Bodega

01/21/09

Yummy food

by amandalovesfood

My husband and I dined here with three other people for Norfolk's restaurant week before a hockey game. We got there earlier so we could have a table for our 5 group. We all ordered off the $20 restaurant week menu. I had the roasted butternut squash soup for my appetizer and it was very good. It was served warm and tasted like a soupy pumpkin pie. For my entree I had the crab and spinach gnocchi. The dish was very well portioned (so can be considered smaller for others) and was very rich and creamy. For dessert I had the pumpkin cheesecake. Now this wasn't normal cheesecake. It looked like a little pie cup with pie crust. On top was very yummy vanilla gelato. I was able to sample the fried oysters (very good) and Shellfish Paella. The drinks we had (during happy hour) were made very strong and very good. I recommend the Long Islands!!! The only bad thing was the service. It was very slow!!! It also got very crowded as the night got longer.

• Pros: Strong drinks, good food
• Cons: Slloooooooowww Service

10/02/08

great!

by BrianMarilyn

Great drinks, food and service. Maybe a bit salty but great. The calamari and dipping sauce were fabulous. We LOVED the cole slaw that came with the ribs. I think they might be right that they have the best mojitos in town.

11/06/05

Outstanding place for food and wine

by murphy2u

Bodega is a Spanish/Mediterranean tapas restaurant located in downtown Norfolk.

Food--some of the best I had in 17 countries and most of the US travelled. Menu does not attempt to overreach in number of items, but what is offered has plenty of variety and of the four items I've had to date (in two visits)--can't be beat.

There is a wine selection of equal quality and the staff has the expertise to recommend an approproate one for your dish or after your meal. The staff is relaxed, professional and friendly when engaged.

Best food in Norfolk! Any of my future visits there will include at least one evening spent enjoying a fine dining experience there.

• Pros: Fabulous Food, Great Wine, Excellent Service
• Cons: Understated appearanc, Not for a cheap night

Multiple appetizers stir up culinary excitement at this energetic, tapas-inspired restaurant.

by Contributor

The Scene
The scene is set with Spanish flare: dark wood, a coppertop bar and a 100-year-old exposed brick wall. Mediterranean tiles decorate the bar and terra cotta covers the floor. In the afternoon, sunlight pours in through the large front window, illuminating the dozen or so daily specials jotted down on a chalkboard.

The Food
Their motto says it all, "Small plates, big drinks." The joy of Bodega is never having to narrow down your meal to just one dish. Can't decide between the pork loin with sherried raisin sauce or the hot chicken pot pie? Order both and share with a friend. Ruby red tomatoes are stuffed with crab and Parmesan in pesto. Garlic shrimp linguine gives you just the right amount of pasta and seafood. Pizzettes (mini pizzas) come topped with lamb, blue cheese and crab.