Da Barbara

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Chef Barbara Pollastrini's Italian Table in Los Angeles

Da Barbara is the expression of one chef's commitment to doing things properly. At the helm is Barbara Pollastrini, whose culinary philosophy centers on what the restaurant itself describes as "the artistry of culinary simplicity" — a merging of tradition, innovation, and meticulous research in service of an extraordinary Italian experience.

That means pastas and breads made entirely by hand, and ingredients sourced with the kind of care that shows on the plate. Nothing here is incidental. The approach pays homage to a culinary heritage while leaving room for contemporary thinking — a balance that earned Da Barbara recognition in the Gambero Rosso guide, Italy's most authoritative voice on Italian food culture, including its reach abroad.

What to Expect at the Table

The takeaway and retail side of Da Barbara offers a glimpse into the kitchen's sensibility: braided challah bread, crostata with fruit jam, focaccia, and an Italian cookie box — all handcrafted preparations that reflect the same standards applied to the dining room. The recipe archive hints at a kitchen that moves between classic Italian foundations and more unexpected combinations, always with precision.

The restaurant opens Wednesday through Saturday for dinner, with the full à la carte menu available alongside a dedicated drinks selection and allergen information. Private events and catering are also part of what Da Barbara offers, making it a destination for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings that call for the same level of Italian cooking.

A Personal Project with Real Craft Behind It

Da Barbara is, at its core, a personal project — the name itself signals that. Barbara Pollastrini's name is on the door, and her standards are what hold the room together. For anyone seeking Italian cuisine in Los Angeles that takes its craft seriously, this Fountain Avenue address is worth knowing.