La Bodega - Ithaca

The tortilla served on a baguette with a side of gazpacho might be the best lunch I've ever enjoyed. The outstanding ingredients, craftsmanship, and obvious passion for food are evident in every dish at La Bodega. I only regret not finding this gem sooner! Thank you!

The hype is real! Pedro truly embodies hospitality and a passion for food. His sandwich philosophy of “less is more” is evident in every bite, and believe me, that’s coming from someone who usually insists on loading up every sandwich with toppings. Unfortunately, Pedro will be leaving for Chicago sometime in July (I'll be sure to ask for the exact date next time I visit). I hesitate to leave a review since La Bodega still feels like a hidden gem, and I’m not a fan of long lines. However, every non-vegan in town deserves the unique experience of visiting this place and rediscovering the joy of savoring food. I was skeptical about anyone being able to "recreate Spain" in the basement of Dewitt, but Pedro’s warmth truly brings the space to life!

The sandwiches are amazing, and you really can’t go wrong with any choice. Pedro mentioned that his personal favorite is the chorizo vela, which he makes for himself every day. Naturally, that’s what I ordered. The combination of jamón, cheese, and tumaca sauce created a wonderfully simple sandwich with just the right amount of spice, and the bread was fresh and perfectly toasted. The Spanish tortilla is also outstanding, and I can’t wait to try the gazpacho on my next visit! I highly, highly recommend this place. It’s exactly the kind of small, high-quality, independent shop that I hope people will support!

I can't say enough good things about La Bodega. You don't need to be a foodie to appreciate to artistry that Pedro displays with each slice of the lucious (and healthy) Jamon Iberico a/k/a olives with legs! Grab lunch, and then do a little grocery shopping among the authentic Spanish favorites. You've never had Manchego this good.

We were delighted to discover a master Iberico ham cutter in Ithaca's Dewitt Mall. The owner, Pedro, is beyond passionate about Spanish food, and his store is somewhere between a cafe and gourmet Spanish grocery. (The shop sells the best chorizo we've ever had.)It was amazing to watch Pedro skillfully slice the Iberico ham in front of us. The professional hand-cut really does enhance the flavor of the ham. The ham is sliced in such a way, you can taste the distinct flavors of the different parts of the ham leg. It's an amazing experience that you must try.