Cava Bodega - Good Food Ireland

Good Food Ireland^® Approved Since 2018

We stand over our recommendations. With exacting selection and regular review processes we ensure a rewarding local Irish ingredient led experience. You can count on it!

Overview

A touch of Iberian culture comes to Galway city in the form of Cava Bodega. This casual tapas bar was founded in 2008 under the previous name of Cava by JP McMahon and his wife Drigín Gaffey. No strangers to the Galway food scene, this dynamic couple have had a widely successful and positive impact with their other ventures including Tartare Café + Wine Bar and Michelin-starred Aniar Restaurant.

Dining

At Cava Bodega diners can enjoy all the favourite aspects of Spanish cuisine while also getting a taste of the excellent local produce that the region has to offer. Cava Bodega is a prime example of the popular practice of communal dining long associated with tapas. Diners come together to share plates of food made from ethically sourced ingredients and this sharing of food breeds conversation. This is the essence of what makes a Spanish meal so special.

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JP and Drigín originally opened Cava in 2008, where they were inspired to showcase the very best of Spanish cuisine and wine in the form of tapas. In 2013, the opportunity came to re-invigorate and expand so they moved to a larger premises on Middle Street and started a with a new menu focusing on bringing together Spanish influences and local Irish food. What a winning combination it has been.

Drigín also brought her exceptional interior design talents to the project and designed a space with a focus on reclaimed materials that pair seamlessly with the colourful and lively atmosphere for which Cava was known. Thus, Cava was reborn as Cava Bodega and it has been a hit since, drawing diners in with its unique and refreshing take on all things tapas.

The restaurant proudly proclaims that it showcases over 70 regional tapas which draws on all aspects of Spanish cooking. These tapas are created with a wealth of local Irish ingredients.

Cava Bodega’s menu is as fun as it is varied, catering to all tastes. There are a fantastic amount of vegetarian options including a delightful goat’s cheese and sweet potato croquette dish along with a empanadillas made with chickpea, piquillo pepper salsa and lovage oil. For meat and seafood lovers there’s a terrific selection of dishes with creative twists like the turf smoked salmon, cucumber, dillisk, rye bread and connemara mountain lamb shoulder, lentils, harissa.

For those just looking for a light bite, there is a selection of nibbles, platters and canapes – think almonds, olives, cured meats, cheeses and tortilla.

No meal is complete in Cava Bodega without that perfect liquid accompaniment. The restaurant is famous for its extensive range of local craft beers and ciders and its Spanish wine and sherry offerings with a focus on natural and organic wines.

Cava Bodega is a delightful place to enjoy Spanish tapas with an Irish twist whether you are just looking for a quick bite and glass of vino or if you are catching up with friends sharing many plates of food as you share your stories.

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