I like that Bodega does not do bookings and anyway with a friend who likes to eat early (hard to believe French sometimes) so went earlier but ended up at counter. The advantage is you watch them cook everything and get insights into your next courses. I was put off though that they couldn't accommodate my gluten intolerance and refused to provide me the ceviche without toast, must have upset the chef's sensibilities. Wait staff friendly and fun. My second choice of warm salad with octopus, chorizo and potatoes helped to assuage my disappointment. Lamb with eggplant was terrific as was the steak on chimichurra sauce. Banana split desert was inspired.

Three of us went to Bodega on a Tuesday night and it was packed to the rafters. We had to wait about 30 mins for a table so had a leisurely drink in their bar (which is very cool I might add). So I wasn't really surprised when, a few months later on a Friday night, six of us were turned away.

I would describe the food at Bodega as 'posh tapas' i.e. nothing traditional on this menu! Everything we ordered tasted divine and the wine list is very extensive. My favourite dish was the stuffed bell peppers. The service was friendly and efficient.

They don't take bookings so basically the only way to be guaranteed a table is to turn up as they are opening. But if you don't mind waiting in the bar for a table, I highly recommend giving Bodega a try. Prices are what you would expect to pay for a restaurant of this calibre.

I'm a bit of a fan for Tapas. And so far, El Bulli is high on my list (having been a regular for a while now). When Bodega came to town, I heard it was good and damn were those recommendations right! Following what seems to be a rather annoying trend in Sydney with a 'no booking policy' - Bodega is rammed to the rafters most nights of the week. If you're not in and seated by 7, prepare to wait. If you're in there before 7 but you don't have your full party with you - again, prepare to wait. Tables to go to groups of people who are there together.

Aside from that, waiting isn't so bad as they've opened a pretty cool little bar to the side of the restaurant, serving up cocktails and a good selection of wine.

The food is fantastic. Not what I would call your traditional Tapas - at least traditional to what you expect to find in a Sydney Tapas restaurant.

We tried the lot and ordered seconds! From what I can remember the roast pork and the stuffed peppers were beyond mouth watering.

Bodega isn't cheap. But quality costs. Highly recommended.

Get there early though. Unfortunately they do not accept bookings and I had to wait a long time for a table. But it was definitely worth it in the end!