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La Vara, Brooklyn, NY
La Vara, Brooklyn, NY
La Vara, Brooklyn, NY
La Vara, Brooklyn, NY
La Vara, Brooklyn, NY

La Vara

4.6
4.6
817 Reviews
$30 and under
Spanish
La Vara celebrates the Moorish and Jewish legacies in Spanish Cooking. Chefs and Owners Alex Raij and Eder Montero, of Manhattan's premier Spanish restaurants El Quinto Pino and Txikito, extend their story in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Spanish, Basque
  • Hours of operation
    Monday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 11:00pm Friday: 5:30pm - 12:00am Saturday: 11:30am - 3:30pm, 5:30pm - 12:00am Sunday: 11:30am -3:30pm, 5:30 - 11:00pm
  • Phone number
    (718) 422-0065
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Cobble Hill
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 817 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6
4.6 based on all time ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

817 Reviews
  1. joanna

    New York Area

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best restaurant in cobble hill. That’s all.

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  2. RebeccaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was superb and I appreciate portions that are not overwhelming; it allows me to try more things. The atmosphere was lovely, reflecting the unpretentious charm of the neighborhood. Can’t wait to go back.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2020

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    La Vara would have received 5 stars if not for the

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  4. 112021js

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2020

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Overpriiiiiiced

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  5. foodiesRus

    New York Area

    52 reviews

    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Relaxed atmosphere, friendly knowledgeable service, with extremely tasty flavorful food! Don't miss the Garbanzos Fritos, Coca de Cebes, and the Cochinillo. Sip on an Albaicin cocktail, you won't regret it!

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  6. hungrydiner

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always enjoy a meal at La Vara staff is always excellent, food is always delicious and they're accommodating to food allergies, truly one of my favorite restaurants in NYC.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 29, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We sat at the bar and she couldn’t have been more knowledgeable or helpful! Outstanding and thank you for guiding us through our selections.

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  8. frederickc

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Unusual dishes cooked home style, reflecting Moroccan and old Spanish dishes. Best "Andalusian" food I have had outside Spain

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  9. EllenT

    Houston

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2020

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Nice experience and a lot of good vegetarian options

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  10. None

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 22, 2020

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    For $200 for two you expect a great meal. It wasn’t that. Had 6 dishes, 3 were good not great, fish dishes + artichoke. Two were poor, (lamb & rabbit). Fried chickpeas were good.

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  11. SriramK

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful neighborhood restaurant.. We went for brunch and the eggs were cooked to perfection.. We had the omelette and eggs flamenca and had a hard time deciding which one was better. To top it all we had churros which were the best I’ve had since Barcelona

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always an amazing time at La Vara! Tried all the exciting specials as well as favorite dishes on the menu and everything was top notch.

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  13. DavidS

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 7, 2020

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Our dishes were excellent except for the duck. Although the duck tasted great, it was chewy and very difficult to cut.

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  14. Dracofav

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 3, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really delicious tapas at a reasonable price. Every dish was delicious and we filled up with 2 dishes ordered per person. The cocktail I had was delicious and there were several good options. We also split a pitcher of Sangria which was lovely. The service was wonderful and the bartender was charming while we waited for everyone to arrive

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  15. ChrisH

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2020

    overall2food2service1ambience1
    The food is pretty good... but overpriced and portions are small. We had a reservation, stood at the door for ten minutes, and eventually chose the bar over the table offered us - which was directly in front of the kitchen. We waited over 30 minutes before anyone approached us at all for a drink order at the bar. We had to ask someone to take our order. We had to ask for spoons for coffee. We had to ask for napkins and silverware. Food was eventually delivered by basically throwing dishes in front of us. Staff never retuned to check on us or ask if we wanted anything else... we would have actually gotten drinks if they could have been bothered. But they couldn't be bothered. Very poor service. Mediocre food. We will not be back.

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  16. MatthewM

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 26, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The unique dishes never disappoint. They are full of flavor and generally not anything you will see on a menu anywhere else. The service is always top notch.

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  17. Amasia

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on January 25, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice. Food is good, service very helpful and polite. Good value except coffee. That’s a bit overpriced and they charge by the cup. My opinion - if it’s brunch then coffee should be refilled gratis. But that may be just me. Would definitely go back.

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  18. CJ2000

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 24, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Relaxed casual vibe but with very professional service. Food, wine, and meal timing were all fantastic as well, even though they were very busy. Delicious. Highly recommended.

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  19. LisaL

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Lovely evening - service / ambiance top notch. Food very delicious.

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  20. Sara

    New Orleans

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely delicious and surprising flavors. The white gazpacho special is one of the best things I have ever eaten. The staff was friendly and I will definitely be back.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful service and food. Highly recommended

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  22. EricT

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 9, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food, atmosphere and price point all made this restaurant outstanding. We cannot wait to come back.

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  23. JulK

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 9, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great birthday dinner

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 2, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was wonderful and the specials were so tasty!

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  25. Professor2Foodie

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2019

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Food service and ambience do not live up to reviews. Coffee was bitter, brunch items—cuchifrito, tortilla, salads, all average. Was expecting better for a Spanish/ Jewish/ moorish themed bistro.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, the service, and the ambiance were spectacular.

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  27. Mally1212

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 16, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was absolutely amazing, it was my birthday and we have a great time. This restaurant is one start Michelin.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 15, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Paper towels in the bathroom please! Also please inform about specials prices seemed a bit high Frozen labne was phenomenal! Amazing eggplant and croquettes as well as wine. Thank you!

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  29. HJLR

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 6, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Excellent food and outstanding service. Lights of the rest are too bright for the type of restaurant. Decoration and ambiance could be better. Value was fair not great.

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  30. GrnMntn

    New York Area

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on December 5, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    La Vara is a gem...a neighborhood type restaurant - small, quiet, comfortable, with exceptional food. We were impressed on every level, including the friendly, professional service. I can't wait to return!

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 5, 2019

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    It was fine. Server did not have knowledge of the food.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 4, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So lovely. Food was excellent and the server Molly really made it an A+ evening

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  33. WVneighbor

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved our dinner at La Vara! Perfect evening of excellent food and service on a snowy evening. Every dish was prepared well (we shared 3 small plates and 2 bigger dishes between the two of us) and they timed the delivery of each dish well so that we never had to sit there hungry or rush to finish some because a new dish had come out too soon. Service was really great - our server explained all of the specials for the day and cared to recommend a dish over another by looking at them together with the rest of our chosen dishes. Really wonderful experience and we’ll definitely be back.

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  34. VanessaM

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my favorite restaurants in Brooklyn> Never disappointing

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  35. NanciB

    New York Area

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    La Vara is a neighborhood gem with a comfortable and easy atmosphere and absolutely delicious tapas! Everything was delicious but my absolute favorite was the duck breast! Wow! Looking forward to going again.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing dishes, thoughtful presentation and timing. Wait staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating.

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  37. AnnetteM

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2019

    overall3food5service4ambience3
    It’s really good, consistent quality food. I just feel it’s over priced for the portion size (and I’m not from the US, where diners generally enjoy very large portions)

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Friendly and knowledgeable staff. So kind to put up with a late large order. Made it an anniversary to remember. We're still talking about it and can't wait to go back!

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  39. Williammcrory12

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best restaurant in Brooklyn. Definitely going back.

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  40. Ashley

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Anniversary

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FAQs

La Vara is rated 4.6 stars by 817 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for La Vara

268 Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Cobble Hill
  • Hours of operation
    Monday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 11:00pm Friday: 5:30pm - 12:00am Saturday: 11:30am - 3:30pm, 5:30pm - 12:00am Sunday: 11:30am -3:30pm, 5:30 - 11:00pm
  • Cuisines
    Spanish, Basque
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wine
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