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I have been a big fan of Amar's for years and have been to Broadway in Laguna Beach a couple of times. I've always wanted to try VACA in Costa Mesa and last night was the night. We took advantage of the Friends and Family menu they provide on Mondays Only from 5:00 to closing. We sat at the beautiful bar and were watched over by Jacob. The wife had some special non-alcoholic drink that was very pretty and tasted great. I went with the VACA Tonic, an icy concoction made with gin. It was super refreshing and a nice way to start. This menu has selected tapas items that range in price from $8 to $19. We ordered the Pan Con Tomate ($8) which comes with sliced toasted bread slices, tomato pulp, a delicious olive oil and a side of sea salt. You take a piece of toast, squirt some of the olive oil on top, then pour on the tomato pulp. Light, tasty and delicious. Next up, the Patatas Bravas ($9). Perfectly roasted spicy potato cubes, slathered with tomato sauce and a garlic aioli. WOW! So simple yet so good. I licked the plate clean. Next up, the Bikini Sandwich ($9). Two small perfectly toasted cheesy sandwich wedges that have Iberico ham, manchego cheese and a hint of truffles. It was really delicious and the special ham was the star of the show. These are great starting items, yet surprisingly filling. I couldn't stop there though and wanted to order some of their famous paella. I decided on the Paella De Carne ($53). This is a meat paella with pork belly, chorizo, blood sausage, duck confit (a leg & thigh), beef cheek, with bomba rice and a garlic aioli. You have to wait about 20 minutes for them to make it but it's worth the wait. It was perfectly cooked and awash in flavor. The special paella pan they prepare the dish in looked well seasoned and I wished I could have taken it home. The menu is extensive with lots of choices to accommodate any palate. The restaurant is beautiful and has a front and back patio seating. If you have a choice, sit on the back patio. There is valet parking for $12, but there is a parking structure right across the street that provides easy access and is free with validation.
I really wanted to like this place but not sure if I would go back... The tapas were average at most. No richness of spices and overall pretty simple. The paella was too salty and had no crunch to it. Very inflated prices. Service was not very attentive. I literally left hungry and got In n Out after.
Splurge restaurant but food is very solid! My husband and I came here for date night and had a great experience~ Vaca is located next to south coast, interior has tall ceilings and have a small indoor and outdoor seating. They have Spanish menu items, several tapas and main dishes. We got 4 wines and both loved with whites and reds! La bola (8.5/10)-the meat inside was delicious wasn't overly crispy, sauce on top was too much but a classed dish Pani puri (9/10)-interesting concept scallop was delicious and sauce was rich, shell was crispy Cauliflower (7/10)-bit too salty and rich but they give you a good portion Steak (7.5/10)-we asked for medium but it was more in medium rare, good quality but small for price Churro (9/10)-cant beat a piping hot churro with chocolate sauce portion not too large Our server was friendly and vibe was classy Would love to try the paella my next visit!
I was so excited to finally dine at Vaca -- it's been on my list for so long. The ambience is cozy with a date‑night feel, and the service was friendly and attentive. Our food also came out fairly quickly, which I appreciated. I started with the Vaca Tonic which was delicious. For food, the standout was the La Bola -- a crispy potato ball with flavorful ground meat inside. I'd come back just for that. The scallops, however, were just okay. They were very small for "sea" or "diver" scallops, and the menu didn't specify what kind they were. The sauce was fine but nothing memorable. I was most excited for the wagyu oyster cut steak and ordered it medium, but it arrived more rare than expected and was surprisingly chewy rather than tender. Overall, the experience didn't quite live up to the hype for me. I love tapas, but this spot fell short.
Vaca is a Spanish tapas style restaurant with great meat and cocktails. Some of my meal highlights was the bikini sandwich and the night's special, which was a perfectly cut piece of steak. I was disappointed in the patatas bravas, however, which I felt lacked much flavor. The cocktails were exceptional. I enjoyed a classic dirty martini, their specialty vaca tonic (A+ cocktail), and had their non-alcoholic drink called Starry Night (very delicious, but not worth $16). The setting is quite breath-taking, with the restaurant decorated with elaborate cuts of meat and wine bottles. The lighting is very warm-toned and elegant. Overall, we had a delicious meal and cocktails before heading to the Segerstrom (just a quick walk away). The service was excellent and the meal great, but I think the whole experience was heavily overpriced for what you get.
Had a friend in town so we decided to check out Vaca. I had heard great things so really wanted to love this place, but it was a bit short of my expectations given the prices. First off, my friends had sat at the bar for a good 20 min before the bartender finally acknowledged them and took our drink order. Even then she was not very nice and totally made other patrons orders who had sat down after us before even trying to deliver our drinks to us. Once the drinks were delivered, they were pretty much slammed onto the bar counter rather than being delivered with care. Yikes. I had asked for a bar napkin because the rim was sticky and she completely ignored me. So rude. Our reservation on a Friday night with a show happening at Segerstrom was at 7:45pm which means the show crowd should have already left by this point. We easily didn't get seated until 8:15-8:20pm for a 7:45pm reservation because our table was lingering. Seems like poor table management on the restaurant's part to be that far behind schedule. Once we sat down, we did our best to order right away as we were starving and was pretty sure it would take awhile for the food to come out. Our server greeted us within a few min of sitting down and since we were ready to order by the time she showed up, we ordered everything from appetizers to full meal. Started with the croquetas and gambas. Both were good but honestly I've had better. The sauce for the gambas felt like the ratio of the sherry was a bit much and not enough spice. Ended up with the Paella Valenciana which was okay, but the flavors felt kind of bland and the scallops and shrimp inside seemed like they could have been cooked more thoroughly. I believe we got the 12oz New York Steak to share, and it felt the meat itself was super tender but lacked a bit of flavor for my liking. We wanted the broccolini but they ran out so ended up with the Brussel sprouts instead which were very good. Overall the ambiance inside the restaurant is a bit tight and chaotic for my liking. I definitely like the bar area better than the tables which were very close together, so may have to try dining at the bar next time.
This is the third time coming here and I've loved it every time. The service is usually amazing, food doesn't take 30-40 minutes, and drinks come usually fairly quickly. This time around the service was not great, drinks too forger, and the waiter seemed too busy with other tables. Forgetting our orders and forgetting we were there. We were also celebrating something special and the waiter didn't bother to acknowledge it despite the hostess's asking if we were celebrating something special. This time around our experience was okay, definitely not the vaca we know. I do however recommend their chicken croquettas
Outstanding Spanish food in a beautiful, contemporary setting. Right next to the Segestrom Center, this restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating. Service is friendly and efficient and the food was excellent. We had a reservation but we still had a 15 minute wait, as they were swamped on a Saturday evening. However it became quieter after 7:30 pm. Their corkage ($40) is steep, but they have a decent wine selection and great cocktails. We ordered a bottle of Tempranillo ($60), which was very good. Menu is expansive. We had 4-5 tapas and a paella. The Pan con Tomato, the meatballs, the chicken croquettes and the Patatas Bravas were excellent. The Valencia paella was to die for. Definitely consider going here or to their sister location in LA. Great for date night. Parking in the lot across the street is validated, otherwise valet parking is $12.
Came in on a busy Sunday night. We sat at the bar & were able to be sat with Rain. He was so incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, drinks and what pairs well. Highly recommend. The space is vibey and a great date night.
This is easily one of the premier destinations for authentic paella in the United States. I highly recommend the seafood paella, though the Spanish octopus and seared scallops are equally exceptional. Whatever you do, do not skip the Basque cheesecake; it is truly the finest I have ever had. The patio offers a remarkably cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a special evening. While the service is attentive and professional, please keep in mind that the paella is prepared to order and requires a bit of patience--it is well worth the wait.
Vaca is a solid restaurant for a date night or a pre-show dinner. We went on a Monday for dinner and discovered that they have a special discounted menu on Monday nights. It was decently priced and the food was good. Our favorite dish was surprisingly the bikini sandwich. We randomly ordered it and it actually tasted great! Overall, decent Spanish food with good service and a nice atmosphere.
I highly recommend trying out Vaca for Spanish tapas and more! Great spot for celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself. The staff were accommodating, kind, and attentive. The interior was inviting, with moody lighting and fantastic decor. Dining here is a premium experience, and the prices reflect that, but it was so worth the treat. We checked in for our dinner reservations and were seated promptly at a large table on the patio, with warmers and a view of the giant Christmas tree outside. The drink menu offers crafted drinks, Spanish wines, zero-proof cocktails, and more! I had the Georgia on My Mind that had a zero-proof whiskey base--very satisfying. We ordered a bunch of tapas (small plates), a couple of entrees, and sides to share among our table. Some tapa items were so good that I wanted a plate all to myself. A few menu highlights we enjoyed. - Gambas Al Ajillo (sauteed shrimp) - Rabo de Toro (oxtail) was very tender and flavorful. - Carpaccio was so good! I wish I had one order to myself. - Croqueta de Paella was so tasty. - Jamón Serrano Fermin with three cheeses was presented as a charcuterie board with the famous jamón. - Paella Valencia is a seafood paella that we all enjoyed. - Prime Ribeye was delicious, and most of the cut was cooked perfectly (medium rare), yet a few spots were more raw and chewy--still a good choice if you like steak. - Patatas Bravas was delightful with crispy potatoes and a savory sauce - Churros con Chocolates is a classic dessert. - Basque Cheesecake was the perfect ending. Overall, we had a blast, and most of what we ordered was excellent. We also saw Chef Amar Santana (chef/owner) talking with a few guests, but we didn't get a chance to chat with him this time. It was still a treat to see he's around. Other notes: - Valet parking is available for $12 - Self-parking is available nearby in a structure or a lot across the street
Cute date night spot right next to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The vibe is moody and intimate, with Spanish-inspired decor, several bar seats, indoor seating, and a nice patio. One of the best Spanish spots in Orange County if you're into tapas (though I'm not a huge fan of their paella). Service was a bit slow probably due to being understaffed or a busy night but our server was friendly and attentive. Scallop Pana Puri: 9/10 - Light, refreshing, and a great palate cleanser between tapas. Carne Cruda: 10/10 - Imagine beef tartare but with spiced lamb. My favorite dish of the night-perfect balance of textures and flavors. Honestly, I'd order one just for myself. Cannot rave about this enough Oxtail: 8.5/10 - Tender pieces that fell off the bone and a generous portion size. Flavor leaned more Italian-style wine braise than Spanish, but still delicious. Fried Artichokes: 8/10 - Deep-fried and paired nicely with the sauce, though I wish they were a bit crispier. Denver Steak: 9/10 - Cooked perfectly, loved the chimichurri and A1-style sauce on the side, and the pickled onions were a great complement.
11 months ago
Really great Spanish/tapas option. Nice mix is vegetarian and meat options, always appreciated. The patatas bravas is one of the best I've had, minus in Spain itself. Fresh flavors. And the servers are always very attentive. Would miss the veggie and paella. Stick with the mariscos, the shrimp is what makes that dish. It's expensive so loses a star, definitely a special occasion place. read more
10 months ago
The food was genuinely disappointing. All the appetizers and paellas arrived hot on the outside, but were cold inside. It was difficult to tell whether the seafood was thoroughly cooked or not--maybe we were unintentionally eating sushi? The Brussels sprouts tasted okay, but were much too salty. Overall, I wouldn't recommend dining here unless you're comfortable eating food that is only "half well done." read more
Vaca is a small cozy but upscale Spanish restaurant near Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The steak here is excellent - you can choose the cut and it comes out sizzling. It can cost a pretty penny, quite expensive depending on the cut and size. Their paella and Jamon Iberico are standouts as well. It's worth the splurge if you crave good Spanish cuisine and steak on your way to the theatre! read more
2 years ago
Always best to make a reservation but we were still able to get a patio seat last minute (90 minutes before showtime). Tapas come out quick and are super tasty. Steaks and paella need 45 minutes on busy nights so be sure to plan ahead if you want to enjoy those dishes. Eat and drink up, then walk to the show! read more
2 years ago
Visited here prior to going to a show. The food is fun, unique, and so so tasty! Since it was our first time, the waiter recommended a few of the favorites and also how many tapas to order so that everyone enjoys. The cocktails were fun and a nice compliment to the tapas. Seeing that the restaurant is so close to the show the waiter made sure our order was in and we were out in perfect timing. read more
5 months ago
The food was delicious and the service was great as well Maria was an amazing and attentive The space is beautiful as well Great vibe read more
2 months ago
6 months ago
We haven't been back in a while, but just wanted to give a shoutout to Rain and Jacob at the bar, who were very attentive and caring. They served the best wine and whiskey pairings with our food! Thank you! read more
Came here for dinner Saturday 2/21/26. Strange vibe. We had reservation for 8pm. The couple in front of us was a walk in, yet somehow got seated before we did. Checked in around 7:50p and got seated about 10m past 8p. Why bother taking reservations if you can't seat those with them promptly? Food: we shared the octopus and butifarra, both were moderately salty, but not bad, 7/10. Alcachofa was ok, 6/10. Iberico dumplings were the highlight of the meal, very flavorful. We looked forward the most to the paella Valenciana, and were greatly disappointed. Not sure if there was a mix up with the food order, but it was about 50 minutes from the time our first dish was brought out until the time the paella came. No socarrat despite all that wait so that was very sad. It looked good, but taste wise was 5/10. Our server Luis was nice and seemed like he worked hard, pretty much the only waiter for the patio area. There was a 3% surcharge, which does not go to the gratuity but rather to the restaurant operating cost. We didn't pay attention til after hub has signed the bill, but honestly that left a slightly bad aftertaste; just increase the price of the food rather than slapping on a set "fee", strange practice really. read more
11 months ago
Paella took 1 hour to come out and it wasn't even crispy!!! Definitely would not recommend. The rice seasoning l and mariscos were good, I felt that the octopi's was very small and hardly noticeable. Canelon de pollo was delicious, but took 35 minutes to come out. I would recommend the dish though as it's very tasty. We were seated outside and the service was very slow. read more
Still one of my favorite places for tapas. I always tend to get recommendation from my server because they have some items that are new-thus can be a hit or miss. It's a somewhat small space-expect the indoor tables to be very close to one another...and if you come during weekends...book in advance. Mt favorite was their uni, branzino, cheeseboards, duck prosciutto and drinks-depending on your taste, there's always a drink that will aligning with your taste buds. read more
7 months ago
Came here for my bday and we had reservations. We came 10 min early wasn't seated until 17 min later as they were very busy and full. We didn't get to order until 15 min later. We got the lunar new year iberico pork dumplings which were good but 3 for $22. The octopus with potato was bland and it had a bad oil aftertaste. The tuna tataki is just ok but it's the worst tuna tataki I've had. Like kabuki's is better. I got the dry aged ribeye and it was cooked to perfection. However, it was dry and not beefy in flavor like the dry aged steaks I'm used to. Like I like Bavette's in Chicago and Vegas. Onto the best dishes of the night - the patatas bravos were soooo good as they were crispy and seasoned. The fried artichokes were solid too. My birthday almond cake with ice cream was delicious the highlight of the night. Total $341 not including tip and I will not be back. read more
8 months ago
3 months ago
Food is always amazing here. Got 3 apps and 3 main dishes. Service, we were all cared for and the patio area in the back was nice and spacious. read more
2 years ago
We got a variety of dishes: the seafood paella, prime New York strip, octopus, cheese board with 3 cheeses and 2 meats, roasted cauliflower, oyster mushroom, and the beef cheek toast. The best dishes were the seafood paella, steak, and roasted cauliflower. The beef cheek toast was not very impressionable and too salty for me. Also by the time it came, the toast was kind of soggy and oily. The seafood paella takes about 45 minute to make but it's worth the wait - it was cooked perfectly. Not too soggy or dry. The shrimp was also very good. The steak was also cooked tenderly and salted just enough. Ambiance is very nice, we sat on the patio in the back but it did get a bit windy/cold at times. Overall, the service was very attentive and friendly. Food is great, would recommend to friends and family. There is a self parking structure across the street or valet parking for $10. read more
8 months ago
Tried 2 tapas, rabo de toro which is braised beef oxtail and gambas al ajillo which is sautéed shrimp & we got the paella de mariscos which is seafood paella. The seafood here was fresh and the paella was very flavorful and creamy. The beef oxtail was very tender. Highly recommend the paella! Pricing is definitely on the higher end. Service was pretty attentive. Restaurant has pretty dim lighting and the inside tables are very close together so you can hear the conversation of the table next to you (which we didn't like) and it's very loud. Parking is only valet which was convenient as the parking structures are far and you have to pay too. read more
So excited I made it here after all these years! From the hostess answering the phone, to the valet, to our waiters, they made our first experience here very enjoyable. Vaca is known for their meats and tapas style plates so we ordered 6 plates between the 2 of us: the octopus, the cannelloni, Wagyu meatball, pork belly, blue cheese stuffed dates wrapped in heavenly heavenly mmmmmmm bacon and the beef oxtail. 10 out 10 for flavor! Every. Single. Dish. I need to come back again to try more plates!! Drinks were tasty too. As the DD, I only had one drink- the manda panda (i think? The one with lychee liqueur in it) and it was quite delicious. And kudos to our waiter Paul for all his recs and being so attentive and hospitable. Ambiance is cute and cozy, ideal for date nights or dinner with the girlfriends. The back patio is nice this time of year bc you can see the giant Xmas tree all lit up. Valet is $10, bring cash for tip. read more
3 months ago
Food was good , service not good for the price.... Luis was our server, maybe busy or something but drinks were empty and I would have to flag him down for one when he was around. Eventually gave up and got drinks at another place after. Server assistants were definitely the stars of the show. Folding our napkin, always smiling and ready, and we even forgot our to-go food and they flagged us down before we left. So nice! Food was good,, we got the paella Valenciana and it was amazing! Also the Canellon de Pollo Ahumado which also yummy. One other tapas dish recommended (I forgot the name sorry) was not up to par but hey that's ordering, it happens. Sadly what I thought was weird was that it came with some potato chips and when we asked for a few extra to finish the dish we got charged for a whole side of chips, $6 for chips that come out of a bag... not even cooked in the kitchen. not a super great look read more
7 months ago
Great location and even better food! Place is tucked away and plenty of parking in the structure across from restaurant. The servers are great and attentive and the inside of the place has a great vibe for dinner or just grabbing a drink. read more
6 months ago
Amazing service from Ariana, food was a 10/10. I would definitely come back. This restaurant is worth the wait. read more
2 years ago
Tapas spot close to the Sergestrom Theater. Came here for a pre-show dinner at 5pm and made a reservation online in advance. It's a short walk away from the theater, so it's a good spot when you're trying to catch a show. Note that the paella does take about 40 minutes to cook, so budget your time accordingly. My family of four shared the following: Bikini sandwich - Simple, but I liked this a lot. Croquettes - standard dish; I was neutral about it Alcachofa (Artichokes) - nicely fried and the aioli was good Lubinda (sea bass) - my mom wanted this one; the sauce is good and it's a healthy option Mollejas (veal sweetbreads) - this was all my dad but he really enjoyed it Jamon Serrano and Sheep's Milk quesos - these came together on a charcuterie board with pickles and marmalades. Paella de carne - very rich and lots of meat. It may be too heavy for some Beef marrow - also very rich - my sister enjoyed it a lot. Churros for dessert - this comes in three and a chocolate sauce on the side. We had leftover paella but unfortunately had to throw it away since Sergestrom doesn't allow outside food. Otherwise, this was an enjoyable meal. read more
4 months ago
8 months ago
2 years ago
Kind of torn about this place. The food was good for the most part but not for the price we paid for it. I really enjoyed the soft scrambled eggs with uni, the dates stuffed with blue cheese wrapped in bacon, and the Jamón ibérico. We also got the shanks, I think they were beef shanks with a demi glaze. They were absolutely bland. The meat was not seasoned at all. The main entree, the paella, was kind of a let down and I barely touched it. The cocktails were not balanced. I ordered two different drinks hoping for a better one and that was a bust. I would recommend sticking with a nice wine. The ambiance of the restaurant is elevated, and yet the service was not. Our server didn't check on us much during the meal, I had to ask someone else for salt to try to flavor my bland shank tapa. I may return and order just the 3 items that were good with a nice glass of wine. read more
9 months ago
Food was good, but the service was disappointing. This was an office work dinner, and for a fine dining restaurant the level of service was not what we expected. We were seated outside and after that, no one really checked on us. Our main course took over an hour to come out, and by the time the food arrived we had basically lost our appetite. Despite the many staff members on the floor, we did not even know who our main server was, and while we waited we were often met with blank stares rather than updates or assistance. I also had to walk inside to ask where our food was and how much longer it was going to take. The food itself was enjoyable, but the lack of attention and long delay took away from the overall experience, and I would recommend a different fine dining place. read more
2 years ago
The food was okay but this place doesn't call my name. Would I come back? I would, only because maybe today was just a bad day, but the first impression was definitely below par. The main reason is the price doesn't justify the food or service here, I'd recommend going a city or two over to the RANCH or a couple blocks away to ARC as the service and food can justify their prices. Takes forever to refill waters, didn't ask us if we wanted to order another drink, couldn't care to see how the food was, took forever to even bring the food out despite it not being busy at all, the quickest reaction I got was them taking my card for the bill lol. Service 3/10 Food 8/10 Overall 6/10 Breakdown Brussels sprouts 9/10 Fried rice 6/10 Patatas bravas 4/10 the flavor just wasn't it Asparagus 9/10 Hangar steak 3/10 asked for medium rare it came out ultra rare Oxtail 7/10 the mushrooms made the dish better Potato balls 9/10 would recommend Flan 9/10 perfect consistency Cheesecake 7/10 not a fan it's missing the signature cheesecake breading Edit: Just now realized I got charged 20% gratuity despite being a party of four (their policy states gratuity is charged for parties of 6 or more?) review went down due to this read more
4 months ago
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5 months ago
OFF THE MENU. OFF THE CHARTSign up for their special events. Just got educated on different levels of Vermouth, paired with levels of taste, texture and mouth watering appetizers. Small tapas where the mine explodes and the stomach say"BRING IT ON!!! A few pics to share. Gail read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
I visited Vaca for a friend's birthday and had a decent experience. We were seated outside pretty quickly and had menus in our hands right away. It was a nice evening and the sun was blocked by the bush hedges they have around the outdoor seating area. We ordered drinks and a couple dishes to share. FOOD: Overall the food was good but the portion sizes are small. For the price you're paying, I was hoping for a slightly larger portion. The actual taste and quality of the food is a strong 4.5/5.0 though so come for the taste but not to get filled. The little dessert that they brought out for our friend's bday was a 3 out of 5. Kinda dry. SERVICE: The service was very slow. All night it took forever to place orders and/or get anything we needed. At one point it felt like we were forgotten in our little corner. When we were trying to get out of there and just pay the bill, they pressured us slightly to get dessert off their menu. Summary: I would only go back if I made a lot more money and planned to be there for a couple hours. read more
11 months ago
Another great experience at my favorite restaurant! Kat was an amazing server with great recommendations. They also gave us a complimentary almond cake to celebrate our anniversary. I love this place! read more
1 year ago
We came to Vaca for date night, and overall it was a great experience. Food Rundown: * Albacora Tataki - 10/10 Absolutely incredible. The flavor was fresh, balanced, and the ponzu + sesame combo was so good. Hands down the best dish of the night. * Panza De Cerdo (Pork Belly) - 9/10 Super tender and rich, with a nice crisp on the outside. The strawberry pairing was unexpected but worked so well. Sweet and savory done right. * Broccolini a la Parilla - 8/10 Surprisingly flavorful. Loved the touch of cheese, the pickled shallots, and the pine nuts. A solid veggie option that didn't feel like filler. * Rabo de Toro (Oxtail) - 7/10 Good texture and comforting, but a bit heavy and the flavor didn't evolve much. Worth trying, but not a standout. * Paella de Mariscos - 6/10 The seafood itself was cooked well--clams, prawns, mussels, and octopus were all fresh--but the rice was underwhelming. It lacked depth and didn't have the signature crisp or richness that makes paella special. * Churros con Chocolate - 3/10 Unfortunately dry and flavorless. The chocolate sauce was decent, but the churros didn't hit the mark--definitely skippable. Service & Ambiance: Our server was great--super warm and accommodating. When it got cold outside, they were quick to turn on the heaters, which we appreciated. The patio had a cute vibe, but we were seated next to a large party with kids yelling and throwing rocks at the glass, which definitely affected the ambiance and made it harder to enjoy the meal. That was the only real bummer atmosphere-wise. Final Thoughts: The meal came out to around $170 for two people, which felt fair. There were some standout dishes we'd come back for, but also a couple that didn't quite justify the price (especially the paella). That said, I think if we had ordered more tapas instead of the paella, were seated away from the loud group, and the food came out just a bit faster--this easily could've been a 5-star experience. read more
11 months ago
Diferrent types of steak, potato, paella , brussel sprouts, limon shrimp, and chicken potatos vaca restaurant read more
7 months ago
wow! very pleased with the food and service! my better half wanted us to go here for VDay since i booked a concert next door. they were very welcoming and attentive to our evening with a concert afterwards. they made sure we got our food before the concert and was very accommodating. they gave the ladies a rose at the end of the meal. read more
More info about Vaca
695 Town Center Dr
Ste 170
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Directions
(714) 463-6060
Call Now
Visit Website
https://vacarestaurant.com
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Ask the Community - Vaca
We plan to eat at Vaca, get the parking validated by Vaca, then go to watch a show at Sergstrom. Do I need to pay for parking since the parking ticket is validated much earlier than the exit time?
Yes, Vaca restaurant in Costa Mesa validates parking in the nearby parking structure. Guests can either use valet parking or self-park in the structure. If self-parking, you'll need to bring your parking ticket to the restaurant for validation.…
Do they take reservations for small groups?
Yes they do- however they've been victims of reservation swatting lately so best to call to make a reservation
Does Vaca offer a Thanksgiving menu, dine in and/or takeout, and what is included?
I doubt that. But, it's April. There's a lot of time for things to change lol
How many people do you need to get a paella? Could a person eat one all by himself?
2. 3 if you order other tapas. 1 is doable if you're a big eater or you are willing to take leftovers.
What meat is in the Spanish platter?
Best parking if seeing a play at seger storm after diner?
Absolutely yes! That's what we always do. Park at Vaca, eat there, go to theater, then pickup car afterwards.
Hi, is the menu different if you sit at the bar?
I don't believe so. I think they only use the one paper folded menu.
Does the Lunch menu offer tapas as well or is that only for dinner?
We went for lunch and decided to do only the tapas.. You can mix and match
What is the corkage fee for a magnum?
Their corkage fee is listed in FAQ...$30 for one bottle and need to contact them for additional bottles.
Which seating area is better: indoor or outdoor? If outdoor, by the front or the back?
If it's just two, I'd sit at the bar. Otherwise a table in the back. Outside lacks the vibe.
Is there a dress code?
It's like fun-upscale but basically just shoes shirt and pants. :)
What fully vegan options are there?
There's a paella there with noodles and veggies.
During this covid season, are they open for lunch? I heard they had lunch specials, are there any right now?
Should I bother eating here if I can't eat dairy? Food looks great but it looks like most items have cheese
This place is a meat eater's paradise. Especially if you like Spanish cured meats i.e. Jambon. All things Spanish are available here especially a wide array of Spanish cheeses, but dairy would be a small part of what you could order here. This place…
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Vaca - tapasmallplates - Updated September 2026
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