La Vara was so lovely! Another amazing neighborhood spot.
Food was so delicious - the eggplant special was amazing and I also loved the lobster rice and beef jowl. Vibe is on point - not too loud, cozy and intimate. Service was good - one thing was they kept trying to take away things before we finished. That part made me feel a little rushed. But overall highly recommend and I will be going back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Carlos Solis
I had a great experience dinning here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James Chang
Visited on a cold NYC evening and felt immediately transported to Spain with these distinct preparations, excellent execution, and warm atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Grant Sherrick
We had a great time eating at La Vara! The pulpo carpaccio was excellent. We had one of the best cavas that I have ever had for dessert. The basque cheesecake was a little denser than I like, but still quite good. We’ll definitely be coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Trey Bliss
Absolutely phenomenal. Adorable restaurant in the heart of Brooklyn. The food is incredible. Simple and delightful. Hospitality is warm and friendly but very knowledgeable and attentive. Just all around a pure delight. Most dishes you will literally want to order a second round. Had to order croquetas as a starter and again to finish the meal they were so perfect. Pulpo and Arroz were stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
NYCBuddha
Did not excpect this spot to be as great as it was and cant wait to return. Just about every dish was phenomenal! One of the best meals of the year. Couple of my friends have been telling me to go and glad i finally made it!!
Some of the favorites The Tosta tomca w crudo. Pulpo de Roca Ajo Blanco
The only dish we werw not blown by was the lamb belly. Would have preferred it cooked more and seasoned more.
The staff were fantastic, the spot is cozy and lively
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ryan Tammaro
La Vara serves outstanding Spanish cuisine with remarkable attention to detail. The morros prensados and cochinillo were perfectly fatty and tender with rich, complex flavors. Their arroz meloso and rossejat delivered buttery grains perfectly seasoned with complementary spices. Everything we tried was delicious but we left slightly hungry despite sharing more than 10 dishes among our group of five, which was disappointing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Jane Marlowe
La Vara serves excellent Spanish tapas, cocktails, and wine in a quiet but lively atmosphere. The menu explores the Jewish and Moorish heritage of Spain with really tasty and creative small plates. Plan to order 3-4 per person, as they really are on the small side. We especially loved the butter served with the anchovies and toast, and appreciated that our server refilled the toast. Also outstanding were the Judios a la Plancha and Rossejat (like a seafood paella made with noodles instead of rice.) Service was friendly and attentive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gabriel
Came here for the first time and was delighted by the good food. We were two persons and had over 8 to 10 dishes including dessert and a few drinks. The most outstanding dishes were the salchichon, arroz meloso and morros prensados, I was pretty impressed of their taste. We had a vermut and wine to drink with the dishes. Service was superb and the atmosphere great, even though the place was full. The desserts were also very good. Overall this is an excellent Spanish tapas plates with a twist and I will definitely comeback here again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
gobelas
Homemade Spanish food, very careful presentations and excellent food. Very friendly waiters. The price very adjusted for the quality offered.
I had an absolutely outstanding experience at La Vara on Clinton Street, and I can confidently say this is one of the finest dining spots in Brooklyn. From the moment I walked in, the staff made me feel genuinely welcomed. Everyone there was warm, attentive, and incredibly nice, striking that perfect balance between professionalism and friendliness that instantly elevates the whole experience.
The food at La Vara is where the magic truly happens. Every dish is elegant, delicious, and presented with meticulous attention to detail. You can tell the kitchen takes real pride in crafting plates that not only taste incredible but look beautiful as well. Each item that came out felt like a small piece of art — layered flavors, creative combinations, and spot-on seasoning. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you why dining out can feel special.
The atmosphere was comfortable yet refined, making it ideal for both a relaxed night out or a memorable celebration. After this experience, there’s no question about it — I will definitely be coming back again. If you’re looking for exceptional food, kind people, and an elevated dining experience, La Vara should be at the top of your list.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ivan Poljakov
The cuisine satisfies and servers are attentive. I plan to spread the word to relatives about this restaurant that excels in both kitchen and service. Workers make extra efforts to ensure everyone receives outstanding service. They give you enough to feel satisfied. Taste it yourself before making judgments.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Laurent Baud
A not so hidden gem. This restaurant has amazing Spanish cuisine in the heart of Carrol gardens brooklyn. The dishes are flavorful and perfectly executed, refined Spanish basque dishes. Definitely worth the visit and we will be coming back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vasco Pereira
Incredible food and a great setting. The lamb belly and pork were standouts, but don't sleep on the anchovies and butter
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jacob Shpilberg
I discovered a love of vermouth at this restaurant. The food was savory, rich, and perfect for sharing. It was also romantic.
La Vara was so lovely! Another amazing neighborhood spot.
Food was so delicious - the eggplant special was amazing and I also loved the lobster rice and beef jowl. Vibe is on point - not too loud, cozy and intimate. Service was good - one thing was they kept trying to take away things before we finished. That part made me feel a little rushed. But overall highly recommend and I will be going back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
I had a great experience dinning here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Visited on a cold NYC evening and felt immediately transported to Spain with these distinct preparations, excellent execution, and warm atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a great time eating at La Vara! The pulpo carpaccio was excellent. We had one of the best cavas that I have ever had for dessert. The basque cheesecake was a little denser than I like, but still quite good. We’ll definitely be coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Absolutely phenomenal. Adorable restaurant in the heart of Brooklyn. The food is incredible. Simple and delightful. Hospitality is warm and friendly but very knowledgeable and attentive. Just all around a pure delight. Most dishes you will literally want to order a second round. Had to order croquetas as a starter and again to finish the meal they were so perfect. Pulpo and Arroz were stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Did not excpect this spot to be as great as it was and cant wait to return. Just about every dish was phenomenal! One of the best meals of the year. Couple of my friends have been telling me to go and glad i finally made it!!
Some of the favorites
The Tosta tomca w crudo.
Pulpo de Roca
Ajo Blanco
The only dish we werw not blown by was the lamb belly. Would have preferred it cooked more and seasoned more.
The staff were fantastic, the spot is cozy and lively
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
La Vara serves outstanding Spanish cuisine with remarkable attention to detail. The morros prensados and cochinillo were perfectly fatty and tender with rich, complex flavors. Their arroz meloso and rossejat delivered buttery grains perfectly seasoned with complementary spices. Everything we tried was delicious but we left slightly hungry despite sharing more than 10 dishes among our group of five, which was disappointing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
La Vara serves excellent Spanish tapas, cocktails, and wine in a quiet but lively atmosphere. The menu explores the Jewish and Moorish heritage of Spain with really tasty and creative small plates. Plan to order 3-4 per person, as they really are on the small side. We especially loved the butter served with the anchovies and toast, and appreciated that our server refilled the toast. Also outstanding were the Judios a la Plancha and Rossejat (like a seafood paella made with noodles instead of rice.) Service was friendly and attentive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came here for the first time and was delighted by the good food.
We were two persons and had over 8 to 10 dishes including dessert and a few drinks.
The most outstanding dishes were the salchichon, arroz meloso and morros prensados, I was pretty impressed of their taste.
We had a vermut and wine to drink with the dishes.
Service was superb and the atmosphere great, even though the place was full.
The desserts were also very good.
Overall this is an excellent Spanish tapas plates with a twist and I will definitely comeback here again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Homemade Spanish food, very careful presentations and excellent food. Very friendly waiters. The price very adjusted for the quality offered.
Restaurantji Recommends
I had an absolutely outstanding experience at La Vara on Clinton Street, and I can confidently say this is one of the finest dining spots in Brooklyn. From the moment I walked in, the staff made me feel genuinely welcomed. Everyone there was warm, attentive, and incredibly nice, striking that perfect balance between professionalism and friendliness that instantly elevates the whole experience.
The food at La Vara is where the magic truly happens. Every dish is elegant, delicious, and presented with meticulous attention to detail. You can tell the kitchen takes real pride in crafting plates that not only taste incredible but look beautiful as well. Each item that came out felt like a small piece of art — layered flavors, creative combinations, and spot-on seasoning. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you why dining out can feel special.
The atmosphere was comfortable yet refined, making it ideal for both a relaxed night out or a memorable celebration. After this experience, there’s no question about it — I will definitely be coming back again. If you’re looking for exceptional food, kind people, and an elevated dining experience, La Vara should be at the top of your list.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The cuisine satisfies and servers are attentive. I plan to spread the word to relatives about this restaurant that excels in both kitchen and service. Workers make extra efforts to ensure everyone receives outstanding service. They give you enough to feel satisfied. Taste it yourself before making judgments.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A not so hidden gem. This restaurant has amazing Spanish cuisine in the heart of Carrol gardens brooklyn. The dishes are flavorful and perfectly executed, refined Spanish basque dishes. Definitely worth the visit and we will be coming back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredible food and a great setting. The lamb belly and pork were standouts, but don't sleep on the anchovies and butter
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I discovered a love of vermouth at this restaurant. The food was savory, rich, and perfect for sharing. It was also romantic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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