I was fist introduced to this restaurant as a vegetarian option for a friend that was visiting. I have since come back a few times. The food is amazing and the service is great. Can get a little slow during lunch hour if you are with a group but otherwise fast and delicious at a reasonable price.
(5)
Natalie V.
The food is out of this world!! The aspirinas with chorizo are what dreams are made of. And the taco soup (?) is AMAZING!! I've eaten here so many times over the years and can't seem to get enough. Did I mention the sangria?!?!?! Omg it's ridiculously good...so you better be careful, because before you know it you're on your third glass and have a midterm tomorrow!! Haha The only reason I didn't give it five stars is the manager. He has always been so unprofessional. I'm really just not a fan of him AT ALL. All of my friends that are females and frequent the restaurant feel the same way...and I've never heard nice things about him from the female staff...,he is a bit inappropriate and not professional, in my opinion...and that's not even got anything to do with what my friends who have worked there say!! That's just as a customer! Anyway...he sucks. But the food is so good, I just keep going back!!
(4)
Ros Rio R.
Confirmed a reservation with the yelp app for 7:30p on a Friday night. Arrived and had to wait a few minutes to get to the hostess, they were busy and the flow is awkward. When we got up to the hostess @ 7:33p we were told we were a few minutes late and our table was given to someone else. Really? Please note everyone there were in the process of eating and it was evident no one had been seated in three minutes. Anyway, service was good food presented well with a friendly pace. The food flavor IMHO was bland and needed salt. The fish in one dish was not fresh with very "fishy" smell, rice was way too starchy and unevenly heated (micro). The sangria was weak and made with low quality vino. My honest review, average at best.
(3)
Rajaa J.
After attending a graduation of a friend's Neice at Stetson university, my daughter and I decided to venture a bit in the small town:-) we were looking for a new place for lunch since we've never been in this part of town before. As expected, the place was packed with families celebrating graduations, but we were able to secure a table for 2. The server was nice, and the menu was easy to follow. After placing our order, the wait time was a bit long, about 30mins but it was expected. The food was great, and the portions were just right. I orders Fish Tapas which was great, and my daughter got the aspirinas Tapa with chicken which she devoured with the first 15mins ;-) The price might be a bit high for some people, so expect to pay about $20 per person. I rated it at 4 due to the interior design, The building was old and the tables were super basic. I will recommend this place for those of us who would like to try South American food.
(4)
Rod H.
First make sure to check in, you get free aspirinas. What an amazing place. Great tapas and I really enjoyed the sangira. My wife and I split the enchilada combo and the tamale stuffed in a pepper. The Mole sauce is rich and has great flavor. I really enjoyed everything and once we get moved to Deland this will be a regular spot.
(4)
Jodi M.
This was a real find in the heart of Deland. I can't remember the names of the dishes, describing wouldn't do them justice... But the mole used with the enchiladas was top notch, and cactus base on the other was great. And to top it off, we did the dessert trio. Just wow... Flan, tres leches, and churros. So, so good. Our server was attentive and helpful. All positive here, can't wait to go back!
(5)
Carrie M.
Wow! I'm vegan and was so stoked to sample the vegan menu. I can't wait to come back and try all the other vegan dishes. The restaurant was packed but the food came out quickly and was phenomenal. I had the mole enchiladas with plantains and refried black beans. Girlfriend had the bean salad. Both were stellar. This is a must visit!
(5)
Tonya M.
Such a neat experience!! We loved the tapas. The flavors were fun and creative and at the same time very balanced. My favorite was the Avocado relleños.
(5)
TJ J.
This is my first time in Deland and I happened to stumble on this restaurant. It is amazing! The food is so good, the portions generous and the price is right! I have struggled to find good restaurants in Florida (mostly Orlando area) and this is by far the best restaurant I've found in the whole state! Give it a shot. The plantains were perfect and the cactus fish salad was a variety of yummy flavors for my mouth.
(5)
Josh R.
Artsy, trendy, innovative food. De La Vega is a restaurant every visitor in Deland must try!
(5)
Rhonda S.
Best place to eat downtown DeLand. Food is always delicious. Aspirinas are a great starter. Fisheladas are great for lunch or dinner. My husband loves the steak Banderillas and the Mexican coffee. They also offer a nice selection of wine. We are lucky to have such a great family owned restaurant.
(5)
Nadine M.
What a great place for tapas! The hibiscus tacos sounded bizarre but, truly spectacular. Their dip trio doesn't disappoint! Best ambiance in town! Be on lookout for their specials! They have some great ones!
(5)
Sam C.
We did not expect to find such a place! We were afraid we'd have to settle for a vegetarian sub at Subway, instead, we found a great little place with excellent food and friendly, attentive service! The vegan enchiladas were great, as were the vegan Aspirinas! The enchiladas came with black beans over rice, so the extra cup of soup we ordered really wasn't needed. So often chefs add loads of fat and oil to vegan offerings: thankfully, the chef here saw no need to do so while still providing excellent taste and mouthfeel. You can bet we will be back when we next visit DeLand!
(5)
Rosanna P.
Great tapas! Ask for the habanero sauce if you like spicy sauces. Everything was thoughtfully prepared and presented beautifully. Our server was friendly and knew the answer to any question about the menu. You can't go wrong with anything here.
(5)
Leslie W.
Great food if you're in the mood for something different. In my top 3 favorite restaurants in DeLand.
(5)
Mallory H.
The best Spanish tapas. Every bite was so flavorful, dishes are served with different sauces. The hibiscus tacos were to die for. We ordered 3 tapas for the 2 of us and we couldn't finish it all, but the leftovers were yummy!! The sangria is a little watered down and could use more of a kick. Will definitely visit more often!
(5)
Todd S.
Fantastic gem in Deland! The tapas are a wonderful way to sample the cuisine. Service is attentive and polite. It is located in a beautiful little downtown. Make a night of it and enjoy a little piece of South America.
(4)
Jessie S.
You must try the aspirinas! De La Vega is one of my favorite restaurants in DeLand. Everything I've had there is delicious! Great atmosphere and service, too. Love eating outside when the weather is good.
(5)
Victor G.
This was my wife's and I first time at De Le Vega. I will tell you what we surley were not disappointed. I made a reservation online this morning and was granted a 7:30pm seating which I was very happy about. We showed up 20 mins early and were seated right away. The hostess and waitress were extremely friendly and did not try to push anything on us. We were given plenty of time to order. The sangria was 2 for 1 at $7.00 which is pretty good. The portion sizes for everything including the drinks were great. The prices were exactly as I expected they would be. This restaurant is always busy and I see exactly why. The food was so flavorful and wonderful. I hope that they keep it up and we will be back often.
(5)
John F.
It's a party in your mouth!!! Wow, a Tapas place that you take doggy bags home with you... The food simply was tasty beyond the pallets imagination. I'm so not a vegan, but the numbers of vegan food items is a dream.
(5)
Blue S.
Awesome lunch! I had a wonderful sandwich, the Venezuela! The sandwich bread (like a small baguette or thin sub roll) was marvelous. The sandwich was topped with thinly sliced apples that provided a nice tang. My friend loved her tortilla soup! The service was good. We put in our order right away and were able to squeeze in this tasty lunch just within an hour during the peak lunch time.
(5)
Matt K.
Absolutely solid fusion restaurant. Great selection, fair prices, and a friendly staff make this a great dining experience. I was able to try the "build it yourself" chicken tacos and loved the three-tier plating they brought out. This is a must-taste if you're in downtown DeLand, be sure to swing through and sample some of their faire.
(4)
Diane K.
Had an amazing meal at De La Vega today. So happy to see the Vegan menu! My husband who eats meat had choices and myself (vegan) did also. Had the Vegan Enchiladas-fantastic. Will be back.
Try the Asparinas, then try enchiladas, then try tacos, and keep trying everything. Why? It's the best ever!
(5)
Mason B.
Oh my freaking god, this place is awesome. Everything is fresh and all the flavors are perfectly blended. This place was recommended to us 2 years ago and I feel like we wasted those last 2 years eating at other restaurants. The house specialty are the asparitas. We ordered 6 to split two ways and wanted more. Poole con mole was delicious. Even something as simple as the refried beans were incredible. Can't recommend this place enough. Don't wait! Go now!
(5)
Ed D.
Don't pass this one by. The menu may be a bit different, but the quality and service will certainly impress. Not being familiar with most of the items we needed a little help from Our waitress, Nicollet who guided us through the maze and made excellent suggestions. Plenty to choose from both vegetarian and others as well. I had the sirloin strips served over rice with a vinaigrette reduction, and my wife the Salmon salad...both were excellent. Can't wait to return!
(4)
Edwin S.
Please let me start by indicating we could not get into Santorini's. We settled and DeLaVega was our choice. This was an expensive mistake. We were able to sit at a sidewalk table only to enjoy the yelping of dogs sitting near by. Food was really average and the quacamole a huge disappointment. Take a lesson and wait for a table at Santorini's. No matter what.
(2)
Todd L.
I happen to be in lovely DeLand for work and I wanted to stop at Cress, but they're not open for lunch. So much the better because I had a lovely lunch outdoors watching people leisurely stroll to and fro. Small towns are so peaceful. To start, I used a check-in for a free aspirina. It was a good small arepa of sorts. For my lunch, I had the mole tacos and were they off the chart good with a beautiful presentation. This is perhaps one the top 5 best moles I've ever had. The hints of chocolate were there, but not too much. The same balance was made between sweet and savory. I just wish I had had some bread to sop it up with. So boo for Cress not serving lunch, but Yay for Cress not serving lunch. DeLand now has me sold on two spots.
(4)
cy e.
Simply delicious. The fish tacos are divine. Sweet plantains are better than Miami's. Service is fantasies too.
(5)
Tamie C.
We love to eat here! We usually get several tapas to share amongst the table. Chicken empanadas are at the top of our list. We love classier style of the restaurant yet the atmosphere is relaxed.
(4)
Sandy N.
We ate there for lunch. We sat outside and was delightful on such a beautiful day. I had a buritto bowl. It was very yummy! My husband had a Cuban sandwich. Best Cuban food around . Service great! Will definitely go back. They have a points card you can sign up for to get discounts!
(5)
Guest W.
Good food. Good service & prices were in proportion with the authenticity. Very unique dishes. Their masa patties appetizers were very tasty. Paella was good and so was steak w/ bean stuffed Poblano. But the steak was a bit hard. I'm glad I found this place.
(5)
Lisa R.
This place is amazing! The vegan menu is such a delight. The Plantain Emoladas and the Black Bean Enchiladas are particularly delicious. Everything tastes super fresh and the flavors will surprise you. Not your typical vegan fare. We've been to De la Vega three times and will certainly go back as soon as we can!
(5)
Ron F.
Awesome Tapas place. Models on tap. Great outdoor seating to enjoy the weather and people shopping.
(4)
Andra L.
I can never eat here without spending 100$+ and I mean this in a the way possible. Entrees are large and delicious but the tapas are my favorite. We can easily eat half the menu and walk away happy. Service is always great. Kitchen quality is perfect. Can't ask for a better place unless it was closer to home.
(5)
Trish D.
This review is to keep the good word going about De la Vega. We went for dinner last night and tried a couple of dishes we hadn't had before. I ordered the fisheladas, which are enchiladas but stuffed with fish and dressed with a very light cheese sauce. Delicious! My husband had the Cactus salad which he pronounced very good. It was beautifully plated and included fresh pineapple and greens. He and my sister also had a cup of the plantain soup and both of them loved it. I tasted that and it is yummy! As usual the wine selection and sangria are outstanding. We are so proud to have this wonderful restaurant in our town!
(5)
Liz P.
Cinco De Mayo 205 was fantastic. 4 course meal for $29 plus a hibiscus margarita!!! Delicious!!!! Gave us a chance to try some different things in the limited menu but so worth it. Might have some new favorites, including cactus!! Just a wonderful place and great date night!
(5)
Jillian K.
Their slogan is "Flavor is Passion...Savor the Difference!" I really wanted to like this place. We drove out to De Land specifically to try it. The good news is every thing here is very pretty. The art is beautiful. The contrast of the square white plates over the black table cloth feels refined. There is beauty in the old building and the new fresh take on Mexican food. Unfortunately the food has no flavor. None. It was as if they took the flavor out of foods that naturally have flavor. I ordered the tamales with poblano peppers, steamed corn meal mush, it's really what you add to them that make them taste like something. My husband ordered the Tacos Vegetarianos, again no flavor. The black beans had no seasoning. No garlic, no onion, not even salt. The avocado sauce tasted like yesterday's guacamole watered down. Even the iced tea was bad. We ended up asking for more pico de gallo to make our food taste like something. Along with the art there are several TVs playing a loop of the restaurant's own commercial. The brainwashing didn't work. If "Flavor is Passion" there is no passion in this food.
(2)
Josh W.
I try to reserve five star ratings for reataurants which truly deserve it, and De La Vega is definitely among the few. The quality of food is well above the competition in the area, especially mexican food. Its also one of the few restaurants catering to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free diets--although you would never know if you tasted the food. I try to order something different every time and have never been disappointed once. Last, I make the drive out from Daytona Beach for this spot specifically, so I suppose that says a lot. Highly recommended dinner location.
(5)
Ocean S.
For many years, we would find our way to Penachos on Woodland Blvd. because it was the best restaurant in Deland. Now that Cress Restaurant around the corner is getting all the press, we wanted to do a comparison trip to old Penachos and found it has a new name "De la Vega". Might be a new name but Chef Nora is still the "Best in all Volusia County". In addition to the wonderful things you will read in these Yelp reviews about the tapas, entrees and desserts, De la Vega offers the only "Vegan Menu" we've found East of Ethos in Winter Park, FL. We love the food, ambiance and service at De la Vega. Can't wait to do it again.
(5)
Chere F.
Another fabulous dinner! Love this restaurant. The food is soooo tasty! And so beautifully plated. Such attention to the food - and the patrons! They were super kind and attentive to my allergies (msg, soy, and more but those are the biggies) and helped me pick plates that would not give me a migraine. Yea! I am glad I can trust them. (It isn't always the case...unfortunately...)
(4)
Bob K.
Tremendous surprise in DeLand! We were visiting my elderly in-laws nearby, and after two nights of eating good-but-not-great food at the dining room of an upscale retirement home, we offered to buy dinner "off campus". The in-laws suggested De la Vega (they had never eaten there but the reputation was good). I will be brief: we were expecting Spanish tapas but what this restaurant offers is more of a Latin fusion style of tapas. 1. Aspirinas, a perfect appetizer of little masa patties topped with black beans, tomatoes, onions, quedo fresco and sour cream, garnished with a tomatillo sauce. Comments at the table ranged from very good to excellent. 2. Nopalitos, a grilled prickly pear cactus,topped with cheese, pineapple, red bell pepper and smoky guajillo pepper. Most of the table found the guajillo on the bitter side but I liked it. 3. Plantains topped with a balsamic infused mixture of hibiscus, red bell pepper, quedo fresco and cilantro. Unanimously delicious. 4. Avocados stuffed with shrimp, lime and red onions. Taste was great but the odd thing was a hot topping on a cold avocado base, a little awkward. 5. Ajito de pescado, a grilled fish fillet on a spread of black beans, onions and zucchini. The best thing I ate all night. 6. Pollo en mole, a sort of Caribbean take on the Mexican standard. Served on a sweet red pepper and rice. The mole was very subtle, not as chocolat-ey as I am used to but very good nonetheless. This was the one dish that could have used some heat. Overall the food is nicely seasoned but never really spicy. 7. Paired it with a wonderful Argentinian Malbec (del Fin del Mundo). Service by the delightful Nicolette was superb and earned her a healthy tip. Live music on Saturday night that added ambience without too much volume. We sat very close to the singer/guitarist and could still have plenty of table conversation. Overall ... Outstanding. Worth driving out from Orlando.
(5)
Suzi G.
The atmosphere is always cozy. Prices are reasonable and food is fantastic. Great way to try new dishes and share with your friends. I've been there many times with girlfriends, groups, and just a romantic evening with my husband. Love it!!
(4)
Kevin P.
This place was awesome, great vegan menu and many gluten free and vegetarian options as well.
(5)
Mike N.
Excellent place. Quaint yet bright and new era. Food is fantastic, service is great and music is wonderful. A must visit to all my peeps.
(5)
Stephanie H.
My husband and I tried this restaurant last weekend. Pros: Wonderful atmosphere and excellent service. Cons: lighting is a bit poor in some areas. Host had no personality. We had Tapas and Enchiladas ... Both were good, but nothing to rave about. We'll try it again, but for the price I expected something I would rave about. Just didn't happen.
(2)
Mary C.
AMAZING! I know this is a little late coming but my hubby and I were there on New Years Eve and it was nothing short of awesome! We have been there in the past and it was some of the best food I have ever had. A very classy place yet down to earth and casual and Chef Nora and her staff make you feel right at home. One of the best dining experiences in DeLand.
Expensive, bland food. Looks good on the menu but doesn't taste like anything resembling Mexican or Spanish food. Good service...noisy room.
(1)
Valerie S.
This was our first time here, and we loved it. We especially impressed by the large array of vegetarian and seafood options. The food was flavorful and interesting. Try the plantain soup. It was amazing. We also enjoyed the taqueria pescado and the plantains. Yum!
(5)
Gigi L.
This place was GREAT!!! We had: Ajito de Pescado Taquiza de Camaron Aspirinas Plantain Tacitas Enchilada Combo Every item we ordered was truly fantastic. We ordered full orders of each item that was off the tapas menu and the portion size was very good. The only item we ordered that was not from the tapas menu was the enchilada combo and it's portion size was also quite good. I'm telling you if you want some very unique food that is just bursting with flavor and really nicely presented this is your place. Our server was Jennifer........haven't had better service anywhere in recent years.......she was great!!! I'm telling you......TRY IT !!!!!!
(5)
Parks Toyota O.
Great atmosphere, great service, and the food is awesome! Hope to see Manni or his sister there soon.
(5)
Jinny R.
You will love their take on Mexican, it's modern and eclectic and most importantly, satisfying. (Heaven for vegetarians and vegans as well.)
(5)
Vicky S.
Stopped in last Friday night. Had the chicken Empanados, the Avocado Relenos and the chips with salsa, queso and quocomole . Too much for 2 people so took some home. Food, wine & beer was wonderful. Very noisy inside with high ceilings and hard floors but otherwise was wonderful.
(4)
Justin B.
I was introduced to this place by a colleague while we were traveling in De Leon Springs for work. I liked it so much that I couldn't wait for another work trips just to eat here again. On my last go round, I had the hibiscus tacos, which were so delicious. The texture and the flavors were like nothing I had ever tasted in a a vegetarian taco. I'm sad I only get to eat here when I travel. I am a vegetarian with medical restrictions which make me more like a vegan, and this place is awesome if you are vegan. This is one of those places where it feels like the chef is back there making the meals for you every time you come. If you are anywhere in the vicinity, you owe it to yourself to try it at least once. On my last go round, I went alone and ate outside under their awning. A spring thunderstorm came by and soaked the street, which gave me a great reason to hang around. Sitting outside and watching Deland go by is a huge plus. All in all, a great experience. I will eat here at least once every time I travel to the area.
(5)
Alberto T.
Great food. Really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Friendly staff. I can safely say this is in the top 5 overall restaurants in Deland, if not number one. Definitely recommend.
(5)
Ray M.
Just had lunch here. There were 6 of us and every one had something different. My wife and I shared 4 small tapas plates. They were absolutely delicious, best tapas ever, even compared to this we had on a number of occasions in Spain. One of the best lunches we have harm anywhere! Ray M
(5)
James H.
Perhaps I am a bit judgmental on ol' Deland, but I was certainly not expecting to find delecious spanish/latin american fusion upscale cuisine here. De La vega delivered. Delicious moles (some of the best I have had since traveling to Oaxaca) , very creative hibiscus tacos (which my vegetarian GF devoured and said were the best thing she has eaten in quite a while. Complimentary wine tastings of some of my favorite Argentian malbec's. I highly suggest the Ajito de Pescado, my favorite tapa of the night. Even my dad who is a pretty picky eater was impressed at how flavorful all our choices were. The flan was amazing, they even sang my poor embarrassed gf a happy birthday tune. Our waitress was a a delight as well. Will be returning soon! Note: this is not TexMex or your regular americanized crap-cheese+sour cream-covered mexican that some people may be used to. So come with an open-mind and palate and you will be very pleased.
(5)
Eric H.
Yum! Our Aspirinas appetizers were light and crunchy and smooth. Manny does a really nice job, and his restaurant is the nicest experiences in Downtown DeLand, except for Cress Restaurant. The meals sometimes combine traditional favorites with clever twists.
(4)
Penelope C.
Very good food, reasonable prices and nice atmosphere. Highly recommended.
(5)
Jordan M.
Great quality food! So fresh an presented beautifully. Only downfall is no liquor license. Margaritas are made with wine so don't be fooled and the cheapest wine by the glass was 9$ so that's a little pricey but the food definitely makes it worth it.
(4)
Ben A.
This restaurant not only has great food, it also has amazing customer service. We tried to use a groupon and for some reason it didn't work. After settling it with groupon manny not only gave me the money back for the groupon he also gave me a $15 gift card to the restaurant. He was so courteous and it wasn't even his fault. Support this local restaurant. Not only is the food melt in your mouth fantastic, they are loyal to their customers. Something you don't find often anymore. This place is top notch!
(5)
Sandy C.
The food is good quality but overpriced. The wine is overpriced as well ($12 for one glass? Ridiculous). I really wanted to like it more, but I think the quality does not equal the price.
(3)
Eric N.
This place is a quaint little restaurant in DeLand. Blink and you might miss it as you drive by, but boy would you be missing out. De La Vega is not only a great place to eat, it's a place for Vegetarians to go eat off the menu, and vegans can eat here with a few omissions. Their menu said that they were famous for the Aspirinas, so I gave them a try. WOW, they were amazing. You have to get these when you go here, even if it's just an appetiser to split with the rest of your friends; you are missing out if you don't get these. Overall, this is an A+ place for anybody to go eat, meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free diets all have something here they can eat.
(5)
Peter M.
Excellent lunch. Quick, friendly and efficient service. Wonderful Mexican/Spanish cuisine. We will return on our next visit.
(5)
William V.
We ate here today and it was wonderful food! I ordered the fish enchiladas, best I ever had. It was expensive for lunch but well worth every penny.
(5)
Michelle H.
Food was authentic & really good! Prices are good also
(5)
Jessica I.
This is a nice little place. As others have mentioned, the aspirinas are incredible. Our group of four actually tried every variety as an appetizer, and they were all great. The rest of the menu is a nice mix of Americanized Mexican and more authentic fare. All of us enjoyed our dishes, and our server was attentive, and prompt to fix a minor error. Nice cozy place in DeLand.
(4)
Jack T.
Stopped in Downtown DeLand after a collectibles show. De la Vega was top rated so we decided to check it out. Started off with the trio of salsa, queso and guacamole. All were excellent but the chips were store-bought rounds out of a bag rather than homemade. For $7 you'd expect homemade chips. Checked in via Yelp and scored a free tapas appetizer, the Asperinas which are corn patties topped with refrained black beans, red onion, cheese and sour cream. The patties were tasty but the toppings didn't really stand out. A little drizzle of the garnish sauce on top of the patties would have gone a long way IMHO. For entrees we ordered the fish tacos which were prepared with the traditional corn tortillas and the tamale in a blanket, a pork, chicken or poblano tamale inside a chile relleno. I chose pork. The tamale was served with rice and a sort of pico de gallo / cole slaw hybrid that was so-so by itself but accented the tamale quite nicely when eaten together. The rice was delicious all by itself. The pork in the tamale was tender and still pink and paired nicely with the slight bitterness of the pepper and tanginess of the queso fresco. The fish tacos were good but not the best I've tasted. All in all, the food was tasty but a bit bland. As someone who has grown up on Tex-Mex, I expect bold spice and flavor and these dishes fell somewhat short. I do applaud their creativity and presentation though and overall I was impressed with this quaint little restaurant in small town Central Florida. I would return. If you're looking for delicious, authentic Central Mexican / Mayan food, I recommend Casa Maya in St. Augustine.
(3)
Joe K.
Yo. Salmon. Delicious. I love this spot. We had a large group and a great experience. Every dish we tried was delicious.
(4)
Arerell J.
born and raised in Deland and I couldn't believe something like this was right downtown LOL the food is very good !!! I love the atmosphere and service as well.
(5)
Nora B.
Thanks to yelp I discovered this gem of a restaurant. I must say it did not disappoint! If you want to enjoy the love and passion that a chef has for their food...this is your place. I had the pleasure to speaking with the chef. Chef Nora has a passion for palate and staying true to her traditions. I did find out that she likes to make everything from scratch and use ingredients available based on the seasons. I highly recommend the Aspirinas for starters and the Huarache de Nopal. The sauce for the Huarache was amazing! (if she had that bottled I would have bought a few bottles) The Sangria was perfect. This was such a great experience that we went back for breakfast! The Huevos Rancheros and Huevos De La Vega were superb! I was tempted to order a second order of huevos! The service was friendly and efficient. Look forward to visiting Deland again just to eat here again!
(5)
Sam P.
De La Vega is a fantastic Mexican restaurant located in the heart of historic Downtown DeLand. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is warm and comfortable without being stuffy, and the service is top notch. Everything on the menu is excellent, but everyone must try the tres leeches for dessert, it is better than any dessert any restaurant in the area can even attempt to make!
(5)
Karen C.
Walking downtown Deland, weren't sure where we were going to eat. Nice trendy looking spot and it has the aire of 'hey, I'm a trendy place and i know it and you'll try something new here'. We were able sit outside, streetfront, which was really nice. At first we were like man, the service is slow and do they know we're sitting here?, but now I just think its just that kind of place where you plan on spending some time because it ends up being worth it. I'm not really into Mexican for the most part, but this wasn't the same old Mexican I end up getting and then thinking it tasted like what i could just make myself at home. We had tapas, nopalito and empanadas, with some sangria. Presentation was superb and really some great flavors. They didn't even mind that we ducked into the sweet shop next door to get chocolate covered bacon for dessert. Glad we chose this place :)
(4)
Kim W.
We first tried this place when it was Penachos. We weren't that impressed and didn't go back until after they had their makeover. One of daughters and I have tried the place for lunch and brunch recently. The cheese dip and the guacamole are both delicious and flavorful. The chips are also warm, crispy and light. If you like spicy salsa, you must give De La Vega's a try. I have tried the fish tacos, and they are delicious and not skimpy of the fish. I also tried the Huevos Divorcianos, for brunch. It is two eggs each served on a tortilla. One with red sauce and one with green sauce. Some of the best I have had. You should also try the sangria. This is probably the most upscale of the Deland Mexican restaurants.
(4)
Katie H.
Formerly known as the tex-mex restaurant Penachos, the transformation to De La Vega is a tremendous welcome. DeLand is overwhelmed with tex-mex restaurants, so to have authentic Mexican is extremely refreshing. De La Vega one of the classiest restaurants downtown. The decor is modern and clean, with the artwork of Hispanic artists displayed around the restaurant. The restaurant looks particularly warm in the evening with the candles lit on the table. The food is outstanding. For appetizers, I highly recommend the aspirinas or the trio sauce sampler (queso, guacamole, salsa). The queso contains crabmeat and is very rich and so delicious. With entrees, you can't go wrong. Everything is amazing. My personal favorite is the fish tamal, which is a filet of cherry snapper, served atop an open corn husk of Mexican black beans. The dish is served with rice pilaf and a fresh, crunchy cabbage salad. While, I have yet to try all the desserts, you can't go wrong with the flan. The restaurant has a decent wine list - and almost all of them you can order by the glass. I enjoyed the sangria, but if you're into sweeter sangria, this may not be for you. Also, I had the good fortune of going to De La Vega on Ladies Night, which is on Wednesdays. They serve two for one champagne drinks and they're awesome. Definitely a great way to get yourself through the middle of the week!
(5)
Chuck C.
Outstanding. Their tagline says it all - "Flavor is Passion". We stumbled across this place by accident, and it's a real gem. This is creative, high-end Mexican, with big bold flavors and complete attention to detail. The Aspirinas, small crispy masa patties topped with beans, tomato, onion and cheese were a delicious way to start the meal. My wife had the lime-marinated Grouper Veracruz, steamed in banana leaves with peppers, corn and carrots, which was outstanding. The sauce was a taste sensation - perfect. The waitress recommended the Huaraches de Nopal to me, a perfectly cooked chicken breast topped with poblano peppers, cream cheese and a mild red sauce served on a grilled cactus leaf, and it was delicious - big flavor and very satisfying. The cactus tasted amazing. If you're used to Tex-Mex or other mediocre examples of Mexican-influenced foods that all seem to taste the same, this place will be a real eye-opener. The prices are reasonable, and the food delicious - you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Christine L.
Went here with a group of 9 for my dad's birthday. I don't live in Florida, but next time I visit I'm coming back here!! They were very accommodating of our large group. Almost everyone took advantage of the 2 for 1 margaritas (fantastic by the way). Aspirinas are to die for. For my entree I had tacos with chicken and cilantro, yum! For dessert, flan rules. Best of all, their prices are extremely fair. De La Vega is truly a gem and I hope they stick around DeLand for a long time.
(5)
Kristen B.
This place is a great little find in the cute town of Deland. I've lived in Orlando for a long time and just recently discovered how cute downtown Deland is. This restaurant is Mexican with a twist. We really enjoyed everything we got and our server was really helpful. Definitely give this place and downtown Deland a shot!
(4)
Zully G.
We went based on the mixed reviews and We loved it ! We ordered Apple and Strawberry Margaritas, Paella mixta and the special which was Sirloin over Yuca. Topped it off with cheesecake and Tres leches cake - which was Fantastic ! I'll be back.
(4)
Mik J.
Spectacular food, wonderful service, great prices and an inviting casual atmosphere. I strongly suggest black bean soup, pollo con mole poblano and tres leches cake with Mexican coffee. You'll not be disappointed! Via De La Vega!
(5)
Chris S.
Took the family out here for our first time. This place was a mad house because of the local beerfest going on but luckily we got a table. Our waitress was super friendly right off the bat and took our drink orders, I grabbed a glass of the sangria and my mom and wife got the margaritas (which was on a two for one special). Upon checking in, I saw that the restaurant offered a free aspirinas so we had to go ahead and get that. When it was time to order my wife chose the chicken enchiladas, my pops went for the chicken tamales, mom selected the Avocado Grilled Salmon Salad, and I picked the chorizo tacos. The aspirinas came out first which for the most part, everyone liked. Shortly after, everyone's food was brought out. I enjoyed my tacos but the plantains side that I chose was very bland and disappointing. My wife enjoyed her enchiladas which I tried and they were pretty good. My dad didn't like the tamales at all and said that they were bland and not tasty, he was right on that one. My mom enjoyed her dish which wasn't a surprise because she likes everything. All in all it was a good experience here. I highly doubt my parents would go back but even though I'm an out-of-towner, I wouldn't mind trying the place again.
(3)
Gary P.
Pretty average food. Was disappointed that the chips were not fresh (basically, Tostitos) and the hot salsa was bland. The Paella Mixta was okay and the Combination Enchildadas were a mixed bag (some good, some not). The service was good, but it's difficult to see how this rates 4.5 stars for other reviewers.
(2)
Kae L.
I don't usually go out for dinner, and seeing as Oviedo has very, very little in the way of veg-friendly (or, unfortunately, tasty) fare, I venture into Winter Park, downtown Orlando, and now DeLand for food. Deland mught be a long ways out, but De la Vega makes it worth it. The decor was lovely and I was able to nab a spot by the window, and the service was a little slow, but very friendly and the restaurant was packed. I genuinely don't like tex-mex, but this place doesn't serve tex-mex at all. Their Mexican food is fresh and flavourful. I ordered the cheese Flautas, which were full of deep-fried tastiness but not greasy or heavy in the least, and azteca potatoes as a side. By all means, try them out.
(5)
Donna D.
Looking for a mexican restaurant since there isnt anything good in my area and tried de la vega. Went on a wedsday which was ladies nite....1/2 price margaritas and sangrias. Yelp had a free offer for the aspirina tapas....excellent. Caitlyn was great. Had steak tacos which were really good. Also had chix empanadas with mole sauce...good but a strange flavor. Would definately go back
(4)
Tyler M.
The aspirinas are delicious, and the enmoladas (I like them with plantains) are great. Always great sangria!
(5)
Stacey M.
Excellent, excellent, excellent. It is a different kind of Mexican restaurant. I didn't see anything on the menu that I didn't want to try. I am looking for a reason to return.
(5)
Paul P.
This is not your normal American style Mexican place. The owner/chef here actually enjoys the art of cooking and creating. The menu is creative and delicious; we all loved everything we ordered, and indeed what each other ordered! The place is modern and stylish, and the staff is attentive and nice. We Loved our experience and are looking for a reason to return to DeLand just for DeLaVega.
(5)
Leigh H.
My family and I eat at De La Vegas on a regular basis. We love it. It is not a typical American-style Mexican restaurant, however. You will not be served runny, refried beans on an enormous platter. This Mexican food is more gourmet and unusual--plaintain enmoladas, aspiranas, rajas, vegetarian tamales, etc. We are vegetarians and are very happy that there are so many options for us. They are even willing to make almost anything vegetarian by substituting a choice of ingredients for the meat. It is one of our two favorite DeLand restaurants (the other is Cress).
(5)
Barbara C.
Had an early Sunday dinner here after visiting our son who works at Stetson Univ. Delicious bright, light Mexican inspired cuisine. Mexican food can be so predictable. Heavy goops of cheese slavered over pasty burritos and greasy beans and rice. Not here The portions are not huge which is healthful. Menu selection allows you to put together your own plate...2 sides of your choice. These included unusual parings of roasted potatoes and carrots, squash and green pepper condiments. Two for one drinks are a special offer. Try it, you'll like it.
(4)
Cinthia S.
This is honestly the best Mexican restaurant I've to in a very, very, very long time. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, the service was exceptional and lets not start on the food. Their menu is fresh and unique. What is interesting to me is that there are a lot of vegetarian options which was unexpected. What is even better is that they don't just substitute cheese in their meals and call it a vegetarian meal... no.... they actually make a delectable, palatable vegetarian that stands alone and can even rival their meat options. The food is not smothered in cheese and guac; this is truly authentic! It's refreshing to see someone do Mexican the right way. I had the Cinco Tazas (Fresh squash stuffed with ripe plantains and covered in a red mild sauce made with hints of cilantro). Although the squash was fried, it was not greasy or overly cooked; it was perfectly balanced by way of savoriness and sweetness. The prices are fair considering how delicious the food is. Also, I usually am disappointed with the desserts in Mexican restaurants but this place was an exemption. The Mexican coffee was also divine. Definitely hit this place up.
(5)
Kim H.
We drove 30 minutes just to try this place, and we were not disappointed! As other reviewers have noted, the aspirinas were really outstanding. We opted to have chorizo added to them. My son got the pollo en mole poblano. It was wonderful. My husband, who usually gets the worst dish on the menu, triumphed with the tastiest dish on the table, huarache de nopal. Both these dishes came with what is probably the most amazing slaw I have ever tasted. I had the enchilada combo. I enjoyed it, but it was the only dish we weren't blown away by. It may just be me though. I ordered this on the server's suggestion. I thought it was a good idea because I wanted to try so many things, however I neglected to take into account that I am not the hugest fan of enchiladas. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my food, but it paled in comparison to the other three amazing ones. Service was really great. It was relaxed, yet attentive. Presentation was very nice. I loved the artwork on the walls. I can't wait to go back and try more of the menu. Like I said it's a 30 minute drive, but that's not going to deter me from going back, and soon!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Dan G.
I was fist introduced to this restaurant as a vegetarian option for a friend that was visiting. I have since come back a few times. The food is amazing and the service is great. Can get a little slow during lunch hour if you are with a group but otherwise fast and delicious at a reasonable price.
(5)Natalie V.
The food is out of this world!! The aspirinas with chorizo are what dreams are made of. And the taco soup (?) is AMAZING!! I've eaten here so many times over the years and can't seem to get enough. Did I mention the sangria?!?!?! Omg it's ridiculously good...so you better be careful, because before you know it you're on your third glass and have a midterm tomorrow!! Haha The only reason I didn't give it five stars is the manager. He has always been so unprofessional. I'm really just not a fan of him AT ALL. All of my friends that are females and frequent the restaurant feel the same way...and I've never heard nice things about him from the female staff...,he is a bit inappropriate and not professional, in my opinion...and that's not even got anything to do with what my friends who have worked there say!! That's just as a customer! Anyway...he sucks. But the food is so good, I just keep going back!!
(4)Ros Rio R.
Confirmed a reservation with the yelp app for 7:30p on a Friday night. Arrived and had to wait a few minutes to get to the hostess, they were busy and the flow is awkward. When we got up to the hostess @ 7:33p we were told we were a few minutes late and our table was given to someone else. Really? Please note everyone there were in the process of eating and it was evident no one had been seated in three minutes. Anyway, service was good food presented well with a friendly pace. The food flavor IMHO was bland and needed salt. The fish in one dish was not fresh with very "fishy" smell, rice was way too starchy and unevenly heated (micro). The sangria was weak and made with low quality vino. My honest review, average at best.
(3)Rajaa J.
After attending a graduation of a friend's Neice at Stetson university, my daughter and I decided to venture a bit in the small town:-) we were looking for a new place for lunch since we've never been in this part of town before. As expected, the place was packed with families celebrating graduations, but we were able to secure a table for 2. The server was nice, and the menu was easy to follow. After placing our order, the wait time was a bit long, about 30mins but it was expected. The food was great, and the portions were just right. I orders Fish Tapas which was great, and my daughter got the aspirinas Tapa with chicken which she devoured with the first 15mins ;-) The price might be a bit high for some people, so expect to pay about $20 per person. I rated it at 4 due to the interior design, The building was old and the tables were super basic. I will recommend this place for those of us who would like to try South American food.
(4)Rod H.
First make sure to check in, you get free aspirinas. What an amazing place. Great tapas and I really enjoyed the sangira. My wife and I split the enchilada combo and the tamale stuffed in a pepper. The Mole sauce is rich and has great flavor. I really enjoyed everything and once we get moved to Deland this will be a regular spot.
(4)Jodi M.
This was a real find in the heart of Deland. I can't remember the names of the dishes, describing wouldn't do them justice... But the mole used with the enchiladas was top notch, and cactus base on the other was great. And to top it off, we did the dessert trio. Just wow... Flan, tres leches, and churros. So, so good. Our server was attentive and helpful. All positive here, can't wait to go back!
(5)Carrie M.
Wow! I'm vegan and was so stoked to sample the vegan menu. I can't wait to come back and try all the other vegan dishes. The restaurant was packed but the food came out quickly and was phenomenal. I had the mole enchiladas with plantains and refried black beans. Girlfriend had the bean salad. Both were stellar. This is a must visit!
(5)Tonya M.
Such a neat experience!! We loved the tapas. The flavors were fun and creative and at the same time very balanced. My favorite was the Avocado relleños.
(5)TJ J.
This is my first time in Deland and I happened to stumble on this restaurant. It is amazing! The food is so good, the portions generous and the price is right! I have struggled to find good restaurants in Florida (mostly Orlando area) and this is by far the best restaurant I've found in the whole state! Give it a shot. The plantains were perfect and the cactus fish salad was a variety of yummy flavors for my mouth.
(5)Josh R.
Artsy, trendy, innovative food. De La Vega is a restaurant every visitor in Deland must try!
(5)Rhonda S.
Best place to eat downtown DeLand. Food is always delicious. Aspirinas are a great starter. Fisheladas are great for lunch or dinner. My husband loves the steak Banderillas and the Mexican coffee. They also offer a nice selection of wine. We are lucky to have such a great family owned restaurant.
(5)Nadine M.
What a great place for tapas! The hibiscus tacos sounded bizarre but, truly spectacular. Their dip trio doesn't disappoint! Best ambiance in town! Be on lookout for their specials! They have some great ones!
(5)Sam C.
We did not expect to find such a place! We were afraid we'd have to settle for a vegetarian sub at Subway, instead, we found a great little place with excellent food and friendly, attentive service! The vegan enchiladas were great, as were the vegan Aspirinas! The enchiladas came with black beans over rice, so the extra cup of soup we ordered really wasn't needed. So often chefs add loads of fat and oil to vegan offerings: thankfully, the chef here saw no need to do so while still providing excellent taste and mouthfeel. You can bet we will be back when we next visit DeLand!
(5)Rosanna P.
Great tapas! Ask for the habanero sauce if you like spicy sauces. Everything was thoughtfully prepared and presented beautifully. Our server was friendly and knew the answer to any question about the menu. You can't go wrong with anything here.
(5)Leslie W.
Great food if you're in the mood for something different. In my top 3 favorite restaurants in DeLand.
(5)Mallory H.
The best Spanish tapas. Every bite was so flavorful, dishes are served with different sauces. The hibiscus tacos were to die for. We ordered 3 tapas for the 2 of us and we couldn't finish it all, but the leftovers were yummy!! The sangria is a little watered down and could use more of a kick. Will definitely visit more often!
(5)Todd S.
Fantastic gem in Deland! The tapas are a wonderful way to sample the cuisine. Service is attentive and polite. It is located in a beautiful little downtown. Make a night of it and enjoy a little piece of South America.
(4)Jessie S.
You must try the aspirinas! De La Vega is one of my favorite restaurants in DeLand. Everything I've had there is delicious! Great atmosphere and service, too. Love eating outside when the weather is good.
(5)Victor G.
This was my wife's and I first time at De Le Vega. I will tell you what we surley were not disappointed. I made a reservation online this morning and was granted a 7:30pm seating which I was very happy about. We showed up 20 mins early and were seated right away. The hostess and waitress were extremely friendly and did not try to push anything on us. We were given plenty of time to order. The sangria was 2 for 1 at $7.00 which is pretty good. The portion sizes for everything including the drinks were great. The prices were exactly as I expected they would be. This restaurant is always busy and I see exactly why. The food was so flavorful and wonderful. I hope that they keep it up and we will be back often.
(5)John F.
It's a party in your mouth!!! Wow, a Tapas place that you take doggy bags home with you... The food simply was tasty beyond the pallets imagination. I'm so not a vegan, but the numbers of vegan food items is a dream.
(5)Blue S.
Awesome lunch! I had a wonderful sandwich, the Venezuela! The sandwich bread (like a small baguette or thin sub roll) was marvelous. The sandwich was topped with thinly sliced apples that provided a nice tang. My friend loved her tortilla soup! The service was good. We put in our order right away and were able to squeeze in this tasty lunch just within an hour during the peak lunch time.
(5)Matt K.
Absolutely solid fusion restaurant. Great selection, fair prices, and a friendly staff make this a great dining experience. I was able to try the "build it yourself" chicken tacos and loved the three-tier plating they brought out. This is a must-taste if you're in downtown DeLand, be sure to swing through and sample some of their faire.
(4)Diane K.
Had an amazing meal at De La Vega today. So happy to see the Vegan menu! My husband who eats meat had choices and myself (vegan) did also. Had the Vegan Enchiladas-fantastic. Will be back.
(5)Kirsten H.
Muy Bueno. Super good. Had the hibiscus tacos which were phenomenal and the pork tamales. Yes. Hibiscus. Like the pretty flower! Nuts! Delicious. Sautéed in a balsamic reduction and ended up with the consistency of sauerkraut. Guacamole and salsa were delicious. Had the sopapillas for dessert and they were good. Not the best thing I've ever eaten, but still a good fried dough dessert. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Ryan W.
Try the Asparinas, then try enchiladas, then try tacos, and keep trying everything. Why? It's the best ever!
(5)Mason B.
Oh my freaking god, this place is awesome. Everything is fresh and all the flavors are perfectly blended. This place was recommended to us 2 years ago and I feel like we wasted those last 2 years eating at other restaurants. The house specialty are the asparitas. We ordered 6 to split two ways and wanted more. Poole con mole was delicious. Even something as simple as the refried beans were incredible. Can't recommend this place enough. Don't wait! Go now!
(5)Ed D.
Don't pass this one by. The menu may be a bit different, but the quality and service will certainly impress. Not being familiar with most of the items we needed a little help from Our waitress, Nicollet who guided us through the maze and made excellent suggestions. Plenty to choose from both vegetarian and others as well. I had the sirloin strips served over rice with a vinaigrette reduction, and my wife the Salmon salad...both were excellent. Can't wait to return!
(4)Edwin S.
Please let me start by indicating we could not get into Santorini's. We settled and DeLaVega was our choice. This was an expensive mistake. We were able to sit at a sidewalk table only to enjoy the yelping of dogs sitting near by. Food was really average and the quacamole a huge disappointment. Take a lesson and wait for a table at Santorini's. No matter what.
(2)Todd L.
I happen to be in lovely DeLand for work and I wanted to stop at Cress, but they're not open for lunch. So much the better because I had a lovely lunch outdoors watching people leisurely stroll to and fro. Small towns are so peaceful. To start, I used a check-in for a free aspirina. It was a good small arepa of sorts. For my lunch, I had the mole tacos and were they off the chart good with a beautiful presentation. This is perhaps one the top 5 best moles I've ever had. The hints of chocolate were there, but not too much. The same balance was made between sweet and savory. I just wish I had had some bread to sop it up with. So boo for Cress not serving lunch, but Yay for Cress not serving lunch. DeLand now has me sold on two spots.
(4)cy e.
Simply delicious. The fish tacos are divine. Sweet plantains are better than Miami's. Service is fantasies too.
(5)Tamie C.
We love to eat here! We usually get several tapas to share amongst the table. Chicken empanadas are at the top of our list. We love classier style of the restaurant yet the atmosphere is relaxed.
(4)Sandy N.
We ate there for lunch. We sat outside and was delightful on such a beautiful day. I had a buritto bowl. It was very yummy! My husband had a Cuban sandwich. Best Cuban food around . Service great! Will definitely go back. They have a points card you can sign up for to get discounts!
(5)Guest W.
Good food. Good service & prices were in proportion with the authenticity. Very unique dishes. Their masa patties appetizers were very tasty. Paella was good and so was steak w/ bean stuffed Poblano. But the steak was a bit hard. I'm glad I found this place.
(5)Lisa R.
This place is amazing! The vegan menu is such a delight. The Plantain Emoladas and the Black Bean Enchiladas are particularly delicious. Everything tastes super fresh and the flavors will surprise you. Not your typical vegan fare. We've been to De la Vega three times and will certainly go back as soon as we can!
(5)Ron F.
Awesome Tapas place. Models on tap. Great outdoor seating to enjoy the weather and people shopping.
(4)Andra L.
I can never eat here without spending 100$+ and I mean this in a the way possible. Entrees are large and delicious but the tapas are my favorite. We can easily eat half the menu and walk away happy. Service is always great. Kitchen quality is perfect. Can't ask for a better place unless it was closer to home.
(5)Trish D.
This review is to keep the good word going about De la Vega. We went for dinner last night and tried a couple of dishes we hadn't had before. I ordered the fisheladas, which are enchiladas but stuffed with fish and dressed with a very light cheese sauce. Delicious! My husband had the Cactus salad which he pronounced very good. It was beautifully plated and included fresh pineapple and greens. He and my sister also had a cup of the plantain soup and both of them loved it. I tasted that and it is yummy! As usual the wine selection and sangria are outstanding. We are so proud to have this wonderful restaurant in our town!
(5)Liz P.
Cinco De Mayo 205 was fantastic. 4 course meal for $29 plus a hibiscus margarita!!! Delicious!!!! Gave us a chance to try some different things in the limited menu but so worth it. Might have some new favorites, including cactus!! Just a wonderful place and great date night!
(5)Jillian K.
Their slogan is "Flavor is Passion...Savor the Difference!" I really wanted to like this place. We drove out to De Land specifically to try it. The good news is every thing here is very pretty. The art is beautiful. The contrast of the square white plates over the black table cloth feels refined. There is beauty in the old building and the new fresh take on Mexican food. Unfortunately the food has no flavor. None. It was as if they took the flavor out of foods that naturally have flavor. I ordered the tamales with poblano peppers, steamed corn meal mush, it's really what you add to them that make them taste like something. My husband ordered the Tacos Vegetarianos, again no flavor. The black beans had no seasoning. No garlic, no onion, not even salt. The avocado sauce tasted like yesterday's guacamole watered down. Even the iced tea was bad. We ended up asking for more pico de gallo to make our food taste like something. Along with the art there are several TVs playing a loop of the restaurant's own commercial. The brainwashing didn't work. If "Flavor is Passion" there is no passion in this food.
(2)Josh W.
I try to reserve five star ratings for reataurants which truly deserve it, and De La Vega is definitely among the few. The quality of food is well above the competition in the area, especially mexican food. Its also one of the few restaurants catering to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free diets--although you would never know if you tasted the food. I try to order something different every time and have never been disappointed once. Last, I make the drive out from Daytona Beach for this spot specifically, so I suppose that says a lot. Highly recommended dinner location.
(5)Ocean S.
For many years, we would find our way to Penachos on Woodland Blvd. because it was the best restaurant in Deland. Now that Cress Restaurant around the corner is getting all the press, we wanted to do a comparison trip to old Penachos and found it has a new name "De la Vega". Might be a new name but Chef Nora is still the "Best in all Volusia County". In addition to the wonderful things you will read in these Yelp reviews about the tapas, entrees and desserts, De la Vega offers the only "Vegan Menu" we've found East of Ethos in Winter Park, FL. We love the food, ambiance and service at De la Vega. Can't wait to do it again.
(5)Chere F.
Another fabulous dinner! Love this restaurant. The food is soooo tasty! And so beautifully plated. Such attention to the food - and the patrons! They were super kind and attentive to my allergies (msg, soy, and more but those are the biggies) and helped me pick plates that would not give me a migraine. Yea! I am glad I can trust them. (It isn't always the case...unfortunately...)
(4)Bob K.
Tremendous surprise in DeLand! We were visiting my elderly in-laws nearby, and after two nights of eating good-but-not-great food at the dining room of an upscale retirement home, we offered to buy dinner "off campus". The in-laws suggested De la Vega (they had never eaten there but the reputation was good). I will be brief: we were expecting Spanish tapas but what this restaurant offers is more of a Latin fusion style of tapas. 1. Aspirinas, a perfect appetizer of little masa patties topped with black beans, tomatoes, onions, quedo fresco and sour cream, garnished with a tomatillo sauce. Comments at the table ranged from very good to excellent. 2. Nopalitos, a grilled prickly pear cactus,topped with cheese, pineapple, red bell pepper and smoky guajillo pepper. Most of the table found the guajillo on the bitter side but I liked it. 3. Plantains topped with a balsamic infused mixture of hibiscus, red bell pepper, quedo fresco and cilantro. Unanimously delicious. 4. Avocados stuffed with shrimp, lime and red onions. Taste was great but the odd thing was a hot topping on a cold avocado base, a little awkward. 5. Ajito de pescado, a grilled fish fillet on a spread of black beans, onions and zucchini. The best thing I ate all night. 6. Pollo en mole, a sort of Caribbean take on the Mexican standard. Served on a sweet red pepper and rice. The mole was very subtle, not as chocolat-ey as I am used to but very good nonetheless. This was the one dish that could have used some heat. Overall the food is nicely seasoned but never really spicy. 7. Paired it with a wonderful Argentinian Malbec (del Fin del Mundo). Service by the delightful Nicolette was superb and earned her a healthy tip. Live music on Saturday night that added ambience without too much volume. We sat very close to the singer/guitarist and could still have plenty of table conversation. Overall ... Outstanding. Worth driving out from Orlando.
(5)Suzi G.
The atmosphere is always cozy. Prices are reasonable and food is fantastic. Great way to try new dishes and share with your friends. I've been there many times with girlfriends, groups, and just a romantic evening with my husband. Love it!!
(4)Kevin P.
This place was awesome, great vegan menu and many gluten free and vegetarian options as well.
(5)Mike N.
Excellent place. Quaint yet bright and new era. Food is fantastic, service is great and music is wonderful. A must visit to all my peeps.
(5)Stephanie H.
My husband and I tried this restaurant last weekend. Pros: Wonderful atmosphere and excellent service. Cons: lighting is a bit poor in some areas. Host had no personality. We had Tapas and Enchiladas ... Both were good, but nothing to rave about. We'll try it again, but for the price I expected something I would rave about. Just didn't happen.
(2)Mary C.
AMAZING! I know this is a little late coming but my hubby and I were there on New Years Eve and it was nothing short of awesome! We have been there in the past and it was some of the best food I have ever had. A very classy place yet down to earth and casual and Chef Nora and her staff make you feel right at home. One of the best dining experiences in DeLand.
(5)Mia P.
What an amazing restaurant in downtown DeLand. I tried this place on a whim from friend's recommendations. I love that this restaurant has a downtown location with nice window seating. We tried the queso and chips appetizer with the house made sangria. The sangria was amazing, it had a nice, strong flavor. I like my sangria strong! For lunch my friend and I had the combination enchiladas and the hibiscus tacos. Enchiladas were different types of cheese and some chicken. The enchilada sauces were black bean, mole, green chili, and red pepper. They were all wonderful but I have to say the chocolatey mole was fantastic! My friend had ordered the hibiscus tacos, which we found out did not have meat in them. I must admit I scoffed at this idea. The hibiscus tacos have dried hibiscus flowers that are cooked in spices and basically sautéed together where it's almost like a meat substitute. Wow, the flavor was amazing, they had so much flavor and such a nice chewy, meaty texture. I was in love with them! I would definitely go back for dessert but I was so stuffed this time I couldn't eat any. Great place and really unique dishes. I would love to try the cactus and chicken next time. It has peeled cactus (which is similar to eggplant texture) and roasted chicken. Definitely going to try more menu items next time.
(4)Marvin G.
Expensive, bland food. Looks good on the menu but doesn't taste like anything resembling Mexican or Spanish food. Good service...noisy room.
(1)Valerie S.
This was our first time here, and we loved it. We especially impressed by the large array of vegetarian and seafood options. The food was flavorful and interesting. Try the plantain soup. It was amazing. We also enjoyed the taqueria pescado and the plantains. Yum!
(5)Gigi L.
This place was GREAT!!! We had: Ajito de Pescado Taquiza de Camaron Aspirinas Plantain Tacitas Enchilada Combo Every item we ordered was truly fantastic. We ordered full orders of each item that was off the tapas menu and the portion size was very good. The only item we ordered that was not from the tapas menu was the enchilada combo and it's portion size was also quite good. I'm telling you if you want some very unique food that is just bursting with flavor and really nicely presented this is your place. Our server was Jennifer........haven't had better service anywhere in recent years.......she was great!!! I'm telling you......TRY IT !!!!!!
(5)Parks Toyota O.
Great atmosphere, great service, and the food is awesome! Hope to see Manni or his sister there soon.
(5)Jinny R.
You will love their take on Mexican, it's modern and eclectic and most importantly, satisfying. (Heaven for vegetarians and vegans as well.)
(5)Vicky S.
Stopped in last Friday night. Had the chicken Empanados, the Avocado Relenos and the chips with salsa, queso and quocomole . Too much for 2 people so took some home. Food, wine & beer was wonderful. Very noisy inside with high ceilings and hard floors but otherwise was wonderful.
(4)Justin B.
I was introduced to this place by a colleague while we were traveling in De Leon Springs for work. I liked it so much that I couldn't wait for another work trips just to eat here again. On my last go round, I had the hibiscus tacos, which were so delicious. The texture and the flavors were like nothing I had ever tasted in a a vegetarian taco. I'm sad I only get to eat here when I travel. I am a vegetarian with medical restrictions which make me more like a vegan, and this place is awesome if you are vegan. This is one of those places where it feels like the chef is back there making the meals for you every time you come. If you are anywhere in the vicinity, you owe it to yourself to try it at least once. On my last go round, I went alone and ate outside under their awning. A spring thunderstorm came by and soaked the street, which gave me a great reason to hang around. Sitting outside and watching Deland go by is a huge plus. All in all, a great experience. I will eat here at least once every time I travel to the area.
(5)Alberto T.
Great food. Really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Friendly staff. I can safely say this is in the top 5 overall restaurants in Deland, if not number one. Definitely recommend.
(5)Ray M.
Just had lunch here. There were 6 of us and every one had something different. My wife and I shared 4 small tapas plates. They were absolutely delicious, best tapas ever, even compared to this we had on a number of occasions in Spain. One of the best lunches we have harm anywhere! Ray M
(5)James H.
Perhaps I am a bit judgmental on ol' Deland, but I was certainly not expecting to find delecious spanish/latin american fusion upscale cuisine here. De La vega delivered. Delicious moles (some of the best I have had since traveling to Oaxaca) , very creative hibiscus tacos (which my vegetarian GF devoured and said were the best thing she has eaten in quite a while. Complimentary wine tastings of some of my favorite Argentian malbec's. I highly suggest the Ajito de Pescado, my favorite tapa of the night. Even my dad who is a pretty picky eater was impressed at how flavorful all our choices were. The flan was amazing, they even sang my poor embarrassed gf a happy birthday tune. Our waitress was a a delight as well. Will be returning soon! Note: this is not TexMex or your regular americanized crap-cheese+sour cream-covered mexican that some people may be used to. So come with an open-mind and palate and you will be very pleased.
(5)Eric H.
Yum! Our Aspirinas appetizers were light and crunchy and smooth. Manny does a really nice job, and his restaurant is the nicest experiences in Downtown DeLand, except for Cress Restaurant. The meals sometimes combine traditional favorites with clever twists.
(4)Penelope C.
Very good food, reasonable prices and nice atmosphere. Highly recommended.
(5)Jordan M.
Great quality food! So fresh an presented beautifully. Only downfall is no liquor license. Margaritas are made with wine so don't be fooled and the cheapest wine by the glass was 9$ so that's a little pricey but the food definitely makes it worth it.
(4)Ben A.
This restaurant not only has great food, it also has amazing customer service. We tried to use a groupon and for some reason it didn't work. After settling it with groupon manny not only gave me the money back for the groupon he also gave me a $15 gift card to the restaurant. He was so courteous and it wasn't even his fault. Support this local restaurant. Not only is the food melt in your mouth fantastic, they are loyal to their customers. Something you don't find often anymore. This place is top notch!
(5)Sandy C.
The food is good quality but overpriced. The wine is overpriced as well ($12 for one glass? Ridiculous). I really wanted to like it more, but I think the quality does not equal the price.
(3)Eric N.
This place is a quaint little restaurant in DeLand. Blink and you might miss it as you drive by, but boy would you be missing out. De La Vega is not only a great place to eat, it's a place for Vegetarians to go eat off the menu, and vegans can eat here with a few omissions. Their menu said that they were famous for the Aspirinas, so I gave them a try. WOW, they were amazing. You have to get these when you go here, even if it's just an appetiser to split with the rest of your friends; you are missing out if you don't get these. Overall, this is an A+ place for anybody to go eat, meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free diets all have something here they can eat.
(5)Peter M.
Excellent lunch. Quick, friendly and efficient service. Wonderful Mexican/Spanish cuisine. We will return on our next visit.
(5)William V.
We ate here today and it was wonderful food! I ordered the fish enchiladas, best I ever had. It was expensive for lunch but well worth every penny.
(5)Michelle H.
Food was authentic & really good! Prices are good also
(5)Jessica I.
This is a nice little place. As others have mentioned, the aspirinas are incredible. Our group of four actually tried every variety as an appetizer, and they were all great. The rest of the menu is a nice mix of Americanized Mexican and more authentic fare. All of us enjoyed our dishes, and our server was attentive, and prompt to fix a minor error. Nice cozy place in DeLand.
(4)Jack T.
Stopped in Downtown DeLand after a collectibles show. De la Vega was top rated so we decided to check it out. Started off with the trio of salsa, queso and guacamole. All were excellent but the chips were store-bought rounds out of a bag rather than homemade. For $7 you'd expect homemade chips. Checked in via Yelp and scored a free tapas appetizer, the Asperinas which are corn patties topped with refrained black beans, red onion, cheese and sour cream. The patties were tasty but the toppings didn't really stand out. A little drizzle of the garnish sauce on top of the patties would have gone a long way IMHO. For entrees we ordered the fish tacos which were prepared with the traditional corn tortillas and the tamale in a blanket, a pork, chicken or poblano tamale inside a chile relleno. I chose pork. The tamale was served with rice and a sort of pico de gallo / cole slaw hybrid that was so-so by itself but accented the tamale quite nicely when eaten together. The rice was delicious all by itself. The pork in the tamale was tender and still pink and paired nicely with the slight bitterness of the pepper and tanginess of the queso fresco. The fish tacos were good but not the best I've tasted. All in all, the food was tasty but a bit bland. As someone who has grown up on Tex-Mex, I expect bold spice and flavor and these dishes fell somewhat short. I do applaud their creativity and presentation though and overall I was impressed with this quaint little restaurant in small town Central Florida. I would return. If you're looking for delicious, authentic Central Mexican / Mayan food, I recommend Casa Maya in St. Augustine.
(3)Joe K.
Yo. Salmon. Delicious. I love this spot. We had a large group and a great experience. Every dish we tried was delicious.
(4)Arerell J.
born and raised in Deland and I couldn't believe something like this was right downtown LOL the food is very good !!! I love the atmosphere and service as well.
(5)Nora B.
Thanks to yelp I discovered this gem of a restaurant. I must say it did not disappoint! If you want to enjoy the love and passion that a chef has for their food...this is your place. I had the pleasure to speaking with the chef. Chef Nora has a passion for palate and staying true to her traditions. I did find out that she likes to make everything from scratch and use ingredients available based on the seasons. I highly recommend the Aspirinas for starters and the Huarache de Nopal. The sauce for the Huarache was amazing! (if she had that bottled I would have bought a few bottles) The Sangria was perfect. This was such a great experience that we went back for breakfast! The Huevos Rancheros and Huevos De La Vega were superb! I was tempted to order a second order of huevos! The service was friendly and efficient. Look forward to visiting Deland again just to eat here again!
(5)Sam P.
De La Vega is a fantastic Mexican restaurant located in the heart of historic Downtown DeLand. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is warm and comfortable without being stuffy, and the service is top notch. Everything on the menu is excellent, but everyone must try the tres leeches for dessert, it is better than any dessert any restaurant in the area can even attempt to make!
(5)Karen C.
Walking downtown Deland, weren't sure where we were going to eat. Nice trendy looking spot and it has the aire of 'hey, I'm a trendy place and i know it and you'll try something new here'. We were able sit outside, streetfront, which was really nice. At first we were like man, the service is slow and do they know we're sitting here?, but now I just think its just that kind of place where you plan on spending some time because it ends up being worth it. I'm not really into Mexican for the most part, but this wasn't the same old Mexican I end up getting and then thinking it tasted like what i could just make myself at home. We had tapas, nopalito and empanadas, with some sangria. Presentation was superb and really some great flavors. They didn't even mind that we ducked into the sweet shop next door to get chocolate covered bacon for dessert. Glad we chose this place :)
(4)Kim W.
We first tried this place when it was Penachos. We weren't that impressed and didn't go back until after they had their makeover. One of daughters and I have tried the place for lunch and brunch recently. The cheese dip and the guacamole are both delicious and flavorful. The chips are also warm, crispy and light. If you like spicy salsa, you must give De La Vega's a try. I have tried the fish tacos, and they are delicious and not skimpy of the fish. I also tried the Huevos Divorcianos, for brunch. It is two eggs each served on a tortilla. One with red sauce and one with green sauce. Some of the best I have had. You should also try the sangria. This is probably the most upscale of the Deland Mexican restaurants.
(4)Katie H.
Formerly known as the tex-mex restaurant Penachos, the transformation to De La Vega is a tremendous welcome. DeLand is overwhelmed with tex-mex restaurants, so to have authentic Mexican is extremely refreshing. De La Vega one of the classiest restaurants downtown. The decor is modern and clean, with the artwork of Hispanic artists displayed around the restaurant. The restaurant looks particularly warm in the evening with the candles lit on the table. The food is outstanding. For appetizers, I highly recommend the aspirinas or the trio sauce sampler (queso, guacamole, salsa). The queso contains crabmeat and is very rich and so delicious. With entrees, you can't go wrong. Everything is amazing. My personal favorite is the fish tamal, which is a filet of cherry snapper, served atop an open corn husk of Mexican black beans. The dish is served with rice pilaf and a fresh, crunchy cabbage salad. While, I have yet to try all the desserts, you can't go wrong with the flan. The restaurant has a decent wine list - and almost all of them you can order by the glass. I enjoyed the sangria, but if you're into sweeter sangria, this may not be for you. Also, I had the good fortune of going to De La Vega on Ladies Night, which is on Wednesdays. They serve two for one champagne drinks and they're awesome. Definitely a great way to get yourself through the middle of the week!
(5)Chuck C.
Outstanding. Their tagline says it all - "Flavor is Passion". We stumbled across this place by accident, and it's a real gem. This is creative, high-end Mexican, with big bold flavors and complete attention to detail. The Aspirinas, small crispy masa patties topped with beans, tomato, onion and cheese were a delicious way to start the meal. My wife had the lime-marinated Grouper Veracruz, steamed in banana leaves with peppers, corn and carrots, which was outstanding. The sauce was a taste sensation - perfect. The waitress recommended the Huaraches de Nopal to me, a perfectly cooked chicken breast topped with poblano peppers, cream cheese and a mild red sauce served on a grilled cactus leaf, and it was delicious - big flavor and very satisfying. The cactus tasted amazing. If you're used to Tex-Mex or other mediocre examples of Mexican-influenced foods that all seem to taste the same, this place will be a real eye-opener. The prices are reasonable, and the food delicious - you won't be disappointed!
(5)Christine L.
Went here with a group of 9 for my dad's birthday. I don't live in Florida, but next time I visit I'm coming back here!! They were very accommodating of our large group. Almost everyone took advantage of the 2 for 1 margaritas (fantastic by the way). Aspirinas are to die for. For my entree I had tacos with chicken and cilantro, yum! For dessert, flan rules. Best of all, their prices are extremely fair. De La Vega is truly a gem and I hope they stick around DeLand for a long time.
(5)Kristen B.
This place is a great little find in the cute town of Deland. I've lived in Orlando for a long time and just recently discovered how cute downtown Deland is. This restaurant is Mexican with a twist. We really enjoyed everything we got and our server was really helpful. Definitely give this place and downtown Deland a shot!
(4)Zully G.
We went based on the mixed reviews and We loved it ! We ordered Apple and Strawberry Margaritas, Paella mixta and the special which was Sirloin over Yuca. Topped it off with cheesecake and Tres leches cake - which was Fantastic ! I'll be back.
(4)Mik J.
Spectacular food, wonderful service, great prices and an inviting casual atmosphere. I strongly suggest black bean soup, pollo con mole poblano and tres leches cake with Mexican coffee. You'll not be disappointed! Via De La Vega!
(5)Chris S.
Took the family out here for our first time. This place was a mad house because of the local beerfest going on but luckily we got a table. Our waitress was super friendly right off the bat and took our drink orders, I grabbed a glass of the sangria and my mom and wife got the margaritas (which was on a two for one special). Upon checking in, I saw that the restaurant offered a free aspirinas so we had to go ahead and get that. When it was time to order my wife chose the chicken enchiladas, my pops went for the chicken tamales, mom selected the Avocado Grilled Salmon Salad, and I picked the chorizo tacos. The aspirinas came out first which for the most part, everyone liked. Shortly after, everyone's food was brought out. I enjoyed my tacos but the plantains side that I chose was very bland and disappointing. My wife enjoyed her enchiladas which I tried and they were pretty good. My dad didn't like the tamales at all and said that they were bland and not tasty, he was right on that one. My mom enjoyed her dish which wasn't a surprise because she likes everything. All in all it was a good experience here. I highly doubt my parents would go back but even though I'm an out-of-towner, I wouldn't mind trying the place again.
(3)Gary P.
Pretty average food. Was disappointed that the chips were not fresh (basically, Tostitos) and the hot salsa was bland. The Paella Mixta was okay and the Combination Enchildadas were a mixed bag (some good, some not). The service was good, but it's difficult to see how this rates 4.5 stars for other reviewers.
(2)Kae L.
I don't usually go out for dinner, and seeing as Oviedo has very, very little in the way of veg-friendly (or, unfortunately, tasty) fare, I venture into Winter Park, downtown Orlando, and now DeLand for food. Deland mught be a long ways out, but De la Vega makes it worth it. The decor was lovely and I was able to nab a spot by the window, and the service was a little slow, but very friendly and the restaurant was packed. I genuinely don't like tex-mex, but this place doesn't serve tex-mex at all. Their Mexican food is fresh and flavourful. I ordered the cheese Flautas, which were full of deep-fried tastiness but not greasy or heavy in the least, and azteca potatoes as a side. By all means, try them out.
(5)Donna D.
Looking for a mexican restaurant since there isnt anything good in my area and tried de la vega. Went on a wedsday which was ladies nite....1/2 price margaritas and sangrias. Yelp had a free offer for the aspirina tapas....excellent. Caitlyn was great. Had steak tacos which were really good. Also had chix empanadas with mole sauce...good but a strange flavor. Would definately go back
(4)Tyler M.
The aspirinas are delicious, and the enmoladas (I like them with plantains) are great. Always great sangria!
(5)Stacey M.
Excellent, excellent, excellent. It is a different kind of Mexican restaurant. I didn't see anything on the menu that I didn't want to try. I am looking for a reason to return.
(5)Paul P.
This is not your normal American style Mexican place. The owner/chef here actually enjoys the art of cooking and creating. The menu is creative and delicious; we all loved everything we ordered, and indeed what each other ordered! The place is modern and stylish, and the staff is attentive and nice. We Loved our experience and are looking for a reason to return to DeLand just for DeLaVega.
(5)Leigh H.
My family and I eat at De La Vegas on a regular basis. We love it. It is not a typical American-style Mexican restaurant, however. You will not be served runny, refried beans on an enormous platter. This Mexican food is more gourmet and unusual--plaintain enmoladas, aspiranas, rajas, vegetarian tamales, etc. We are vegetarians and are very happy that there are so many options for us. They are even willing to make almost anything vegetarian by substituting a choice of ingredients for the meat. It is one of our two favorite DeLand restaurants (the other is Cress).
(5)Barbara C.
Had an early Sunday dinner here after visiting our son who works at Stetson Univ. Delicious bright, light Mexican inspired cuisine. Mexican food can be so predictable. Heavy goops of cheese slavered over pasty burritos and greasy beans and rice. Not here The portions are not huge which is healthful. Menu selection allows you to put together your own plate...2 sides of your choice. These included unusual parings of roasted potatoes and carrots, squash and green pepper condiments. Two for one drinks are a special offer. Try it, you'll like it.
(4)Cinthia S.
This is honestly the best Mexican restaurant I've to in a very, very, very long time. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, the service was exceptional and lets not start on the food. Their menu is fresh and unique. What is interesting to me is that there are a lot of vegetarian options which was unexpected. What is even better is that they don't just substitute cheese in their meals and call it a vegetarian meal... no.... they actually make a delectable, palatable vegetarian that stands alone and can even rival their meat options. The food is not smothered in cheese and guac; this is truly authentic! It's refreshing to see someone do Mexican the right way. I had the Cinco Tazas (Fresh squash stuffed with ripe plantains and covered in a red mild sauce made with hints of cilantro). Although the squash was fried, it was not greasy or overly cooked; it was perfectly balanced by way of savoriness and sweetness. The prices are fair considering how delicious the food is. Also, I usually am disappointed with the desserts in Mexican restaurants but this place was an exemption. The Mexican coffee was also divine. Definitely hit this place up.
(5)Kim H.
We drove 30 minutes just to try this place, and we were not disappointed! As other reviewers have noted, the aspirinas were really outstanding. We opted to have chorizo added to them. My son got the pollo en mole poblano. It was wonderful. My husband, who usually gets the worst dish on the menu, triumphed with the tastiest dish on the table, huarache de nopal. Both these dishes came with what is probably the most amazing slaw I have ever tasted. I had the enchilada combo. I enjoyed it, but it was the only dish we weren't blown away by. It may just be me though. I ordered this on the server's suggestion. I thought it was a good idea because I wanted to try so many things, however I neglected to take into account that I am not the hugest fan of enchiladas. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my food, but it paled in comparison to the other three amazing ones. Service was really great. It was relaxed, yet attentive. Presentation was very nice. I loved the artwork on the walls. I can't wait to go back and try more of the menu. Like I said it's a 30 minute drive, but that's not going to deter me from going back, and soon!
(5)