La Bodega

We didn't have reservation and the place was full. The owner was super nice and found us seats at the bar. The view of the bartender preparing all of the pretty drinks was a show! They were full and seemed under-staffed but the drinks came quickly and we enjoyed these while waited to order and for the dishes to come. We had the pan con tomatoes, grilled octopus, wild mushrooms and empanadas. All fantastic but the octopus was the best. Definitely a return visit needed to try out the duck that everyone recommends.

This is a real gem off the beaten path in Watertown. The food is of exceptional quality and the service top notch. You can't go wrong no matter what you order. Even things you might not think you will like are so well prepared and composed you will be surprised. A couple of suggestions include the duck (must be ordered day in advance!) and the desserts - you've got to save a little room for these! Great place for everything from a gathering of friends to a formal work celebration to an intimate date night. Finally their drinks are exceptional in both creativity and preparation.

Lovely food and ambient! Everything was great and flavorful. Really recommend to try their Uruguayan vermouth and wine! Beef empanadas and octopus were delicious. This was our first time, we are definitely coming back

We were brought here by our friends living in Boston during our holiday. The highlight is definitely the roasted duck. Crispy skin and the inside is just super tender and juicy! Will come back again the next time if we ever go Boston 😌

The atmosphere of this place is perfect for a first date or a friends night out. The food is fresh and delicious. I loved the Wood Grilled Spanish Wild Octopus 🐙. It was charred and so flavorful yet soft on the inside. The Parrilla Completa came with Wood Grilled Ribeye 🍖, Pork Sausage and Free Range Chicken and they were all so soft and flavorful. The place gets quite busy so the service can be kind of slow but the workers here are so cheerful and sweet. The portions are quite small for the price but they are definitely worth a try, especially in such a beautiful and aesthetic restaurant/bar.

Came here for date night and it was fabulous! Sat at the bar since we didn’t have reservations and order some apps, entrees, and fab desserts. The wine and drink options are always great!

I wish I took more pics of the drinks and food, but snagged one of the duck. Server was professional and the owner/hostess was so kind and personable. Drinks were so good, very adventurous in a cool way. Food was similarly adventurous but approachable. We shared so many different things and nothing was less than very good. Octopus stood out, as did the carrots of all things. Loved the duck, loved the chicken and whatever sauce it came in. We sat at a table, but the bar is huge and pretty impressive.

Lovely atmosphere and tasty bites. We were captivated by the duck but it was so much and we wished we had tried more small plates.

My husband and I came here for a date night. We didn't have a reservation so we had to wait a bit because it was so packed. We were seated in the section of the restaurant remodeled out of an old train car. It was dimly lit with a lovely ambiance, and we had a beautiful view of snow covered bushes. We got the sweet potato, beef empanadas, and the parilla completa, as well as a sangria. The empanadas came out first, and was a nice way to kick off the meal. The portion size was good and the beef was well flavored. I also really liked the fresh salsa on the side. The only thing I would've liked better was if the crust was crispier and less doughy. The sweet potato was simply delicious. It was half a grilled sweet potato with a thin layer of ricotta, seasoned with crunchy quinoa, sunflower seeds, and pomegranate seeds. It was a well-crafted dish whose ingredients, though simple, when blended together, allowed each flavor to shine. Finally, the parilla completa came out. Chicken, ribeye, and pork sausage, all beautifully marinated and so tender. The sauce was tangy and flavorful, complementing each meat well. Fantastic! For dessert we got the cheesecake and an espresso. It was so decadent and creamy, the dulce de leche pairing well with the bitterness of the espresso. At the end of our meal, the owner even gave us complimentary dulce de leche coconut cookies to apologize for the wait (even though it was barely 10 minutes). She was so kind and welcoming the entire night, adding to the cozy, warm atmosphere. This was a wonderful experience and we would highly recommend la bodega to friends and family!

I love a good cocktail bar or speakeasy--the vibe and atmosphere always draw me in, and I'm obsessed with that experience. The moment I saw the sign outside, I knew I had to check it out. A local restaurant recommended this spot, raving about their extensive cocktail list, and they weren't wrong! La Bodega is inside what looks like a greenhouse, giving it a unique and cozy charm. It's definitely family-owned--you can tell by how friendly everyone is and the way they interact with each other and the guests. I highly recommend sitting at the bar so you can watch the bartenders craft their drinks. The cocktails weren't particularly strong, but they were beautifully made and tasted great. As someone who eats gluten-free (not by choice), I noticed there were some options, though I didn't end up trying any.

Fine dining tapas style. I thought some dishes were incredible, but most were average. There was little to explanation as the dishes came out, and the waitstaff (although very professional) seemed cold. We also ordered the duck whole (needs two day advance) and it was dry. The meat plate (sausage, ribeye, and chicken) were great though. Most juicy chicken and loved the Chimichurri over it all. Some sides were average like the grilled shishito, mushrooms. Some sides were incredible like the corn soup, the cheese, and tomato with bread (lovely fresh tomatoes). Overall it was fine but overpriced

I recently went to La Bodega for a date night, and despite not having a reservation, they kindly accommodated us at the bar, which we really appreciated. The place was full, and the front-of-house staff were exceptionally friendly. We started with empanadas, which were absolutely delicious. We also tried the carrot dish, which was fresh. For our mains, we had the flounder plate--the skin was crispy while the inside was incredibly soft and tasty. We also had the steak with chimichurri, which is an absolute must-have. I enjoyed a delicious drink (I forgot the name) that had a unique garnish of cheese and guava paste. For dessert, we had a sweet and satisfying treat to end the meal. I love this place and thoroughly enjoyed trying authentic Uruguayan food, which is hard to find in Boston. I highly recommend La Bodega for a unique dining experience!

Nice cocktails and an aesthetic bar area inside a greenhouse structure right as you enter La Bodega. The other half of the restaurant is in a re-purposed train car with a partially low ceiling and dim lighting which makes for a uniquely intimate date spot. Service was top-notch, even wiping crumbs off the table for you between tapas plates. I enjoyed the cocktails: The "Caipirinha" was very lime-forward and fun. The drink glass comes topped with cotton candy that melts away as they pour the cocktail in. The Passion Fruit cocktail was deliciously sweet. Unfortunately, the food was just OK and not worth the prices. It does appear that their menu has downsized from the past and feels limited.

What a lovely surprise in Watertown! If you have a chance, I highly recommend making reservations for dinner here. The structure is super interesting and you will be dining in either a part of a converted greenhouse or train. It's worth a visit to see how they converted the spaces into a restaurant. The menu is not too extensive nor crazy, but they have a nice assortment of small eats and mains. We ordered the duck, which needs to be reserved in advance and a few small plates of carrots, squash, and octopus. The octopus was absolutely delightful and soft! The duck was delicious and came with stuffing, which reminded me of Thanksgiving! Overall, it was a great experience dining at La Bodega, and I hope to return!

Food was not just good but AMAZING. Real Spanish style tapas. The owner were clearly the couple who run the whole place like a well oiled machine. They were so personable, gave amazing service and so sweet. The ambiance was so enjoyable, the all glass roof in one room and an old train car in the other. We had the most amazing time, every single thing was delicious, drinks, food, dessert! Awesome will be back many more times. Although it is not easy to make a reservation online, call in and make one on a busy night. It's so worth it.

Loved pretty much everything I had, but my favorite dish was the the flounder with hazelnuts and the chocolate tart with raspberries. Service was also spot on. Can't wait to go back!

Amazing dinner spot for date night or a girl's night out! The restaurant itself has a very cozy dim atmosphere and the host and waiter were very nice. We ordered 4 items for a party of two and it was plenty! The most exceptional were the octopus, flounder, and wild mushrooms! So flavorful! The only item I wouldn't get again is their provolone with bread. Bread was kinda hard and provolone was also hard and no cheese pull. Also their passionfruit mocktail was a major hit for me! I'd definitely come again.

One of the most enjoyable meals I have had in quite a while. The pulpo ( octupus) was excelente, as was the ribeye, pork sausage and wild mushroom. The service was great with one the owners coming by our table and providing a great deal of information about the food and the history of the restaurant. The restaurant is very charming and great place to spend a night out. I highly recommend La Bodega.

Fabulous experience here. One of our dinner mates said it was the best meal he's had in Boston. I was really excited that some of our dinner mates had thought ahead enough to order the duck (which needs to be ordered 48 hrs in advance). The skin was crispy, the meat had a delicious sweetness to it... just great. It reminded my boyfriend of Thanksgiving the way it was presented, with bread stuffing. A South American meal doesn't feel complete without an empanada for me- so I had to order that (I love that it comes with the hard boiled egg inside). The apps we enjoyed the most were the beet salad and the mushrooms. The service was seamless- no cup was left empty, and everything was quickly switched out throughout the meal- no small feat for such a large group. What shined the most in the desserts for me was the basque cheesecake, and the dulce de leche on the side of various desserts. What a perfect dessert garnish. Finally, you should definitely order a cocktail, because they are show stopping. The caipirinha is poured through cotton candy. Gives it an extra sweetness and cool sugary texture when you sip it.

We visited La Bodega for my sister's SPECIAL (40) birthday, and the experience was beyond disappointing. We informed the staff ahead of time that it was a milestone celebration and hoped they'd make her feel special. Instead, the service was awful and far from celebratory. To make matters worse, I found a hair in my beet salad and brought it to their attention. Rather than handle the situation professionally, the manager returned with the plate in her hand, placed it on the table, and claimed no one in the kitchen had hair, essentially blaming me or someone at our table. It was rude, humiliating, and completely unacceptable. The food itself was just okay, but the portions were absurdly small--even for tapas. Honestly, be prepared to leave HUNGRY if you eat here. Given the lack of care, unprofessionalism, and overall poor experience, I wouldn't recommend La Bodega for a special occasion--or for anything at all. Also the manager, came back not even to check in on us, but to take plates of our hands, the drinks took forever, and our server was absent most of the time. I would NEVER return here.

This is one of the best restaurants in the Boston/Cambridge area. They are run by a couple that cares about their cultural representation through wine and food. They are so talented that each little tapas-like dish is an experience. My wife & I come here for two reasons: first, to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, and second, to impress our friends. We get an Ecuadorian wine that they recommend that goes perfectly with the appetizers and the meal. This is after an ideal little cocktail from their specialty list. For us, it's a neighborhood place, but it is always special. The service is run by the owners, and everything runs like clockwork. This is a very good restaurant that we sometimes just come have an app and a drink at. I feel so privileged that it's located in my neighborhood. We often order the duck two days before required, and it is so worth the wait and the effort. For my birthday I love sitting in the train car! Though I'm a barfly usually, anyplace here is lovely. Treat yourself and come have a dining experience.

Phenomenal in all ways. Well worth traveling for if you're from out of town too. Highly recommend ordering several dishes and sharing.

Good were petty good, would like to go back again. This place is cute. Has lot of staffs however the service is little slow. Overall had good time there.

Walking into the lush greenhouse, with the steel train car visible through the wall of glass, is the first time you'll get knocked out. The second time is when the food arrives. The tapas are clever, putting things like chimichurri in places you wouldn't expect, but not so clever that you need to ask Siri about ten dollar words. Every time I've gone with people who range from militant carnivores to vegetarians it's been fun to explore the menu. All the high reviews are well deserved.

Been wanting to try this place. Came on a Friday night without reservations and we got lucky. Very cool concept. There are 2 sides to the restaurant. The bar side is more open, the camper side has lower ceilings and can get very loud. But once inside, you do not feel like you're in Watertown. They are short on staff (as is most places), so be patient. Our server was very attentive and friendly. Despite being busy, he kept a smile on his face. We were torn between the meat sampler plate and the whole duck. But then realized the duck needs to be ordered at least 48 hours in advance. But our server told us they had 1 reservation of the duck canceled so we got lucky! We ordered it right away. It takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare. They de- bone it as well. The skin was perfectly crisp and the meat was very tender and not dry. The whole duck can serve 3-4 people. The corn soup was surprisingly very flavorful and light. The wood grilled octopus was light, flavorful and not too chewy. The wild mushrooms had a variety of mushrooms and was a bit salty. The basque cheesecake was different than the standard. Not what we expected, wasn't too heavy and not too sweet. Will definitely be back and try other things on the menu.

The cutest place! A must try! All items are shareable and so good!! Feels like you are in a different city when you step in here

Not what it used to be , half the menu is missing from the first time we were there and the food wasn't impressive , small portions and more expensive

Such an aesthetic restaurant in Watertown. The interior alone is beautiful, it's designed to look like a train with a garden separating the two rooms. The food was decent, but you're paying more for the aesthetics. Honestly overpriced for what you get. The one dish I find myself thinking about the most is their Basque Cheesecake. It was sweet, creamy, and the hints of candied lemon and blueberry were so refreshing. The servers were also courteous and welcoming.

Went for dinner on a Friday night. Had a reservation so no trouble getting seated. They have 2 seating areas, one next to the bar and one in a refurbished rail car attached by 2 small walkways. We were given a choice as to where we would like to sit and chose the rail car. The seating is tight but not squished. It is a little on the noisy side but it is a lively, happy noisy so did not really disturb. The signature cocktails were exceptional and, particularly in the case of the caipirinha, very interestingly presented. Food is tapas style, delicious, and beautifully presented. Next time I will try to plan ahead and order the duck which requires a 48 hour lead-time. The service was excellent, timely and, despite the fact that the restaurant was clearly full and busy, never rushed. Our waiter was one of the owners and very helpful with menu and wine choices. I had never had Uruguayan wine before. It was a treat. Sadly, we are from out of town and will not likely be back for a while. The next time, though, I hope to come during the warmer months to experience the gardens.

As soon as you step inside La Bodega, you're transported into a greenhouse-like environment. Tasteful decor, soft lighting, and plenty of plants make this tucked-away spot feel like home. The menu features unique small plates. There is plenty variety. Each dish we had was spectacular. The chicken (pictured) was the juiciest I've ever put in my mouth. The drinks passing by looked fantastic - will have to try one next time. Service was swift and attentive. I appreciate being checked in by who looked like the manager! La Bodega deserves more accolades! A+

Delicious food, excellent service, and a fun setting. I highly recommend ordering the duck which requires 48 hours notice, or asking if they have any extra when you're there. It is amazing. Other than that, we have yet to try something we haven't liked (including the smoked cocktails)

Awesome place with friendly atmosphere, delicious food and absolutely incredible cocktails. Highly recommend !

Truly amazing. who knew there was Uruguayan tapas? Our only disappointment was that we couldn't try everything on the menu, which was totally different than the one on-line. Service was impeccable. The Uruguay red wines were very nice, complex but not heavy. There are two sections to the restaurant -- a metal dining car and a bar with tables, where we were seated. The roasted winter squash with Uruguay sausage was the newest to our taste buds and delicious. Our dark chocolate tart with raspberries was perfectly sized, not too sweet, and the raspberries tasted fresh picked. We'll be back! On street parking can be challenging at times.

Awesome food and service! Great small plates! Lived the basque cheesecake! The atmosphere very inviting and cozy. Would come back for sure!

Quite a pleasant surprise for the tasty tapas served here: the sirloin was excellent, the sausage was very good, and the chicken was above average. The decor was done nicely, and using an old diner car as part of the restaurant was charming. The location is off the beaten path, but not far.

The food is absolutely amazing! I came for a work dinner and it couldn't have gone better. We had an early reservation because of a schedules and we hung out from 5:30-8:30 no problem. Service was attentive and prompt. The woman who came to check on us (not our waiter) had a very friendly attitude and made us feel at home! We had the following: Mushrooms - Amazing. I had this in Spain a few times and it's better here! The mushrooms are absolutely delicious Mussels - Smokey & enjoyed the sauce Beef empanadas - Little dry wouldn't get these again Octopus - Eh. Not the best and it was a small octopus so I wouldn't order again Ribeye - Loved this. Cooked perfectly and the chimichurri was so good Poussin Chicken- Very tasty but hard to share because it was a whole chicken. Would get it again on a date night Beef Milanesa- Also good but a bit rich All the food was presented beautifully and service was excellent. Drinks were curated and also delicious. I'm already planning on coming back! Plan ahead for the duck (48 hrs)

Food: stellar. I had the wood-grilled pork sausage with heirloom pumpkin purée and pumpkin seed chimichurri-- seriously fantastic. The sausage itself was divine, and the purée made for great bread dipping afterwards. Service: incredible but not overbearing. I felt taken care of but not in a "may I help you sir" every five minutes kind of way. The staff are kind, knowledgeable, and gave great pairing recommendations. Ambiance: I felt cool sitting at the bar-- Gipsy Kings playing in the background, but a quiet enough place to have a conversation or read a book. I will be coming back every time I'm near Watertown!

Another absolute banger from Watertown, even if you don't like the food you'll definitely like the design. Lots of greenery, the perfect lighting, and a dining area built into an old train carriage culminates into a 5/5 dining experience. The servers here are incredibly nice as well and genuinely seem like the nicest people I've ever met. We were constantly asked if we had needed refills on our drinks which were very nice but didn't seem too strong at all. The food was interesting, but overpriced for what you get. The sausage for example was good with an interesting char but it also filled your mouth with that charred skin making the bites feel very dry.

I've been back here 4 times now since writing my original review. The food and ambience is as great as ever, but I don't understand how to make a reservation?! I've called the number and texted the number to make reservations and I've never gotten an answer :( they don't seem to have a way to make online reservations. I should probably ask the server next time I'm there on instructions lol They've always accommodated our walk-ins, though there's usually a line and a minimum of a 20 min wait. But I'm going to deduct a star for not using a convenient service like OpenTable and not taking my calls or texts to book a reservation

A truly beautiful experience every time; the service is impeccable and food absolutely delicious.

I've been meaning to try this place for a while and in honor of my upcoming birthday I figured it was about time! Right as you walk in, you are greeted by what looks like a greenhouse with an attached dining train cart. The theme is Uruguayan tapas So think lots of bursting flavors in small bites. We started off with an amazing bottle of Cabernet franc as well as some delicious beef and ham and cheese empanadas. Then we moved on to the octopus (out of this world) and the special aged beef with chimichurri sauce. For dessert, we decided to order the dulce de leche flan and a glass of port which was a fantastic finale to an amazing meal . I'm so glad I finally made it out here! It is a gorgeous hidden place in Watertown with all of the South American hospitality and I can't wait to go back for a special occasion or a Friday date night.

Yes this place is worth going to. Service is so polite and food is wonderfully flavourful. Only feedback I would have is to have wines by the glass that are from other regions around the world. The reds (3) are all from Uruguay. They have other global wines by the bottle. Will be going back to take some friends. Well done La bodega. I'm a tough critic.

My third or fourth visit since my first review last fall. Go there around 6:30 and the bar was full and most of the tables occupied. Shortly after arriving the crowd was stacking up behind me. Good to see. Had a chair brought to the bar servicing area for me. I had the shishito peepers and the wood grilled poussin chicken. The chicken was taking a little long than management wished so Analia brought out the geilled provolone dish for me to nibble on. When the chicken came it was delicious and moist. I was talked into the off menu bread pudding. Something about chocolate, bananas, caramel, and rum got me to say yes. The bottle of 4.2 Vivino rated Tannat was great and price even better!

They respond to messages, they don't pick up the phone ! I tried like 10 times on different days after 5 pm. At this point, I am not sure if they closed their doors permanently or what !

Every time I have been here it has been an amazing experience across the board. The owner is super friendly and kind, and the service in general is quick and thoughtful. The food is outstanding. Everything we have gotten is the best thing we've ever had. They clearly put a lot of care into every dish. Try the corn soup!! Trust me on this! And the place itself is beautiful and full of green plants and light. So cozy, comforting, and delicious. It's hard to make reservations but if you text the number on the website, that's your best bet to get them. We also have just shown up when they open at 5:30, even on a Saturday night, and gotten a table no problem. I hope this place stays in Watertown for a long time - it is so unlike anything else here, and so worth it!

The food and service are excellent. The duck is worth ordering ahead. Or just enjoy a bunch of small plates such as the grilled octopus, the kale salad and the faina topped with a mouth watering goat cheese. The beet salad is excellent as well. We found the sausage a bit too salty and tough but recommend any of the other tapas. You can't go wrong! The setting is cozy (half the restaurant is in an old train car) and the food comes out in increments, making it feel like an unfolding culinary adventure.

This is our FAVORITE restaurant in the area, and probably top 3 favorite of all time! Consistently delicious - our favorite special occasion, or any occasion, meal. Our favorites are the kale Cesar, octopus, and mangalista ham. We usually get a few other appetizer dishes to share and we are always satisfied - the ribeye is also delicious. The passion fruit cloud cocktail is to die for, I crave it all the time! Employees are friendly and efficient and the ambiance is cozy and welcoming. MUST try!!!

Fantastic meal at here. The grilled mushroom and ribeye were simply amazing - cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. But what really caught my attention was the unique dining room, designed by an old train. It was an interesting and fun atmosphere to enjoy meal in.

Lady and her children were sat before me and my with a person with a reservation. Don't recommend for mixed couples

I sat at the bar alone and the bartender never once acknowledged me. Never. A gentleman I assume was the manager waited on me from outside the bar. I had the roasted beet salad which was excellent. The shredded goat cheese on it was amazing! I also had the breaded filet which resembled a slice of pizza with a sheet of cheese on top. This tapa was ok since it had gristle. This is a cool hippie-dippie place I recommend.

This restaurant is such a gem. The decor is beautiful, unique, and elegant. The cocktails are so inventive and delicious, as is the food. The service is remarkably generous as well. I can't wait to come again!

Very Nice atmosphere great for a date night. friendly service and the food was great (Had the chicken). Would love to try the order in advance (48hrs) Duck. Tapas style eating so be prepared for that when ordering. Overall I will return to try other dishes

Send a text to make a reservation, sent a second text for a reservation and still haven't heard anything. I tried calling the restaurant three times and it went straight to voicemail which is full. Doesn't seem like a good way to run a business to me...

It is impossible to make a reservation for this place, they never answer phone or respond to texts. I used to go here long ago but for the last 2 years I could not manage to get any response from them whenever I attempted to make a reservation. Yesterday was my last attempt after their "do not give up on us" text. I will never ever try again.

Great tapas. Great drink selection. Fabulous cocktails. Extensive wine list. Japanese whisky. Great bourbon selection. The food is Uruguayan, unique and delicious. Really nice presentation. Great vibe inside. Recommend!

Everything was great we all love them. We have a farewell party there, such a nice night. We ordered plenty of foods and drinks, and my most favorite drink is mocktail "passion fruit". Thank you for wonderful experience.

We had to wait a bit but the food and drinks where absolutely worth the wait. We got the large sandwich, ham and cheese empanadas, flounder, mushrooms as well as the cheesecake for dessert. For drinks, we got the passion fruit and the Uruguayan Bee cocktails. Everything was super delicious and worth the wait. Can't wait to go back and try more dishes! If I had to pick one dish though, the mushrooms were an absolute must.