La Vara

- 268 Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Nestled on a charming, tree-lined street in Brooklyn's coveted Cobble Hill neighborhood, La Vara stands as a culinary beacon, offering a unique and deeply flavorful exploration of Spanish cuisine. This is not your typical tapas joint; La Vara’s menu, a recipient of Michelin recognition, is a thoughtful homage to the Sephardic Jewish and Moorish legacies that shaped the regional cooking of Southern Spain. The result is a vibrant, sophisticated menu perfumed with spices like saffron, cumin, and orange blossom, offering a taste of history alongside contemporary New York dining flair.

Co-owned by the acclaimed husband-and-wife team of Chef Alex Raij and Eder Montero, La Vara proudly identifies as a woman-owned business, bringing a refined and passionate approach to every dish. The establishment has cultivated an atmosphere that is simultaneously Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, and Upscale, making it a perfect destination for New Yorkers seeking an intimate date night or a lively gathering with friends. The kitchen elevates traditional "cocina casera," or home cooking, to an impressive level of execution, making every plate both creative and authentic.

Patron feedback consistently praises the overall experience, noting the "lovely atmosphere and great service." While the dishes are often described as "creative and delicious," one item frequently steals the spotlight: "The chocolate flan is an ABSOLUTE must. It is one of the best desserts I've had in New York City and one of the best bites of the year," a sentiment that speaks volumes about the quality and attention to detail found throughout the menu. La Vara is truly a must-visit for anyone looking to savor a distinctive and high-caliber Spanish meal in Brooklyn.

La Vara is conveniently located at 268 Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA, situated in the picturesque Cobble Hill neighborhood. This area of Brooklyn is highly sought after for its historic brownstones and vibrant, yet relaxed, local atmosphere. The restaurant’s location makes it accessible for both Brooklyn residents and Manhattan visitors looking to explore the borough's premier dining scene.

Ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests is a priority at La Vara, which features excellent provisions for accessibility.

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The entrance is designed to be easily navigated by guests using wheelchairs.
• Wheelchair Accessible Seating: Designated seating areas are available to comfortably accommodate wheelchair users.
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: The restroom facilities are fully accessible, ensuring convenience for all patrons.
• Parking Options: The local streets often offer Free street parking, a valuable amenity for those choosing to drive to the location.

The surrounding Cobble Hill area, easily reached by the F and G subway lines, adds to the appeal, offering a wonderful environment for a pre-dinner stroll along its classic residential streets.

La Vara provides a full range of high-quality dining services, emphasizing guest comfort and convenience across all dining periods.

• Reservations Accepted: Reservations are essential for planning a visit, with the restaurant highly recommending pre-booking for all meals—Brunch reservations recommended, Lunch reservations recommended, and Dinner reservations recommended—given its popularity.
• Dining Options: The establishment offers comprehensive dining periods, including Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, all with full Table service and ample Seating.
• Service Setting: Guests can enjoy Dine-in service inside the cozy and romantic interior, or opt for Outdoor seating, perfect for a pleasant evening.
• Event Space: For special occasions or larger parties, a Private dining room is available to accommodate Groups.
• Dietary Offerings: The menu is notably inclusive, featuring Healthy options, Vegan options, and Vegetarian options, allowing diverse diets to fully enjoy the Spanish flavors.
• Beverage Service: A dedicated Bar onsite offers a full selection of Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, and is lauded for its Great cocktails and Great wine list.
• Amenities: The restaurant provides a clean Restroom and High chairs for guests dining with children.
• Payments: All major forms of payment are accepted, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

La Vara’s celebrated status comes from its unique culinary focus and dedication to providing an exceptional and memorable dining environment.

• Michelin-Recognized Cuisine: The restaurant is a recipient of Michelin recognition, a testament to its exceptional quality and creative cooking, with a distinct focus on Southern Spanish dishes influenced by Jewish and Moorish heritage.
• Must-Try Desserts: The dessert menu is highly acclaimed, particularly the XIOCOLATA (chocolate flan), which customers have described as one of the best desserts in New York City. Other Postres include TORTA SANTIAGO (almond cake) and TORRIJAS (Spanish-style French toast).
• Unique Tapas and Main Dishes: The menu features deeply researched and creatively prepared dishes such as the rich cold soup AJO BLANCO (often with seafood), the impressive COCHINILLO (suckling pig), and the rice/noodle dishes ARROZ MELOSO and ROSSEJAT.
• Acclaimed Beverage Program: The restaurant boasts a Great wine list, expertly curated to complement the bold, spice-driven cuisine, alongside a selection of Great cocktails.
• Women-Owned Business: Identifying as a women-owned business, La Vara is a celebrated fixture within New York's culinary landscape, known for its passionate and detail-oriented management.
• Atmosphere for Special Occasions: The combination of Romantic and Upscale ambiance makes it extremely popular for date nights and special celebrations, while also being excellent for Solo dining.

La Vara’s Cobble Hill location makes it a highly desirable dining spot, necessitating reservations, especially during peak hours, to secure a table in the cozy setting.

• Address: 268 Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
• Phone: (718) 422-0065
• Mobile Phone: +1 718-422-0065

Prospective diners are strongly advised to call ahead or use the reservation system well in advance to ensure they can experience this unique Spanish culinary adventure without delay.

Choosing La Vara is choosing an unparalleled level of gastronomic sophistication rooted in Spanish culinary history. For New Yorkers eager to move beyond standard tapas, La Vara offers a refined, educational, and delicious experience. What is most worth choosing here is the opportunity to taste the often-overlooked Jewish and Moorish influences in Spanish food, making every dish feel like a flavorful piece of history.

The dining philosophy, which centers on small, shared plates (Pica Pica), encourages discovery and is perfect for groups or couples who want to sample the breadth of the menu. Don't miss the highly-praised starters like the CROQUETAS and the surprising quality of the ANCHOAS. The AJO BLANCO is a particular customer favorite, noted for its creativity and flavor. While a customer found the ROSSEJAT disappointing in one instance, it remains a classic Spanish dish worth trying, and the overwhelming majority of dishes are described as "excellent."

Crucially, a visit to La Vara is incomplete without sampling the dessert menu. The XIOCOLATA (chocolate flan) has achieved legendary status in the city’s dessert scene, making it a non-negotiable end to the meal. Beyond the food, the warm, romantic, and upscale ambiance combined with the excellent service and curated Great wine list cements La Vara's status as a premier destination. It’s a wonderful choice for those seeking a highly-rated, women-owned establishment that excels in every facet of the dining experience, from the historical depth of its cuisine to the ultimate New York City dessert.

La Vara

268 Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA