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Da Barbara
Master Critic Review
Da Barbara
9.1
An intimate, reservation-only Italian dining room where Chef Barbara Pollastrini serves a seasonal tasting-style menu of handmade pastas and refined secondi in an apartment-like space. Portions are composed and elegant rather than oversized, and the experience leans more toward a special-occasion dinner than a casual neighborhood meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliolini al Pomodoro, Polpettine di Barbara, Seasonal Gnocchi of the Day
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9.3
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Chef-driven, tasting-style Italian served in a tiny, home-like space.
Who should go: Serious diners seeking intimate, special-occasion Italian.
When to visit: Evening seatings, especially midweek for a quieter room.
What to order: Tagliolini al Pomodoro, Polpettine, seasonal gnocchi course.
Insider tip: It’s BYOB; bring a favorite Italian bottle and confirm corkage when booking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—metered and tight in the evenings. Arrive early or use a rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual to elegant—dress shoes and nice attire recommended for the occasion.
Noise level: Low - ideal for quiet conversation and intimate celebrations.
Weekend wait: Reservation required—no walk-ins accepted.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch—dinner seatings only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several tasting courses can be tailored to vegetarians with notice.
Vegan options: Limited - vegan requests must be made in advance and accommodated case-by-case.
Gluten-free options: Yes - handmade gluten-free pasta substitutions available with prior request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're aiming to impress—Da Barbara is quiet, upscale, and deeply personal. Better for a meaningful second or third date than a casual intro.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—reservations are mandatory and should be made well in advance due to extremely limited seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for children—no kids’ menu, limited space, and a quiet, adult-oriented ambiance. Best for adults-only dining.
Best For
Better for: Perfect for intimate, chef-led tasting menus in a quiet, home-like setting—rare in bustling Hollywood.
Skip if: Skip if you're looking for a casual night out, large portions, or an à la carte menu—this is a refined, prix-fixe experience.