La Bodega

La Bodega is a Spanish tapas bar and restaurant at 129 Rue Allal Ben Abdellah in downtown Casablanca, Morocco. It occupies a convenient central location near the Marché Central and the old medina, in an area of Art Deco buildings and busy streets, and it has built a reputation as one of the city's liveliest places for an informal dinner. The venue is popular with local professionals, groups of friends and visitors who want a break from tagines. The kitchen focuses on Spanish small plates and shared dishes. Signature items include a range of tapas such as tortilla, patatas bravas, croquetas, grilled prawns and chorizo, along with paella for groups and sangria by the pitcher. Seafood items reflect the proximity of the Atlantic. Prices run roughly 150-300 MAD (about $16-32) per person, depending on how many plates are ordered and on drinks. The dining room is energetic, with a bar at the front, tightly packed tables and Spanish-style decoration of tiles, wood and hanging hams. The mood is festive, particularly later in the evening, when noise levels rise and music plays. Dress is casual. The beverage programme is a major draw in a city where alcohol is not available at every venue. Sangria, Spanish and Moroccan wines, beer and cocktails are served late into the night. Lunch is quieter, with a business crowd, while evenings fill up quickly. Reservations are advisable for groups of four or more and for Thursday to Saturday nights, and booking a day ahead normally suffices. Smaller parties can often be seated at the bar. Opening hours extend late, making it one of the few options for a meal after the typical Moroccan dinner hour. A taxi is the easiest way to arrive, since street parking in the centre is limited.