Have you ever been to a restaurant where your first visit was so bad that you were given a gift certificate to come back...and then the second time is almost as bad we'll let me tell you where the experience can be had...yep that's right Bodega. Well you already knew that because you are reading this review. Next thing to get past is, Why did you give it 2 stars? The answer is because a few of the menu items are great like the fingerling potatoes, the scallop ceviche and the NC shrimp. Here in lies the problems though. After asking the waiter/bartender "Is there goat cheese on the cheese plate?" And the response being "NO", not let me check or I don't know. Take a wild guess what arrives? Yep Goat cheese! Good thing I just can't stand it and don't have a serious Allergy. Then ordering a drink a drink that the recipe allegedly differs from the description written in the menu. Which of course added so much fresh lime rendering it undrinkable. Next step is the manager speaking to me and me explaining the history we have with the restaurant, really trying to give it another shot since it is a local place. But just the usual apology. How about a whole lot less "Sorry" stop being sorry and start being better. Or be another former restaurant owner that drives down a street saying I used to have a place there, not sure what happened but it was there. The answer is menu/ recipe training plus the word sorry killed it. read more

I cannot even. My husband and I do not eat out very often, because we are both quite accomplished cooks, but I have to give Bodega a shout out. I had dinner tonight with a dear friend of mine, after far too long, because Covid. We ate ALL OF THE THINGS. Lamb meatballs, gnocchi, shrimp, french onion soup, the salad, probably so much more. The cocktails are fabulous, the wine selection is great, and DO NOT forget to cap off your night with a chocolate martini (or two). Is it a nightcap or some nightcaps? You decide. Honestly, I'm rarely impressed with restaurants, but this one? Pure gold. Give it a shot. read more

What I loved - the atmosphere; they did an outstanding job of renovating and tastefully decorating the space from the previous establishments. You definitely get European vibes, and I think this place complements Wake Forest nicely. Our server was attentive and pleasant. What I didn't love - it is really noisy. I was there on a Tuesday around 6:00 PM, and there were only two other tables for the first hour. But it was still incredibly difficult to carry on a conversation due to the acoustics, and unbearable by the time we left. The four plates we tried were good with the exception of the Brussel sprouts, which were overcooked. But pricey for the amount of food you get. I'm glad I tried it, but will probably only return if someone else really wants to go. Mainly due to the noise levels. read more

Been twice now and it's quickly become a favorite! The first time we came, had a really wonderful experience but did give some feedback about the food, and the next visit we ordered the same things and it was AMAZING! Love that the owners took the time to visit us and listen to our feedback with open minds. The truffled beef tartar, lamb meatballs, warm goat cheese dip and gnocchi are all to die for! And the pork belly, don't forget to order that! The wine and drink list is great! You can tell a lot of consideration, love and care was dedicated to it. There's a little something for everyone! Try the Empress... Yum!!! The space itself is gorgeous. Perfect for a date night or a girl's night out. The seats are comfortable and there's plenty of space between tables to freely and easily chat with your company. And last, but not least, the service is incredible! Super friendly, helpful, and attentive without being overbearing. Thank you, Bodega, for a great night out! read more

A wonderful array of tapas options in a cozy and comfortable neighborhood restaurant. Everyone in our party was delighted with every dish we tried. Especially though, the grilled octopus was outstanding and the escargot, exquisite. The atmosphere is suitable for a romantic date or gathering of friends as all the tapas (we ordered) were easy to share. read more

Beautiful atmosphere, albeit on the louder side as the evening went on. Excellent food. Pricey, though. Excellent customer service and table service. It was nice to be able to get a reservation two nights before, and Bodega accommodated one extra person by pulling another table up after we got there. Most places you can't get a reservation the same week and certainly not have extra people. Thanks, Bodega staff! I'll be back to try some more menu items! read more

100 percent just like Sapin. Owner is French !ND his goal is to make you feel "like you are in grandmother's kitchen: Good food, good wine, friendly people and relaxed". He does the best job! Love love love this place read more

FOOD- Great for Wake Forest! We had 11 entrees (for 5 adults, 1 kid) and there wasn't a bad one in the bunch. Wide variety of dishes that were all prepared nicely. They had everything from cheese plates, lamb dishes, seafood (grilled octopus was spot on), empanadas, crab stuffed peppers, ceviche, grilled shrimp, etc. ATMOSPHERE- A touch noisy but had a good vibe. I forgot I was in WF. Could be in any major city. DRINKS- Great wine selection. Half dozen beers on tap. Beers were 10oz. I heard praises about their sangria. PRICE- It's what you'd expect for tapas. Prepare to spend $25-30 p/person (including a cocktail). read more

We came here for dinner and were impressed to find this in Wake Forest. Although we did not have a reservation, we were seated quickly. Our server was friendly and provided great service throughout the night. The tapas were reasonably priced and the drinks were delicious. If you have never had tapas before make sure to order mor than one since they are small plates. read more

See all

What a great experience! Five, the guy in charge, was absolutely amazing. The food was delicious, the service was even better. From the moment you walk into the door, you know they care about you and your experience. Variety of great cocktails. The old Cuban was perfect! Scallop ceviche, goat cheese dip, airplane chicken, empanada and shrimp were all good. The smoked ribeye with chimichurri did not disappoint. While the food was good, what made this review 5 stars rather than 4, was the phenomenal attention, recommendations and service that we received. We will be back! read more

Bodega Tapas & Wine - Old Cuban paired with Ron Zacapa 23yr - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

See all

The food is innovative and tasty. We went on a busy Saturday night and the noise level was excruciatingly high. We had the NC shrimp,$13; Grilled asparagus & clams, $9.50, Stuffed peppers, $7.00; Paella arancini, $8.00; Empanadas, $5.00. All were excellent though I would probably skip the asparagus & clams next time as the clams were tiny. read more

See all

This place is a bit of a hidden gem in my opinion. The food is always so delicious, and different than most places nearby so a really great treat. The drinks are 100/10. Finally, the service is excellent! I love coming here when my fiancé and I want a date night. read more

We have visited Bodega a few times and always loved it. Now that we are in the midst of the pandemic, we decided to pick up from Bodega this past Saturday night for a special 'date night'. While it might not seem like the typical kind of food for pick up/take out at first glance - it turned out to be an absolutely amazing experience! The food was all fabulous as usual! Some of our faves are the goat cheese dip, flat iron steak, brussel sprouts, salad, and the serano ham dish. And the chocolate mousse was amazing!. Plus the food was all packed in 100% green containers, so no guilt about styrofoam! This turned out to be such a wonderful meal and very welcome break from the typical take out and home cooked meals we've had lately. Thank you Bodega!!!! So glad we have this great restaurant in Wake Forest and glad to be able to support them! read more

Bodega Tapas & Wine - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

See all

Chef Nunzio just keeps perfecting the food here. Everything is so fresh and prepared expertly. The salads are crisp and delectable, the appetizers are delicious, the swordfish is so fresh that you look for a boat!!! The flat iron steak is what dreams are made of ... perfectly grilled and tender. The cannoli were the best we have had, crispy and creamy. Please, if you haven't treated yourself yet.....go. You won't be sorry. The atmosphere is romantic, the service is professional and the food is divine. read more

See all

This is our special occasion go-to restaurant. The food is so unique and delicious. Highly recommend.

Great romantic atmosphere for a date night out! Food is in tapas format so you'll likely need to order several items to eat your fill. Everything is carefully presented and delicious! Huge wine selection and warm servers will make you want to stay for a while! read more

Best food we've had in Wake county in a long time. Lamb meatballs were sublime and the Buratatouille was amazing. (Ask for crackers). Wonderful wine selection and well balanced cocktails. Great service. Worth a drive to Wake Forest from Raleigh. Don't miss this place! read more

Great place. Food was awesome. Mekhi was an outstanding server. White sangria is a must !! Definitely be back to try the rest of the menu !! read more

See all

Loved this place! It is mostly a tapas restaurant, though there are a couple of entrées on the menu. There are a lot of drinks to choose from as well as a good selection of wines. The server was very knowledgeable and efficient. The owner came over and made sure that we were having an enjoyable meal there as well. They have a few outdoor tables to enjoy in the nice weather. Went here for a girls night, and we will definitely be back! read more

C'est une expérience Incroyable et formidable ! Chef Serge ( nee Chef at St.Jacques- #1 French restaurant for two years in US when he was Chef ) is at his marvelous best from the time he greets you with his beaming smile and warm embrace leading you to the wonderfully unique and cozy ambiance restaurant which boasts a fantastic collection of wines , rum and liqueurs to boot . Starting off with his innovative and signature dish the Crème Brûlée Foie Gras which floors even the folks who don't particularly relish Foie Gras , to the Peruvian Chicken , Guajilo Shrimp , the amazing caramalized Brussel sprouts ,the unputdownable Arancini, and any of his other innovative creations all made with what he calls his most important ingredient - love ! Chef Serge indeed is the epitome of love , big heartendeness and all that's good in the this world ! So wonderful to have you as an part integral part of our community here at Wake Forest . Merci Beau coup Mon Ami read more

Food was good, but not amazing, considering the price. Small plates really should be $1-2 less. Also it was very noisy, they could use some soft surfaces to bring the noise down. read more

Had dinner here tonight-first time back in a year. Everything was even better than we remembered-could not pick out our favorite dish! Service was exceptional! Support a local Wake Forest restaurant and have a great meal! read more

Great food ! Serge the French owner ànd chef is friendly and the tapas are delicious and so are the choices of wines beer and desserts. Great ambience and inexpensive! Been there twice and looking forward to going back! read more

See all

This is a welcome addition to the downtown Wake Forest area! The cocktails (and bartender, Joe) are fantastic! With new twists on classics, it's has a special occasion feel with a neighborhood vibe. Food is excellent; amazing and creative flavors. Hard to believe they come out of that small kitchen! Server was excellent, too. Sorry, that I do not remember his name. Clean, great decor, it was an all around 5 Star meal and experience! read more

The best crafty food and tapas restaurant in North Raleigh/ Wake Forest area. The service is always wonderful and the food has great variety, always well prepared. read more

Love Bodega- Serg is so friendly and the have a great tapas menu as well as an impressive wine and cocktail list. Highly recommend!

Great date night spot. Went here and had a few different cocktails and some food from the tapas menu it was all excellent *chefs kiss*

The food and drinks were really incredible when we went. The service at the time was very, very slow and that is why I give 4 instead of 5 stars. read more

The food and drinks were so good! We can't wait to come back and finish trying everything we didn't have room for tonight!

Everything is delicious! Wonderful service and ambience! My favorite place to go for date night!

Atmosphere 10. Food 9, wine and drinks 9. The tapas were amazing and delicious. The star was the foie Gras creme Brule. Arrancini. French onion soup was delicious. I did not have one bad dish here. Enjoyed the Cuvee as well read more

So delicious! We sat outside since it was a relatively cool evening and there was a gentleman playing guitar on the sidewalk. Our waitress was so nice, made great recommendations and was attentive especially for being outside. The owner checked on us as well and we asked for his favorites on the menu, they did not disappoint. The absolute best plate we ate all evening was the Peruvian chicken special, we even ordered a second round of it. I hope they add it to the menu permanently. The other items we ordered were the octopus, scallop ceviche, lamb meatballs, gnocchi, creme brûlée (so good!) and apple dessert. Everything was so great, we will absolutely be back again soon! read more

Eh. AC was broken. Room was really loud. Good service. Good wine. Overpriced "corn" salad. Gnocchi had the taste like it had been microwaved to be warmed. Pork belly was great. Tuna was good. Left hungry and the bill was $51. read more

Excellent food, wine, and service. Our party of 12 tried almost every item on the menu and it was all delicious. My favorites were the empanadas and gnocchi. The wine selections were great. I loved the location and atmosphere. read more

Went here tonight with a friend and the food was amazing!! We shared a couple tapas together, the lamb meatballs were moist and flavorful. Though my favorite were the arancini, so soft and creamy with a perfect balance of flavor! We also shared the warm apple date cake, loved the rum flavor with the warm spices. Can not wait to go back!!! read more

Went for the outdoor dining and they turned on 2 huge heaters for us. Great customer service, table of 8 was served pretty fast. The portions are pretty small so you'll have to order many plates to be filled. I don't reccomend the foie gras creme brulee read more

The idea of this place is really cool for a small town like WF. The problem is you can't hear yourself think. There is absolutely zero sound absorption. Some places are noisy, but this place is ridiculously loud. The service was good, the small plates we had were ok, but terribly overpriced. i.e. 3 dates for $7. There's NO WAY others aren't thinking the same thing. read more

Great atmosphere with a delicious array of specialty foods. It's a great local spot for Wake Forest.

Love this place! Food and service was top notch! We had the sprouts, cheese board and ceviche all of which were creative and delicious! Wine list is long with some delicious wines to try! I will be back read more

Went here with family and really enjoyed it. Tapas are delicious. Service was fantastic and personable, and the atmosphere lovely.