A Review of Bodega, Elm Row, Edinburgh
A few weeks ago I eventually managed to go and visit Bodega on Elm Row – it has been on my ‘to try’ list for almost a year but every time I have tried to go previously they have been closed. A little learning for you, they are only open in evenings and it is definitely worth booking as they are based in a very small property with maybe 20 covers max.
There were a group us went to Bodega before a show at St Andrews Square and the only table we could get was for 7pm and they needed the table back for 8.30pm. They are BYOB with corkage applied per person rather than per bottle so we grabbed a couple of bottle of wine to go with the dinner.
The menu is quite small and is made up of a couple of specials which I believe change quite regularly and then some staples. They are mainly tacos with fusion toppings so don’t expect classic Mexican style but more tacos with inspiration from Japan, Middle East and Asia.
We went for the Korean wings & scallion fries as a little sharing starter. The wings were so sticky and full of flavour with a nice hit of sesame sprinkled over and the scallion fries with a mustard mayo dip were also awesome, surprisingly sweet in flavour and the batter was really crispy.
Korean Wings
I went for two veggie options for my tacos and had the avocado tempura with a wasabi mayo and Asian slaw and then a crispy chickpeas with babaganoush for my 2nd option. Dave had the Baja-style cod option and a carne asada steak. There was also a sloppy joe style special on which was ordered.
Crispy Avocado
Babaganoush & Chickpeas
Baja Cod
Carne Asada
Sloppy Joe Special (photo courtesy of Ross)
The quality of all of the tacos was really good and everyone was happy with their choices and clean plates all round. I have also thought about the Korean wings a good few times since visiting so they must have been really good to make the lasting impression!
If you are looking for authentic tacos I would probably recommend El Cartel over Bodega but if you are looking for exciting new flavours served up in a taco then Bodega totally is the place to go in Edinburgh.
I will certainly be going back to this friendly little place.
Our bill for 4 people, 2 pairs of tacos each, 3 starters and 4 corkage was £71
Atmosphere 9/10
Value 10/10
Service 9/10
Food 9/10
