Vaca

3.9 (2k reviews)

PriceyTapas/Small Plates, Spanish, Steakhouses

Closed • 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM

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Vaca - Panza de Cerdo. Y Tetas de Mami - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Vaca - Sat at the bar...nice. - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Vaca - Seafood Paella Valenciana - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Vaca - Churro con chocolate & basque cheesecake - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Vaca Popular Dishes

Bikini Sandwich

68 Photos129 Reviews

Seafood Paella

74 Photos165 Reviews

Erizos Con Huevo

80 Photos94 Reviews

Vaca menu photos

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VACA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

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Outside

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Trendy

Moderate noise

Good for groups

Outdoor seating

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Terri O.

What a fabulous place to celebrate a birthday! We were in the area to see a show at the Segerstrom theatre and Vaca is literally a 4 minute walk away. Which worked out for us since we were able to use the restaurants valet service and leave our car there until after the show. As soon as we walked in, I was in awe of how cool the place looked! The bar located near the front door was very inviting and definitely made me want to go back just to sit there for a couple of cocktails. Speaking of cocktails, their signature, The Vaca Tonic was my favorite cocktail that I tried. It's refreshing, pretty and definitely had me ordering a second one. They have a variety of spirits to choose from, but the Gin cocktails were definitely my favorite. For dinner, my husband and I choose the Tapas route and order a few plates to share. The Carpaccio, Gambas Al Ajillo(sautéed shrimp) and the La Bola(upscale version of potato balls) were my favorite dishes. This isn't to say that our other plates weren't delicious, I'm just saying these plates left me wanting more. Last but not least, we ended the night with a slice of their Basque Cheesecake, and oh my goodness, this had to be hands down, one of the best cheesecakes I've ever had. I was so full, but there was no way we were leaving any piece of the cheesecake uneaten. Now, this restaurant is more on the pricey side. But, I would 100% recommend to try once or make it a priority to check out when you have a special occasion to celebrate!

Michael B.

I have been a big fan of Amar's for years and have been to Broadway in Laguna Beach a couple of times. I've always wanted to try VACA in Costa Mesa and last night was the night. We took advantage of the Friends and Family menu they provide on Mondays Only from 5:00 to closing. We sat at the beautiful bar and were watched over by Jacob. The wife had some special non-alcoholic drink that was very pretty and tasted great. I went with the VACA Tonic, an icy concoction made with gin. It was super refreshing and a nice way to start. This menu has selected tapas items that range in price from $8 to $19. We ordered the Pan Con Tomate ($8) which comes with sliced toasted bread slices, tomato pulp, a delicious olive oil and a side of sea salt. You take a piece of toast, squirt some of the olive oil on top, then pour on the tomato pulp. Light, tasty and delicious. Next up, the Patatas Bravas ($9). Perfectly roasted spicy potato cubes, slathered with tomato sauce and a garlic aioli. WOW! So simple yet so good. I licked the plate clean. Next up, the Bikini Sandwich ($9). Two small perfectly toasted cheesy sandwich wedges that have Iberico ham, manchego cheese and a hint of truffles. It was really delicious and the special ham was the star of the show. These are great starting items, yet surprisingly filling. I couldn't stop there though and wanted to order some of their famous paella. I decided on the Paella De Carne ($53). This is a meat paella with pork belly, chorizo, blood sausage, duck confit (a leg & thigh), beef cheek, with bomba rice and a garlic aioli. You have to wait about 20 minutes for them to make it but it's worth the wait. It was perfectly cooked and awash in flavor. The special paella pan they prepare the dish in looked well seasoned and I wished I could have taken it home. The menu is extensive with lots of choices to accommodate any palate. The restaurant is beautiful and has a front and back patio seating. If you have a choice, sit on the back patio. There is valet parking for $12, but there is a parking structure right across the street that provides easy access and is free with validation.

Shannon Z.

Great restaurant to come with group to try all their tapas and shareable appetizers!! My favorite tapas were the grilled octopus (so flavorful), seared scallops (came with a zesty and creamy sauce), and corn. All the dishes were very flavorful! I also loved the seafood paella, they're very generous with the meats/seafood in the paella. They accommodate larger groups on their outside patio so it was great for a celebration. Service was also great. Parking is either valet for $15 or parking across the street at their parking garage (can validate at restaurant).

Food is ok. We had the squash soup, lamb meatballs, red wine oxtail, and paella mariscos. I had high hopes with their paella since it is a spanish restaurant but was a bit dissapointed or maybe I should have opted for steak. Outdoor seating is bad. A lot of mosquitoes. I had my 3-year-old with me so her legs were itching a lot. Next day leg is red and swollen from the bites.

Yurie H.

Splurge restaurant but food is very solid! My husband and I came here for date night and had a great experience~ Vaca is located next to south coast, interior has tall ceilings and have a small indoor and outdoor seating. They have Spanish menu items, several tapas and main dishes. We got 4 wines and both loved with whites and reds! La bola (8.5/10)-the meat inside was delicious wasn't overly crispy, sauce on top was too much but a classed dish Pani puri (9/10)-interesting concept scallop was delicious and sauce was rich, shell was crispy Cauliflower (7/10)-bit too salty and rich but they give you a good portion Steak (7.5/10)-we asked for medium but it was more in medium rare, good quality but small for price Churro (9/10)-cant beat a piping hot churro with chocolate sauce portion not too large Our server was friendly and vibe was classy Would love to try the paella my next visit!

Anna V.

great service and food was great! i loved the la bola and patatas bravas most but everything else was also very good as well! portions were filling despite it being small, staff were prompt and very nice restaurant was a little warm inside but nice ambiance and good vibes

Lauren C.

I really wanted to like this place but not sure if I would go back... The tapas were average at most. No richness of spices and overall pretty simple. The paella was too salty and had no crunch to it. Very inflated prices. Service was not very attentive. I literally left hungry and got In n Out after.

Stephanie S.

I was so excited to finally dine at Vaca -- it's been on my list for so long. The ambience is cozy with a date‑night feel, and the service was friendly and attentive. Our food also came out fairly quickly, which I appreciated. I started with the Vaca Tonic which was delicious. For food, the standout was the La Bola -- a crispy potato ball with flavorful ground meat inside. I'd come back just for that. The scallops, however, were just okay. They were very small for "sea" or "diver" scallops, and the menu didn't specify what kind they were. The sauce was fine but nothing memorable. I was most excited for the wagyu oyster cut steak and ordered it medium, but it arrived more rare than expected and was surprisingly chewy rather than tender. Overall, the experience didn't quite live up to the hype for me. I love tapas, but this spot fell short.

Lola G.

Vaca is a Spanish tapas style restaurant with great meat and cocktails. Some of my meal highlights was the bikini sandwich and the night's special, which was a perfectly cut piece of steak. I was disappointed in the patatas bravas, however, which I felt lacked much flavor. The cocktails were exceptional. I enjoyed a classic dirty martini, their specialty vaca tonic (A+ cocktail), and had their non-alcoholic drink called Starry Night (very delicious, but not worth $16). The setting is quite breath-taking, with the restaurant decorated with elaborate cuts of meat and wine bottles. The lighting is very warm-toned and elegant. Overall, we had a delicious meal and cocktails before heading to the Segerstrom (just a quick walk away). The service was excellent and the meal great, but I think the whole experience was heavily overpriced for what you get.

Lisa K.

Had a friend in town so we decided to check out Vaca. I had heard great things so really wanted to love this place, but it was a bit short of my expectations given the prices. First off, my friends had sat at the bar for a good 20 min before the bartender finally acknowledged them and took our drink order. Even then she was not very nice and totally made other patrons orders who had sat down after us before even trying to deliver our drinks to us. Once the drinks were delivered, they were pretty much slammed onto the bar counter rather than being delivered with care. Yikes. I had asked for a bar napkin because the rim was sticky and she completely ignored me. So rude. Our reservation on a Friday night with a show happening at Segerstrom was at 7:45pm which means the show crowd should have already left by this point. We easily didn't get seated until 8:15-8:20pm for a 7:45pm reservation because our table was lingering. Seems like poor table management on the restaurant's part to be that far behind schedule. Once we sat down, we did our best to order right away as we were starving and was pretty sure it would take awhile for the food to come out. Our server greeted us within a few min of sitting down and since we were ready to order by the time she showed up, we ordered everything from appetizers to full meal. Started with the croquetas and gambas. Both were good but honestly I've had better. The sauce for the gambas felt like the ratio of the sherry was a bit much and not enough spice. Ended up with the Paella Valenciana which was okay, but the flavors felt kind of bland and the scallops and shrimp inside seemed like they could have been cooked more thoroughly. I believe we got the 12oz New York Steak to share, and it felt the meat itself was super tender but lacked a bit of flavor for my liking. We wanted the broccolini but they ran out so ended up with the Brussel sprouts instead which were very good. Overall the ambiance inside the restaurant is a bit tight and chaotic for my liking. I definitely like the bar area better than the tables which were very close together, so may have to try dining at the bar next time.

Yosmar J.

This is the third time coming here and I've loved it every time. The service is usually amazing, food doesn't take 30-40 minutes, and drinks come usually fairly quickly. This time around the service was not great, drinks too forger, and the waiter seemed too busy with other tables. Forgetting our orders and forgetting we were there. We were also celebrating something special and the waiter didn't bother to acknowledge it despite the hostess's asking if we were celebrating something special. This time around our experience was okay, definitely not the vaca we know. I do however recommend their chicken croquettas

Sam S.

Outstanding Spanish food in a beautiful, contemporary setting. Right next to the Segestrom Center, this restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating. Service is friendly and efficient and the food was excellent. We had a reservation but we still had a 15 minute wait, as they were swamped on a Saturday evening. However it became quieter after 7:30 pm. Their corkage ($40) is steep, but they have a decent wine selection and great cocktails. We ordered a bottle of Tempranillo ($60), which was very good. Menu is expansive. We had 4-5 tapas and a paella. The Pan con Tomato, the meatballs, the chicken croquettes and the Patatas Bravas were excellent. The Valencia paella was to die for. Definitely consider going here or to their sister location in LA. Great for date night. Parking in the lot across the street is validated, otherwise valet parking is $12.

Christina C.

This is easily one of the premier destinations for authentic paella in the United States. I highly recommend the seafood paella, though the Spanish octopus and seared scallops are equally exceptional. Whatever you do, do not skip the Basque cheesecake; it is truly the finest I have ever had. The patio offers a remarkably cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a special evening. While the service is attentive and professional, please keep in mind that the paella is prepared to order and requires a bit of patience--it is well worth the wait.

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Kim S.

10 years ago

This was my first time coming here but, I have visited their sister restaurant Broadway. Vaca definitely has a bit of a different vibe than Broadway but, a bigger food selection. I was very impressed. For starters, I had the Bikini Sandwich and the La Bola. The Bikini Sandwich was good but, the La Bola was delicious! La Bola consists of fried potato and ground beef YUM! For the main course I had the Skirt Steak and Asparagus. Both were DELICIOUS! The meat quality is divine and the steak sauces they serve are tasty and original. They have an A2 which is like a sweet A1 Steak Sauce and they also have a creamy Chimichurri. The Asparagus was also very original. On top were crushed almonds and a cream tomato paste. SO GOOD! For drinks, I let the bartender create them for me. All were very tasty! I will definitely be back since there are so many other menu items I must try. read more

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Jaril T.

255

674

10 years ago

Over priced and over hyped. Not coming back. Food is ok, service is ok. For the price, I'd rather go somewhere else.

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Julie L.

10 years ago

The food is really good . The only downside is the proximity of tables , they are just way too close for a conversation , its VERY VERY uncomfortable. It feels like pull up to the trough eat and leave. Unless you go in group of 4 and up you'll be seated in a more open spacious private table . read more

Vaca - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Vaca - Paella tastes delicious! - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Claire C.

9 years ago

Awesome restaurant! I ordered the tapas- bone marrow and the oxtail. Both delicious!! The bikini sandwiches were also tasty as well.

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Denise C.

Elite 25

10 years ago

The menu is somewhat intimidating, thank goodness the staff was completely knowledgeable in ever dish. It has been a while since we dined, sp I don't recall our exact tapas but they were all very yummy. I great food experience and so enjoyable to relax and enjoy the small bites. Great restaurant! read more

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Kaaz M.

8 years ago

The atmosphere is great, the tapas is on point, especially he la bolla, the peppers, corn, the hanger and skirt steak are by far the best steaks in the menu. The food, the service, the drinks all great!!!! read more

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Britney I.

10 years ago

Dined here last night for my husband's birthday. It was off to a slow start but the staff and management quickly made up for it; which we really appreciated. Once we ordered, everything came out so quickly and everything was absolutely delicious! We ordered almost half of the tapas menu and the seafood paella. Also, all the cocktails were perfect!!! I love that they infuse their own vermouth. Will definitely be returning. read more

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Blake R.

10 years ago

For the TLTR version, this place is awesome. While I came with just my gf for her birthday, this would be a great place for a larger group. The tapas are all amazing as is the paella! We tried as much as our stomachs would allow (and more...) -ERIZOS CON HUEVO - Sea urchin scrambled eggs with toast... sounds like the oddest thing, but was probably our top 2 or 3 out of everything. Highly recommend it. -PULPO A LA GALLEGA - Even as the most boring thing we had, it was still a good dish. Super simple, though salted perfectly. If you're looking for more flavor, you can skip it this one. -HIGADO DE PATO CON PERA - Foie gras isn't for everyone, but OMG was it good! So much flavor! Also in my top 3. If I were to critique anything, we felt it needed bread (like the Erizos con huevos) so we asked for more... yum! -CANELON DE POLLO AHUMADO - So this one was recommended to us by one of the managers, and HOLY CRAP was it amazing! Best dish of the night! It has a smokey flavor almost like a bbq sauce but without the molasses (that's about the best I can describe it.) Super rich. If we had room, we would have ordered another. -PANZA DE CERDO - Pork belly.... I'm a sucker for pork belly, and this did not disappoint. I'm drooling just thinking about it. -PAELLA DE CARNE - Come to a Spanish joint and not get paella? Even after ALL THAT FOOD we just ate, we polished this off as well. The combination of meats and the spiciness were delicious. The dollops of creme (or sour cream? Can't remember) were a perfect touch too. Desserts! Yes... even after all the tapas and paella, we ate dessert too! -Flan - Again.... another dish I'm a sucker for. I wish I wasn't so full at this point, otherwise I would have finished it! -Espresso & cardamom ice cream - Not gunna lie... I am not a fan of cardamom per se... and I can't say I really liked this one... and yet, for some reason, I could NOT stop eating it. It was fascinating. It tasted like coffee and leaves... but it worked... I can't explain. It's certainly worth a try if you're adventurous (or just love cardamom, lol) -BIZCOCHO TRES LECHES - Our favorite dessert of the night! Must have! It's not the easiest thing to find a good Tres Leches cake, and this one is DEFINITELY at the top. Rich, but not super sweet... and certainly moist like one would expect. SO... we will definitely be back the next time I have a cheat meal (not particularly keto friendly if you're into that, haha) and will have to try the other half of the menu. Cannot thank everyone enough who served us and made the birthday a delicious and pleasant one... and thank you Stephanie for the recommendations and hospitality! My GF loved everything as well and we hope to be there again soon. read more

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Daniel K.

10 years ago

Great food, wonderful variety of tapas. Urchin w/ egg - the egg was so well prepared and as good as everyone says. Steaks were well marbled,flavorful and well prepared. read more

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Brianna P.

200

147

115

7 years ago

Came for my dad's birthday dinner. Ordered couple small dishes, steak, and the paella. While the uni with eggs were really good, I wouldn't order the octopus again as it was just okay. The bone marrow was just cool/pretty looking--its actual edible part is so small. paella was also just average, but their steak was really good read more

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Brett B.

9 years ago

Amazing experience each time I go. The staff is very helpful and professional. All the dishes are unique and different from any other place in OC. It's a little difficult to get in for dinner, but something you'd expect from a place of this caliber. read more

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Elizabeth B.

9 years ago

Delicious food and great service. A wonderful special experience - not cheap, but ideal for a special occasion.

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Kevin W.

9 years ago

Great restaurant, the bison was wonderful as was the caramel ice cream with rosemary.

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Alice I.

8 years ago

Came here with the hubby to celebrate Valentine's Day and we had an incredible dining experience! Would highly recommend eating here for any special occasion or just a night out for great food. Our reservation was initially for the patio, but they were able to offer us seating inside because a spot opened up. We felt so lucky because the inside dining room was booked for the whole evening. The vibe was lively and romantic, with the dark lighting and amazing smells coming from the kitchen. Our server was fantastic, with excellent recommendations for tapas, wine pairings, and entrees. She gave us samples of the wines and a very generous pour of the ones we selected. For our starting tapas we had the Vieiras a la Plancha (seared scallops) and Canelon de Pollo which were both delicious. Then, for the main we had the aged rib eye steak (so worth it!) with more tapas of Bruselas and Patatas Bravas, paired with two different types of Spanish red wine. Such amazing flavor combinations! Everything was so boldly and uniquely flavored. Then, to top it off, they gave us a complementary almond cake with fresh whipped cream, just because we were celebrating Valentine's Day. We left with our hearts and stomachs full. I think we found our new favorite tapas place. Thank you Vaca! read more

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Thomas K.

11 years ago

Vaca is now at the top of my list for superb ding in the OC. If you're into expertly crafted, adventurous fare, run, do not walk to this restaurant! Finest beef selections west of Chicago. Cocktails alone are worth a visit. Try the Amper and Sand. Did not check out the wine list in detail yet, but the Rioja "by the glass" selection was outstanding. Service is good, peeps are cool! read more

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Kanwar K.

130

11 years ago

Simply the best meat I've ever put in my mouth. The entire menu is electric, and I would expect nothing less from Chef Amar Santana as his encore to Broadway. I came in with high expectations and was blown away by the entire experience from service to food. If you have a chance to sit down with a slab of one Chef Santana's incredible dry aged steaks, don't pass it up. read more

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J. H.

141

11 years ago

Vaca is super duper awesome. Just go if you want Spanish type tapas food, good drinks, paella and more. Even their meats are solid - get their top end steak dish if you have an appetite for steak. Its all done very well. Reservations are a must. read more

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Mike S.

148

10 years ago

This place is very hot right now and you pretty much have to get a reservation way in advance. My girlfriend and I came here for a dinner reservation on Saturday night and it was packed. Ambience is trendy upscale, but I don't think any dress code is enforced. Service is friendly and attentive. There is a parking structure available and valet. And yes, as others have noted, water is $1 per person. THE GOOD: - Their signature cocktail "Vaca Tonic" tastes good and looks good, too! (But for some reason, I got a mild headache just after drinking one) - $12 - Carne Cruda. This is their beef tartar with blue cheese. Lots of flavor and delicious. This was probably one of my favorite dishes out of everything we ordered. - $14 - Higaod de Pato. This is their Foie Gras. It's pretty small, but it's silky and delicious with the apple compote and toasted pistachios. - $15 - Bruselas. This is their brussels sprouts with chorizo. Another one of my favorite dishes out of everything we ordered. Delicious brussels sprouts with chorizo sausages mixed in. - $10 THE OKAY: - Bikini sandwich. This is their tiny panini sandwich. The machego cheese and truffles give this a decent flavor, but overall, it's just okay. - $13 - House specialty beef rib steak aged 50+ days. These are pre-cut and the smallest cut they had was 2 lbs 1 oz...but bear in mind that the bone is included. They cooked it medium rare, per our request. It comes with house made chimichurri and A2, which is the chef's version of A1. The steak is good, but nothing special. At $55/lbs, I expected a bit more. - $113 for the weight. THE FORGETTABLE: - Rabo de Toro. This is their braised beef oxtail. It's basically one large piece of oxtail. It's very tender, but quite bland. We were bored of it after the first bite. - $14 - Pulpo a la Gallega. This is their octopus with potatoes. Kinda bland. The octopus is cooked nice and tender, but the flavor is kinda flat. This place is just okay. For the price, we expected greatness and were disappointed. We ordered 3 cocktails, 5 tapas, 1 side dish, and 1 steak and our total came out to $300 with tax and tip, for 2 people. read more

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Chris C.

10 years ago

When you pay $100 per person for tapas and drinks you expect something better than just "good" - interesting menu and imaginative offerings made me come here with higher expectations. Liked the iberico ham and the huerso al horno, The ox tail was good, the la bola was fine but only two small bites. The atun crudo was fine, The croquetas. De pollo were not good, really kind of bland - wish it was served with a sauce or something. Table next to us said the bikini sandwich was also "fine" - the amper & sand cocktail was really good whisky based drink, but their house recommended Vaca tonic was not good - tasted like frozen limeade blended with ice and gin - oh and they charge $1 for water. Their aged meat window looked spectacular and if I do manage to find myself back here I may opt for something in there. I wanted to like this place more. read more

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Lindsey G.

10 years ago

By far one of my favorite restaurants in Orange County. I highly recommend the brussels, the skirt steak, patatas bravas, the rabo de toro, canelon de pollo, bikini sandwich, and to finish, the tres leches!!!! Not to mention their bar program is phenomenal. My favorite is the vaca tonic. Gin + slushy with the perfect amount of lime. Perfectly balanced. Best signature cocktail around. The service is fantastic. I recommend sitting at the bar if you enjoy a seamless and fun interaction. The bartenders really know how to engage and serve with the upmost knowledge. My bartender was Emily, and she was so great at explaining her knowledge of spirits and tapas for my boyfriend and I to enjoy. Will definitely be going back soon. read more

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Pam T.

10 years ago

Nothing awful nothing great (but for the price you pay you'd expect something great!) finally got to try this place. I commend the chefs on their attempt to try something new. The dishes on the menu are nothing like I've ever tried before. But when you're going to go out on a limb like that, you better do it great, and I just feel like Vaca fell short. Our bill came out to about $160 for drinks, tapas, tax and tip. Here's what we ordered from the good to the not so good. Chicken Canneloni - the best of the night but still not great. It felt like something was missing. Ezros con huevo - good but again it felt like it was missing some seasoning. Pulpo la Gallega - again good, but felt like it was missing seasoning. The octopus however was cooked well. Bikini sandwich (I think that's the name) - nothing special. Lamb meatballs -YUCK. Tasted literally like B.O. Tres leches - did not taste fresh. Felt like frozen dessert. All in all I would not come back, especially because of the price and what you get (or more specifically what you don't get). read more

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Afi F.

10 years ago

Food was ok, it doesn't worth the hype and the money! Trust me I've been to a lot of restaurant. I don't understand why the charge $2 each for tap water. I would understand if they told us before hand. What a scam. I will never go back!!! read more

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Martin F.

9 years ago

While the service was excellent and the food was tasty--the portions were small and quite expensive. Spent over $100 and left hungary.

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Rabsy C.

9 years ago

Everything was delicious. We've been twice and can say everything was wonderful both times. The steaks, sides and tapas we had were fabulous. The bar staff makes amazing drinks, and they continue to come out that way consistently. The staff are friendly, professional and just the right amount of attentive. If there was one minor thing that was less than perfect -- on our second visit the seafood on a paella dish was a bit undercooked for our liking and it might have been nice to let the rice crisp up on the pan. Definitely recommend this place. read more

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Tracy H.

9 years ago

Amazing food! Intimate space and you definitely need a reservation. A total hidden Gem in South Coast Metro.

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Sherry B.

131

104

8 years ago

Five star for the GM. Ghali is professional, respectful and has a great presence. The service is exceptional.

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Andrea K.

10 years ago

The filet mignon was absolutely amazing. Great cocktails and service... cannot go wrong!

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Sheree H.

8 years ago

Amazing food! Love this place! There food is delicious and there drink are amazing! My husband and I go there all the time. There Tapas are one of a kind! read more

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susan s.

10 years ago

I think the way to go is the beef. The place is beautiful but service so so and the tapas, well a different story. Each small dish we ordered was disappointing. For example, I ordered the prawns in garlic and butter sauce. They were shrimp, not prawns, and I had a fellow diner try them and she agreed with me that they were COMPLETELY tastless. I sent them back and then replaced with some chicken canneloni thing. Ugh. The staff reported that the reason for tastless "prawns" were that they were not salted and they were supposed to be. Who forgot to salt? Some at our table ordered these small round potatoes rolled in salt. Terrible also. another dish was these small sandwiches. They could not have been smaller or thinner. A total waste. The only thing that may have been the winner is the urchin; one person ordered this. The flan also looked good. Very pricey steaks and I really don't give this place very long. Sorry. read more

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Justin M.

196

10 years ago

Finally made it to Vaca and it was even better than expected. Jaymee and I wanted cocktails to start and I had the Fear and Loathing (highly recommended vodka, mezcal and papaya concoction) and Jaymee had the bartender make a drink with vodka and grapefruit that hit the spot and wasn't too sweet. We had La Bola for our appetizer which was excellent but weren't hungry enough to order more tapas. Jaymee had the Colorado rack of lamb and I had the grass fed NY steak. Both were absolutely incredible and the NY was one of the best I've ever had! We aren't much into charcuterie but if you are it is supposed to be the best in OC. All in all the service and food were impeccable. Will be back! read more

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Stephen C.

8 years ago

One of the best restaurants in Costa Mesa! Been here many times and can't get enough.

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Michelle H.

8 years ago

Love this restaurant! Food is good! Awesome drinks. Good place to hangout... It's hard to get a table, need reservation...

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Kelly M.

7 years ago

We used to come here every time we shopped at South Coast Plaza. I loved seafood paella and steak here. Bone marrow and deviled eggs are must try appetizers. However, their paella seems to be not as good as it used to be. read more

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Johnny L.

11 years ago

Good vibes, great service, delicious food. Gf planned a little surprise and knew that I liked eating a variety of food so she took me here. It was the perfect spot. read more

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Thomas F.

11 years ago

Oh man. So good! Vaca is my new go-to date night spot in Costa Mesa. The food is awesome, the bar is amazing, and the dining area makes for an intimate experience if you're looking to impress. If you go, you have to get the Paella de Carne and the Erizos Con Huevo - Sea Urchin with egg. Both dishes have sexy names and taste as good as they sound. Man I keep thinking about the Sea Urchin with egg! It's served soft and with these beautiful little golden toasts that have a miso butter. The salinity of the Urchin brightens the dish and the egg makes for luxurious deliciousness. Apparently lunch service is on its way. Guess where I'll be dining several times a week? Hope MasterCard creates a "Vaca" column on my expense summary so I can start tracking this stuff! read more

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T. M.

11 years ago

Absolutely LOVELY dinner we had here the other night. Tapas were all wonderful and they have a good variety of items. The croquettes were especially yummy, as was the melt in your mouth octopus. Oh, and the bread with tomato -- do yourself a favor and just order a double batch, because you'll want more! Staff was very friendly (service is HUGE for me) and they definitely give you a lot of attention. This is a great place for a date night, and definitely fun for a friends gathering. Probably not good for large parties, because it's a small place, but maybe if you reserve far in advance? This is definitely one of our new favorite places! read more

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Elisa F.

569

11 years ago

This place is ridiculous...in the best way possible. I came here about two weeks ago with a close friend and we both fell IN LOVE with Vaca. The service was so great and the food was even better. I had the dates with jamon tapas which were.. Wow..and for dinner I had the steak and it was the most flavorful steak I've ever had. This isn't just a restaurant, it's a place filled with a buzzing energy, and there's a certain excitement you get just from being there. The wine was also delightful and the carne paella was delicious. I wish I could be here every week, honestly. I'm so excited to go back to Vaca and I definitely feel that it got me more hyped up for my upcoming trip to Barcelona later this year!! 10/10. read more

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Norman M.

11 years ago

Amazing uni appetizer worth the trip alone - fun small plates format tapas style - big recommendation on simple skirt steak and the chicken - pass on the weird fried noodle dish I would almost send back it was so bad - service was excellent - this was a five star dinner without the noodles which we complained about but they left on the bill - I will def go back either way - ps cocktails were excellent and decent wine list thanks chef Amar Santana read more

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Andi V.

11 years ago

This place was great for a girls night. We had tapas only--bikini sandwich, chicken enchilada (?), Tuna salad, churros, and olives. Everything was flavorful and fresh. Definitely will be back! read more

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Adeline T.

221

200

11 years ago

Nicole at the Bar was awesome. Bartender she came from Long beach but is here in OC. She made us feel so comfortable. She was efficient her recommendations were awesome. The food was great. The service the atmosphere and met a great couple Randy and Rebecca who agreed that what we ordered was the best. If you ever drop by sit at the bar. You can still get the full menu read more

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Page 46 of 52

695 Town Center Dr
Ste 170
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Directions
(714) 463-6060
Call Now
Visit Website
https://vacarestaurant.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Vaca open?

Vaca opens at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Vaca opens at 4:30 PM on Sunday.

What time does Vaca close?

Vaca closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.Vaca closes at 9:30 PM on Thursday.Vaca closes at 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Wed 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMThu 5:00 PM - 9:30 PMFri-Sat 5:00 PM - 11:00 PMSun 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Vaca take Bitcoin?

No, Vaca does not take Bitcoin.

Does Vaca take credit cards?

Yes, Vaca takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Vaca have catering options?

Yes, Vaca does have catering options.

Does Vaca have a drive thru?

No, Vaca does not have a drive thru.

Does Vaca have a happy hour?

Yes, Vaca has a happy hour.

Does Vaca serve alcohol?

Yes, Vaca serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Vaca allow dogs?

No, Vaca does not allow dogs.

Does Vaca have TVs?

Yes, Vaca has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Vaca have bike parking?

Yes, Vaca has bike parking.

Does Vaca have outdoor seating?

Yes, Vaca has outdoor seating options.

Does Vaca have parking?

Yes, Vaca has parking options. Garage Parking, Valet Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Is Vaca wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Vaca is wheelchair accessible.

Does Vaca have free WiFi?

Yes, Vaca has free WiFi.

From the Business

History

Established in 2015.

VACA brings Barcelona, Madrid, Andalucía, Sevilla, and the Basque Country to the heart of the arts in Costa Mesa. Adjacent to the Segerstrom Performing Arts Center, OCMA, and South Coast Plaza; Vaca's menu ranges from traditional tapas to modern interpretations of classic dishes, respecting both genuine Spanish cooking and Top Chef alum Amar Santana's nature to re-imagine food cultures. With a Spanish steakhouse vibe, and a beverage program that combines Spanish drinking culture with modern American cocktailing, VACA delivers an authentic Spanish restaurant experience to the center of Orange County.

More Info

Special Hours

Vaca Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Vaca

We plan to eat at Vaca, get the parking validated by Vaca, then go to watch a show at Sergstrom. Do I need to pay for parking since the parking ticket is validated much earlier than the exit time?

Yes, Vaca restaurant in Costa Mesa validates parking in the nearby parking structure. Guests can either use valet parking or self-park in the structure. If self-parking, you'll need to bring your parking ticket to the restaurant for validation.…

View question details

Do they take reservations for small groups?

Yes they do- however they've been victims of reservation swatting lately so best to call to make a reservation

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Does Vaca offer a Thanksgiving menu, dine in and/or takeout, and what is included?

I doubt that. But, it's April. There's a lot of time for things to change lol

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Is there any kind of "kids menu"?

No it doesn't look like it

View question details

How many people do you need to get a paella? Could a person eat one all by himself?

2. 3 if you order other tapas. 1 is doable if you're a big eater or you are willing to take leftovers.

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Hi, do you offer outside seating?

There are a few tables placed outside. Yes.

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What meat is in the Spanish platter?

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

Best parking if seeing a play at seger storm after diner?

Absolutely yes! That's what we always do. Park at Vaca, eat there, go to theater, then pickup car afterwards.

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Hi, is the menu different if you sit at the bar?

I don't believe so. I think they only use the one paper folded menu.

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Does the Lunch menu offer tapas as well or is that only for dinner?

We went for lunch and decided to do only the tapas.. You can mix and match

View question details

What is the corkage fee for a magnum?

Their corkage fee is listed in FAQ...$30 for one bottle and need to contact them for additional bottles.

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Which seating area is better: indoor or outdoor? If outdoor, by the front or the back?

If it's just two, I'd sit at the bar. Otherwise a table in the back. Outside lacks the vibe.

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Is there a corkage fee?

yes but I forgot how much

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Do they offer any vegan options?

They offer Falafel which has no meat.

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Can I bring an ice cream cake for the birthday dinner?

No!

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Is lunch menu back yet?

Yes.

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Is there a dress code?

It's like fun-upscale but basically just shoes shirt and pants. :)

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What fully vegan options are there?

There's a paella there with noodles and veggies.

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During this covid season, are they open for lunch? I heard they had lunch specials, are there any right now?

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

Should I bother eating here if I can't eat dairy? Food looks great but it looks like most items have cheese

This place is a meat eater's paradise. Especially if you like Spanish cured meats i.e. Jambon. All things Spanish are available here especially a wide array of Spanish cheeses, but dairy would be a small part of what you could order here. This place…

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Shane M.

357

1001

11 years ago

Ate here for dinner on their opening night to the public, day after Christmas. Came in about 8:30PM after a long day at SCP, with no reservation. 5 people waiting inside the door to be seated, in 2 parties. 2 spots open on the front right side of the L-shaped bar. My wife and her BFF utilized them to survey the cocktail menu while the maître d' escorted one of the waiting groups to their table, but not before assuring that we'd be taken care of right away. The hostess let me know that a party of 3 was paying their bill and we'd be seated shortly. I rejoined my party and checked out their spirit themed menu of Sherry, Gin & in-house Vermut (Catalan, a language spoken in northeastern Spain, is used throughout the menu with accompanying English translations). It was windy and cold (so like, you just can't wear shorts) so the "Don't Fear The Repo" with reposado and Ancho Reyes seemed to fit the mood. My wife's "The Roma" (Vermouth) was very approachable for any cocktail beginner, we all agreed it was good but she wished she tried the Vermouth on the rocks instead. Our friend had the "Watch Me Whip", which had pisco and a gingery-cinnamon Czech spirit, along with pineapple and lime so it took on a tiki-like characteristic which was appropriate for the "glass" made out of terracotta. All 3 were well balanced and our bartender was engaging. 5 stars. The hostess came to let us know that our spots at the kitchen were available (where you can watch dinner be prepared, like at Amar's other restaurant, Broadway), however this evening we wanted a setting more conducive to conversation. Obviously the kitchen seat availability was due to our timing, but it was nice that they wanted us to be able to sit at one of the preferred spots in the restaurant. The wait service was efficient and there were no lulls between dishes, after all it's tapas so it's to be expected. I always test how engaging our waiter will be and ours really loved to tell us about the menu. The attire of most of the employees are long sleeve baseball jerseys with a cooking/bartender ingredient on the back, fellow patrons were wearing anything from suits to dressy jeans. The noise level was on the higher side, but didn't prevent conversation with your normal voice level. We ordered: Colifor (Cauliflower) with tahini, raisins and lemon - 5 stars. My wife makes cauliflower at home and she loves it just simply steamed. Personally I think steamed cauliflower tastes like bitter mush (not a huge Brassica vegetable fan). This cauliflower was really good. I'd eat this every day. My wife was in heaven and our friend loved them too. Bruselas (Brussels Sprouts) with chorizo, sherry gastrique - 5 stars. I've had this dish at Broadway, but it had Chinese sausage at the time. That was actually the first time I ever had Brussels Sprouts, several years ago; I immediately loved them and my wife has been making a much simpler version (the sprouts, balsamic, evoo, and pancetta) at home ever since. So we knew what to expect, however our friend who doesn't even like our homemade version was helping herself to seconds. Pan Con Tomate (Bread with tomato) - 4 stars. Light tomato flavor, but it become a bit garlicky/salty towards the end (a sweeter cocktail would've paired better). Albondigas (Meatballs) with lamb, lemon-yogurt, cucumbers - 4 stars. I love lamb. My wife does not, but she gave it a shot to confirm her position. Result was an extra meatball for me. Very moist, smooth texture to the lamb. Great Mediterranean taste. The lamb could've been seasoned a little heavier. Huevos Estrellados with broken (scrambled) eggs, fried potatoes, chorizo - 5 stars. I forgot it had chorizo until a third of the way through. The potato, eggs & sauce combination had a good amount of flavor. The spicy chorizo pulls everything together. Pulpo a la Gallega (Octopus) with fingerling potatoes, pimenton and Spanish olive oil - 4 stars. Very tender octopus. Had a peppery nutty flavor to the dish. For what it was, I couldn't imagine it getting any better, but the best octopus I've had is at Twenty Eight and so it is just a completely different flavor profile. Embutidos (Charcuterie, typically from Spain). I am not a turophile, but I thought the 8 month aged Manchego was delicious. The combo with the peppered jam it comes with is bliss. I could've eaten it as dessert. However the best item was the Paleta Iberica Fermin with it's rich nutty flavor. Pairing it with each cheese changed it slightly. The ham raised it to a 5, but the accompaniments (pickles, pickled veggies, peppered jam and breadsticks) went really well too. For desert we had the Churros con Choclate & a sorbet trio (strawberry balsamic, blood orange saffron, and vanilla pear). We demolished the sorbet. We all prefer our churro on the fluffier/lighter side, this one was a little too dense for our liking but was the exact flavor we expected. 4 stars. We loved it and will return! read more

Robert L.

2 years ago

Kat Sets the Gold Standard at Vaca in Costa Mesa If you're searching for unparalleled service and an extraordinary dining experience, look no further than Vaca in Costa Mesa--and be sure to request Kat as your server. From the moment she welcomed us, it was clear we were in for something wonderful. Kat isn't just a server; she's a true professional who embodies the art of hospitality. Kat's warmth, attentiveness, and genuine passion elevated our meal into a memorable evening. Her menu expertise is unmatched--she explained each dish in detail with enthusiasm that instantly made us excited about our selections. At her recommendation, we tried the piquillos rellenos and the canelon de pollo, both of which were absolutely phenomenal. Every dish was so perfectly curated that I can't wait to return and explore more of the menu--and her beverage recommendations will definitely be next on my list to try. Beyond her deep knowledge of Vaca's offerings, Kat's attention to detail is what truly stood out. She had an uncanny ability to anticipate every need. Plates were cleared effortlessly, courses were timed impeccably, and not once did we have to ask for anything. Her seamless service allowed us to fully relax and enjoy every moment of our day. Kat's demeanor struck the perfect balance of professionalism and warmth. She made us feel special and cared for, as if we were longtime friends. Watching her juggle multiple tables with ease and grace was genuinely inspiring--it's clear she takes immense pride in her work and thrives in her role. It's rare to encounter someone who brings this level of skill, dedication, and heart to the dining industry. Kat is without question a standout talent, and Vaca is lucky to have her. Dining with her isn't just about enjoying an exceptional meal; it's about being treated to an experience that you'll remember long after the evening ends. If you're planning to visit Vaca, make sure to request Kat. Her exceptional service, expert menu insights, and ability to craft a truly memorable dining event make her a gem in Orange County's dining scene. I'm already looking forward to returning and experiencing her outstanding hospitality again. **Pro Tip:** Trust her recommendations--they're spot-on! And like me, consider coming back to explore her insights on the beverage menu. read more

Sergio G.

305

263

3 years ago

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Vaca Restaurant, and I must say, it was a delightful experience. From the moment I stepped in, I was captivated by the inviting atmosphere and pleasant ambiance. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the food. The culinary offerings at Vaca Restaurant were nothing short of impressive. Every dish I tried was not only delicious but also beautifully presented. The flavors were thoughtfully balanced, and each bite was a symphony of taste sensations. The menu showcased a remarkable variety, catering to different palates and dietary preferences, which I found to be quite commendable. The staff at Vaca Restaurant played a significant role in enhancing the overall dining experience. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the cuisine they were serving. Their recommendations were spot-on, and their friendly demeanor added to the welcoming vibe of the restaurant. Speaking of the vibe, I couldn't agree more with your assessment. The ambiance was indeed nice, creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. The interior design and decor were tastefully done, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the meal. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for a romantic dinner or a place to catch up with friends, Vaca Restaurant offers a versatile setting that suits various occasions. In conclusion, my visit to Vaca Restaurant left me thoroughly satisfied. The delectable food, coupled with the inviting ambiance, made for a memorable evening. If you're searching for a place that combines culinary excellence with a pleasant vibe, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Vaca Restaurant a try. read more

Austin Y.

Elite 25

165

2 years ago

I recently dined at Vaca in Costa Mesa and, unfortunately, my experience was quite disappointing. Despite the restaurant's reputation, there were several issues that made the visit less than enjoyable. The atmosphere was chaotic and noisy, making it difficult to have a conversation as the seating was so cramped, that the tables were less than a feet away. This made the overall environment felt more stressful than relaxing. The food was a major letdown. The tapas were overpriced for the quality of food that was presented to us. While some dishes like the pulpo and canellon were decent others came out to be nothing special and seemingly just a random assortment of flavors thrown on the plate. We also ordered the vaca tonic but although the taste was decent, the drink itself was so frozen that we couldn't even use the straw to drink it. The service was one of the few redeeming aspects, but even that had its flaws. While the staff were friendly, they seemed overwhelmed and inattentive. We had to wait a long time for our orders to be taken and even longer for the food to arrive which often resulted in lukewarm food brought to our table. Overall for the high prices, the experience did not match up. The food quality and portion sizes did not justify the cost, making it feel like a poor value for money. Given the high expectations, Vaca was a significant disappointment. The combination of mediocre food, high prices, and a chaotic atmosphere means I won't be returning anytime soon. Overall: 1/10 read more

Michelle U.

241

9 years ago

MY FIANCÉ POSTED THIS REVIEW, AND YELP DECIDED TO NOT POST IT. DUBIOUS AT BEST SO I AM RE-POSTING: "About as Spanish as Krispy Kreme Having seen all the positive reviews I was quite excited to go to Vaca. Even though we had booked a table and arrived on time we were still made to wait around half an hour, standing as there was nowhere to sit. Not ideal but not the end of the world. Being half Spanish I grew up with my mum cooking Spanish food for me all my life. I had recently taken my fiancée to Spain where, when I was younger, I spent 3 months of every year. I was keen to show Spanish cuisine to my soon to be mother in law who had not as yet travelled to Spain. We ordered a bunch of classic Spanish dishes including the tortilla, albóndigas and paella. The paella rice was mushy, albóndigas bland and the tortilla dry. The food, I am sorry to say, was as authentic as a $6 bill. The flavour profiles are nowhere near authentically Spanish. This can be attributed, as I was later informed by our server, to the fact that neither the owners, the head chef, nor anybody in the kitchen is Spanish. I was, further, told that the head chef had learnt to cook Spanish food by training in Spain for a few months. A few months to learn a whole new cuisine! That did indeed explain a lot." read more

Ty R.

3 years ago

I'm glad you had an amazing vacation in Costa Mesa! The dining experience was truly outstanding, with several dishes that exceeded expectations. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was inviting and the staff was attentive. The variety of dishes on the menu was impressive, and each one was expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. The chef's special, a succulent seafood paella, was a delightful symphony of fresh seafood, perfectly cooked saffron-infused rice, and an array of vibrant vegetables. It was a true highlight of the meal, leaving me craving for more. Another standout dish was their signature grilled steak, cooked to perfection and accompanied by a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables. The tender, juicy meat combined with the rich flavors of the vegetables created a perfect balance of taste and texture. To top it off, the dessert selection was simply divine. The indulgent chocolate lava cake with a molten center was pure bliss, and the tangy lemon tart was a refreshing and delightful way to end the meal. Overall, the restaurant in Costa Mesa provided a 5-star dining experience with its impeccable service and delicious dishes. I can't wait to return and savor more of their culinary delights. Highly recommended! read more

Negin I.

185

119

2 years ago

Vaca is the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer, order one more round, and savor every bite. From the moment you step in, the cozy yet vibrant atmosphere sets the stage for an amazing dining experience. The cocktail program is top-notch--balanced, creative, and expertly crafted. Whether you're starting with a classic or trying one of their signature drinks, you can't go wrong. Now, the food... absolutely phenomenal. Every dish is packed with bold, rich flavors, and the quality of ingredients shines through. The tapas-style options make it perfect for sharing, whether you're on a date night or out with friends. If you're a steak lover, you'll appreciate their cuts--cooked to perfection, tender, and full of flavor. And don't even get me started on the jamón ibérico--worth every penny! Service? Impeccable. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They're happy to make recommendations, and you can tell they take pride in the experience they provide. Yes, it's on the pricier side, but you're paying for quality, execution, and ambiance--and Vaca delivers on all fronts. If you're in Costa Mesa and looking for a memorable meal, this is the spot. read more

Eugene H.

Elite 26

227

174

2 years ago

Exceptional Tapas at Vaca, Costa Mesa I recently had an incredible dining experience at Vaca in Costa Mesa, and I can't recommend it enough. We ordered a variety of tapas, and every dish exceeded our expectations. The croquettes were perfectly crisp with a rich, creamy filling that was both savory and satisfying. The braised short rib was unbelievably tender and packed with flavor, accompanied by fresh vegetables and a well-balanced sauce. The seared scallops were cooked to perfection, served with a vibrant broth and a refreshing balance of textures. The broccolini dish, garnished with pine nuts and cheese, was another standout with its earthy and crunchy notes. The service at Vaca was top-notch. The staff was attentive, friendly, and clearly knowledgeable about the menu, offering great suggestions. The atmosphere of the restaurant added to the overall experience--it was lively, yet refined, making it the perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions. If you're looking for delicious Spanish-inspired cuisine in Costa Mesa, Vaca is definitely the place to go. I'll be back for more! read more

Bo T.

10 months ago

Vaca delivered an absolutely unforgettable dining experience from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth and genuine hospitality, including the incredible opportunity to meet the executive chef, an experience that made the evening even more special. The food was nothing short of spectacular. Each shared plate felt like a stop on a culinary tour of Spain, showcasing bold, dynamic flavors and beautifully executed dishes meant to be enjoyed communally. Every bite told a story, thoughtfully crafted, vibrant, and deeply satisfying! Vaca strikes the perfect balance between refined and approachable, with a menu that invites exploration and rewards curiosity. The passion behind the food is evident, and the attention to detail in both flavor and presentation is exceptional. This is more than just a meal, it's an experience!!! Vaca has earned a spot at the top of our list, and we can't wait to return to relive it all over again. Highly recommend to anyone looking for outstanding Spanish cuisine and an elevated dining experience. read more

Patty M.

114

11 years ago

Just thrilled with Chef Amar Santana's new concept! Vaca has a very warm, exhilarating vibe....you feel it the minute you walk in the door. Your first impression is the talented, busy bartenders shaking, mulling, and blending their signature craft cocktails, unlike any I've tasted (a must try - "Vaca Tonic). It's fun to go with friends and order several TAPAS to share. His flavor profiles mirror Barcelona, Madrid, Andalucia and Sevilla. I've been twice now and have tried at least 7 or 8 Tapas and they have all been fabulous so I highly recommend working your way down the menu every visit. Here are my "must try" entree recommendations: PAELLA DE MARISCOS - Seafood paella, clams, mussels, shrimp, octopus with saffron bomba rice; PRIME SKIRT STEAKS 8OZ; BEEF RIB STEAK - House specialty - aged 50+ days. Don't be surprised if as you are leaving you find yourself thinking about when you can return. That will be the unforgettable flavors lingering on your palate that Chef Amar has masterfully created. Yes! It is this good!! read more

Tiffany T.

157

130

2 years ago

Vaca is a fantastic Spanish tapas restaurant located conveniently near Segerstrom Hall and South Coast Plaza, making it an ideal spot for a pre-show dinner or a post-shopping feast. The menu offers an impressive variety of dishes, so there's something for everyone. If you're a seafood lover, the seafood paella is an absolute must-try! The portions are generous, so I'd recommend starting with the paella and ordering tapas afterward to share. Among the tapas, my standout favorites were the roasted cauliflower (perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor) and the dry-aged steak (incredibly tender and rich). The ambiance is vibrant and inviting, and the staff is knowledgeable and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience. Parking is a breeze with a nearby structure, and the restaurant conveniently validates. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night out, Vaca is a gem that delivers a taste of Spain in the heart of Costa Mesa. Highly recommend! read more

James K.

2 years ago

Recently, I visited Vaca in Costa Mesa with a group of five--three adults and two kids--and it was an exceptional experience. We shared a two-pound ribeye, and everyone got a generous portion. The "Bruselas" (Brussels sprouts with chorizo and sherry gastrique) were a standout side, and the "Huesos al Horno" (roasted bone marrow with beef cheek toast) was rich and flavorful. For the kids, the "Croquetas de Pollo" (creamy chicken fritters) were a hit, serving as a satisfying alternative to typical chicken nuggets. The drinks were well-crafted; I particularly enjoyed their signature "Vaca Tonic," featuring Brooklyn Gin, frozen gimlet, Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic, and basil blossom. Service was outstanding--the staff was attentive, helpful, and friendly. The ambiance was top-notch, making for a memorable dining experience. Having visited three times, each experience has been consistently excellent. Vaca stands out among the great steakhouses in Costa Mesa. read more

Jenny A.

2 years ago

Moved to the OC area recently and still on the hunt for a go to spot thats close to me. Vaca has good drinks and a nice wine list, food was nothing special (even though I ordered the special lol) I requested medium rare and got a steak just past medium (it was a Ny Strip i think), still edible and seasoned well. Crazy that a place called "cow" can't cook a steak properly. My friend ordered the chicken canelone, it was sickeningly sweet for me but they enjoyed it. We also shared the gambas al ajillo which just tasted like frozen shrimp boiled in oily vinegar. I saw the pan con tomate at the table next to us and was a little shocked at the serving size. Honestly if they can't cook a steak or shrimp, I don't have much faith in the twenty-something other tapas on the menu. If I come back I'll probably stick to the charcuterie, cheese and a nice wine. 2 stars for the decent service, vibe and drinks. read more

Verona M.

Elite 26

617

334

485

2 years ago

Vaca is hands down one of the best spots for Spanish-inspired cuisine in Costa Mesa! The ambiance is stylish yet welcoming, with a great vibe that makes it perfect for a night out. We started with the croquettas de pollo, which were crispy on the outside and packed with flavor on the inside--so good! The bikini sandwich was another highlight--loaded with Jamón Ibérico, Manchego cheese, and a touch of truffle oil. Every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. While the tapas can be on the pricier side, it's totally worth it for the quality of the ingredients and the overall experience. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made great wine recommendations to pair with the meal. If you're in the area, definitely check out Vaca for a memorable dining experience! read more

Paul G.

Elite 24

863

909

4802

2 years ago

Love Vaca in Costa Mesa; we indulged in the Dry Aged Ribeye Family Meal and Paella and it was spectacular. The ribeye was perfectly cooked, boasting a rich, intense flavor that only dry aging can provide. Every bite was tender, juicy, and bursting with savory goodness. Vaca knows how to handle their steaks. The quality of the meat was top-notch, and it was beautifully seasoned and seared to perfection, creating an unforgettable dining experience. The family meal setup was ideal for sharing, offering generous portions that left everyone satisfied. The drinks are equally as amazing. The service was attentive and friendly. If you're looking for an exceptional steak experience and delicious Paella in Costa Mesa, Vaca is a must-try. read more

Cynthia T.

146

281

3 years ago

I had high hopes for Vaca, but the experience was underwhelming. The cramped space made it hard to enjoy, and the service was just okay. The food was a letdown considering the prices. The tortilla de bacalao was excessively salty and the topped uni lacked flavor. The 'empanadas' were more like fried wontons. The octopus was overcooked, drowning in overpowering olive oil. Even the albacore tataki's thick citrus sauce overwhelmed the fish. The oxtail was neither terrible nor great; it just had no wow factor. Only a couple of dishes like the chicken cannelloni and wagyu beef meatballs had any redeeming flavor and texture. Disappointingly, after trying 7 dishes, my friend and I left still feeling hungry. read more

Sajen M.

3 years ago

When you step into a steakhouse with a promise of tapas, you're hoping for a harmonious duet. Unfortunately, the tapas here felt more like an unsure backup dancer to the steak's lead performance. Not one truly made its mark, leaving us craving that authentic tapas flair amidst the meaty main act. The ambiance tried to set the stage, but it felt like an overbooked theater; packed seats with the background noise of an opening night crowd. Though there's a hint of charm, it's muffled by the clamor. It's a venture that might intrigue, but for the discerning palate, this dance might not be worth the ticket price. Here's hoping for a more refined encore in the future! read more

Mia M.

Elite 26

212

113

2 years ago

Vaca in Costa Mesa is a gem! The food, drinks, and service were all top-notch. Everything we tried was delicious, and the drinks were crafted perfectly. The atmosphere at the bar was lively and fun, although the space is a little on the smaller side--so be prepared for a cozy experience. They also tend to get pretty busy so it can be a bit of a wait to get a table. Special shoutout to Manager Donnie, who went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect, and to our server Juan, who was incredibly kind and attentive throughout the night. Overall, an excellent spot for a great meal and good vibes. We recommend! read more

Jenina M.

Elite 26

130

294

755

1 year ago

The food at Vaca was delicious--every dish was flavorful and really captured the essence of Spanish tapas. Cocktails were a highlight too: creative, balanced, and memorable. Portion sizes are on the smaller side, but with so many choices, sharing and sampling felt right. Service was just okay. Our server came across a little condescending, but the food was so good I could overlook it. The location, however, isn't ideal--competing with Segerstrom traffic and parking is a hassle. That said, it's a cute date night spot. Next time, I'd definitely prefer sitting inside the restaurant rather than out on the patio. read more

Jerry K.

10 years ago

The ambiance left little to be desired, I was really expecting much more. The food wa s4 stars, good, but not exceptional. We had the fideo paella and it was pretty disappointing. The filet mignon was delicious and cooked perfectly. I had an awesome bourbon. cocktail with cranberry, lemon and something else, one of their specialty cokctails, and it was delicious. The Bollas, which are similar to the potato balls from Portos, but even better. For the price I would have expected more from the food and ambiance4 of the restaurant. I'd go back but probably prefer to try somewhere new. read more

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Vaca - tapasmallplates - Updated October 2026

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Overall I sadly have to give Il Girasole a 2.5/5…read more While the food overall was good for the most part, some dishes were good while some dishes were bland which led to us feeling that the inconsistency of the dishes led to not a great dining experience Additionally, there was an unfortunate instance where our waiter was clearing some dishes and a waiter behind them bumped them causing both dishes to be broken on the table and broken glass landing into one of my friends plate with food still remaining and it had to be cleared. Even with that happening, no comps were offered AT ALL and I even had to ask at the end for the dish that my friend could not eat to be cleared off the bill (which it was). This left an extremely sour taste in our mouth given the expectation of the establishment and the cost of the dinner (over $800) Lastly, a different friend of mine seated on the opposite side of the circular table was bumped multiple times on the head by passing staff with no apologies. I can't give this place a good recommendation either this experience.

Fat of the Land

4.8

(458 reviews)

•$$$

Didn't know a restaurant like this could exist! Loved everything about it, EVERYTHING! Service,…read morefood, and ambiance. The place is gorgeous. As soon as you step in, it's feels lux yet quaint. It's a tiny restaurant, we didn't have reservations but thankfully got sat bc we arrived at 5pm. Service was impeccable. Someone in my party had gluten allergy and the server made suggestions to which dishes to get and which were easily made gluten free. - Squash salad: impressed. This was a new novel dish and I loved it. It had finely shaved zucchini like super thin flat noodles. There was shaved Parmesan cheese, hazelnuts, and the dressing was light and barely dressed. - Mushrooms: the onsen egg was perfectly runny and the mushrooms so savory. - Gambas: plump shrimp with yummy flavors. - Rack of pork: our fav! We asked what was in the sauce it was so delectable. We predicted fish sauce and maybe orange. The server went back and confirmed it was fish sauce! The chef has Vietnamese origins. This was so good, we cleaned the bone and licked the plate. - Cheesecake: only enjoyed by the gluten eaters. It was well made. I'm not a dessert eater typically but I found this wonderful. Not too sweet and decadent.

Fat of the Land is a small but cozy spot in Santa Ana. Definitely recommend making a reservation…read moresince seating is limited. We got the aero plate, gambas al ajillo, burrata, galician octopus, and a glass of Tempranillo. Everything was so good -- I honestly enjoyed every dish! My favorite was the gambas al ajillo. The shrimp were plump and juicy, with such a delicious garlicky flavor. Would definitely come back to try more!

Darkroom

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Oak & Coal

4.5

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Been there twice and zero regrets! Delicious food and drinks. Our server made some great…read moresuggestions (the whole menu) but understandable because everything was excellent. This time I sat in the front instead of the speakeasy side in the back which was just as good, more lighting. Will be coming back again.

We were just looking for some good delicious food and we found this place in a strip mall totally…read morehiding and would had never thought all the good food they had in there! They also have a little speakeasy area (seat there) and the ambiance over there was super cool and very intimate. Service is as great and the servers were very nice. We started with Sakura Sour - deliciously made! And short bottle of unfiltered sake- excellent. For food: Lemongrass dumplings: too good, don't miss it. Wagyu Bao: absolutely delicious Seared Hamachi: Hamachi was prepared to its perfection and the sauce was perfect. Just too much asparagus for me. Garlic Noodles: OMG - you cannot miss this out if you like noodles and garlic! Chicken Katsu: great dish but can be skipped. Lamb Chop: if you like yakitori style lamb, it is absolutely great. (I love lamb) Over all this place from service to ambiance to food execution was absolutely amazing. I highly recommended this place and I will be coming back to try other dishes!

The Goldfinch

4.2

(709 reviews)

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Love the vibe of this place! Easy parking and the food is good!…read moreThe lobster roll is definitely a must try at this spot! Mahi mahi tacos are good but didn't really enjoy the tortilla they use 9/10 The spicy tuna stack is my favorite 10/10 I do wish they had more side and appetizers options... Overall great chill restaurant with good food

Warehouse 72

4.1

(250 reviews)

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Came here on a weekday night and it wasn't as busy which is nice! Located inside the Hyatt right…read moreoff the 405. Valet ( free with validation for 3 hours and self parking is free). Beautiful inside with outdoor patio seating as well. The drinks are delicious! I had the Tequila Eclipse would definitely recommend if you like a spicy tequila margarita. For the appetizer I started with the shrimp tacos ( came with 2). I would rate it a 3/5. For the entree I had the truffle angel hair pasta with shrimp (5 pieces). Not my favorite. Pasta was cooked well just the sauce wasn't that good. I love truffle but expected more flavoring. Another entree I had the pleasure of trying was the lamb chops. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Flavor was delicious. It came with a homemade pesto sauce and man was it delicious! It came with 3 pieces. Very filling and will get that again. Service was amazing! Everyone was very nice! Would recommend coming here for a nice girls night or date night.

Verde Restaurant

4.6

(162 reviews)

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Had a wonderful time with a little girls night! Reservations are made super easily through Yelp…read more Upon walking in, the ambiance was really cozy. The servers and hosts were super friendly in breaking down the menu and making recommendations. We started with the salmon carpaccio which was severely underwhelming. I'm no food critic but it was like a vinaigrette with severe dill that completely took over any flavor of the salmon. Then we had the roasted beet radicchio salad which was delicious but I don't think it had enough going on to cut the bitterness of the radicchio. The beets were phenomenal though. Our entree was out of this world. Got the steak cooked to medium rare, and the glaze they put on top was perfect with the fingerling potatoes and arugula salad. Overall was a bit disappointed but may come back to try other entrees or maybe cocktails.

Populaire Modern Bistro

4.5

(367 reviews)

•$$$

This restaurant is located inside South Coast Plaza (2nd floor, a few shops down from Macy's). We…read morecame for lunch on a weekday. Reservations were made, but they weren't necessary. I ordered the Croque Madame. It came as an open-faced sandwich: a thick piece of toast with rosemary ham, Gruyere cheese, and a sunny-side-up egg on top. I'm not sure what spices they used, but it was a tasty brunch-type dish. And very filling! The dinner and weekend brunch menus look seriously delicious. Service was friendly and attentive. The casual, relaxed vibe was a pleasure and a recommended place to stop in and experience if you find yourself shopping at South Coast.

Great food. Even on a Friday night, it's not busy at all, but don't let that deceive you…read more My girlfriend and I got the steak and the fish. I think the fish might be a seasonal; it was definitely new. It was cooked and seasoned to perfection. The snap peas that accompanied the fish was also crispy and well seasoned. The steak was good too. The steak pairs with the sauce, so the steak itself is not really seasoned. But, the sauce more than makes up for it. I think that's how it's supposed to be eaten anyway. Bread was mid though. Cute vibes for a date spot overall before or after a walk around the mall.

Fable & Spirit

4.2

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•$$$

Such a great find! Everything we ordered was SO good, and honestly, the prices are very reasonable…read morefor the quality and portions. We tried the pork belly BLT, loco moco, crispy chicken sandwich, calamari, cracked pepper bucatini, and the crispy edge sourdough pancakes, and there wasn't a bad dish in the bunch! The crispy chicken sandwich and calamari were standouts for me, but that bucatini was seriously incredible. And the pancakes were the perfect way to end the meal. Our server Damien was also fantastic! Super friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. Great food, great service, and reasonable prices. Definitely a place I'd come back to!

This review is not my typical. I looked this place up on Michelin guide, should have seen yelp…read morerating of under 4.2 otherwise I would have been warned. Short story: terrible service and who even knows what the food is like (I only saw the food) Long story: Horrible service, worst I have ever had. Had to walk out (still paid) not getting appetizer or food after an hour. Made a reservation for 8pm on a weekend. Ordered 2 drinks for 2 people. After 10 minutes ordered the octopus. Server came to us every 5-10 minutes asking what we needed for the main course. We told the server we would order when we received the app, but after 45 minutes we still didn't have the app. We put in our regular food order after 20 minutes. After one hour we didn't have anything yet, the place wasn't slammed and had a few tables open. Couple across from us got their three serves before we got anything. We complained to server and he said you have to "order in courses" which was not previously mentioned, and which made no sense because it was not the special. The "manager" came up and said the food was ready (an hour after ordering) and they could "box it up". What a great idea! I would have ordered Door Dash if that was the case. I wasn't looking for a discount but you would think a "classy" place would comp a drink or something but of course they charged. We gladly paid for it but then this told us NO tip and NEVER going back.

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4.8

(479 reviews)

•$$

Very friendly family owned business. Delicious foods!!! Also what I didn't picture was the anchovy…read morebruschetta. So fresh and delicious. Highly recommend!

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Vaca - tapasmallplates - Updated October 2026

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