La Vara - Brooklyn

The food here is very good. Cochinillo is delicious. and the atmosphere is fine and blessedly not loud or over-designed. Ive been here several times. However, Im not going back. I had to cancel my reservation, which I did several hours before the meal in a response to a text confirmation the restaurant sent me, giving me the option of informing them of a cancelation. They still charged me $75 to not eat there. I get that cancelations are a problem for restaurant owners, but really? It's not like I was a no-show. I see that this is a widespread policy now, but I find this to be the height of tackiness and inhospitality, especially for a fairly expensive restaurant in a rich, gentrified neighborhood. What a trun-off. They just lost a once-a-quarter customer with that one.

This place has been on my must visit list for a long time, and I'm so happy I got to go recently! Loves: Food is good, with standouts being: rossejat $38) which is like paella, croquetas $10), and cochinillo $38). Very accommodating with reservations! If you don't see something available, they encourage you to call them and they really mean it. Nice service and clean space This place is very nice and has received a Michelin star in the past. I do find some of the dishes to be standouts and some less so, but overall I had a positive experience here. Thank you, La Vara!

This place is an absolute gem! Elevated Spanish tapas in an elegant setting with excellent service. This place had been on my bookmark list forever ever since they had a Michelin star from years ago. I finally made my way over here, and I was not disappointed. Even though they've since lost their Michelin star, I can say this place is still worth a visit. First the setting and the vibes are absolutely amazing. Felt like a lot of locals from the Brooklyn Heights/Cobble Hill neighborhood frequent this place. And although I am about $5 6 million short on owning a brownstone in the neighborhood, I can dine here every once in a while and pretend I'm one of the cool kids. Service is impeccable. Friendly, attentive, and extremely helpful you definitely feel like VIP here. They are helpful in giving wine recommendations and have an extensive list for any occasion and price point. I really loved all the dishes we had perfect for ordering a ton and sharing as a couple or group. Menu overall had a seafood bent. Price point is definitely on the higher side, but I felt like the overall experience as a whole made it worth it. Overall A+, and worth a stop if you're in the neighborhood.

We went with a large group and we're able to order almost everything from the menu. We enjoyed all the dishes. Standouts were the croquettes, the octopus, the fried artichokes and the beef cheek. Drinks were interesting and quite good.

Walked in on a Friday night right when they opened and we got seated immediately. The server was helpful in recommending dishes. The octopus was very delicate. The mussels were definitely the favorite of the bunch. I think all the food was pretty standard. There was a particular dish that I felt was worth going back for.