Myself and my husband dined out in bodega when on a midweek break in Waterford. I had eaten here a number of weeks ago when on a hen night and had been impressed so decided to try it again. They did not let me down. I could not complain about one single thing. Despite Waterford city being noticeably quiet this restaurant was buzzing. The service was impeccable and the food was delicious. We ate from the early bird menu which offers great value for money. I hate the goats cheese tartlet and my other half had the wings. Both (yes I did rob a wing or two) were very tasty. My husband then had the sliders for main course and I went with the fish special which was lemon sole. I was served three fillets of sole on a bed of the creamiest mash I've ever had. We had originally planned to go for the three course menu but found we were nicely full after just two course so after our bottle of wine we rounded off the meal with tea for him and a fabulous Baileys coffee for me. If you are looking for a fantastic restaurant in Waterford combining excellent food with excellent service go here.

The food was an absolute winner. Such a perfect marriage of flavours while being artistic and pushing boundaries is hard to achieve as these chefs have done. Six of us ate and everyone was impresses. Hats off to this locally sourced, well varied and perfectly executed menu. The setting is comfortable and fun and the service was fine.

yum,the steak here is to die for.love the service very good & price wise is very affordable.

Came here with as a group of 10, we ordered from the four courses for €30 menu, which was excellent value for money. An Amuse bouche of cold seasoned prawns was delicious, i had seafood chowder followed by fish pie, both were well presented and very tasty. The fish pie didn't contain any prawns, as advertised but apart from that it was perfect. My dessert of Mille Feuille was also excellent. This is the nicest restaurant i have eaten in in Waterford city and would definitely return when in the area again.

awe man just cant get enough of this place and would love to book a life time table.....the steak is always ooked perfectly and the deserts are just a little piece of heaven ....love it love it and the best ever atmosphere and music related pub with no tv what so ever just a stones throw away - Geoffs old bar is just the topping on the cake..

I've been here before, but I brought my cousin from Canada here for lunch one Saturday and it was the best food I'd ever had there! We had the pumpkin soup and it was so good I asked the chef for the recipe which he gladly and helpfully gave to us! I'm sure it won't taste nearly as good but absolutely worth every penny (and we didn't have to spend a lot of pennies either!) Overall it was one of my best trips there or anywhere in quite a long time! Well and highly recommended.

Yum! We were staying in Waterford for the weekend and I booked Bodega for dinner after a lot of thought. We ordered the crab and prawn cannellini and the mozzarella and tomato galette for starters - both very tasty. As I had a big lunch I opted for another starter for my main - the goats cheese and my husband got the fish pie. Both were again delicious. As the food had been so good we decided to go for desserts - we had the hot chocolate souffle and the Deise bread & butter pudding - really delicious. We also had a great Argentinian Pinot Noir which was available by the carafe - a great idea if you plan on having a few drinks for the remainder of the evening! All in all, I'll be back the next time I am in Waterford and i'd have no hesitation in recommending this restaurant. My one negative would be the single shared toilet for the size of the restaurant but its a minor complaint.

good new menu - new chef i think - no bad on price, good wine, central location

Fantastic!! great food staff and atmosphere. I would highly recommend the bodega

Good location and lovely decor inside. However the PRICES are just high...3 courses for 3 people and two alcoholic drinks cost €130! The food was lovely, especially the lamb shank and the chocolate and berry fool, but it was all a bit dampened by the enormous price tag. The service was...ok. The waitresses were not rude or anything, just not particularly friendly. I had been here before so I knew it would be expensive but I will rethink going back again to be honest.

Went to this restaurant for the first time with a group of friends on saturday night, Started off really well- cocktails were fab! I got the scallops for starters, they were gorgeous but completley overpriced at over €11.I ordered the 6 oz steak for my main, a disgace, the steak wasnt even 6 inches and came with what could only by described as McDonalds chips, in fact McDonalds chips taste way better. Half the plate was taken up with them. no salad and when I asked for some veg, I was handed a bowl of roasted veg swimming in oil.. note you dont serve roasted veg with steak! My friend ordered off the specials board to be told that the fish they wanted was all gone.. at 8 of a saturday night? Another friend ordered the chicken which was quiet nice but again completley overpriced. To cap it all we ordered a dessert that was fruit with chocolate sauce and ice-cream, what cam out was a few scoops of frozen chocolate ice-cream The meal came to over €300 euro.. Rip off Ireland is alive and well , I wont be back and will definitely NOT be recommending this restaurant to anyone

Had dinner in Bodega on a recent visit to Waterford. Though we arrived early on a Wednesday night they struggled to fit us in without a reservation which we took as a good sign. The food was excellent and the portions quite generous. We were so full after our starter and main course that we almost didn't bother with dessert but opted to share a tiramisu. I was only sorry I hadn't enough room for a full one as it was one of the best tiramisu I've ever come across. The best restaurant we ate in during our trip to Waterford. My only complaint was that the waiter served us a side dish of what he called 'vegetables' but it contained only broccolli - a mix of veg would have been nice! Would recommend it to anyone visiting Waterford.

We had arrived late into Waterford City (10pm) & wasn't sure if we'd get something to eat, but luckily came across Bodega. Most of the other dining establishments on the street are fast food so this was a very welcome find. Instant impressions are a very cool, cavernous, cellar (as the name would suggest) with a chilled out decor and surprisingly bigger than it first appears. Food was being served until 10.30 and the menu is varied and fairly extensive. I went for the venison and my partner went for the rack of lamb. The restaurant provided a bread and olive oil selection as free appetiser, which is a really nice touch & something I think more Irish restaurants should take note of. We opted for the only Malbec on the wine menu which was reasonably enough priced at €22. The food, in particular, the lamb was delicious and a shared desert of raspberry and custard roulade finished it all of nicely. There was only 2 small gripes I'd have is that some of the staff could do with smiling a bit more. I will say that the majority of the staff were buzzing about and keeping customers happy and it could've just been the end of a long day but, a smile does make all the difference. The other negative point was that the staff brought out the trash by carrying the full bags of rubbish through the diners and customers. Overall though I'd highly recommend Bodega and would return there if I'm in Waterford again.

My boyfriend and I visited Waterford last week and came accross Bodega so we tried it for lunch, to be sufficiently impressed that we came back for dinner a few days later. For our lunchtime visit, we both chose from the two courses for €20 option. We both had fishcakes to start, which were heavy on fish rather than mostly potato as you sometimes find. The fish was also noticably fresh. The accompanying chilli oil was a nice touch and the salad was plentiful and well dressed. For mains we had chicken and confit duck leg. Both dishes were generous portions and well flavoured, both of us were very pleased. We couldn't fit in a dessert but we did enjoy the remains of our carafe of pinot grigio. When we returned for dinner, the place was packed, so booking ahead was advisable. The blackboard of specials was left at our table while we looked at the menu also. Both of us ordered starters from the specials board, deep fried brie and venison pate. The starters were out of this world, again great portion sizes. For mains I had rack of lamb, which I think was the best lamb I have ever tasted, it was delicious. My boyfriends fish pie was also great, very fresh fish and lots of it. Again, we couldn't manage dessert so finished our bottle of Albarino. The wine list deserves a mention, there are some interesting choices and the prices seemed reasonable enough (though we are judging by our normal Dublin standards!!). The service was fine on both occasions, just fine though, nothing more. I would definitely go back to Bodega, but perhaps not on a Friday evening again, a little too packed for my liking but I guess it shows that the place is doing well, which it deserves to.

I am TERRIBLY disappointed with bodega the last time I was there. I was there with friends and one of them did not like her meal. She barely ate any of it, was so nervous to say anything that my other friend said it to the waitress instead. She didnt want to make a fuss and didnt order an alternative. When we got our bill, her meal was NOT on the receipt, so we thought fair enough and each paid for the rest. THEN 2 days later, my friend received a phone call stating that the girl who sent back her food was no longer welcome to dine in bodega anymore and that she refused (???) to pay for her meal!!!! I was there for the whole thing and we all checked the receipt before paying and paid the FULL amount quoted. I am so annoyed at their utter cheek and disrespect shown that i will NEVER be dining there again. Im shocked.

Response:
Hi Shinter. That is your version. Your friend had actually asked to order from the CHILDRENS menu where it is clearly stated is for under 12's only (in age that is). We have the childrens menu as a loss leader, to make things easier on new parents. We like to look after customers, believe it or not. Your friend proceeded to order an Angus sirloin steak. Over half of it WAS eaten. Then we were informed that it was not good, with no explanation as to what was wrong with it. With the state of the economy as it is, we are finding people are trying to get away with not paying for things, where they have no reason.It is happening in restaurants across the country and is not new. It was, in my view the case here. Also, your friend certainly was not nervous.

Posted by: Bodegaboy on 27/07/2010

I am TERRIBLY disappointed with bodega the last time I was there. I was there with friends and one of them did not like her meal. She barely ate any of it, was so nervous to say anything that my other friend said it to the waitress instead. She didnt want to make a fuss and didnt order an alternative. When we got our bill, her meal was NOT on the receipt, so we thought fair enough and each paid for the rest. THEN 2 days later, my friend received a phone call stating that the girl who sent back her food was no longer welcome to dine in bodega anymore and that she refused (???) to pay for her meal!!!! I was there for the whole thing and we all checked the receipt before paying and paid the FULL amount quoted. I am so annoyed at their utter cheek and disrespect shown that i will NEVER be dining there again. Im shocked.

Response:
it does not make any difference if it was a childs menu or not, so i have no idea why you would even state that. There was a table of about 8 people so I do not believe that one person not liking a meal was any cause for concern that we were trying to scab a freebie! I think that is very insulting and do believe that if were the same situation with an elderly couple, would you have has the audacity to say he/she was not welcome anymore. She was indeed nervous, and it was AHOTHER girl who said it to the waitress...she is only 16 after all! And she told the waitress she did not like it and couldnt eat any more of it. And please, if you are going to reply, why was her meal not put onto the bill if you were so concerned?! I just think it is totally out of line to be contacted 2 days after the incident and saying she was not welcome back...as I said before...would you have said same if we were older?

Posted by: shinter on 02/10/2010

Brilliant all around Dining Experience! Food was beautiful,perfectly cooked and well executed.Menu was very varied and i felt there was something there for everyone. Service was also Fantastic, not too rushed, not intrusive and also Very pleasant and helpful - Very professional! Wine list was also impressive, however I decided to go with the Dungarvan Red ale, which they Stock : ) Have just moved to Waterford and i'm already looking forward to my next Visit!!

I have eaten in Bodega many times for lunch with friends,and several times for dinner, and I've never been disappointed. Cormac and the other staff instantly make you feel welcome. The food is probably the best I've had in Waterford city, and the atmosphere is fantastic. 5 star quality without the prententiousness. I usually order the chicken with risotto for a main which is beautiful-flavoursome and not too filling. The Toulouse saugages are a favourite of my boyfriends and the last time we shared the duck springroll starter, which was fantastic. I can't really fault the place at all. It can be a tiny bit expensive, for my pocket anyway, but the quality is outstanding so you really do get what you pay for.

Have ate here many times and cannot fault it from the goats chesse and thai fish cakes starters to the vension pie and fish speicals fantastic.I,m from Waterford myself and its great to have a restaurant of this quailty in our city cormac and the staff are very friendly its bang in the center of the city trust me eat here and u wont b disappointed.

I have eaten at the Bodega restaurant on many an occasion, both for dinner and for lunch. Located relatively central to the main City Center, the food and service are excellent. Your food is cooked to order and is always fresh, extremely tasty and the service is polite and attentive without being over bearing. The wine list is good without being very expensive. I would recommend fish there every-time.

I visited this restaurant with two friends the week before christmas & thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The service was excellent despite a few hiccups. I had the tempura prawns to start, my only slight complaint is that the batter was more soggy than crispy, the prawns themselves were delicious as were the accompaning sauces. I had the lemon sole as a main & it was amazing. The carrot cake i had for dessert was slightly small for E8 but was the nicest i've ever tasted. Overall a fantastic restaurant with great food & friendly service. Can't wait to return.

Ate here with three friends on a night away. The restaurant was recommended by the hotel. The atmosphere was great and we were seated at a lovely table at the front window. Although we arrived just in time for last orders, there was no issue giving us the full set menu. The fool was lovely and presentation was great as was the selection of wine on offer. The most impressive part of the night was the friendliness of the staff, we didn't feel under any pressure to leave being the last in the restaurant. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

A friend who is a regular visitor to Waterford recommended this restaurant and we were very impressed. The menu is large and varied and the food delicious. Great selection of wines and cocktails are also available. The service was friendly and the atmosphere great. We will definately be back on our next visit.

Great food, great atmosphere and good value. I'd certainly return again on another visit to Waterford City.

I'm from Waterford and we dine out in Bodega's monthly. Its extremely cosy for two and also full of energy for eight. Honestly there is not a single negative bean in the place. I have wined and dined around the world and the only thing anyone can say is " there's no place like home ".. May they enjoy longevity through this awful recession...

Visited here on Saturday, really cosy nice place. food was lovely has a very interesting menu. Springrolls were fab, I love the idea you can see where the food is being cooked. when i return to waterford ill be going back to Bodega.

I have been here for lunch and for dinner - once for an early bird, and once later on. I had very different experiences each of the times I visited; for lunch, it was nice, relaxed, good ordinary food slightly fancied-up (and prices to match). The early bird wasn't a great experience, I was made feel like I was being done a huge favour by being allowed to perch on a table right beside the door (staff and customers kept banging off the table and knocking stuff off!). The time I was there for dinner I enjoyed it. The atmosphere is defintely the biggest draw, small, intimate, candles, etc. Lovely and cosy. The food is pricy, but I really enjoyed the spring rolls (like the last reviewer). Again, service not the best this time either. But I would go back. Maybe just not rush back (there's a huge number of fabulous restaurants in Waterford, I'm trying to work my way through them!)

I have to give the Bodega full marks for everything. I have been several times now for dinner, both the A La Carte and early bird have a great selection and the specials are always really nice. Recently I had the game dish of the day, Wicklow venison, which was absolutely amazing! My partner had the chicken dish which was surprisingly delicious and the deserts were perfect. I have to recommend the confit of duck and the chicken if you are going to go, they are definitely worth getting. Price wise its not the cheapest restaurant but it makes up for it with the selection of great food and fantastic wine. A definite 5 star experience and a must for any intimate occasion!!!!

This is my favourite place to eat in Waterford. The atmosphere is great and the food is amazing. The early bird is great value.I would strongly recommend the steak or fish.

Have eaten in this restaurant on many occasions and had mixed results!! Had lunch there today and know now why I keep going back! There was a lovely christmas buzz and reasonably good value with a set menu of 2 courses for €20. I had the spinach and mushroom risotto which although it looked stodgy was divine! My dining partner had the special which was baked salmon and equally tasty! Dessert was unfortunately the only letdown of the meal - I ordered the xmas pudding which was quite dry (and I had been so looking forward to it!!) My dining colleague had the chocolate mousse and it was just absolutely fabulous. Service was great so will be back again!

Bodega is a fantastic little restaurant that consistently does great food. Have eaten in there on a number of occasions over the last few months for both lunch and dinner and each time I found the food very impressive. The atmosphere is great, especially in the night time. It's nicely lit with candles which makes it cosy and there's always a buzzy atmosphere. They have an extensive wine list and cocktail list also. The managers are very welcoming. Would definitely recommend a meal in here.

Fisrt time in Bodega last weekend, 8 of us for a 30th Birthday.I loved the layout of the restaurant, long and narrow and a great atmosphere. Food was quite good if a little pricey. I got the duck spring rolls for starter and they were crammed full of shredded duck which was excellent. I thought service could have been a little better, we had to ask on numerous occasions for a jug of water. Also, luckily I scrutinised the bill as we were overcharged by €50!!! And didn't get much of an apology when I pointed it out. I would go back for the lovely food and atmosphere but I will be double checking my bill.

The last time I was here I had the most gorgeous duck as a main course, but was unimpressed by the starter - goats cheese in pastry case with ratatouille sauce (the goats cheese melts into the hot ratatouille sauce, and becomes a sort of mush - strange combination!). On my most recent visit I had battered king prawns for starter, and didn't think much of them, they were a bit soggy. The accompanying salad was lovely though, with a gorgeous nutty dressing. 10.50euro I had the duck (with berry jus + potatoes gratin) again this time, but was very disappointed. It was just average. 25euro. I had tiramisu for dessert - not great, and a pretty extortionate price at that! 8.50euro. Service was very slow too, we waited for about 25mins between our starter and main course. Also, we asked for an extra portion of veg (only one tiny portion was given to us to share between 4!) but it never came. On the positive side though, this place does have a lovely atmosphere, and a good selection of wines. But in general it's a hit and miss affair. I also find it quite over-priced.. though the early-bird seems to offer ok value.

Went in the evening, nice atomsphere, good value. Was busy at the time, but no problems.

Great place to eat. Great service and the atmosphere in the resturant was excellant. Good location, close to some lively pub's. Food was great and very reasonably priced

What a lovely find! We were on holidays in Waterford and found the restaurant by chance. As we were with our 2 yr old we went in for the early bird menu. Delicious food and 2 courses for 21 euro. We also ordered potatoes, veg, gravy and orange juice for our little boy which we weren't charged for. Excellent family service, a lovely touch. In saying that this is truly a 'grown'up' restaurant and you definitely wouldn't want to be there with your kids after 7 when it gets busier. We'd love to go back and savour the atmosphere and linger over the gorgeous food. We started with asparagus and goats cheese and there was no shortage of the cheese. My husband enjoyed the fish of the day (cod) with vegetables and potatoes and i went for the lamb burger with mint sauce. Really lovely food and the early bird menu is a steal!