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Donna's
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Donna's
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
This lively red-sauce joint channels retro East Coast glamour with gold curtains, gaudy fruit-tree wallpaper, and pinwheel lasagna on practically every table. From the team behind Bar Flores and Lowboy, Donna's serves elevated Italian-American classics with California ingredients and incredible cocktails, creating a buzzing atmosphere where garlic bread achieves legendary status and chicken parm earns genuine applause.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Bread with Parmesan, Spicy Fusilli alla Vodka, Chicken Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: TikTok-famous red sauce joint that actually delivers on the hype
Who should go: Anyone craving nostalgic Italian-American comfort elevated with California touch
When to visit: Book far ahead on Resy; walk-ins accepted when available
What to order: Life-changing garlic bread, spicy fusilli, chicken parm, tiramisu
Insider tip: Arrive early for street parking and prepare for single-stall restroom wait
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - challenging after 5pm. Arrive 15 minutes early or use paid lot on Sunset ($8-12). Nearby neighborhoods offer better options within 5-min walk.
Dress code: Elevated casual - think nice jeans and a button-down or cute dress. The glamorous retro setting calls for stepping it up from athleisure.
Noise level: Lively and buzzing - you can converse but expect raised voices during peak hours. The energy is part of the appeal.
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation (often unavailable). Book 2-3 weeks ahead on Resy for prime slots.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - dinner only Tuesday-Sunday starting 5pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including eggplant parm, multiple pasta dishes, and standout vegetable sides. The garlic bread alone is worth the trip.
Vegan options: Very limited - maybe 1-2 modifications possible. This is a butter-and-cheese-forward Italian spot, not the best choice for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Minimal - traditional red sauce Italian relies heavily on pasta. Call ahead but expect limited authentic GF options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice if you want impressive but not intimidating. The buzzy atmosphere takes pressure off awkward silences, portions encourage sharing, and the Instagram-worthy setting gives you conversation starters. Just know it's loud enough that deep conversations might wait until drinks after.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends - they accept walk-ins when available but expect 60-90 min waits or turnaway. Your best bet: arrive right at 5pm Tuesday-Thursday, put your name in, and grab drinks at neighboring Bar Flores while you wait. Solo diners sometimes snag bar seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who can handle noise and wait times - they'll love the over-the-top decor and shareability. Not ideal for toddlers due to tight seating, single restroom, and buzzy nighttime energy. The food hits all kid favorites: garlic bread, pasta, chicken parm.
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 90-120 minutes once seated. Service moves at a leisurely pace that matches the vibe - this isn't a quick bite. The experience is designed for lingering over multiple courses and cocktails.
Is the hype real or just TikTok buzz? The hype is earned. Yes, it's all over social media, but the food genuinely delivers - especially that garlic bread and chicken parm. The Lowboy/Bar Flores team knows what they're doing. Just set expectations for crowds and noise that come with viral success.
Best For
Better for: Donna's excels when you want the full-experience Italian-American night out with killer cocktails, shareable excess, and scene energy. The Bar Flores team brings serious beverage credibility and ingredient sourcing that elevates beyond typical red sauce joints. Choose this over competitors when Instagram-worthy ambiance and California-elevated classics matter more than quiet intimacy or traditional authenticity.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, quick service, or easy reservations. Also skip if you're seeking authentic regional Italian cuisine - this is unabashedly Italian-American comfort food. For intimate dates or business meals, choose somewhere calmer. For easier access to similar vibes with less hype, try Osteria La Buca or Lodge Bread Company.
Donna's
8.5
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
This Echo Park red sauce joint channels retro glamour with gold curtains and gaudy wallpaper, serving elevated Italian-American comfort food alongside exceptional cocktails from the Bar Flores and Lowboy team. Chef-driven preparations of chicken parm, pinwheel-shaped lasagna, and fusilli alla vodka transform familiar classics into craveable dishes that justify the hype since opening in 2023.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Fusilli alla Vodka, Chicken Parmesan, Sourdough Parmesan Garlic Bread
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Retro-glam atmosphere meets refined Italian-American cooking with killer cocktails
Who should go: Couples wanting scene and substance in equal measure
When to visit: Weeknight dinner reservations or early walk-in weekend attempts
What to order: Garlic bread, spicy fusilli, chicken parm, and a martini
Insider tip: Reserve tables 14 days in advance or walk in at 5:30pm for first-come seating
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, competitive after 6pm. Sunset Boulevard lot 2 blocks away ($8 flat). Arrive 15 min early to find street spots.
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans and blouse work, but most guests lean cocktail attire. Skip athleisure.
Noise level: Lively but conversational - can hear your date without shouting, energetic buzz adds to atmosphere
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation after 7pm, walk-ins at 5:30pm typically seated within 15 min
Weekday lunch: Dinner only - no lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - eggplant parm, cacio e pepe, and multiple pasta options easily modified
Vegan options: Limited - marinara-based pastas can be made vegan, but menu skews heavily dairy/cheese
Gluten-free options: Very limited - Italian-American menu is pasta-forward, GF substitutions not advertised
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for 2nd-4th dates when you want to impress, but the scene-y vibe and noise level might overwhelm a first meeting. Better for when you're past nervous small talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but strategic timing required. Arrive at 5:30pm sharp for first-come bar seating or dining room spots. After 7pm, expect 60-90 min waits on weekends. Reservations open 14 days out on Resy.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - intimate space, cocktail-forward atmosphere, and adult energy make this firmly date night territory. No kids menu. Try their sister spot Lowboy for family-friendly Italian.
How much should I budget per person? $75-95 per person with appetizer, entree, cocktail and tip. Portions are generous but not shareable. Wine list starts at $60/bottle.
Is the hype justified? Yes - this isn't just Instagram bait. The food legitimately delivers with chef-driven execution of comfort classics, and cocktails match the kitchen's quality. Worth the reservation hustle.
Best For
Better for: Choose Donna's when you want the full package - serious food, serious drinks, and a buzzy atmosphere that feels special. The retro-glam aesthetic and Bar Flores pedigree cocktails set it apart from standard Italian spots.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, need GF/vegan options, prefer traditional red sauce joints, or can't secure reservations (don't gamble on walk-ins for special occasions). Also skip if you're looking for authentic regional Italian vs Italian-American comfort food.
Donna's
8.5
Echo Park's buzzy Italian-American red sauce joint from the Bar Flores/Lowboy team channels retro glamour with gold curtains and teal floral wallpaper. Elevated comfort food like pinwheel lasagna bolognese and spicy fusilli alla vodka honor tradition while modernizing execution in a scene-y atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Bread, Spicy Fusilli Alla Vodka, Chicken Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Modern red sauce excellence with cocktails as good as the food
Who should go: Date night crowd and Italian-American comfort food lovers
When to visit: Dinner Wednesday-Sunday, reservations 14 days advance at 10am
What to order: Life-changing garlic bread, spicy fusilli, chicken parm
Insider tip: Large portion reserved for walk-ins at 5:30pm opening
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - challenging after 6pm on weekends. Sunset Boulevard lot 2 blocks away ($8). Arrive 15 mins early or rideshare recommended.
Dress code: Elevated casual - think nice jeans with a dressy top. The gold curtains and retro glamour vibe call for stepping it up from daytime casual.
Noise level: Lively but conversational - buzzy dinner energy without nightclub volume. Can hear across the table but expect animated atmosphere.
Weekend wait: 60-90 minutes without reservation after 7pm. Walk-in section fills immediately at 5:30pm opening.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch - dinner only Wednesday-Sunday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including eggplant parm, cacio e pepe, and multiple pasta choices. Red sauce focus makes meatless easy.
Vegan options: Very limited - 1-2 pasta options without cheese. This is a cheese-forward Italian-American spot, not the best choice for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF pasta. Some proteins and salads work but this is pasta-centric. Call ahead for accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for first dates with strong conversation rapport - the lively atmosphere and shareable format create natural interaction. Skip if you prefer quiet intimate settings. The retro glamour sets a romantic mood without being too serious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes but strategic timing required. Large walk-in section available at 5:30pm opening (arrive by 5:15pm). After 6:30pm on weekends, expect 60-90 min waits. Weeknights are easier but still competitive.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ who can appreciate the scene and sit through a longer dinner. Not ideal for toddlers - trendy crowd, no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere. Classic Italian-American dishes kids recognize but portions are shareable/adult-sized.
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 90-120 minutes for full experience. Pacing is relaxed with shareable format encouraging leisurely dining. Not a quick in-and-out spot.
Is the cocktail program worth it? Absolutely - Bar Flores pedigree shows. Cocktails rival the food as a draw. Budget $16-18 per drink but execution justifies it.
Best For
Better for: Scene + substance combination - trendy atmosphere that doesn't sacrifice food quality. Cocktails outclass most Italian spots. Modern take on red sauce classics without abandoning tradition. Instagram appeal with legitimate culinary execution.
Skip if: You want quiet romance, need guaranteed seating without planning, prefer traditional red-checkered-tablecloth Italian, have strict dietary restrictions, or want quick casual dining. Also skip if you're anti-scene or hate waiting.