Jane Marlowe

La Vara serves excellent Spanish tapas, cocktails, and wine in a quiet but lively atmosphere. The menu explores the Jewish and Moorish heritage of Spain with really tasty and creative small plates. Plan to order 3-4 per person, as they really are on the small side. We especially loved the butter served with the anchovies and toast, and appreciated that our server refilled the toast. Also outstanding were the Judios a la Plancha and Rossejat (like a seafood paella made with noodles instead of rice.) Service was friendly and attentive.

ebony shears

just … wow. our expectations were high after just having dined (and enjoyed!) next door at saint julivert recently. they were met and exceeded! we were in on a thursday, on the later end for la vara so even though we were only two we were able to take a booth. started with delicious cocktails and ordered the anchovies, chicories salad with persimmon, blue cheese and the most interesting coffee-infused vinaigrette, and had the tosta tomaca which was so good we ordered a second! there was a special cogote—roasted kanpachi fish head with sofrito butter that was so tasty we cleaned it to the bone, and the cochinillo with tximitxurri was so succulent and flavorful and the crispy skin just takes it over the top. dessert for us was basque cheesecake and a mini of the chocolate flan that we were gifted because we just couldn’t decide and there was a birthday involved…both had a bit of salt that did exactly what it was meant to and both were incredible. Sari, our server was delightful and Rob the GM was the perfect host! i’d love to visit with a bit of a group to be able to sample more of the menu in one sitting. either way, we’ll be back … so many other dishes to try.

+3

Gabriel

Came here for the first time and was delighted by the good food. We were two persons and had over 8 to 10 dishes including dessert and a few drinks. The most outstanding dishes were the salchichon, arroz meloso and morros prensados, I was pretty impressed of their taste. We had a vermut and wine to drink with the dishes. Service was superb and the atmosphere great, even though the place was full. The desserts were also very good. Overall this is an excellent Spanish tapas plates with a twist and I will definitely comeback here again.

+8

Benny Goldstein

I had an absolutely outstanding experience at La Vara on Clinton Street, and I can confidently say this is one of the finest dining spots in Brooklyn. From the moment I walked in, the staff made me feel genuinely welcomed. Everyone there was warm, attentive, and incredibly nice, striking that perfect balance between professionalism and friendliness that instantly elevates the whole experience. The food at La Vara is where the magic truly happens. Every dish is elegant, delicious, and presented with meticulous attention to detail. You can tell the kitchen takes real pride in crafting plates that not only taste incredible but look beautiful as well. Each item that came out felt like a small piece of art — layered flavors, creative combinations, and spot-on seasoning. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you why dining out can feel special. The atmosphere was comfortable yet refined, making it ideal for both a relaxed night out or a memorable celebration. After this experience, there’s no question about it — I will definitely be coming back again. If you’re looking for exceptional food, kind people, and an elevated dining experience, La Vara should be at the top of your list.

Laurent Baud

A not so hidden gem. This restaurant has amazing Spanish cuisine in the heart of Carrol gardens brooklyn. The dishes are flavorful and perfectly executed, refined Spanish basque dishes. Definitely worth the visit and we will be coming back.

+6

jade

Really really good. Some dishes are a miss but maybe that was personal preference. this restaurant is excellent and I would 100% recommend it. The chocolate flan is an ABSOLUTE must. It is one of the best desserts I've had in New York City and one of the best bites of the year Favorite dishes I had here were the Ajo Blanco and the cucumber grain salad

+5

Tristen Huang

Pretty place and great food! Everything had a lot of care put into it. By far my favourite dish was the ensalada de calamar (also really loved the beans!), but everything was good. I wish the octopus was sliced just a touch thicker, as I primarily love the texture. It was not a lot of octopus for the price. I was also a little surprised that the suckling pig didn’t come with anything else on the plate, as I feel like the tximitxurri alone was almost not enough to balance out the very porky taste of the roast. I would personally prefer coming to this place as a party of two. There were many dishes I felt myself wanting more of when shared between 3 people (mainly for the first part of the menu—excluding the last 5 more “entrée” items). If it’s a good day, I recommend asking for outdoor seating if available. It’s a quiet neighbourhood, and talking will be easier outside.

+4

Richard S

Had an extraordinary dinner here, very creative dishes, and amazing service and atmosphere. They had a wonderful sweet potato and squash tempura dish to start, a delicious and tasty risotto-inspired dish and then a truly good dish with noodles and various seafood. All three dishes rated 10/10 for taste and creativity. Only slight disappointment was the cheesecake dessert which didn’t seem fresh. But a wonderful value overall. Service at the bar was very personal and the chef brought by the dishes which was a nice touch.

+2

Ali Bakhsh

My experience at La Vara, a contemporary Spanish tapas-style restaurant, was exceptional. From the gorgeous interior and attentive service to the stunning plating and beautifully balanced dishes, everything exceeded expectations. I ordered the lamb belly from the daily special menu, and it was the standout dish of the night. Having eaten lamb my whole life, I’ve never encountered a preparation like this one as it was flavorful and unforgettable. La Vara also offers suckling pig, a rare find in NYC, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking elevated Spanish cuisine.

+2

Alex Serebrov

Very very very good place! I got a true gastronomic pleasure of dining there. Very fresh and creamy menu. Everything we have tried was simply delicious. I strongly recommend trying their white gazpacho, very unique and tasty. I will definitely be back to try their other offerings.

+24

Carolyn Sigman

Really fabulous tapas bar with a diverse menu, good drinks, and great service! We particularly enjoyed the eggplant dish and the salchichón. The sangria, both white and red, was delicious. The service was incredible!! We sat outside and were fully undercover when it unexpectedly started to storm. Overall, we high recommend this spot!

+1

Alexis Sabbaghian

Great relaxing vibe and amazing food! Went with a friend here and loved it! Highly recommend and would definitely go back!! We loved the beef jowel and chocolate flan with olive oil and sea salt. Amazing combinations with Spanish flare. Our server was so nice and friendly — we loved her!

+3

Yelena Conaway

Lovely atmosphere and great service. The dishes are creative and delicious. The anchovies dish was probably the most surprising and very good. The rossejat was a bit of a disappointment, it was pretty small, didn't have a much seafood as the menu suggested, and way too much aioli. Definitely recommend

D C

La Vara is a cozy and inviting restaurant that offers a great selection of tapas. While the ambiance is pleasant, it doesn't stand out as exceptional. The food, on the other hand, is terrific. Each tapa is bursting with flavor, although the portions are quite small. The attentive service is a standout feature, with staff accommodating dietary restrictions and offering recommendations. The cocktails and drinks are also noteworthy, with a good variety to choose from. However, the price is a bit steep for the small portion sizes, which may leave some diners feeling unsatisfied; we ordered 5 tapas and we were not totally satisfied. To truly enjoy the experience, I’d recommended to order around 6/7 tapas for two people. Overall, La Vara is a great spot for tapas, but be prepared to spend a bit more than expected. Despite the price, the quality of the food and service make it a worthwhile visit. 4/5 stars.