La Bodega is another brick in the wall of excellence that today characterises Ranelagh as one of the most dynamic food destinations in Dublin.

Ever since they got the doors of this narrow but cavernous room open in 2010, they have won both customers and critical acclaim with a tapas offering that has been tweaked for Irish tastes – larger servings rather than small bites – but which otherwise summons the tastes of Iberia with terrific precision and success.

McKenna Guides

John & Sally McKennaMcKenna Guides

I thought the portion of Spanish omelette was one of the best I’ve eaten; so often it becomes a dry, hard slab of protein, but here it was succulent and full of flavour. For me, it was the best dish of the night. Last, I got around to the lamb’s kidneys cooked with sherry. These, too, made a well-done dish, the kidneys a little undercooked as I like them, and with just enough flavour of sherry coming through.

Taste of Ireland

Paolo TullioTaste of Ireland

My most recent discovery was La Bodega Wine & Tapas Bar in Ranelagh. What’s the story with Ranelagh… I’ve been eating there for years but there’s ALWAYS somewhere I haven’t tried yet! Right on the main street you’ll find this gorgeous spot, spacious and light with fab furnishings and dotted with beautiful antique-ish mirrors – the perfect spot for a few glasses of vino and some sharing dishes over a catch up!

Kate’s Kabin

Kate Louise BarryKate's Kabin

We’ve been to La Bodega several times and while I like the comfortably darkened interior with its mismatched seating, a summer Sunday evening felt more suitable to eating al fresco. On Sundays, live guitar music fills the dining room, gently wrapping the diners in the magic of Spain. The corridor out to the terrace passes the kitchen area but then opens up in a lovely area with raised decking, faux grass, fairy lights and lanterns. Baskets of rugs are positioned around the space so that diners can wrap themselves up when evenings get too cold.

Stitch & Bear

Joanne CroninStitch & Bear