Menú
La Vara
PosDo

© 2026 PosDo · v3.0

Brooklyn

La Vara

★★★★★ 4.6 · 100 reseñas

En La Vara, te invitamos a descubrir una experiencia culinaria única donde las tapas españolas se fusionan con las ricas influencias moriscas y judías. Nuestro elegante local, aunque situado en Brooklyn, te transportará a los sabores más auténticos de España. Con una propuesta ga...

La Vara

Spanish, basque · Brooklyn

4.6 · 874 ressenyes Google

Ofertes disponibles

Sigues flexible, estalvia més

Sigues flexible, estalvia més

www.lavarany.com
Yelp 4.0 (454) TripAdvisor 4.2 (134)

Sobre La Vara

En La Vara, te invitamos a descubrir una experiencia culinaria única donde las tapas españolas se fusionan con las ricas influencias moriscas y judías. Nuestro elegante local, aunque situado en Brooklyn, te transportará a los sabores más auténticos de España. Con una propuesta gastronómica cuidada y...

En La Vara, te invitamos a descubrir una experiencia culinaria única donde las tapas españolas se fusionan con las ricas influencias moriscas y judías. Nuestro elegante local, aunque situado en Brooklyn, te transportará a los sabores más auténticos de España. Con una propuesta gastronómica cuidada y valorada con un 4.6 de 5, te esperamos para compartir momentos inolvidables alrededor de nuestra mesa.

Què diuen els clients de La Vara

La Vara is a highly-rated Spanish tapas restaurant in Brooklyn, known for its creative and flavorful dishes, attentive service, and cozy atmosphere. Many reviewers highlight the unique combinations and Spanish flare. Some mention small portion sizes.

Plats populars

white gazpacho beef jowel chocolate flan pulpo carpaccio eggplant dish salchichón (3) arroz meloso morros prensados

Ideal per a

Parelles Grups Locals Alta cuina Celebracions

Tip: Plan to order 3-4 tapas per person, as the portions are small. Don't miss the chocolate flan!

Services

🌳 Terrasse 🅿️ Parking Accessible 🍽️ Déjeuner 🌙 Dîner 🥗 Vegetarian 🌱 Vegan Coffee
🛋️ Cozy 💕 Romantic Trendy 👔 Upscale 👥 Groups

Què veure a prop

Cobble Hill Park
A 61m

Cobble Hill Park

parque

Veure detalls
Second Unitarian Church
A 66m

Second Unitarian Church

iglesia

Veure detalls
Congregation Baith Israel Anshei Emes
A 259m

Congregation Baith Israel Anshei Emes

sinagoga

Veure detalls
Germania Club House
A 300m

Germania Club House

construcción

Veure detalls
Van Voorhees Park
A 471m

Van Voorhees Park

parque

Veure detalls
Church of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
A 508m

Church of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary

iglesia

Veure detalls

Dades de Wikidata

Explora els voltants de La Vara

La Vara es troba a Brooklyn, envoltat de llocs d'interès cultural i històric. Aquests són alguns dels punts més destacats als voltants.

Edificis Religiosos

  • Second Unitarian Church (A 66m) — church building in Brooklyn, United States of America
  • Congregation Baith Israel Anshei Emes (A 259m) — Synagogue in New York City
  • Church of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (A 508m) — Catholic church in New York City

Parcs i Jardins

  • Cobble Hill Park (A 61m) — park in Brooklyn, NYC
  • Van Voorhees Park (A 471m) — park in the United States of America
  • Adam Yauch Park (A 534m) — park in Brooklyn, NYC
  • Boerum Park (A 574m) — park in the United States of America

Altres Llocs d'Interès

  • Germania Club House (A 300m) — recreational in Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn
  • 75 Livingston Street (A 574m) — edificio de Nueva York, Estados Unidos
  • 110 Livingston Street (A 601m) — building in Brooklyn, New York, United States

Dades de Wikidata

Preguntes freqüents sobre La Vara

La Vara es troba a 268 Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, Brooklyn.
A prop de La Vara es troben llocs d'interès com Cobble Hill Park, Second Unitarian Church, Congregation Baith Israel Anshei Emes, Germania Club House.
La Vara ofereix cuina spanish;basque.
La Vara té horari d'atenció. Consulta el perfil per horaris actualitzats.
La Vara ofereix els serveis següents: menjar al local.
Els plats més recomanats a La Vara segons les opinions dels clients són: white gazpacho, beef jowel, chocolate flan, pulpo carpaccio, eggplant dish.
La Vara és ideal per a parelles, grups, locals, alta cuina, celebracions.
La Vara is a highly-rated Spanish tapas restaurant in Brooklyn, known for its creative and flavorful dishes, attentive service, and cozy atmosphere. Many reviewers highlight the unique combinations and Spanish flare. Some mention small portion sizes.
Plan to order 3-4 tapas per person, as the portions are small. Don't miss the chocolate flan!
874
Ressenyes

Opinions de La Vara Brooklyn

4.6
874
5★
75%
4★
16%
3★
5%
2★
2%
1★
3%
Ressenyes (100)
T
Theo Bell

Exceptional food. Every dish was amazing. So glad we tried this place!! So many interesting flavour combos!

S
Sydney Michaeli

The food is unique and fabulous. Enjoyed many of their fish and vegetable dishes. The servers were so lovely and proud of the food and restaurant. It was a real pleasure to dine at La Vara. And don’t skip dessert!

A
Alicia Savage

In October, La Vara helped make a very special night complete. I mentioned in my reservation that I’d be proposing to my partner before dinner, and asked if they could save two great seats at the bar. When we arrived, the host warmly congratulated us, and the bartender welcomed us with glasses of champagne. We celebrated with several dishes, each one truly stunning and delicious. We’re so thankful to the staff for their thoughtfulness and can’t wait to return!

A
Alexia Cohade

One of my favorite restaurants in New York! The food and cocktails are incredible and they go above and beyond service-wise! We initially had a reservation on their heated outdoor patio and since it was going to be a particularly cold night proactively reached out to let us know we may not be comfortable. They then bent themselves over backwards to ensure we could get a table inside as we were coming in for a celebratory meal. Can’t recommend La Vara enough!

M
Mariani Kino

We loved the food and the cocktails! Will definitely go back to try more

C
Critique

The food at La Vara is extremely delicious! The octopus is very rich and has an incredible texture. All of the other plates and dishes are also incredibly flavourful. However, the dishes are so rich that you can’t eat much from just one dish, and be prepared to spend a bit of money on your experience here.

J
Justin Fish

My wife and I came here for dinner and had a great experience. The staff was friendly and the service was very good. We ordered a bunch of different dishes and everything was amazing. The croquettes, chickpeas and deviled eggs were delicious as was the suckling pig and bomba rice. Everything else we got was delicious as well but those dishes stood out to me. The cocktails and dessert were also awesome.

C
Cameron Faulkner

I've been here three times now, and each time I'm delightfully pushed outside of my comfort zone. There are always a few safe options on the menu, but your curiosity to explore something new will be rewarded.

G
Gary Koch

Pricey but worth it. Best tapas experience so far in nyc. The hamachi crudo pan con tomato was absolute genius, such a perfect pairing. The suckling pig was melt in your mouth delicious, I’ve never had anything quite like it. Service was fantastic, great team. All in a relaxed yet upscale environment in a lovely neighborhood. Run, don’t walk for your next date night.

A
Admira

Wonderful dining experience. Great staff and delicious dishes.. Artichoke anchovy aioli starter, chicken-hearts-salad, lamb-main dish was every bit as tasty as appetizing to the eye..

A
Amaia Santos Lacuesta

Incredible place! The service was amazing, and the food was outstanding. Congratulations — I absolutely loved it!

J
Jennie Rivera

This place serves food that makes you stop and pay attention. This place provided an amazing experience. La Vara combines positional advantage with good service. Employees were great and all were ready to assist! This place exceeds rating capabilities.

K
Kristen E.

Absolutely wonderful from start to finish. It’s been a few years since we last visited and what a true pleasure to experience such warmth, professionalism, and casual sophistication of a neighborhood restaurant with stellar culinary cred. This is Spanish cuisine that reaches across time- incorporating Moorish (North African) and Jewish influence for pitch perfect, creative takes on classic combinations- with touches of local/seasonal to boot. Nothing overwrought or overthought. Everyone at our table (of very different tastes) raved. Kudos to a team that just keeps getting better.

J
Jacob Shpilberg

I discovered a love of vermouth at this restaurant. The food was savory, rich, and perfect for sharing. It was also romantic.

J
Jodi Lawsky

The service and drinks were fabulous. Each dish was well prepared and absolutely amazing.

D
David Charner

We had an unforgettable dinner at La Vara. Very nice atmosphere, very good service, amazing food. I definitely recommend sharing so you’re able to experience many different tastes. I will definitely be returning regularly to La Vara.

A
Al Saffie

What a gem of a place tucked away on the corner of one of Cobble Hill's narrow streets. This place was much more than we expected. The service and presentation was excellent, and the food was delish! Molly, that tends the bar was super friendly and chatted us up, it field like I knew her all my life! I definitely recommend sitting at the bar! Possibly our top 5!

I
Irina Glazkova

The soup is divine! Can't describe my feelings )) I'm so happy and satisfied.

v
vicklet62

We were visiting my husband’s daughter. I did some research on the best restaurants. This place, by far the best tapas I’ve ever had. I’m sad we won’t be able to return again and again.

C
Carla Martinez

Came with my parents for father's day. Everything was delicious! Will def come back. Save room for cheesecake

A
Andrew Schneider

Incredible and unique tapas in a very European / cozy spot. Service from Abigail was delightful, although I feel like they were a bit short staffed. Our favorite was the octopus, sausage and artichoke, and the dessert.

G
Gloria Santiago

First visit here and the service is outstanding, we were greeted as soon as we walked in, sat at the bar and Joshua the bartender greeted us with a smile, he was so courteous. We did not know what to drink he gave us suggestions and they were on point delicious drinks and food. Definitely will be going back. Thank you Joshua for the great service.

B
Benjamin Freeberg

The food is executed at a very high level. All dishes were very thoughtful. Service was top notch as well

R
Roo Hong

This place is amazing! The setup is cute, the food is delicious, and the staff is friendly. Speaking from a seafood lover’s perspective, my favorite dishes are PULPO DE ROCA(the octopus) and AJO BLANCO(the scallops), very refreshing. My favorite local summer getaway!

F
Fernanda C

Relaxing and delicious restaurant in a cute area in Brooklyn. We wanted to get out of the usual flavors and dishes you see at many restaurants in NY and we accomplished it here. The food was very authentic and delicious, we felt like we were back in Spain. Highly recommend it for a nice weekend dinner.

S
Shon Alexander

Random dinner meet up with a buddy, place was amazing from start to finish! Great service, cocktails were tasty, food we ordered all had a different flavor explosion our your mouth. Took a video of their version seafood paella, wish I could share here, absolutely the best dish! 100% will go back

d
do bui

The staff's attention to detail matches the kitchen's precision. This place excels in cooking, in ambiance and in attentiveness. The staff members demonstrate true workplace satisfaction. The cuisine surpassed expected excellence. I'm fighting against becoming too regular here.

J
Judith Vasquez

They've collected plenty of feedback already. The food here is exceptional! Their staff provides superior service. The pricing structure is consumer-friendly. This spot excels in all important areas.

J
Justine Wezenaar

All of the food was very good. The one dish that I would absolutely come back for is the aho blanco. Quite good vegetarian options

R
Ryan Cronan

Delicious tapas and tasty cocktails. A few of our favorites were the almond gazpacho, salchichon, and cochinillo. Perfect date night!

C
CGB

We had a wonderful dinner tonight by at La Vara. The menu is a tapas type menu with also some larger plates, all to be shared. The restaurant is small, cozy, quiet and immaculately clean. The staff is super friendly and helpful and they look like they enjoy working there! Will was our initial serveur and he explained the menu. He was excellent! All the servers were equally good. The items were fresh, hot and well- seasoned. There are many seafood items. The cheesecake for dessert was divine and the fruit sorbet the perfect refresher. All in all a delightful dinner.

s
sanjana agarwal

Amazingly delicious food!!! Potion sizes are small enough to order multiple dishes and try them all…. Cocktails were pretty good too!!

B
Brantley Hawkins

Gem. Not just a neighborhood favorite. Unique dishes, all excellent. Vibes for an occasion.

H
Hao X

Great play on temperature and texture; the calamari in ink pasta was such a surprise! Highly recommend

S
Spencer Sobolik

The place is outstanding. Very intimate setting and there isn’t a bad bite on the entire menu. I dined with 4 of my closest friends and it was a rare 10/10 food experience. Highest of recommendation.

L
Liz Taillie

Had such a delicious meal at La Vara. We visited on a holiday weekend and went right when they opened for dinner and there was already a line. That’s a good thing in NYC because you know it will be good. Our waitress was great and helped us pick the right amount of dishes to share. Everything was very balanced and fresh from the cocktails to savories to dessert. Very deserving of a Michelin Star.

V
Vasco Pereira

Incredible food and a great setting. The lamb belly and pork were standouts, but don't sleep on the anchovies and butter

A
Ana Pena

WOWWWWWW highlights: Rossejat and Tosta tomaca. These two were ur favorite dishes we have never tired such amazing food. Everything else is great too we really liked the croquetas, the salchichón, the pipirrano a con grano and the cochinillo if you don’t like seafood. But wow for the rossejat!! The sangria is great and the dirty martini is amazing.

I
Ina Li

Elevated Spanish tapas bistro with cozy, neighborhood-y ambiance and a lovely backyard. Everything on the menu is well through out and executed, giving the tradition Spanish dishes a slight interesting twist without overly complicating the flavors and texture. The menu is seasonal, featuring fresh produce from local farms. Highly recommend the pine nuts and almond gazpacho with scallop crudo, the croquettes, spiced chickpeas, and the rossejat to share. Save room for their basque cheesecake if available!

I
Ivan Poljakov

The cuisine satisfies and servers are attentive. I plan to spread the word to relatives about this restaurant that excels in both kitchen and service. Workers make extra efforts to ensure everyone receives outstanding service. They give you enough to feel satisfied. Taste it yourself before making judgments.

A
Angel Vasquez

Food was great but the highlight of the dinner was the service! It was a very cute and nice experience!

R
Riva Tan

Went to La Vara for a belated birthday dinner. We ordered the olives, gazpacho, salchicon, and of course, the conchinillo. Everything was delicious and prepared so beautifully. My partner and I couldn't choose a favorite because they were all amazing. The cochinillo skin is extremely crispy and the meat just falls apart. We'll definitely try to come back and try the other items on the menu, but we were so pleased with everything. The desserts were also *chefs kiss*

T
Tyler Cannon

this is a very special place. we’ve wanted to go for years, and we finally went! i’m notoriously anti-tapas, but la vara changed my mind. each dish is a chef tasting for 2 with a symphony of flavor. the cocktails are amazing. probably some of the best cocktails in all of cobble hill. treat yourself and go, if I was rich i’d go once a week.

s
sarah williams

Had to be one of the best dinners I’ve ever had, would recommend the pulpo, the mussels and the lamb. The almond cake was delicious as well, everything was amazing and the service was top tier!

A
Always2nice23

Located on a tree lined block in the Clinton hill section of Brooklyn this place is a perfect place to grab an amazing dinner with friends or that special someone. If you plan to visit, which I recommend that you do, reservations are highly recommended. If you do not make a reservation there is a possibility that you won’t get seated. This restaurant appears to be in high demand. So take the time to call ahead. We visited on a Friday evening for dinner. During our visit we sat outside mostly because the weather was beautiful and also because they were busy inside, most the the tables were full. The inside of this place is nice, it’s small but no smaller then a typical NYC restaurant. I would classify this restaurant as a fancy new age tapas bar. It’s Super chic and elegant. The server explained the menu in detail. Basically the smaller items are at the top of the menu and the larger items are at the bottom. We ordered the huevos rellenos, morras prensados, salchichon and the arroz melsoo. Everything was delicious with the exception of the salchichon. Salchichon is a sausage dish served with crispy artichoke. I found the artichoke to be heavy and greasy. The greasy artichoke did not take away from the over all tastes. The sausage… It was DELICIOUS. Honestly the sausage was the most delicious part of the dish. The atmosphere is somewhat fancy and the crowd is a little upscale for a simple brooklyn girl like myself. Nonetheless i found this place to be a great place to grab a bite to eat coupled with a great tasting drink. The total bill for the above items, two desserts and three drinks was roughly $206.00. The plates are small but still shareable. All over this place deserves its star rating and it worth the money.

A
Anu Jagannathan

Cute little place, great service and amazing food - my friend and I went for a birthday celebration and we were not disappointed. Their cocktails and wine selection are wonderful and every dish was memorable

M
Maria Saha

WOW! Absolutely spectacular dishes! I mean, really, this place will Rock. Your. World. You are going to read the menu and think you know what you getting but when it gets to you, you will be amazed by the creativity, expertise and ingredients they combined to create something completely unexpected and sublimely delicious. If you want to taste, alchemy, jazz, romance and adventure, you will find it here! The wait staff are historians and know so much about what is on your plate and where it came from, so fun! It was such a an experience. I can't wait to go again.

M
Mieniemint P.

We ordered a total of four dishes and finished with one dessert. While the savory dishes were delightful in their own right, the dessert stole the show. We highly recommend saving room for dessert; it elevates the entire experience to another level.

O
Orlando Asson

My recent dining experience at La Vara left me absolutely enchanted and eager to share my wonderful experience. From the moment we stepped through the door, we were embraced by the warm inviting ambiance. The menu is a tantalizing journey through the diverse and rich flavors of Spanish cuisine. Each dish tells a story of tradition and innovation, expertly crafted to delight the senses. The attention to detail is truly remarkable, every bite was a symphony of tastes and textures that took my taste buds on an unforgettable adventure. Paired with the a few nice cocktails, I'm already counting down the days until my next visit!

G
Grace Kieun Shin

La Vara was so lovely! Another amazing neighborhood spot. Food was so delicious - the eggplant special was amazing and I also loved the lobster rice and beef jowl. Vibe is on point - not too loud, cozy and intimate. Service was good - one thing was they kept trying to take away things before we finished. That part made me feel a little rushed. But overall highly recommend and I will be going back.

J
James Chang

Visited on a cold NYC evening and felt immediately transported to Spain with these distinct preparations, excellent execution, and warm atmosphere.

K
Kevin Dahill

Like another reviewer Wow! excellent food with twists here and there to make the meal interesting. Excellent guidance from waitstaff on quantity and mix of selections. A bit noisy, but to be expected from a gem tucked into a small space. Will certainly return.

R
Rachel Johnson

Everything was delicious! The drinks and all the dishes we tried were all so well balanced and dialed in. I especially liked the pork with a really vibrant chimichurri. Highly recommended!

Tallen Gabriel
Tallen Gabriel

Cozy beautiful neighborhood spot. The dishes feel made with love, each bite unique and mouth watering. Some stand outs are the mussels, salchicon, and the lobster rice. Our server was lovely and so knowledgeable about wine, really making it a fantastic dining experience.

Danielle Bermeo
Danielle Bermeo

La Vara was so good last night. We shared a bunch of stuff and everything hit. The pulpo was crazy tender, croquetas were perfectly crispy, and that arroz dish was super comforting. Loved how it felt a little different from regular Spanish food. We were stuffed and happy. Definitely going back!

Grant Sherrick
Grant Sherrick

We had a great time eating at La Vara! The pulpo carpaccio was excellent. We had one of the best cavas that I have ever had for dessert. The basque cheesecake was a little denser than I like, but still quite good. We’ll definitely be coming back.

Trey Bliss
Trey Bliss

Absolutely phenomenal. Adorable restaurant in the heart of Brooklyn. The food is incredible. Simple and delightful. Hospitality is warm and friendly but very knowledgeable and attentive. Just all around a pure delight. Most dishes you will literally want to order a second round. Had to order croquetas as a starter and again to finish the meal they were so perfect. Pulpo and Arroz were stars.

NYCBuddha
NYCBuddha

Did not excpect this spot to be as great as it was and cant wait to return. Just about every dish was phenomenal! One of the best meals of the year. Couple of my friends have been telling me to go and glad i finally made it!! Some of the favorites The Tosta tomca w crudo. Pulpo de Roca Ajo Blanco The only dish we werw not blown by was the lamb belly. Would have preferred it cooked more and seasoned more. The staff were fantastic, the spot is cozy and lively

Ryan Tammaro
Ryan Tammaro

La Vara serves outstanding Spanish cuisine with remarkable attention to detail. The morros prensados and cochinillo were perfectly fatty and tender with rich, complex flavors. Their arroz meloso and rossejat delivered buttery grains perfectly seasoned with complementary spices. Everything we tried was delicious but we left slightly hungry despite sharing more than 10 dishes among our group of five, which was disappointing

Jane Marlowe
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
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.

Gabriel
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.

Benny Goldstein
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
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.

jade
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

Tristen Huang
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.

Richard S
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.

Ali Bakhsh
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.

Alex Serebrov
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.

Carolyn Sigman
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!

Alexis Sabbaghian
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!

Z
Zhong Yang

I had the octopus, eggplant, paella, and red shrimp, all good. The octopus was tender. Red shrimp was tasty.

L
Laura Marafetti

We had a very nice moment during a brunch at La Vara. The neighborhood is so quiet and welcoming, it’s worth the detour. The food and wine were overall very nice, with a bit disappointment on the tortilla which was not so tasty.

S
Sonam Jindal

Service was amazing, our waiter was very helpful, and the food was solid

E
Elliott Im

Food and service was great but I felt options were limited for brunch. Sangria was amazing! Overall great experience and the neighborhood is really nice.

A
Andrew Chang

Sat in the back patio on a Thursday evening with my fiancé. Immediately seated and greeted by hostess. I recently visited Spain on a biking trip and felt that many of the dishes accurately reflected the cuisine of Galicia. Tried the octopus, eggplant special, pork roast, and the lobster risotto-like dish. Food portions are not the greatest, but the flavors explode. Well seasoned and played to perfection. I would definitely come again. Be prepared to spend more than expected though!

J
Julia

This Spanish tapas restaurant impressed me with its delicious and innovative food. The waiter was friendly without being pushy, though the welcome could have been warmer. Could have had more attention to detail, e.g. not leaving the sticker on the lemon. The dessert, chocolate mousse with cream and olive oil, was delightful. Worth a visit for a flavorful dining experience!

P
Pipsa Saarento

Everything was excellent - drinks, wine, appetizers, service all impeccable. The only let down was the 2 main courses which were pork and 1/2 chicken, both way overpowered by their respective spices and felt too simple after such amazing appetizers. It’s a tapas like restaurant so you can easily have a fabulous dinner combined with several types of dishes. The sardines are delicious and the chicken hearts are absolutely delicious. Would definitely recommend!

T
Ted Weitz MD

I had a nice evening at La Vara last evening. One of my best foodie’s memories are from Spain’s San Sebastián, at the heart of the Basque region. I was hoping for a similar, memorable experience. La Vara’s cuisine is Basques inspired. I can’t say it was that memorable, but it was interesting. I may have to try some additional dishes there.

D
Doraemon

Service was great. My favorite dishes of the night were the snap pea salad and the sweet corn stew. Both of them were Saturday's special. The snap pea salad were drizzled with smoker dry baby shrimps with a hint of peppercorn oil. The sweet corn stew came out with fresh crab meat, porcini and okra, very interesting and tasty combination. I also love their homemade green tahini, which was mixed in the devil eggs and also brushed at the bottom of the octopus salad. Will try some lamb dishes when I am going back next time:)

B
Bonnie Wu

The salchichon and rossejat were absolutely outstanding, with the rossejat earning an incredible 100/10 for its seafood and aioli. The judías a la plancha surprised even a bean hater, and the arroz meloso was flavorful but overpriced for its portion. While the torta Santiago was simple and satisfying, the sobao had too much cinnamon, which should be noted on the menu for those who dislike spice. Unfortunately, the cochinillo and lamb special fell flat, with strong, unpleasant flavors that made them difficult to enjoy. Overall, the cozy ambiance and good service make it a nice spot, though the quality of dishes varies widely. It very pricey but since it’s NYC à it’s understandable.

Yelena Conaway
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
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.

L
Levi

Service great, food was alright just dont go here if you’re hungry. My friend and I spent over $200 and still had to go get tacos after…

S
Sissi J

Overall good presentation and service, but overpriced if your top priority is how good the food tastes, which is why I won’t go back again. We came as a party of four and the booth table by the window was quite tight in terms of space. The indoor was also very loud due to all that cocktail shaking at the bar, so hard to have a conversation. The main dishes were disappointing (we tried beef cheek, seafood “noodles” and suckling pig. Beef cheek was especially horrible due all the fat and flavor was bland, just salt). Only dish we liked was the octopus - unique presentation and decent flavor and texture.

C
Chris Quartly

Food was good but felt that the experience would have been drastically improved if the portion sizes were even a tiny bit larger for the price point.

P
Pamela The Islandgirl

There wasn't a wait to get in but there was a wait to get your food! To give credit where credit is due we ordered tapas at the bar but the place only holds about 50 people and it was only half-full when we came before the dinner rush. We ordered about five different small plates expecting to share together and taste everything but they bring your Tapas out one at a time... not all at once...who knew! It seemed to take us forever to get to the end of our little appetizer meal which was annoying.

J
Jordan Middendorf

This is supposed to be such a sweet neighborhood gem but it can really be hit or miss. Dinner has been great in the past but we came for brunch and the croquetas were delivered cold on the inside. Then the lamb burger was so dry it was inedible, and sort of sad on a grilled bun with a few sprigs of arugula. The tortillita de Gambas was redeeming and delicious.

Y
Yonca Cubuk

Okay. Not great, not the worst either. Service was kind of rushed. Wanted to order Ajo Blanco, was told that they didn’t have scallops but “it really didn’t matter.” Not sure what that means. Wait staff tried to take full plates from our table while we were still eating. Unacceptable for a small plate restaurant as bites are supposed to be enjoyed through the dinner. My date had the Cochinillo as the main course, and absolutely loved it. I had a few of the small plates and Lascas con gurullos, which was tasty but incredibly salty for human consumption. And I’m not talking about bakalao itself, the pasta and the yogurt-y sauce it was served with was barely edible due to how salty they were. We dined inside and it was very loud for a date night, bathroom didn’t have soap. Won’t be returning but also didn’t have the worst night either.

J
Jema G

Small plates is an understatement. Deviled eggs comes 3 per order. We were a table of 4 and weren't informed it wasn't a good share dish. 8 dishes + is recommended for a table of 4. The service was touch and go; wine service was non existent. A small business staying afloat will succeed if you staff it property. If you can't afford it don't take on all the volume. Remove tables? Take less reservations? You're worried about labor costs, food costs etc. But you're hurting your bottom line by not having a solid team and superb service. To anyone reading this, do yourself a favor and skip this place. Wine glasses weren't polished (water marks all over the glasses), plates weren't changed with each coarse. Portions were so small we went to another restaurant to have an actual dinner. We order a bottle of brut, the server spilled a portion of the bottle during "tables side service" - it was about a glass lost. Was it replaced? Were we offered a glass to compensate what was lost? No. Please go to Peasant (peasantnyc.com) in downtown Manhattan. You will be blown away by the service and food.

A
Alan

I don’t get what’s all the hype around this restaurant. Plates are extremely expensive for it’s size, 3 anchovies for 19 bucks, feels like getting mugged tbh. And it’s like that with every single plate. I didn’t know it was a samples restaurant… FYI, If you’re not vaccinated your not allowed to get in, and yes, children aren’t allowed in as well although they can’t get vaccinated atm.

F
Félicité Lordon

Food is bland and disappointing for the price range. The croquettes, setas and cod dishes all lacked seasoning and the flavor you expect for the price. Croquettes had zero flavor, it felt like a dough of flour and water that was deep fried. I expected the earthiness of the ingredients to be balanced by a proper acid and refreshing seasoning. I struggled to finish the dishes as the amount of oil made it nat enjoyable. On the other side, the deviled egg were good I truly wonder what other folks find in this restaurant. Sure, the atmosphere is nice. But excellent food should be a prerequisite. Will not come back

L
Laure Origer

Unfortunately a bit disappointing, it was nothing special and sooooo overpriced. The plates were so so small that you can have one spoon of one plate if you are 4 people. It should be tapas so don’t charge 36$ for a mini basic plate. Desserts were great. We had for 70$ each and I was still hungry afterwards.

M
Merve

The food was okay but not worth the hype. The portions were tiny, I felt like I was eating from Barbie’s plate. More like toy size instead of fun size. Overpriced

C
Chris Lukic

This is food with all the hallmarks of a chef who has laboriously gone through each element of each dish, seemingly intent on lowering food costs to an absolute minimum. The result comes at great expense to the flavor, though with enough art that the house stays full on a weekday night. This food made me nostalgic for Spain in the way a bad date makes you nostalgic for a lost love. We spent $100/pp. We were in a good mood, determined to have a good time, and we managed to do so in spite of this very silly food. I'm not going to waste time dissecting each dish, but I have to at least talk about the "Pulpo de Roca". Octopus from the rock, oh doesn't that sound lovely. The fresh taste of the sea on a summer day, plucked from the rock, massaged into submission and presented to you here for your enjoyment. What a lovely promise inherent in that name. No. Not for you. What you get is an octopus carpaccio, a preparation that serves to minimize both food cost and flavor. They shaved about 1oz of octopus (likely less) into a dozen or so pretty slivers, then dressed it with lemon and salt and paired it with (and this is unforgivable) a middling olive oil. The real achievement here is selling $18/lb frozen octopus at $368/lb. My god, just think of the profit to be had! Was the octopus tough? It's impossible to say, it was 1mm thick. Was it imbued with the flavor of the sea on that glorious day it was plucked from the rock? Perhaps 1mm of that flavor, perhaps none. If greed is orthogonal to love, then this menu stands as proof. That said the presentation was lovely, the service was very good until it disappeared at some point, and the restaurant had a very cozy layout, although I do think they could have squeezed in another two top in the corner to increase their profit margin by another 2 to 3%

W
Wealth Crafters

I agree with many of the points raised by other reviewers regarding the discrepancy between food and pricing at this establishment. Unfortunately, the flavors failed to evoke the authentic essence of Spain. For example, the cochinillo lacked depth and seasoning—surprisingly omitting a quintessential Spanish ingredient like garlic. While the portion sizes of the tapas were reasonably in line with traditional standards, the pricing was far from it. Our waitress, clearly trained to recommend a minimum of seven tapas per person to feel “satisfied,” effectively turned what should have been a casual experience into a very costly one. Overall, this dining experience felt disappointing and overpriced. It’s hard to believe that glowing reviews are coming from patrons who may not be familiar with authentic Spanish cuisine or who may not have visited Spain themselves. In a city like New York, with its high culinary standards, we expect better.

E
Elsa Melero

I was really looking forward to trying this place, especially after hearing that the chef was from Spain. As a Spaniard myself, I had high hopes for an authentic experience. Unfortunately, it was very disappointing. First of all, the prices are very high for what you get. The portions are incredibly small, and the quality of the food just didn’t match the expectations—especially considering the price point. The dishes seem adapted for an American audience rather than staying true to how we eat in Spain. I was hoping for something closer to real Spanish flavors and quality, but it missed the mark. There were also several mistakes with our order. One of the dishes was forgotten, and they had to come back to ask if we had actually ordered it. My lamb dish took about an hour to arrive, and when it finally did, it was mostly fat with barely any meat. That was very frustrating. Service overall was not great—slow, disorganized, and not very attentive. Sadly, both the food and the experience fell far short of expectations. Definitely not a place I would return.

I
Isa Arenas

SMALL portions, not worthy, expensive and tasteless. Bad service, the waiter ruined a bday surprise. Really bad quality and expensive overall . 3 anchovies $20 .

N
Nick Frostbutter

the food was decent, but for the price it was mid at best. each dish needs is basically a really expensive appetizer and should be at least 20-30% less expensive. it felt like our server was ignoring or avoiding us all night, even though she would continue to go to the other table repeatedly. had to order at least 1 drink multiple times and it took a very long time to show up, even though the table next to us had constant service with the same server. I will not be going back

신영호

I recently went there to spend my last night in New York, and I was extremely disappointed. First, I was seated at the bar, but no one came to take my order for quite a long time. Even when I asked the bartender to explain the dishes, all they did was repeat the names. Eventually, I managed to order a few dishes and a bottle of wine, but throughout the entire meal, I didn’t get a single glance from the staff and not once did anyone pour the wine. If that’s the case, I really don’t understand the purpose of having a bartender at the bar or why they expect tips. During the meal, a server only came by once—and only because I sought them out—to take the order, and that was it. I know it may not be like this every day, but with this kind of service, I don’t believe they deserve tips.

Inicia sessió per deixar una ressenya

Inicia sessió
👑 És teu? Reclama'l GRATIS!

Elimina anuncis i gestiona el menú

Explora la teva zona

Més restaurants a Brooklyn →
📸

330 Fotos

Explora les fotos de La Vara

La Vara
La Vara
La Vara
La Vara
La Vara
+325 Més
📍

Informació sobre La Vara

Com arribar

268 Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Carregant mapa...
La Vara
Toca per direccions

Destacats

Altament Valorat
4.6/5 estrelles
💬
Moltes Ressenyes
874 ressenyes
💰
Luxe
Nivell de preus
👨‍🍳
spanish;basque
Tipus de cuina

Serveis

🥐 Brunch
🍽️ Dinar
🍾 Sopar
Cafè
🍰 Postres
🥗 Opcions Vegetarianes
🌱 Opcions Veganes
🍴 Menjar al Local

Opcions de Menjador

🍽️ Menjar al Local

Informació del Restaurant

Estat
Verificat pel propietari
🕐 Horario Hoy
5-9:30PM
Valoració
4.6/5
💬 Ressenyes
874
💰 Nivell de Preus
$$$
⏱️ Visita típica
People typically spend 2 hours here
📞 Telèfon
+1 718-422-0065
🌐 Lloc Web
www.lavarany.com
📋 Menú
Veure Menú

Comoditats

🅿️ Aparcament
🌿 Terrassa
Accessible amb Cadira de Rodes
🚻 Lavabo
💳 Targetes de Crèdit
📱 Pagaments Mòbils
🏘️

El Barri

Cobble Hill Park

park in Brooklyn, NYC

A 61m
Second Unitarian Church

church building in Brooklyn, United States of America

A 66m
Congregation Baith Israel Anshei Emes

Synagogue in New York City

A 259m
Germania Club House

recreational in Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn

A 300m
Van Voorhees Park

park in the United States of America

A 471m
Church of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Catholic church in New York City

A 508m
Adam Yauch Park

park in Brooklyn, NYC

A 534m
75 Livingston Street

edificio de Nueva York, Estados Unidos

A 574m
🎮

Jocs

🎮 Guanya Punts Mentre Explores!

Juga a Find Me i canvia punts per descomptes a La Vara i altres restaurants

🎮

Guanya Punts a La Vara!

Juga a Find Me i canvia recompenses aquí

Guanya punts extra i canvia'ls per recompenses de La Vara

🏆 Recompenses de La Vara

💰

Descompte 10%

A La Vara

1000 pts
Disponible
🍽️

Aperitiu Gratis

A la teva propera visita

2500 pts
Limitat
👑

Taula VIP

Experiència premium

5000 pts
Exclusiu

per canviar recompenses i guanyar punts

📋 Com funcionen les recompenses?

1

Juga a Find Me

Cada 100 punts de score = 1 punt de recompensa

2

Acumula Punts

Els workers obtenen 2x punts per partida

3

Canvia Recompenses

Descomptes, menjar gratis i experiències VIP

Trucar
Deixar ressenya a Google
👑

És teu? Reclama'l GRATIS!

Elimina anuncis i gestiona el menú

Inicia sessió i juga

Revisa el teu correu!

Sense contrasenya — t'enviem un enllaç per email

T'hem enviat un enllaç d'accés

Revisa la carpeta de spam si no el veus