VACA DTLA is now open inviting all to experience a meticulously curated voyage through the heart of Spain.
Officially anchored at the base of Downtown’s Beaudry luxury apartments, VACA DTLA feels like a modern-day urban secret, tucked behind a discreet pathway that lends a sophisticated speakeasy vibe to anyone unfamiliar with Figat7th’s newly constructed labyrinth in the Finance District.
Photos courtesy VACA DTLA
Upon entry, gracious hosts await to escort guests past a variety of encased, aging hanged-primes on display and into the heart of the grand dining area.
The space then opens up into a gastronomic theater featuring an expansive open kitchen, a glass-walled wine cellar, and even more premium meats for dramatic slicing.
The interior is a masterful collision of metropolitan glamour and Mediterranean warmth. The space hums with a high-octane energy—the clinking of gin tonic goblets at the bar serving as the soundtrack to a stylish crowd of hungry power players and cultural aficionados.
Floor-to-century glass frames the skyline, yet the vibe remains intimate and organic, perfectly capturing the Spanish art of sobremesa—the tradition of lingering long after the food is gone.
Every corner of the room is bathed in amber tones meant to relax the diner while famed celebrity Chef Amar Santana and partner, Ahmed Labbate personally make their rounds to greet each visitor.
A Symphony of Tapas and Fire
Photos courtesy VACA DTLA
Behind every searing steak is a twenty-year alliance between Executive Chef Amar Santana and CEO Ahmed Labbate.
Chef Amar’s journey is the quintessential American Dream—born in the Dominican Republic, raised in Queens, and eventually becoming a three-time Top Chef powerhouse. He is the fire in the kitchen: bold, technical, and fearless. Complementing this fire is the cool, sophisticated air of Ahmed Labbate. A native of Morocco, Ahmed brings an elite pedigree of extensive training in European-style hospitality.
Downtown Los Angeles marks the third location for the Vaca duo, much like their flagship, Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach that continues to thrive as a coastal icon, and their original VACA in Costa Mesa which remains a Michelin-listed favorite, the DTLA expansion adds to their legacy, of bringing award-winning chemistry to new urban frontiers.
The menu is a love letter to tradition. The Patatas Bravas are crisp and defiant, while the Gambas al Ajillo arrive in a sizzling, fragrant bath of garlic. The real drama lies in the signature dry-aged steaks and succulent Iberian pork specialties.
A Masterclass in Spanish Indulgence
The culinary experience at VACA is designed to be visceral. One of the most talked-about “delectable surprises” is the Bikini Sandwich, a piping-hot pressed delight that layers cured Jamón Ibérico, creamy Manchego cheese, and a fragrant hint of truffle oil. It is a decadent, three-bite masterpiece that sets the tone for the meal.
For those seeking something truly unique, the Erizo con Huevos features scrambled eggs served directly inside a sea urchin shell, paired with miso-buttered toast and offers an out-of-this-world experience in both flavor and aesthetics.
The true soul of the kitchen, however, is the Chef’s favorite, Canelon de Pollo Ahumado. This smoked chicken cannelloni is draped in a luscious duck liver sauce and finished with a sharp sherry reduction. It is the kind of dish that leaves a permanent mark on the memory as well as the pallet with its rich, savory, and deeply comforting seed topped allure.
Larger plates, including the Paella de Carne, arrive with a stunning ‘socarrat‘—that coveted, crispy layer of caramelized rice at the bottom of the pan—packed with pork belly, chorizo, and duck confit. Each forkful is a symphony of textures that transports the eater straight to a seaside taperia in Barcelona.
The cocktail program is equally innovative, featuring seasonal gin tonics and sherry-based creations like their own take on the Old Fashion designed exclusively for this location.
Photos courtesy VACA DTLA
Positioned blocks from The Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall, VACA is a powerhouse addition to the neighborhood’s lifestyle. For residents of The Beaudry and surrounding towers, having a culinary destination of Vaca’s caliber significantly elevates the desirability and value of downtown living.
VACA DTLA is located at 960 W. 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017. Yet, despite its central address, the restaurant is famously hard to find. Still, for those who appreciate the hunt, the journey past the valet with a quick detour to the right reveals Downtown’s newest culinary destination—one that spans from Barcelona to Andalucía without ever leaving the city
Doors open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5 PM to 9 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM. Reservations are highly recommended via Opentable.com, and guests should keep a keen eye out for expanded lunch and late-night services arriving in early 2026. www.vacarestaurant.com
