Bodega

StarvinMarvin

Maravilloso! 8th January 2009

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This place is a tiny little Tapas bar in the heart of the North Laine in Brighton. It's not really a place to go for a main meal, but a wonderful pitstop for a glass of wine (or ten) and a few delicious bites to eat - which is what Tapas is really about!

I first went here with my sister and her family (including two young children) who had visited Brighton unexpectedly one weekend in the spring. Despite my partner phoning the restaurant at the 11th hour desperate to find somewhere for us all to eat (most of our usual places being booked out on a particularly hot and sunny spring day), and despite them already having a booking for a large party that night, they welcomed us in.

When we first arrived I was a bit nervous as we were lead out to the back courtyard, which consisted of a wobbly picnic bench in a little concrete yard. However, the friendly, welcoming service and the delicious wine and tapas soon put any fears to rest. The cold meats are literally to die for.

The prices are very reasonable.

This is not a smart place, but it's not pretencious either. A really great place to stop for wine and a bite, especially in the summer - you could almost believe you were holidaying in Spain!

bluebel

rustic charm 22nd November 2008

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Bodega is situated on Church Street, just opposite The Corn Exchange.
I’m not sure about this one. I was recommended this tapas bar by a friend and I’ve been in search of authentic tapas in this country for years. I’d read reviews which said this was the most authentic tapas they have had in this country, but to be honest I can’t agree...not all bad though.

Bodega has a rustic charm. Five or so tables as you enter and a tiny kitchen area in full view. The 2 microwaves that can be seen at eye level worried me somewhat. We sat out in the little patio area out back, with small patio heater and rickety benches and tables. Our visit last night, a Friday meant we were cosily huddled together and could hear the intellectual conversations of others. The £13 bottle of wine from the Andalusian family's vineyard who also run Bodega was very good and reminded me of a bottle of Ribera del Duero we had had in Spain a few years ago. The olives and Montego cheese were authentic, but the paella, mushroom and chorizo stew were very disappointing. The tapas were mostly under £4.

Waitress was very polite and helpful. It was very busy and we did have to ask for our stew 3 times.

I liked the fact it reminded me very much of a tapas bar in Spain (minus the microwaves) but felt a little let down by the main hot tapas.