Really enjoyed our meal! We came for Monday night happy hour - which goes from 5:00 to closing. Pane con tomate was delicious — and as good as any we’ve had in Spain. Morcilla bites are a “do again”, as are the piquillo peppers stuffed with braised beef. Bikini sandwich was very good, although I might prefer the Iberico ham cold and straight up. Gambas al ajillo was delicious although a little too spicy for me (I love spicy but can’t take much heat.
I went with the non happy hour manzanilla sherry on the menu (which is a 4.0 on Vivino it was the soleara) rather than the manzanilla on the happy hour menu because that one was only a 3.4.
The Commissioner
-
July 22, 2026
Went to Vaca when Leatherby's was closed at Segerstrom. (We won't be going back to Leatherby's anytime soon.)
We've driven by Vaca a countless times but finally stopped in by chance.
It's one of those restaurants that you experience, rather than just having a fine dinner. Being a Spanish restaurant during the FIFA Spain victory finale was a bonus. The crowd was electric and excitement filled the room.
We were closely watching our time so as to be back at the theater before the theater bells chimed, so we elected to sit at the bar. We took an end spot to see the activity of top-notch drinks being curated.
The selection of international tapas for soccer teams was interesting, so we chose a half-dozen to share.
We started at the top and went down the left side of the menu:
-Choripán Skewer with chimichurri
-Marinated Lamb brochettes
-Tortilla Española with jamón
They were all wonderful and presented nicely, so we unfolded the menu and tried the Albacore Tataki. It was amazing and the spot where we will continue exploring the menu on our next visit.
The vodka-tonic slushy machine was interesting; they add different flavors of choice and it's very refreshing. The Old Fashion was very smooth as was the Inky.
All the Vaca original drinks also looked good and were sampled by everyone around. Next round will be an expanded sample.
Wait staff was very friendly and helpful. They were glad to explain what drinks were being made and which were the most popular.
Definitely will return soon.
Hannah
-
January 11, 2026
It was my second time to eat here.
We ordered some appetizers and seafood paella. For appetizers,I was disappointed about chicken cream deep fried things and Uni miso toast.
The chicken thing was just dry minced meet inside and I didn't feel any cream. I wonder if it was a mistake. I tried to ask my server but he was not friendly and give me cold attitude. I asked " is it that we ordered chicken cream? " And he just said " yes".
I couldn't even feel comfortable to ask what I wanted ask. I wish he asked me kindly like, "Is there anything wrong with your food? " Or something like that. But I felt by his attitude that he didn't want get any questions from me .
About Uni toast things, it looked fancy but no flavor. Just normal scrumble egg and uni.
Also the server said they didn't have the big shrimp so they will change. My next seat customer got the same seafood paella with big shrimp. But our was very small.
But the paella's price was same as usual even it came with small shrimp.
I didn't have energy to complain so I didn't mention. I've just decided not to come back this restaurant anymore.
Swanky Christy
-
February 02, 2026
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.
Phil C
-
December 06, 2025
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 at a nearby parking structure or across the street at the South Coast Plaza parking lots.
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Really enjoyed our meal! We came for Monday night happy hour - which goes from 5:00 to closing. Pane con tomate was delicious — and as good as any we’ve had in Spain. Morcilla bites are a “do again”, as are the piquillo peppers stuffed with braised beef. Bikini sandwich was very good, although I might prefer the Iberico ham cold and straight up. Gambas al ajillo was delicious although a little too spicy for me (I love spicy but can’t take much heat. I went with the non happy hour manzanilla sherry on the menu (which is a 4.0 on Vivino it was the soleara) rather than the manzanilla on the happy hour menu because that one was only a 3.4.
Went to Vaca when Leatherby's was closed at Segerstrom. (We won't be going back to Leatherby's anytime soon.) We've driven by Vaca a countless times but finally stopped in by chance. It's one of those restaurants that you experience, rather than just having a fine dinner. Being a Spanish restaurant during the FIFA Spain victory finale was a bonus. The crowd was electric and excitement filled the room. We were closely watching our time so as to be back at the theater before the theater bells chimed, so we elected to sit at the bar. We took an end spot to see the activity of top-notch drinks being curated. The selection of international tapas for soccer teams was interesting, so we chose a half-dozen to share. We started at the top and went down the left side of the menu: -Choripán Skewer with chimichurri -Marinated Lamb brochettes -Tortilla Española with jamón They were all wonderful and presented nicely, so we unfolded the menu and tried the Albacore Tataki. It was amazing and the spot where we will continue exploring the menu on our next visit. The vodka-tonic slushy machine was interesting; they add different flavors of choice and it's very refreshing. The Old Fashion was very smooth as was the Inky. All the Vaca original drinks also looked good and were sampled by everyone around. Next round will be an expanded sample. Wait staff was very friendly and helpful. They were glad to explain what drinks were being made and which were the most popular. Definitely will return soon.
It was my second time to eat here. We ordered some appetizers and seafood paella. For appetizers,I was disappointed about chicken cream deep fried things and Uni miso toast. The chicken thing was just dry minced meet inside and I didn't feel any cream. I wonder if it was a mistake. I tried to ask my server but he was not friendly and give me cold attitude. I asked " is it that we ordered chicken cream? " And he just said " yes". I couldn't even feel comfortable to ask what I wanted ask. I wish he asked me kindly like, "Is there anything wrong with your food? " Or something like that. But I felt by his attitude that he didn't want get any questions from me . About Uni toast things, it looked fancy but no flavor. Just normal scrumble egg and uni. Also the server said they didn't have the big shrimp so they will change. My next seat customer got the same seafood paella with big shrimp. But our was very small. But the paella's price was same as usual even it came with small shrimp. I didn't have energy to complain so I didn't mention. I've just decided not to come back this restaurant anymore.
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.
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 at a nearby parking structure or across the street at the South Coast Plaza parking lots.