Charming setting. Very small
1 / 10

Cava Bodega

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A vibrant Spanish tapas bar in Galway, renowned for its extensive selection of regional dishes and an impressive Spanish wine and sherry list.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Charming setting. Very small

Cava Bodega

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant Spanish tapas bar in Galway, renowned for its extensive selection of regional dishes and an impressive Spanish wine and sherry list.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"One of the best restaurants I’ve been to in a long while and the presentation was amazing. Can’t recommend enough!"

TIP

Reservations Recommended

Book your table in advance to guarantee a spot at this popular tapas bar.

Sit Near the Kitchen

Dine near the kitchen for a view of the food preparation process.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 3PM

Cuisine

Spanish

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+353 91 539 884

Address

1 Middle St, Galway, H91 AF89, Ireland

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Over 70 Regional Tapas

Over 70 Regional Tapas

Experience an extensive selection of over 70 regional Spanish tapas, all made from the finest local and artisanal ingredients.

Gastronomic Galway - 10 of the best dining experiences in Galway CityGalway's best tapas, cocktail and craft...Dinner Archives - Page 4 of 5
Tantalizing Tapas Creations

Tantalizing Tapas Creations

Savor standout dishes like Leeks with hazelnuts, Churros with dark chocolate, and Goat cheese & sweet potato croquettes.

Google Review
Flavorful Confit Pork Belly

Flavorful Confit Pork Belly

Indulge in the rich Confit Pork Belly, perfectly complemented by an apple compote and thyme gel.

Google Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

one thing about me is i'll never turn down spanish food🙂‍↕️#foodie #foodreview #restaurantreview #cavabodega #galway #eatwithme #eatingshow
@grwmthehouse
89 likes • 2.4K views

Reservations Recommended

Book your table in advance to guarantee a spot at this popular tapas bar.

Sit Near the Kitchen

Dine near the kitchen for a view of the food preparation process.

Food spot in Galway 📍Cava bodega A tapas restaurant, I recommend you try it! #galway #galwaygirl #ireland #visitireland #CapCut #food #restaurant #tapas #spot
@frenchgalwaygirl
31 likes • 2.6K views
Scallops, black pudding and cauliflower puree. Just one of the many great tapas dishes available at Cava Bodega in Galway. Make sure you check it out #tapas #spanishtapas #foodtok #galwayfood
@richardhazell1
4 likes • 622 views

Try Chef's Recommendations

Consider ordering recommended dishes like octopus or lamb shoulder for a stellar experience.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

For a more relaxed dining experience, consider visiting during less busy times.

Another few days spent in my second home now Galway ☘️ Places to eat 😋 📍 Cava Bodega, Middle St. Tapas and wine bar 10/10 📍 Èan, Bakery Restaurant and Wine bar. Bakeries 🥐 📍 Goyas, Kirwan’s Lane. 📍 Bake Box. Fresh bread and loads of different options for sweet and savoury #bakery #galway #visitireland #foodtiktok #foodlover #galwayfood #tapas #pastriesbakery #streetfood #tourismireland #irela...
@aislinnmuckian
224 likes • 7.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Reservations Recommended

Book your table in advance to guarantee a spot at this popular tapas bar.

Sit Near the Kitchen

Dine near the kitchen for a view of the food preparation process.

Try Chef's Recommendations

Consider ordering recommended dishes like octopus or lamb shoulder for a stellar experience.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

For a more relaxed dining experience, consider visiting during less busy times.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cava Bodega is widely praised for its exceptional Spanish tapas, friendly service, and lively atmosphere. Diners rave about the flavorful dishes and recommend dishes like the goat cheese croquettes and lamb shoulder. While most reviews are glowing, a few patrons have found the food to be just 'okay' and lacking in strong flavors, though presentation is generally appreciated.

"We've been here before and will definitely be back again! The food and drinks were really tasty, and the service is excellent. They're also happy to pack up any leftovers, which is a great bonus. Highly recommend for a delicious meal and experience."

Niamh Fitzgerald

"Oh my god were we blown away with this restaurant! The inside of the restaurant was cozy and charming with a lively atmosphere. The service was very friendly and helpful without trying to over serve you. The food was absolutely delicious and a 10/10! One of the best restaurants I’ve been to in a long while and the presentation was amazing. Can’t recommend enough!"

Monique Lesieur

"We decided to try this place while in Galway for my birthday. The food was amazing! We had some jamon iberico to start with. A very large platter with all sort of accompaniments. Just lovely. Then we had the lamb shoulder and pork belly accompanied with some spinach and patatas bravas. Everything was so good, especially the spinach, just a simple dish with excellent flavors. The lamb with polenta and pork belly were so flavorful and just melted in our mouths. I then had some pear and quince sorbet for dessert. It was a fun experience, have never tried anything like it before. The service was also very good, we did not have to wait long for the food and the plates came as soon as they were ready. Would recomend this place to anyone visiting Galway."

Rakel Sara Björnsdóttir

What People Like

Authentic and flavorful tapas
Friendly and attentive service
Lively and charming atmosphere

What People Dislike

Occasional lack of flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

Cava Bodega specializes in Spanish cuisine, with a particular focus on a wide variety of regional tapas.

Gastronomic Galway - 10 of the best dining experiences in Galway CityGalway's best tapas, cocktail and craft...

Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak times, as the restaurant is very popular.

TikTok

Popular recommendations include the goat cheese & sweet potato croquettes, lamb shoulder, pork belly, and patatas bravas.

Google Review+1

Yes, the menu features a dedicated section for vegetarian tapas, alongside other plant-based options.

Gastronomic Galway - 10 of the best dining experiences in Galway City

The restaurant has a warm, cozy, and lively atmosphere, making it great for both intimate dinners and group gatherings.

Google Review

For an engaging dining experience, consider sitting near the kitchen area to observe the food preparation.

Mentioned in

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Cava Bodega sits close to the Spanish Arch, the part of Galway’s ancient walls where in medieval times ships from the Iberian Peninsula moored to sell their cargo of spices and wine. These days Cava Bodega offers the best tapas in Ireland, with a well thought out wine list to accompany them. The menu is broken down into vegetarian, fish, meat and sweet, and given it’s the brainchild of JP McMahon of Aniar, expect a few flavoursome surprises like pig’s head fritters or scallops served with local black pudding.

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Tapping into Galway's past as a major trading post for Spain, chef--owners JP McMahon and Drigin Gaffey bring all the favorite aspects of authentic Spanish cuisine and wine while also serving excellent local produce in this vibrant and warm Galway hot spot. More than 50 regional tapas served family-style at large, wooden communal tables are the heart of this restaurant filled with Spanish flavors and Irish produce and heart. There is an impressive craft beer and wine menu to accompany the food choices.

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Cava Bodega’s interior is warm and intimate without being overly deferential to tradition. Similarly, their food balances a respect for the Spanish institution of tapas with a bold assurance in stepping out of the expected, giving an air of confidence that you – and your taste buds – are in safe hands. The extensive menu comes with thoughtful beer and wine pairings, and although Spanish wines dominate the beverage options here, you will have plenty of choices.

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The award-winning tapas restaurant Cava Bodega has been setting the scene for romantic date nights for over a decade now. It showcases the best of Spanish food and wine, in particular the global phenomena of tapas. Featuring over 70 regional Spanish tapas, and a drinks menu is entirely devoted to Spanish wine and sherry with a focus on natural and organic wines, Cava Bodega is the perfect setting for all wine and nibbles dining experiences and because great food is best shared with friends we suggest you contact that person you have been intending to catch up with and book in for a lovely evening at Cava Bodega.1 Middle Street / more here

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The award-winning Cava showcases the very best of Spanish food and wine, in particular the global phenomena of tapas. JP and Drigín first experienced the variety of Spanish food while travelling in Spain and decided to share their love of the cuisine and the Spanish style of eating by opening Cava in 2008. They have visited Spanish restaurants all over the world to ensure that customers experience a true taste of Spain, using the finest Spanish ingredients with the best local and artisan produce available in Galway.

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One of our favourite discoveries in Galway, this intimate and award-winning tapas bar is super popular among locals and visitors alike. Celebrating the best for Spanish cooking, Cava Bodega specialises in food made for sharing, creating a casual and relaxed atmosphere with food that you’ll be craving for the rest of your life!. Their menu showcases over 70 different types of tapas from different regions and all their fish, meat and produce is locally sourced, meaning you’re getting Galway’s best.

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This ever popular and cosy eatery with a lively style focuses, unsurprisingly, on the Spanish food and wine in the traditional tapas style so it is a perfect gastronomic experience for those you like to share. Cava offers a wide number of regional Spanish tapas and Spanish wines that lend perfectly to a great dining experience. It is also worth remembering you can drop by for a glass of sherry and a selection Spanish charcuterie while out enjoying your afternoon in town at the weekend.

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McEvoy, a Cavan man, is the chef who brought Michelin stars to Galway, first at Aniar in 2013 and then again in his own restaurant, Loam, in 2015. Kildare man McMahon is chef patron of three restaurants in Galway — Cava, Tartare and Aniar, with another on the way. Along with his business partner Drigín Gaffey, he also set up the ambitious food symposium Food on the Edge in 2015, which has brought some of the biggest names in food from around the world to Galway.

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Cava Bodega was established in 2008 by JP McMahon and Drigín Gaffey in order to bring something new to Galway and celebrate Spanish cooking. Due to our award-winning food and laid back feel, Cava Bodega soon became very popular among locals and tourists alike. Cava Bodega is a great example of the international trend for good ethical casual food in a shared environment- with tapas, food is passed around the table in a communal style.

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Café Bodega showcases the best of Spanish food and wine, using fresh Irish and local ingredients. Established in 2008 with the aim to bring something new to Galway and celebrate Spanish cuisine, Cava Bodega has become an award winning restaurant, while still maintaining its laid back ambiance. The highlight of the menu is the extensive range of Tapas with over 70 regional options.

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The interior of Cava Bodega is warm and intimate without being too deferential to custom. It is one of the most popular restaurants in Galway. Likewise, their cuisine combines an appreciation for the Spanish tapas institution with the brazen promise that they will move out of their expectations, offering an air of trust that you – and your taste buds – are in safe hands.

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From the moment I stepped foot into this charming restaurant, I knew I was in for an extraordinary dining experience. The ambience is simply delightful, with warm lighting and rustic decor that transports you to the heart of Catalonia. As my evening unfolded, it became evident that Cava Bodega excels not only in its atmosphere but also in its culinary creations.

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Sometimes, you just need a taste of the Mediterranean, and Cava Bodega brings Spain to the streets of the Galway city. Their tapas selection is a fiesta of flavors, with small plates and main courses allowing you to sample a variety of Spanish delights. From patatas bravas to chorizo al vino, you’ll be transported to the vibrant streets of Barcelona.

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Middle Street Mews, 1 Middle Street, Galway +353 (0)91 539 884 Map. A taste of Spain in The West of Ireland. Cava Bodega is heralded as having the best tapas in Ireland with their Mediterranean and European menu famous for representing the many aspects of regional Spanish cooking – vegetables & pulses, shellfish & seafood and a wide range of meats.

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Situated on Middle Street in Galway city, the award-winning Cava showcases the very best of Spanish food and wine, in particular the global phenomena of tapas. Jp and Drigín first experienced the variety of Spanish food while travelling in Spain and decided to share their love of the cuisine and the Spanish style of eating by opening Cava in 2008.

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Find fine, contemporary, seasonal Italian dishes at Il Vicolo, Spanish tapas at Cava Bodega and interesting Irish small plates with natural wines at the Universal. Brand new to the west end this month is Darog, a wine bar with food from Zsolt Lukacs, the longtime Aniar sommelier, with the fine dining chef Attila Galambos in the kitchen.

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Located on Middle Street, this is the perfect spot to unwind with a bottle of Spanish wine and tapas. While you’ll be just a few streets away from the lively Galway nights, Cava Bodega is incredibly intimate and warm. This Michelin reviewed restaurant has struck a balance between traditional Spanish and innovative tapas and dishes.

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It’s no wonder that Cava Bodega has won multiple awards over the years, what with their ability to showcase the very best food and wine that Spain has to offer. Except in this case, of course, it comes with an Irish twist. Get ready to be treated like family and soak up the jovial atmosphere that is created as a result.

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Galway has many places that offer wonderful small plates packed with flavour. Éan, our own Cava Bodega, and Daróg showcase the best of Galway food through the guise of the small plate. Fast and casual with great wine lists, you can try and fit them all in on a single evening mid-week for a wonderful taste of Galway.

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This award-winning restaurant showcases only the best of Spanish cuisine and wine. Showcasing over 70 different tapas dishes, this is the perfect place for outdoor dining in Galway if heading here with friends. The laid back vibes combined with the tasty offerings make Cava Bodega THE place to be.

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Chef JP McMahon is arguably the current godfather of Galway’s dining scene, with Michelin-starred Aniar under his belt as well as Eat at Massimo; this is his more casual outpost, tapas restaurant Cava Bodega on Middle Street (the opposite end to Dough Bros).

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Cava Bodega takes on a journey to Spain with Spanish cuisine, drinks, and style. They also support local farmers and are known for their fresh and organic ingredients. The atmosphere of the restaurant is also warm and vibrant.

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Cava Bodega is located in the prime city centre location of Middle Street in Galway City. Cava Bodega first opened its doors in 2008 by JP McMahon and Drigín Gaffney with the goal of introducing new flavours to Galway & ....

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Owned by JP McMahon and Drigín Gaffey, Aniar is the fine-dining sister restaurant of Cava Bodega and Tartare Café + Wine Bar. The restaurant has held a Michelin star since 2013 for its innovative and ever-changing menus.

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This inconspicuous premises on Middle Street is the new home for JP McMahon and Drigín Gaffey's Cava Bodega, a welcome reincarnation of the popular Cava formerly on the West side of the Corrib.

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Freshly made and served on a board with hot chocolate sauce, chocolate ice cream and the most honey flavoured honeycomb. Make sure you leave room for some after dinner!

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Paella for 2 and 2 glasses of sherry for €30 during Paella Week!

World Paella Day will be celebrated in Galway this year with a week of paellas being served at Cava Bodega, culminating in a tasting event on Sunday, 24 September.

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