Elevated Spanish home cooking; Andalusian & Castilian-Leonese flavors with a creative, playful twist. Noted for tapas & suckling pig.
This Spanish gem in Brooklyn offers a refined take on traditional "home cooking" from Andalusia and Castilla-Leon. Chef Alex Raij, a pioneer in New York's tapas scene, crafts creative and elevated dishes with a playful touch. Expect a memorable dining experience featuring high-quality ingredients and inventive interpretations of classic flavors.
The restaurant is celebrated for its elevated and creative Spanish "home cooking," drawing from Andalusian and Castilian-Leonese traditions. It's particularly noted for its tapas, suckling pig, and dishes like stuffed eggs and grilled beans with Romesco sauce. One negative review described the food as 'fishy goop,' but this is a minority opinion among many enthusiastic recommendations.
"Specific recommended dishes include ANCHOAS, PIPIRRANA CON GRANO, a lobster/shrimp/clam dish with black pearl aioli, and the suckling pig (cochinillo). Chickpeas are also mentioned as a favorite."
Customers overwhelmingly recommend this restaurant, praising its elevated Spanish cuisine and creative dishes. While most feedback is positive, one commenter had a very negative experience, describing the food as 'fishy goop.'
Important Note
One review described the food as 'fishy goop', which is a significant negative outlier among overwhelmingly positive reviews.
"Suggested La Vara or Saint Julivert, but felt neither were ideal special occasion restaurants for two people, recommending others instead."
Neutral"Described La Vara as 'goopy' and expressed a preference for Bar Bete and LaRina."
Negative"Stated that La Vara is better than Saint Julivert."
Positive"Recommended specific dishes at La Vara, including ANCHOAS, PIPIRRANA CON GRANO, and a lobster/shrimp/clam dish with black pearl aioli. Also noted excellent service."
Positive"Recommended going to La Vara and skipping Swoonys. Provided specific dish recommendations."
Positive"Bumped the recommendation for La Vara."
Positive"Stated that La Vara is truly special."
Positive"Recommended La Vara as a better alternative to Saint Julivert for a birthday, mentioning it's nearby and serves excellent Spanish food."
Positive"This user recommended La Vara as a unique dining option in the area and suggested pairing it with a walk to Fornino at Pier 6 for pizza and views."
Positive"La Vara was listed as a recommendation."
Positive"La Vara was recommended for Mediterranean cuisine."
Positive"The chickpeas from La Vara are mentioned as a favorite random dish."
Positive"The user had a positive experience at La Vara on a previous visit, noting it was quiet, but unfortunately their family encountered a loud night when they recommended it."
Negative"La Vara was initially listed as a quiet dining option."
Neutral"La Vara received a strong, enthusiastic recommendation."
Positive"La Vara was recommended as a good option."
Positive"This user expressed a very negative opinion of La Vara, describing it as 'fishy goop'."
Negative"La Vara was recommended as a dining option, located next to St Julivert."
Positive"La Vara is listed as a recommended restaurant in the Cobble Hill area."
Positive"La Vara was repeatedly recommended with strong positive sentiment."
Positive
