There are two definitions for the Spanish word bodega: a small grocery store, or especially in a Spanish-speaking neighborhood, a wine shop or wine cellar. This cozy North Beach café embodies both meanings. Bodega is a Euro-style eatery that is the perfect place to start your day with delicious (gluten-free) toast pairings, or the place to end your day with a glass of wine and short rib tacos…
Owner Paria Sedigh has taken over the long-standing Melt! space and has brought farm-to-table bar bites with light South American wines and Fort Point Beer. Though historic North Beach is known for its Italian fare, Bodega offers seasonal fare, fresh from the farmer’s market. The menu changes with the seasons and Sedigh utilizes each ingredient to ensure minimal waste.
The menu is minimal, akin to the cramped kitchen space behind the bar. But fear not, there’s plenty of flavor to go around. While I was anxious to dig into the short rib tacos, it turns out you have to dine after 6:00pm to indulge in any animal protein. What’s cool about this spot is that the gluten-free and vegetable dishes are not typical of your average vegetarian meal. Prepare for unique pairings such as brussels sprouts and jalapenos, delecata squash with sumac and sweet potato with salsa roja!
Be on the lookout for moderately priced farm-to-table eats, coffee, and wine in this quaint North Beach Bistro. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, Bodega is your one stop shop for a light and healthy meal!