TLDR
Elevated Spanish home cooking & tapas in a beautiful Brooklyn setting. Known for Moorish & Andalusian flavors. Expect spectacular meals & a lively atmosphere.
Details
This Brooklyn-based restaurant offers an elevated take on Spanish home cooking, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and playful dishes [1]. Known for its Moorish Spanish and Andalusian cuisine, it has been praised for its spectacular meals and beautiful, non-touristy atmosphere [2]. Popular dishes include tapas like anchoas and ajo blanco, as well as cochinillo and a memorable pasta special [3], [4].
Food Overview
La Vara specializes in Spanish cuisine with Moorish and Andalusian influences, offering elevated 'home cooking' and tapas [1], [2]. Standout dishes frequently mentioned include the anchoas, ajo blanco, cochinillo, and a special pasta [3], [4]. While most feedback is glowing, one diner found the food to be 'fishy goop,' though this is an outlier sentiment [5].
Caveats
While generally well-regarded, one user found the food to be 'fishy goop,' and another experienced a surprisingly loud atmosphere on a visit when they expected a quiet one [1], [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LA VARA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: What Is Your Favorite Seafood Pasta Youve Had In
"La Vara had an incredible pasta special two weeks prior to the comment, and the author notes it's a great spot."
PositiveFrom post: Which Places Make The Gooiest Basque Cheesecake
"This user lists La Vara as one of the best Basque cheesecakes, alongside Eel Bar and Nudibranch."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find The Best Spanish
"The commenter simply listed 'La Vara Brunch' as a potential place for Spanish omelettes."
NeutralFrom post: Looking To Treat Ourselves To A High End Dinner
"The commenter recommended La Vara, noting it is more meat-focused and next door to Quique Crudo."
NeutralFrom post: What Is The Best Dish Youve Had In 2026 And Where
"This user mentioned the anchoas and ajo blanco (two tapas) at La vara."
PositiveFrom post: A Couple Recommendations Please
"La Vara in Brooklyn was noted as a pretty good option for Spanish food."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendation Needed Slightly More Casual Bar
"This restaurant is recommended as a suitable option, located within the desired neighborhoods."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendation Needed Slightly More Casual Bar
"The user is asking if La Vara is a suitable recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Upscale Spanish Restaurant
"This commenter stated that La Vara is great, although they are unsure if it serves paella, noting its menu changes frequently."
PositiveFrom post: Upscale Spanish Restaurant
"This commenter mentioned La Vara as a preferred Spanish restaurant among their friends in New York."
NeutralFrom post: Upscale Spanish Restaurant
"This commenter mentioned that La Vara, a restaurant in Brooklyn, is good."
PositiveFrom post: Iso Recc For A Celebratory But Not Stuffy Or
"The original poster expresses affection for La Vara, calling it a good recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Iso Recc For A Celebratory But Not Stuffy Or
"La Vara is recommended."
NeutralFrom post: Deinfluence Mebrooklyn Restaurant Edition
"Suggested La Vara or Saint Julivert, but felt neither were ideal special occasion restaurants for two people, recommending others instead."
NeutralFrom post: Deinfluence Mebrooklyn Restaurant Edition
"Described La Vara as 'goopy' and expressed a preference for Bar Bete and LaRina."
NegativeFrom post: Deinfluence Mebrooklyn Restaurant Edition
"Stated that La Vara is better than Saint Julivert."
PositiveFrom post: Deinfluence Mebrooklyn Restaurant Edition
"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."
PositiveFrom post: Deinfluence Mebrooklyn Restaurant Edition
"Recommended going to La Vara and skipping Swoonys. Provided specific dish recommendations."
PositiveFrom post: Deinfluence Mebrooklyn Restaurant Edition
"Bumped the recommendation for La Vara."
PositiveFrom post: Deinfluence Mebrooklyn Restaurant Edition
"Stated that La Vara is truly special."
Positive