Boom. Loved it. My husband and I went here for our anniversary dinner. We wanted some place with creative food that wasn't super posh, and this place delivered. From our first plate (croquettes del día) to our biggest main (cured duck breast with poached pears and a coffee vinegar sauce) to our dessert (almond cake with drunken cherries) we loved everything about this place. read more

Great ambiance and service. Food was very very good. Beware - waiter will push you to order more food than necessary. Our waiter told us that two people usually order 5-7 dishes. We ordered 4, and felt almost uncomfortably full. Another warning - beef was super fatty. Recommendation - pineapple cheesecake!! read more

One of our top 3 restaurants in Brooklyn! The food is better than the 3 Michelin star spot we just visited by far. The flavors combinations are unique- total party for your mouth! Definitely need to be a foodie and some of the options are for adventurous eaters only although there are options for those that'd rather not try chicken hearts as well. read more

i love la vara's unique collaboration of peoples, regions, cultures...and flavors. jewish and muslim cuisines of spain! the similarities and the differences. and done well- thoughtfully, delicately. read more

Really lovely spot with inventive, small plates to share. I came here to celebrate a birthday and it was a great "treat" type of meal. Lots of options, great service, and really delicious bites. Our favorite was probably the crispy eggplant, served in a bed of melted, gooey cheese. And the fandua - the paella style pasta dish filled with fresh seafood. Highly recommend for a special meal, or for some great tapas in a cute little neighborhood. read more

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Wow what a fantastic restaurant. This place is small but we got lucky and walked right in without a reservation. In spite of the small size, it wasn't at all cramped-the environment was cozy and intimate. We asked our warm and friendly waiter what his favorites are and ordered 6 tapas for a table of two. (FYI this was a really good portion-we ended up full without being stuffed or uncomfortable.). Everything we ordered was complex and delicious and all the flavors shone through without competing. It was all so good I can't even pick a favorite, although if you twist my arm : ) I'd have to say either the croqueta or the cochinilla (pork). We chose this place because of its proximity to the cocktail bar we were at and it was such a pleasant surprise-honestly one of the reasons I just love New York City. It wasn't until I got home and googled it that I found out La Vara has a Michelin star...when I told my husband, his response was "Cool! They deserve it!" Yup! read more

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I went to La Vara because of all the good reviews and was sorely disappointed, so I thought I'd leave one for those with high standards out there. On the surface, La Vara looks cute. Waiters seem nice. The menu doesn't look half bad. But then, you discover that it's far from an authentic Spanish restaurant-- the wines they offer are reallyyy sub-par for what they charge, and the waitresses don't know much about them at all. The food is not good (I had the octopus, which was chewy, the lobster risotto, which I swear was microwaved before we received it, and the duck which was flavored well but entirely too fatty). While we were in the middle of eating (!), the waitress began pushing us to order more food. Maybe we Americans are desensitized to this, but I still think that's tacky. Waiters are not meant to be salesmen who intrude upon your dinner. I gave it two stars for the cute patio but will not go there again. Too many good restaurants in New York. read more

It's likely necessary for me to caveat this review with the fact that we visited La Vara for their weekend brunch, so I can't say for certain how representative that experience is for the restaurant as a whole. What I can note, however, is that La Vara was one of the newer additions to the list of Michelin-starred restaurants in NYC in 2016, and they've continued to hold their accolade for a second year. The restaurant specializes in Spanish dishes that are more notably influenced by Jewish and Moorish cuisine, so ingredients such as cumin, saffron, and even orange blossom are more prominently featured in the cooking. The restaurant is quaintly located in a tree-lined street in Cobble Hill; the well-windowed front and white-themed interior give the venue a bright and welcoming initial appearance, and was especially welcome on the sunny afternoon that we visited. The inside was quite busy as well, so reservations are very much recommended (and easily made via OpenTable), but the majority of guests seemed to be locals and families. It's a fairly laid-back and casual atmosphere, so there's no need to dress up or go out of your way to feel at ease here. We started off with a order of the Spiced Chickpeas, which were delightfully crispy and generously spiced with cumin, paprika, and cayenne with just the right amount of salt. They're ideal for keeping your tastebuds occupied without filling up your stomach, and can be shared with a small group. As for the mains, I went with the Lamb Cuchifrito, which was a dish comprised of braised lamb over a potato and pepper hash and topped with two poached eggs. In retrospect, the dish was better portioned as an appetizer versus an entrée, but the lamb was tender and flavorful, and the bed of potatoes and peppers were well-seasoned complemented well with the runny yolk from the eggs. As a whole though, there wasn't anything particularly noteworthy or outstanding about the dish that would entail an immediate return visit. Perhaps I'll return for a second visit during their evening hours, but until then La Vara... read more

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Outstanding food all around. It comes out quick and the service is excellent. Wine pours are small, my only complaint. This is one of the finest restaurants in Brooklyn. read more

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Best things were the ceviche and suckling pig. The croquetas were good too! Octopus wasn't bad but you can skip it. Definitely skip the salchichon and the rossejat. Not sure why they were recommended. Extremely MEH. Overall this didn't feel like a michelin star restaurant. It was a very normal ~nice~ tapas spot. A lot of the dishes are just ok as well as the service. read more

La Vara had been on my list for ages so when I finally found the opportunity to go, expectations were high. Thankfully, La Vara was just delicious as I'd hoped! My family is from Spain, so I was eager to try La Vara, which draws inspiration from Moorish cuisine (The Moors have a complex history and influenced a lot of we consider Spanish cuisine). Went with my mom and sat in the outdoor courtyard, which I definitely recommend. We ordered a bunch of tapas including the jumbo head-on prawns in a garlic lemon sauce, paella with noodles, lamb meatballs and a dish of torn bread, chorizo, egg and other tasty ingredients I can't quite recall. All of it was tasty but I think my favorite dish was the paella. It was totally different from the Spanish paella I grew up with, which is made with rice. The clams and squid were super flavorful and the sauce was light and delicious. My least favorite dish was the shrimp. Normally I love head-on shrimp but these were just overly salty. The lemon also overpowered the shrimp. In all, I'd love to return to La Vara to try more of the menu. So happy to have this spot in the neighborhood! read more

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Wow. Just wow. I think this is the best tapas restaurant I've ever been. Everything was just so authentic, fresh, yet creative. If I had to, my only gripe would be the ambiance. A bit bland, but that's super petty. This is the best meal I've had in a while. Berenjena con Miel: Weakest meal for sure. I could hardly tell they were eggplant. And I know it's eggplant, but it just felt so soft. Didn't get much of the seed really, either. Alcachofas: Delicious, salty aioli. And the anchovies were cooked super well, very crispy. Salmorejo: I had no idea what to expect, and loved this. Plenty of fish, one of the larger dishes. All the ingredients came together so well and just made sense somehow. Loved the egg. Migas Aragonesas: The chorizo was cooked so well - tiny, little crisby bits. Delicious. Albondigas: Pretty standard, but you can tell the meat was such high quality. And cooked so well. And loved the mint yogurt. read more

My brunch experience here was underwhelming overall, especially for a 1-star Michelin place. The place isn't big, and all seats were taken around 12 noon. Came as a party of 4, with a reservation so that wasn't a problem. Fortunately, we were seated at one of the round tables near the entrance which had more space. Service wasn't good, but not bad. The waitress was quite slow to take our orders and she weren't very capable in recommending items on their menu. When asked, "What's popular here?". She said, "Everything, depending on your preference.". Well, that wasn't helpful.. Anyways, moving on to the food. We shared: Garbanzos Fritos (fried chickpeas) Pan Amb Tomaca (tomato bread) Tortilla de Calabacin (omelette) Tortillita de Gamas (shrimp chickpea wafer with avocado-cumin vinaigrette topped with fried eggs and crispy silver fish) Alcachofas y Favas (artichoke, fava bean stew with poached eggs) Cuchifrito (lamb with potato hash in ajo cabinil sauce, topped with poached egg) Churros with salted caramel dipping Torrijas (spanish french toast with a grapefruit that was drenched in liquor that made ruined the taste) As you may have noticed, there's a lot of eggs on their brunch menu that we ordered, which felt a little weird especially when we were sharing. Also, I had someone who couldn't take shellfish and pork, so there weren't much options for us to share. Perhaps, I could have had a better dining experience if I was with a different group of people who didn't have any dietary restrictions. Out of all the food that we had, only the Tortillita de Gamas and Cuchifrito were decent. The rest weren't really worth trying. I can't speak for dinner, but I'd say go somewhere for brunch. read more

La Vara - Spanish Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Great seafood options -- paella was decadent. Torn bread stuff was a little salty. They tried to balance it with grapes but the ratio was still off. We went on a rainy Sunday night and there was not need for a reservation, exec though we had one. Reservations available via Open Table but you probably need to reserve a couple days in advance (unless it is rainy like previously mentioned). It has easy subway access via the Bergen St station and the G or F. Very quiet neighborhood and there's a park across the street where you can wait if there's a line. Olive oil ice cream is the best. Don't knock it until you try it! read more

Service was good, space is nice. Food was uninspired to say the least. For the price it was really below average. I wanted some hot sauce, something. Disappointing. read more

Can Michelin Star restaurant be hearty and down-to-earth? Yes, comes to La Vara (see note about the name). It might offer the most delicate and artful presentation, but I felt relaxed, satisfied and happy during my two visits--one dinner and the other brunch. My last visit was around 1pm when most people just woke up in Brooklyn and started to form lines at coffee shops or bakeries. The little cute restaurant sits next to the Cobble Hill Park is nice and inviting. Big windows bring enough lights into the space; the decorations in white and gold are modern and simple; the tiny garden in back is a perfect spot for summer brunch. Highly recommend fired chickpeas for both dinner and brunch; cumin lamb, and duck for dinner; huevos a la flamenca for brunch! Wines are solid and priced seasonable (many options under $50). Overall, quality is consistent from my last visit. All the dishes I tried there are flavorful and delicious. Although portion is on the smaller size it's justified by the price. Plus, I could try more dishes! Note: La Vara was also the name of a Jewish newspaper published in New York until it ceased in 1948. It was written in Ladino, a Castilian-Hebrew hybrid that was to Spain what Yiddish was to Eastern Europe. The language has all but vanished from the city, but it remains on the headstones of Sephardic graveyards in Queens and the Bronx, out in plain sight for those who know where to look. read more

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Simply does not get any better anywhere. This is a monthly choice for us. Really really good tapas, other dishes are superb, don't miss the gazpacho if it is available. Good and fairly price wine selection. read more

La Vara is excellent! We sat outside last night and ordered an array of dishes: garbanzo fritos (on the house since waited a few minutes for the other party to leave), shisito peppers, deviled eggs, octopus, Iberian sausage with artichokes, rice with lobster, suckling pig and this cabbage with blue cheese special. All of the dishes were very good, we ordered 2 servings of the cabbage because it was so delicious. I can't wait to return and try the other dishes. I will definitely order the suckling pig again; it's served medium rare and it's so flavorful! Wonderful service!! read more

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As many people probably already mentioned, La Vara was definitely not some place where you get high end delicate food with marvelous decoration; however this special cute place did offer me a feeling of relaxation on a sunny Saturday morning, the exact feeling I was looking for after a long tired week. My friend and I were sharing many small dishes. Carajillo, the donut bathed in coffee was for sure my favorite. For entrees, I went with others' selection and chose the local squid and scrambled cod (so tender!!). All courses were fantastic and fed me well! Service was also adding extra credit. As a Michelin-starred restaurant, I think La Vara did a very good job in terms of presenting decent local food, rather than focusing on presentation. read more

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La Vara is a small Spanish restaurant in Cobble Hill and it's a great discovery! When you pass by the windows it looks so warm and inviting you just want to try it. We went in a small group for dinner and were able to share more tapas, salads and entrees. La Vara has a pretty eclectic menu with something for all tastes. It also has a slew of specials of the day, so many that our heads spun as the waitress rattled them off. Every item we ordered was delicious, but here are the ones I am coming back for: *Anchoas an Aceite - These are not anchovies you get on your Domino's Pizza slice. They're imported and flavored with sesame and hazelnuts. *Alcachofa - Fried artichokes like I've never tasted before. How can I go back to plain old steamed ones at home? *Cordero al ajo Cabanil - Cumin roasted lamb breast. Hearty and flavorful. *Lechon - Not on their regular menu, but the absolute best suckling pig I've had in Brooklyn or Manhattan! We should've ordered more of this and were politely fighting over the pieces. Tasty, tender pork with absolutely fantastic crispy skin. The bartender mixes good specialty cocktails and the wine list is almost exclusively Spanish. Service is pleasant and accommodating. The atmosphere is relaxing as if you're in someone's home. We are all coming back here but next time I'm ordering my own lechon. Some things just aren't meant to be shared. read more

Yeah... This place is cute as hell and concur with my fellow Yelpers. This is not the mission I'm on, My mission, if you will is to drink a cocktail after the Yankees lost with my buds. (Go Yankees!) I pass this place and there's a bar. Bar=Beer right? Also, I like a front of the house hipster hostess. With hipster hostesses, anything goes and no one is judgmental. The older uptight folks are being replaced with this younger mind set. This is not the case with La Vara. We walk in and everyone is eating and enjoying the food. We slide to the back of the bar and this old, frog face manager tells us we need to move to the front of the bar. He's all eyes on us. I can sense his Sith Hatred. We're not tattoos bikers and we're not loud. What gives dummy? The bartender is ignoring us and this dude is watching us like a hawk. Now I wanna grab the guy and take a picture with him. (Singing - Why ya gotta be so rude..) We had three cocktail, left a tip and split. If I was a 15 years younger, I would have grabbed this guy and kissed him on his stupid bald head while my buddies laughed and snapped a picture. They didn't have cell phone cameras back then.. La Vara, Nice place to not grab a drink with your buddies, especially the one wearing a Mets Jersey. read more

KenScale: 8.5/10 La Vara has long been on my hit list of Brooklyn restaurants. Helmed by chef Alex Raij and her husband Eder Montero (whose other restaurant El Quinto Pino I visited last year and enjoyed my meal), it has been gaining acclaim for its reinterpretation of Spanish cuisine with Moorish and Jewish touch. On my recent dinner, I couldn't quite pinpoint how different influences were all coming together, but didn't really care because the food at La Vara is generally outstanding. The dinner menu consists of mostly shareable tapas plates. Spiced fried chickpeas would be a great snack anywhere at a Spanish restaurant, and the crispy eggplant with honey and melted cheese was also wonderful with its rich complexity of flavor within a single bite. Migas aragonesas, a dish of hand torn bread and chorizo, grapes, rosemary and pastured egg, was another winner. I was deeply impressed with how the different ingredients were coming together yet the dish itself wasn't that heavy but rather delightful and fun. Fideua, a noodle style paella that came with shrimp, squid and clams, also had a nice touch, although I wish the portion were slightly larger. Spanish red shrimp a la plancha was rather small compared to the somewhat hefty price ($21 per two on my last visit), but the crunchy texture of the shrimp was still memorable and I probably could've had at least 5 more of those. On the other hand, pollo asado, a giant half chicken roasted over spiced onions and cumin, was more satisfying in portion and I did like the spicy kick of the otherwise nicely cooked chicken. The winner of the meal on my visit, however, cumin roasted lamb breast. I was absolutely in love with the juicy texture of the meat with great balance of flavor thanks to simple preserved lemon-date condiment. All of the dessert dishes that my dining party tried were great as well. None of them were overly sweet; from homemade olive oil ice cream to Galician almond cake. The best of the bunch was this dish called Egipcio that consisted of orange blossom scented date walnut tart, lemon curd and sweet cream. It was absolutely delicious and I couldn't stop digging it! The restaurant, located on a quiet corner of Carroll Gardens, has that cozy neighborhood vibe of a typical restaurant in Brooklyn that I love so much about. Getting a reservation wasn't that difficult, although the restaurant became quickly packed by the start of my meal. There is extensive Spanish wine selection (unfortunately I don't know much about Spanish wine, but the bottle of white that we was crisp and worked well with various dishes). La Vara is one of those places that I would love to come back either for full dinner or even quick wine and snack time. The cooking here is serious and elegant, especially in easily shareable format where you can get a taste of a large number of dishes to explore the culinary beauty of Spain. read more

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BEWARE - THEY WILL GIVE YOU "OUTDOOR SEATING" AND THEN SEAT YOU ON THEIR FULLY COVERED BACK PATIO THAT REALLY DOES NOT QUALIFY AS TRUE OUTDOOR DINING. We were not the only ones to feel this way - the party seated in the back right after us also voice their concerns when they were shown their table, but the restaurant was fully booked, so they were unable to move seating arrangements. Food, drinks, service beyond that were great - on the expensive side, especially for the portion sizes, but very tasty. It was unfortunate that we had a slight feeling of discomfort the entire meal due to the seating. When customers request outdoor seating, it's for a reason - those who want to sit inside will do so, and those who want to sit outside will take the colder weather with that for safety purposes. read more

Southern Spain will receive a 3.2 magnitude earthquake upon the realization that the distribution of flavors from the region are identical in a small candlelit Brooklyn eatery. While the menu certainly isn't for the faint hearted, La Vara takes your taste buds on a journey across a spectrum of consistency and uniqueness. I'd be remissed to not adamantly call out the duck breast and eel babagounesh, a daring fusion of ingredients that come together for a rare success of experimentation. Bring a friend, bring a date, bring an individual that has an appreciation for the unexpected, because if there's one thing you can be sure of at La Vara, it's that there's no room for the imaginable. read more

Amazing neighborhood restaurant with kind staff, delicious food and service. Every dish was perfectly cooked. Will be back to try the rest of the menu. Not pictured is the chocolate flan dessert. We ate it too fast. read more

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Finally came around to trying La Vara as it popped up in "places suggested for you" ... love the area so the place definitely has been on my "to try" list. Pros - excellent coffee, delicious croquetas, overall great Spanish flavors and nice ambiance, and I do love the area (I think I may have mentioned that already haha), oh and the churro! So fluffy and tasty! Cons - coffee does not get refilled so two cups it is, (perhaps because it was drip but may be not) that's some pricy croquetas you're getting at $3 a pop; overall, I'd say this place is on the pricier side and while I'm all for portion control, I think I wouldn't mind so much if the protein to vegetable (or otherwise) ration was more equal but as such ... I still would like to point out that the food was delicious, well flavored, and filling. Would certainly like to return and try dinner next time. read more

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La Vara has been in my to-try list for more than a year before I finally got to check it out last night. And it did not disappoint! The restaurant is located on a quiet, tree lined street in Cobble Hill BK. I already felt welcome the moment I stepped inside. This is my fav neighborhood in BK in terms of food - you got Battersby, Dover, Bergen Hill and many others around court street and smith! And unlike popular restaurants in Manhattan, the acclaimed restaurants in this hood are less hustle bustle, more tranquil and neighborly charm. Once I seated at the bar, the friendly bar tender promptly passed me the wine and food menu. Too bad I forgot to ask her name :/ she's so lovely and gave good recommendations for food - can't ask for better services! Onto the food. I am especially liking that there are quite a few daily specials to choose from , in addition to the many options on the stable menu. I opted for the house salted cod salad and the beef tongue stew that was special of the day. Both are excellent! The cod salad was light yet pack of flavors! I adore the nutty smokey flavors from the pistachio oil drizzle over the salad - it goes hand in hand with the fresh citrus and sweet pomegranate that accompany the cod, it's magical! I can't describe it but I can def taste and enjoy it immensely :) Now the beef tongue. It brings me back all the good memories of Barcelona! The soft beef tongue are chopped in small chunks, dotted in a hearty caper tomato sauce decorated with carrots and sweet pea. It reminds me of the beef stew in Dublin which is considered peasant food but it delivers such a heart-warming effect especially in a chill autumn night. I paired it with a Spanish Grenache and they work quite well together. The only regret I had was that I went by myself and I could only tried two dishes while every item on the menu looked amazing! I shall come back soon! read more

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Really interesting and delicious food, strong service, and a nice atmosphere. I have been to Txkito, and thought it was overpriced given the portion sizes, but didn't feel that way last night at La Vara (I believe it is the same owners). We tried two of their specials, which were both really good and interesting. In particular, there was a vegetable dish they called a terrine, which was ridiculously good. What they do with skate, frying it like calamari, was really interesting and that was a very good dish. The only thing that wasn't up to par was the roasted chicken. It was overcooked, and seemed as though it had probably been par cooked previously or something like that. It was kind of squishy, which led me to question the freshness. The seasoning and portion was good though. I actually wasn't very excited about their desserts, which surprised me because I had some good sweets at brunch their once. They should totally do torajias, or however it is spelled, the spanish french toast, as a standing dessert. read more

As one of the other reviewers wrote, small and pricey tapas. They were quite good but didn't blow me away. I had 4 tapas and a glass of wine and left $135 including tip. On the way home, stopped at Joe's pizza for a slice... You get it. read more

We truly had a tough decision on what to order because everything sounded so amazing. Settled in cute cobble hill neighborhood we sat outdoors. The chicken hearts we had paired with the priorat Spanish wine cabler was the best wine and food pairing I've had in a while. All the staff was friendly and the meal was excellent. With wine and food 2 people about $100/pp read more

La Vara - Fried artichokes, deviled eggs - Spanish Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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One of my fav tapas/spain restaurant. My fav dish was the rabbit loin. Watermelon and serrano and the torta de santiago read more

La Vara - Spanish Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I don't like small plates-style meals--I usually end up leaving hungry or poor (or both). I don't particularly like southern Spanish food either (I despise olives, and anchovies rarely appeal). But man do I like La Vara. Every dish we tried was a hit, from the fried olive and yogurt amuse bouche (which, on paper, I should have hated), to the gurullos (handmade pasta with yogurt and sumac, so fresh it falls apart in your mouth), to the berenjenas con miel (fried eggplant with honey and cheese, salty and crispy and soft at the same time), to the cochinillos (a portion of crispy roasted pig--definitely on the larger side of the dishes here--with two sauces), to the albondigas (soft but rich lamb meatballs). The table next to us had the chicken, which looked enormous. If you are not looking to share entrees, that and the cochinillos are the way to go. The dessert special of ricotta fritters (so creamy in the middle we thought there were undercooked) was unbelievably good. The service was outstanding--friendly, speedy but well-paced between dishes, not overwhelming us considering the amount we ordered. There are a couple larger group tables at the front, but for me, the place is more geared toward two people who want an intimate dinner. The cocktails are great (the Morada was the perfect winter drink), and the wine list looked good. And after all we ordered, the price was unusually reasonable. Top notch Brooklyn spot. read more

This place was awesome. We were seated with a random table of 10 so we got to talk to them a little bit. Food: White almond gazpacho (whhaaaat?!?) with squid and shrimp - so delicious Valencian noodle paella - pretty good Murican pasta - blah Lamb - good Dessert was a bit weak for me - the custard with grapefruit was ok although I hate grapefruit near anything sweet (the bitterness just ruins everything) and the tart was very underwhelming. read more

A tapas restaurant with the pedigree of Txikito, but approaching it by way of Moorish and Jewish influences. Tucked discreetly in a quiet, residential Cobble Hill block, La Vara is a cozy place of exposed brick contrasting with white. Suited for small groups and quiet dinners, although there are two banquette tables by the windows for larger groups as well as some bar seats. This low-key restaurant quickly garnered attention after opening, and seemed deserving of it at my visit. Lengthy menu divided into snacks (pica pica), fried (fritos), breads (panes), cold (frios y ensalata), hot (calientes), and desserts (postres), with full ingredient lists of each. Be ready for the list of specials. As your server describes each, it may sound nearly as long as the print menu. As typical of NYC tapas, portions vary, but few are likely to approach standard entree sizes. Most are sized for sharing among small groups of 2 - 4, and this is the best course to take. The food was lovely to lay eyes on, colors and textures arranged or mounded to create a beautiful palette in every dish. Flavors were no disappointment, with great use of textures. Among the refreshing, there were tender artichokes and fava beans bound by a silky poached egg and showered in bits of crisped crumbs. A tower of fried mini shrimp cluster atop a smooth cubed cucumber and tomato salad, contrasting perfectly. Quail eggs served with green tahini touched with olive oil make a good snack; a plus that the diner peels them, in my opinion. Croquetas, varying each day, came in a pair, well-fried and tasty. Rich, lingering flavors can be found in a simple dish of earthy anchovies soaked in good olive oil, doused with sesame and crushed hazelnuts, great with charred toast. The migas, a dish of chunks of chorizo, bread crumbs, grapes, onions, and capers was a wondrous riot of flavors savory, sweet, and sour, and very fragrant. Perhaps the most memorable dish was a special, the Perol de Verduras. This layered vegetable dish highlights the best of La Vara: well-cooked, fresh ingredients, combinations that both contrast and complement in flavor and textures, with a delicious sauce. And a sight to behold. It deserves a permanent place on the menu. La Vara is a wonderful tapas place, and the best in Brooklyn, although arguably competition is lacking. The food is inventive and fantastically made. As expected with tapas, the cost will add up with multiple plates so plan accordingly, but hardly unexpected for the quality of execution. At its tiny size and limited reservation policy, come early and with no more than a party of four. read more

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TWENTY STARS. I don't know what these other folks are fussing about. Every dish and cocktail was finely considered and perfectly prepared. Feels like a neighborhood haunt, eats like the Michelin star & Eater 38 it earned. Service was impeccable. The women running this ship are absolute pros, and the place is positively buzzing with their strength and energy. The marinated olives were surprisingly nuanced, with individually seasoned varieties. Fried artichokes are a must! Eggplant was brilliant with the addition of nigella seeds. THE. MIGAS. WAS. INCREDIBLE. Pincho de ceuta was perfectly balanced in flavor and texture. Who knew chicken hearts could make such a spectacular salad? And--you guys--don't skip the pig. It's the finest cochinillo I've had (and this southern girl has had plenty, promise). In terms of technique, it blew us away. These aren't easy dishes to execute with nuance, and La Vara makes it look SO easy. Plus, the bartender (also our server) is an absolute alchemist. Be sure and try a drink with their homemade quinine syrup. Think you can't do bitter? She'll show you otherwise. Their playlist doesn't suck, either ;) Can't wait to go back! read more

On our 3rd visit here, I'm glad to report that the menu has changed slightly as it does with many tapas places but that the quality has remained high and the service has remained excellent. On our most recent visit we ordered the Anchovy bread, the cucumber salad, the paella, the suckling pig, and the croquette special. The anchovy bread wasn't too fishy and it had a wonderful balance between the hazelnut and sesame oil. Just a word of warning though, it's a tapas place so it comes out with just a few pieces of nicely charred bread and a plate of three seasoned anchovies. For some reason we forgot this fact and expected a flatbread, haha. The cucumber salad with farrow and herbs was one of my favorites of the night because it was light, felt healthy, and was nicely savory given the earthy flavors that the farrow provided. The paella, as you would expect, was done perfectly and had a great balance of seafood and saffron but it was done with a thin chopped noodles which they list as a valencia style noodle. I've never been to valencia but it tasted closer to a whole grain noodle to me but with a pleasant texture given it's size and thinness. Lastly the suckling pig dish was delicious. The meat was soft and supple, the skin was nice and crackling. The flavors and warmth of the dish were balanced nicely with the chimichurri. Good mouthfeel overall and we ended up using some extra bread to soak up the sauce. 5 stars for and overall great meal with excellent service. read more

The dishes did remind me of Spain, especially the anchovies with fresh bread. It brought me back to the markets in Madrid. The portions are small but very flavorful. The suckling pig was the best! Even the dessert was good. We tried the custard with grapefruit which provided a nice contrast to the sweetness. Overall we enjoyed dining here and would come back to try something new on their menu. read more

Ok so definitely get the torn bread with egg yolk. The spreadable sausage with honey foam bread is also good but very spicy which I didn't realize before ordering -- a little past my spice threshold. They're very good at frying. The croqueta would be perfect if the roux like filling was slightly less tacky but I would still get it again. The fried artichoke is awesome. Lots of garlicky flavor though the side of white bread is completely unnecessary. We also got the cod salad which was our least favorite -- lots of flavors that I'm not sure went well together (orange, pistachio, pomegranate, fish). Other standouts include the chickpeas, deviled eggs with green tahini and blistered shishito peppers that were cooked perfectly. Pricing is pretty reasonable given the quality. read more

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Five stars bc the food was unique, flavorful, and so delicious. We split a special asparagus spring pea salad (so fresh), fried artichokes (think elevated street food), the chorizo bread (stand out!!), and the lamb (other standout!!) We sat outside under twinkle lights - it felt like we were in Europe. Aka, atmosphere is lovely. The service - lacking. I hate to say it bc the place has all the components of perfection! We didn't get our drinks til 2 tapas in. It took like 20 mins to get our change for the bill. But this wasn't enough to take away from our overall enjoyment - we'll be back! read more

La Vara - Huevos Con Migas Aragonesas - Spanish Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Yum yum yum! We just moved into Brooklyn Heights and have been on a mission to try all of the restaurants in our area. We've only made it to La Vara for brunch but can't wait to go for dinner. The brunch was incredible - right up there with any Manhattan establishment. It was bursting with flavor so good that I regularly have cravings. Sadly we pledged not to revisit a restaurant until we've tried every one in our area. I had the Huevos Con Migas which was AMAZING. The toasted bread crumbs gave the dish the perfect crunch while the seared grapes was a clever way of making the dish less greasy. R had the Cuchifrito which was also very good but we both agreed that the Migas was better. We shared the Patatas Bravas - don't miss this because the spicy aioli is addictive. We can't wait to return for brunch AND dinner! This will certainly become one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants. read more