TLDR
Elevated Spanish home cooking rooted in Moorish and Andalusian tradition, tucked away in a charming, non-touristy Brooklyn neighborhood.
Instagram Posts References
La Vara offers Basque and Moorish cooking, with a focus on the Arab and Jewish roots of Spanish cuisine. It is run by Eder Montero, who hails from Bilbao.
Details
Located in a quiet Brooklyn neighborhood, this spot offers elevated, creative Spanish home cooking that honors the Arab and Jewish roots of the cuisine [1], [2]. Co-owned by chef Alex Raij and Eder Montero, the menu focuses on high-quality ingredients and playful, delicious takes on traditional plates [1]. Guests can expect a spectacular dining experience, whether visiting for tapas or a main course, and the restaurant is frequently lauded as one of the best in the area [3], [4], [5].
Food Overview
The restaurant serves a unique, elevated take on Spanish cuisine, specifically highlighting the Moorish and Andalusian roots of the food [1], [2]. Popular menu items include chickpeas [7], anchoas [8], and pipirrana con grano [8], while suckling pig is often featured as well [1]. While many guests find the food excellent, a very small number of critics have described certain offerings as 'goopy' or 'fishy' [5], [6].
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended items include the chickpeas, anchoas, and the pipirrana con grano [7], [8]. The menu also often features a decadent buttery bomba rice dish with lobster, shrimp, clams, and squid [8]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •anchoas(3)
Customer Sentiment
Overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many diners considering it a go-to destination for high-quality, spectacular meals [3], [4]. While the vast majority praise the food and service, a minority of visitors have occasionally reported inconsistent experiences regarding atmosphere and flavor profiles [5], [6].
Caveats
The restaurant is located in a quiet residential area, which some diners appreciate [2], though experiences with the noise level can vary [6]. Additionally, while it is a popular spot for walk-ins on weekdays, wait times can occur [3], [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LA VARA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Sos Date Night In Brooklyn Iso Restaurant For My
"Suggested as a good potential fit for the requested vibe."
PositiveFrom 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."
Positive