Location: 38 Hart St, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2AU

Web site: www.labodega-tapas.co.uk

Telephone number: 01491 578611

Date of visit: 18 December 2009

Approx. cost per head: £20-25

Comments on wine list/beer: Ample and reasonably priced offering. The Sindo Rueda was a fair Sauvignon Blanc for £15.

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Review:

Often cited as one of Henley’s best restaurants, La Bodega is perhaps also one of the best tapas restaurants in the surrounding area, including Reading. Close to ample parking a no more than a 2 minute stroll from Henley Bridge and the River Thames, La Bodega is superbly placed.

The charming and distinctive frontage welcomes you to a tapas bar, with a more formal restaurant to the rear. It’s beautifully presented, combining bare brick and wood, to offer a really rustic welcome. The service, usually very friendly and welcoming, compliments this well.

Popular with locals, visitors and business people – the restaurant is a firm favourite with many regulars, always an excellent sign. La Bodega is the ideal place to spend a good few hours, whether for a social gathering a more intimate meal.

For tapas fans, alongside the regular favourites, more interesting options include tender octopus, pan-fried scallops, tuna medallions and grilled quail. The tapas menu is wide and varied, catering for all tastes and very well for vegetarians.

All meats, including live lobster, are well presented among the choice of main courses from the menu, averaging £13. The range of starters is also excellent, averaging £6.

Dave Lamont