Da Barbara — Restaurant in Los Angeles

While the normal menu looks much more promising and fair in value... I somehow chose to take my girlfriend here for valentine's day. A pre fixe menu and it was $380 ($550 with water, corkage and tip). We each received a strange scallop appetizer with "strange" being the keyword; iceberg lettuce and blueberries and grapes were involved for some reason? The next course was crab ravioli with lemon sauce. Somewhat broken sauce and edible ravioli I guess. Not bad. Also not worth ~$50 per person by any stretch of the imagination. The next course was an egregious preparation of possibly 3 oz of filet mignon, brown through and through with a "fondue" sauce and maybe a portion of potato that was 1/4 of a russet? A joke of a main course. Again, this course was at least $50 per person... The dessert was the best and that's not saying much. Not worth going further in detail.

This place deserves 1 star because the value was so, so, so low. You can eat at literally a thousand other restaurants in the county and have a better experience and better food. The service was nice and attentive and there were really no issues with the place itself so I feel bad leaving such a harsh review but I feel literally fleeced. This dinner was a ripoff and there's no nice way to put it. I get it. It's valentine's day. Restaurants think they can charge more and do less.

Edit: after seeing the owner's reply I wanted to note that the menu itself didn't sound unappealing. The preparation of the food was amateur at best regardless of ingredient quality. That's the issue. You have great ingredients? The best beef? Why are we covering it in cheese sauce then after overcooking it? Wish I...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Da Barbara, an intimate Italian gem tucked away in Hollywood. From the moment I walked in, I was enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complemented the exquisite cuisine.

Barbara, the owner and chef, is truly a master of her craft. Her passion for Italian cooking shines through in every dish.

The food was nothing short of spectacular, with each plate showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients and a perfect balance of flavors.

From the rich, velvety pasta to the succulent, melt-in-your-mouth meat dishes, every bite was a testament to Barbara's culinary expertise.

A must try is the Taglioni Al Pomodoro. Simple yet luscious.

What sets Da Barbara apart isn't just the incredible food—it's the genuine hospitality. Barbara is not only an exceptional chef but also a warm and gracious host. She makes every guest feel like part of the family, creating an experience that is both personal and unforgettable.

If you're looking for a dining experience that combines top-notch Italian cuisine with a cozy and intimate ambiance, look no further than Da Barbara.

It's a true standout in the Los Angeles dining scene and a place I'll be returning to...

I was very lucky that our party was able to get a seat at Da Barbara's kitchen. Having supper in the chef's private studio apartment is an experience one doesn't come across often. THE PASTA WAS AMAZING!!!!

From our seats, we could see the chef working in her actual kitchen, crafting each dish with care and artistry. It felt personal, special—like we were being welcomed into her world.

Now the food… where do I begin? Everything we tried was outstanding, but the gnocchi was, hands down, the best I’ve ever had—pillowy soft, delicately flavored, and practically melted on the tongue. The meatballs - there's nothing like them! The short ribs were rich and tender and the filet was perfectly cooked and FULL of flavor.

The entire evening felt like a rare find—one of those places you hesitate to tell too many people about because you want to keep it just as magical as it is.

Highly, highly recommend if you're lucky enough to get a...