Vida Restaurant

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

The Soul of Spain in Westchester County

Vida — Spanish for "life" — is exactly what its name promises. Opened in 2024 by husband-and-wife team Marc and Brianne Taxiera on Marble Avenue in Thornwood, New York, it brings the bold, layered flavors of Spanish cuisine to Westchester County in a setting that feels both elevated and genuinely welcoming. The restaurant earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2025, along with Best Spanish Restaurant honors from Westchester Magazine's Best of Westchester — recognition that reflects the seriousness of both the kitchen and the cellar.

From Augustine's to Vida

Before Vida, the Taxieras built a devoted following at Augustine's Salumeria, their neighborhood Italian market in Mamaroneck, known for house-made pastas and cured meats. Vida represents Executive Chef Marc Taxiera's deeper ambition: Spanish cuisine rooted in tradition but open to global influence, built around local ingredients and plates designed to be shared. The interior, designed by Regina LaVecchia, spans two floors — a main dining room, an upstairs lounge, and a patio — three distinct spaces that make the room feel right for a quiet dinner or a full celebration.

What's on the Table

The dinner menu reads like a tour through Spain with a confident modern hand. The tapas section alone covers considerable ground: Gambas al Ajillo with shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and white wine, Pulpo Carpaccio with olive tapenade and lemon zest, Huevos Rotos with crispy potatoes, chorizo, and black truffle, and Croquettes filled with creamy ham and cheese. Paella — the anchor of any serious Spanish kitchen — comes in three versions: De Vida with chicken, chorizo, and saffron; Mariscos with scallops, mussels, shrimp, clams, and lobster broth; and a vegetable version built around mushrooms, asparagus, and fava. From the grill, Ibérico Presa and Ibérico Secreto — the prized shoulder cut described as the wagyu of pork — anchor a Parrilla section alongside pasture-raised beef cuts served with mojo verde, mojo rojo, and chimichurri.

The Room and the Rhythm

Vida has a weekly cadence worth knowing. Thursday evenings bring Vida Social — an informal gathering at the bar, no reservations required. Sundays offer half off all bottles under $100, available from brunch through dinner. The wine program, recognized by Wine Spectator, is built to match the food: wines, cocktails, and martinis each chosen to complement the moment. For private occasions, all three spaces can be configured for everything from rehearsal dinners to corporate events and holiday parties.