News Summary
Vaca, a celebrated Spanish steakhouse from Orange County, is set to open a new location in Downtown Los Angeles. Executive chef Amar Santana and co-owner Ahmed Labbate aim to introduce 80% of their signature dishes while adapting 20% of the menu for local tastes. The restaurant will feature a robust Spanish wine list and an inviting design reminiscent of its Costa Mesa counterpart. Scheduled for an early October opening, Vaca seeks to enrich the culinary landscape of DTLA, reflecting an adventurous dining culture.
Los Angeles — Vaca, a celebrated Spanish steakhouse renowned for its success in Orange County, is slated to launch a new location in Downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant will be situated on the ground floor of the Beaudry, California’s tallest residential building, which opened its doors in 2020. Executive chef and co-owner Amar Santana, alongside co-owner Ahmed Labbate, are poised to cater to a fresh market of diners in the bustling city.
The upcoming Vaca location aims to introduce a menu that retains about 80% of their signature dishes from the Orange County establishment, while leaving 20% of the menu open for modifications to better suit the adventurous palate of Los Angeles diners. This flexibility in menu offerings reflects the team’s recognition of the distinct dining culture in L.A., which is often viewed as more daring and open to new culinary experiences compared to patrons in Orange County.
In addition to its exciting menu, Vaca’s wine list will predominantly feature Spanish wines, coupled with select domestic Spanish varietals, ensuring that the beverage offerings align harmoniously with the restaurant’s culinary style. The strategic location in Downtown LA has long been under consideration by Labbate and Santana, who were drawn to the area due to its dynamic mix of offices, hotels, and residential towers.
Vaca is projected to open its doors in early October 2025, with plans for initial training and operations to take place in DTLA. The restaurant’s design will share some aesthetic elements with its Costa Mesa counterpart, characterized by its signature burnt-orange hues and unique tile patterns, while also featuring slight variations to create a distinct atmosphere in the new location.
Amar Santana’s culinary journey is marked by resilience and creativity. Having migrated from the Dominican Republic to the United States at the age of 13, he cultivated his passion for cooking at the esteemed Culinary Institute of America. Prior to establishing Vaca, Santana opened Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach in 2011 and gained national recognition as a finalist on season 13 of “Top Chef”.
This latest venture follows previous challenges, including the pandemic-related closure of a food hall in South Coast Plaza. However, with the establishment of the new Vaca in Los Angeles, Santana and Labbate are optimistic about navigating a resurgence in the dining industry. They also envision additional restaurant opportunities in other major cities like Las Vegas and San Francisco once their foundation in L.A. is firmly established.
As the opening approaches, Vaca is set to contribute to the vibrant culinary landscape of Downtown Los Angeles, bringing its rich Spanish flavors and robust dining experience to a diverse and dynamic urban clientele. The co-owners are eager to not only introduce their beloved dishes to a new audience but also to encourage culinary exploration among their new patrons.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register
- Wikipedia: Spanish cuisine
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: Spanish steakhouses
- Eater LA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Eater LA – Year in Review
- Google News: Amar Santana
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
