food is really cooked in a genuine, simple and authentic way...it reflects the true spirit of the italian cuisine. There are only 12 seats at the table, which makes this dining experience very exclusive and unique. Every course is served with care and detailed attention to everything: the table is set very elegant, but not too snobby or fancy. The mood is relaxed, smiling, people are interesting and jazz music goes in the background! Price is worth every penny, I actually find it even cheap for the treatment and the excellent food! read more

Da Barbara is a charming, intimate restaurant set in a cozy apartment, offering a carefully curated Italian dining experience by Chef Barbara. I booked a table for their Valentine's Day special, which featured scallop tartare, crab ravioli, filet mignon with black truffle sauce, and a delightful strawberry semifreddo. The ambiance was warm and personal, seating only about 10-14 guests, making for a truly special evening. My girlfriend absolutely loved the food and even called it the best place I've taken her to yet. I really appreciated how accommodating Chef Barbara was, allowing me to substitute the scallops with shrimp due to my allergy. The shrimp was so tender and delectable. The attention to detail and hospitality made the experience even better. I'd love to return on a non-holiday to explore more of her specialties. If you're looking for an intimate, high-quality Italian dining experience, Da Barbara is definitely worth a visit! read more

Indulging in an evening at Da Barbara is like stepping into a culinary dreamland where every detail is meticulously crafted to perfection. From the moment you walk through the doors, you're greeted with an ambiance that exudes Italian charm and elegance. The food is a true delight, with each dish expertly crafted to cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs. My recent visit with my partner was nothing short of magical. From the impeccable service to the charming surroundings, every moment felt like a celebration of love and gastronomy. It's not just a restaurant; it's an experience--a journey into the heart of Italian culinary excellence. For anyone in search of an authentic Italian dining experience elevated to the highest standards, I wholeheartedly recommend Da Barbara. It's where culinary excellence meets the soulful warmth of Italian tradition. read more

We visited this restaurant based on a recommendation from Jeff Lewis Live, but unfortunately, our experience was quite disappointing. We started with the Polpettine di Barbara and the focaccia bread. Both arrived cold, and the bread lacked flavor. For our mains, we had the short rib brasato, which was overwhelmingly salty, and the gnocchi, which was just average. The scalloped potatoes were good, striking a perfect balance between a satisfying crispness and rich, creamy texture. Dessert was the highlight of the evening--the Barbara Special bread pudding made with focaccia was absolutely delightful. It had a perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft, rich interior. Sadly, the service left much to be desired. As we exited, not a single staff member offered a thank you or wished us a good evening. It was a disappointing end to an underwhelming meal. read more

Spending an evening at "Da Barbara" is a truly unique experience. It feels like stepping into Barbara's cozy home, where she warmly welcomes you. The ambiance is delightful, with every piece of décor holding a special story. The beautiful kitchen, where the magic unfolds before your eyes, adds to the charm. Chef Barbara's personal touch transforms each dish into a work of art. She explains each creation, setting the stage for the enchanting experience that follows. Your senses will be transported to a realm where food, love, and art blend seamlessly. The restaurant offers a perfect combination of innovative and traditional Italian cuisine, showcasing exceptional flavors and meticulous attention to detail. For an unforgettable dining experience, Da Barbara is highly recommended, ideal for date nights and special occasions. read more

"Da Barbara" restaurant offers a delightful Chef's Table experience that's a true culinary gem in Hollywood. Chef Barbara's expertise shines through in every dish served at this charming establishment. The attention to detail and flavors in each course is remarkable, showcasing a perfect blend of innovative and traditional Italian culinary finesse. Da Barbara truly stand out not just for the exceptional food but also for the inviting ambiance and warm hospitality. The menu, curated with seasonal ingredients, reflects Chef Barbara's skillful creativity, delivering dishes that are both delightful, memorable and visually stunning. For those seeking not just a meal but a gastronomic revelation, this experience is an absolute must. read more

Da Barbara is a true hidden gem in Hollywood--romantic, elegant, and absolutely delicious. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance wraps around you like a warm hug, with soft jazz playing and an atmosphere that feels both intimate and elevated. The food is beyond incredible--each dish rich with flavor, beautifully plated, and deeply comforting. Barbara herself, along with the gracious maîtresse d', creates such a welcoming and refined experience. Their presence adds a personal touch that makes the evening feel extra special. This is the kind of place you linger, savor, and remember. Highly recommend for a date night or any night you want to feel transported. read more

We dined here last night and had one of the best meals we've had in a very long time. The food was amazing from start to finish. The service was top notch and the ambiance was the perfect blend of old meets new with just the right touch of classic elegance. We highly recommend the Pomodoro Tagliolini, but everything we tasted was exceptional.This place is a new LA secret that won't stay that way for long! read more

Just Amazing! Absolutely a must! I had no idea what to expect but it was an incredible experience... the atmosphere was elegant but still homey with beautiful candles and a gorgeous setting. The service impeccable, and of course, the food just fantastic! read more

My wife and I love this place and come here often! Definitely recommend for date night!!!