One person wants seafood, another spots something with chorizo, and nobody wants to commit to just one plate. That is a good starting point for Cava Bodega on Middle Street, a Galway restaurant built around Spanish tapas and the pleasure of passing food across the table.
Founded in 2008 by JP McMahon and Drigín Gaffey, Cava combines Spanish cooking with a commitment to Irish ingredients. The meal is an invitation to compare, share and order with the whole table in mind.
How to approach the tapas menu
Start by agreeing which dishes everyone wants to share and which preferences need their own plate. A little conversation before ordering is more useful than each person independently choosing several dishes and discovering that the table has ordered the same thing three times.
Ask the team about portion sizes and a sensible amount for your group. A tapas menu can cover very different appetites: a few plates during an early evening pause, or enough variety to make a full dinner.
There is no need to turn the order into a competition to try everything. Choose a mix of textures and ingredients, leave space for something that catches your eye later, and check the current menu rather than arriving set on an old photograph.
Spanish character, Irish suppliers
Cava’s supplier information explains that cured meats and cheeses come from Spain, while much of its fish, meat and vegetables is sourced through Irish suppliers. It is a useful combination for visitors who want something other than an Irish menu without losing the connection to local food.
The drinks list centres on Spanish wine and sherry, alongside Spanish and local craft beer and cider. If you would like advice, describe what you enjoy and what you intend to eat; that gives the team a better starting point than choosing solely by the familiar grape name.
Finding Cava and planning the evening
Address: Unit 1, Middle Street Mews, Middle Street, Galway, H91 AF89. The central location makes it easy to pair dinner with a walk through the Latin Quarter or an evening performance.
Reserve ahead for a time that matters to your plans, and confirm any dietary requirements when booking. Check kitchen service and current opening times, particularly if you are hoping for a daytime meal. For availability enquiries, the restaurant lists 091 539884.
Photo: Alan Smyth, via A Taste of Galway. Restaurant and sourcing information checked against Cava Bodega’s official pages.
