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Vaca DTLA
Master Critic Review
Vaca DTLA
8.3
Vaca DTLA brings Top Chef alum Amar Santana’s Costa Mesa Spanish steakhouse downtown, tucked beneath the Beaudry tower by FIGat7th. The menu focuses on shareable tapas, paellas, and serious steaks backed by a deep Spanish-leaning wine list. It reads as a polished but lively room suited to nights out more than quick bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paella valenciana, Wine-braised oxtail, Deconstructed pan con tomate
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: DTLA outpost of Amar Santana’s Spanish steakhouse, centered on paella, tapas, and wood-fired steaks.
Who should go: Couples and groups seeking upscale Spanish steakhouse dinners.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings Tuesday–Saturday for full bar and dining buzz.
What to order: Paella valenciana, wine-braised oxtail, deconstructed pan con tomate.
Insider tip: Book bar seats for better walk-in odds and direct kitchen views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available in the Beaudry/FIGat7th structure with direct access to the restaurant’s lower-level entrance; valet appears during peak evenings. Street parking is scarce after 6pm in the Financial District.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—button-downs, blouses, and elevated denim are fine; many guests opt for date-night attire due to the polished room.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively. You can hold conversations at a normal volume at two-tops early in the evening, but it becomes energetic during primetime.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins depending on bar seat availability; reservations strongly advised.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though the bar can fill quickly with nearby office traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—pan con tomate, patatas bravas, blistered shishitos, vegetable paellas, and several tapas work well.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable tapas can be modified, but expect 1–2 fully vegan options.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options—many grilled proteins and paellas are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting, polished décor, and shareable tapas create a warm, engaging atmosphere without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. Your best shot is arriving right at opening or targeting bar seating, which turns over faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids or teens who enjoy upscale dining; minimal amenities for young children and a lively nighttime vibe that skews adult.
Best For
Better for: A more refined, steak-forward Spanish experience with deeper wine selections and a polished dining room compared to more casual tapas spots.
Skip if: You want a quick, inexpensive tapas meal, need extensive vegan options, or prefer a quieter setting than a bustling DTLA evening crowd.