|
A modern Spanish restaurant in Costa Mesa, California, known for its award-winning tapas, paella, and dry-aged steaks, led by Chef Amar Santana.
Chef Amar Santana is a highly acclaimed restaurateur and TV personality, best known as a finalist and judge on Bravo's 'Top Chef.' He is the co-owner of the popular Southern California restaurants, Broadway by Amar...
Last updated: 7/21/2026, 3:53:14 AM
VACA Restaurant is a modern Spanish dining destination in Costa Mesa, California, known for its award-winning tapas, authentic paella, and dry-aged steaks. Led by Top Chef alum Chef Amar Santana, the restaurant offers a premium dining experience with a cozy and romantic ambiance, featuring moody lighting and fantastic decor. It is conveniently located between the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Plaza.
Customers highly praise VACA for its authentic and delicious Spanish cuisine, with the seafood paella, Basque cheesecake, and various tapas (like Gambas al Ajillo and Rabo de Toro) frequently highlighted as exceptional. The atmosphere is consistently described as inviting, cozy, and romantic, making it ideal for special occasions. While service is generally professional and attentive, some isolated experiences mentioned less friendly interactions or minor inconsistencies in dish presentation. The restaurant's premium pricing is noted, but customers generally feel it's justified by the quality and experience.
VACA Restaurant is situated on Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, California, with valet parking available and self-parking options nearby. The restaurant also has a second location in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). Guests can often see Chef Amar Santana interacting with diners.
VACA is an excellent choice for dinner any evening. They offer a Monday night happy hour that runs from 5:00 PM to closing, which is a popular time to visit. It's particularly recommended for special occasions or romantic evenings.
Food stories start when someone goes first.
Add yoursNo Hungru reviews yet — #1 is unclaimed.
Add yours