Pasta highlights include a wonderful pumpkin ravioli, firm pasta squares with sweet pumpkin filling coddled by a creamy balsamic sauce. There are two preparations of veal medallions on the menu, both very good, though I prefer the veal with spinach and gorgonzola cheese to the veal with mushrooms and white wine sauce. Owner Antonella Barbanente is the sister of Tony Barbanente, who owns Via Veneto on the Northwest Side. La Donna's brunch is one of the city's lesser-known bargains. For such a modestly sized restaurant, La Donna has a sizeable and serious regional-Italian wine list.
Prices are very fair.
The pretty dining room has wainscotted walls and shaded sconces that illuminate framed advertising posters. However, the dining room is so crowded that it approaches claustrophobic levels. Moving from table to restroom and back often requires the cooperation of strangers. Pray that the people at the adjoining table are having an intelligent conversation, because you're going to hear every word. Better still, dine on Wednesdays and wait for La Donna to grow into a larger space.