Elevated Spanish home cooking from Andalusia & Castilla-Leon. Creative tapas, stand-out suckling pig, and 'wow' factor dishes.
This Brooklyn gem offers a refined take on Spanish cuisine, drawing inspiration from Andalusia and Castilla-Leon. Known for its creative and elevated "home cooking," the restaurant focuses on high-quality ingredients and playful interpretations of classic dishes. Diners can expect a memorable experience, with recommendations often highlighting dishes like stuffed eggs, grilled beans with Romesco sauce, and slow-roasted suckling pig.
This restaurant serves Spanish cuisine, with particular emphasis on Andalusian and Castilla-Leon flavors, and influences from Jewish and Moorish traditions. Highly recommended dishes include 'pulpo' (octopus), king oyster mushrooms, tapas like 'anchoas' and 'pipirranas con grano', and slow-roasted suckling pig. One diner found 'the pig' dish to be their least favorite, and another described the food as 'fishy goop,' though this is contrary to most feedback.
"Standout dishes include 'anchoas' (anchovies), 'pipirranas con granos', octopus ('pulpo'), king oyster mushrooms, and slow-roasted suckling pig. A particular seafood dish with black pearl aioli is also highlighted."
Customers largely have a very positive sentiment towards this restaurant, frequently recommending it and praising its unique Spanish cuisine with influences from Jewish and Moorish traditions. While overwhelmingly positive, one review expressed a strong negative opinion, describing the food as 'fishy goop'.
Important Note
One reviewer had a very negative experience, describing the food as 'fishy goop.' Another user noted that while they had a quiet experience previously, their family encountered a loud night when they recommended it.
"La Vara in Brooklyn was noted as a pretty good option for Spanish food."
Positive"This restaurant is recommended as a suitable option, located within the desired neighborhoods."
Positive"The user is asking if La Vara is a suitable recommendation."
Positive"This commenter stated that La Vara is great, although they are unsure if it serves paella, noting its menu changes frequently."
Positive"This commenter mentioned La Vara as a preferred Spanish restaurant among their friends in New York."
Neutral"This commenter mentioned that La Vara, a restaurant in Brooklyn, is good."
Positive"The original poster expresses affection for La Vara, calling it a good recommendation."
Positive"La Vara is recommended."
Neutral"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
