A charming wine bar and tapas restaurant in the Russafa district with an excellent selection of Valencian and Spanish wines alongside creative small plates.
Bodega Casa de la Mare is a charming wine bar and tapas restaurant in the heart of Valencia's Russafa neighbourhood, on Carrer del Mestre Gozalbo. Russafa is Valencia's most vibrant and culturally diverse district — a mosaic of independent restaurants, galleries, and wine bars — and Casa de la Mare fits naturally into this identity. The bodega's wine selection focuses on Valencian producers alongside a curated range of Spanish natural and biodynamic wines; the list changes regularly as new finds are added and the kitchen teams adjust their food to match seasonal availability. Small plates are the vehicle for the food: tortilla española, jamón ibérico carved to order, croquetas de bacalà (salt cod croquettes), and seasonal vegetable preparations. Cheese selections draw from both Spanish and artisan producers. The space is warm and intimate — tiled floors, dark wood, bottles lining the shelves — with the kind of atmosphere that encourages long, unhurried evenings. Service is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the wine list. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the bodega serves both lunch and dinner. Weekend evenings attract a lively local crowd; earlier weeknight sittings offer a more relaxed pace. Reservations are advisable on weekends. The Russafa location places Casa de la Mare within easy walking distance of the district's other independent food and drink businesses.
Good to know
- Reservations
- Recommended on weekends
Location
C/ del Mestre Gozalbo, 8, 46005 Valencia
Highlights
- Wine bar and tapas in Russafa — Valencia's most vibrant neighbourhood for independent dining
- Rotating wine list focused on Valencian producers and natural/biodynamic Spanish selections
- Croquetas de bacalà and jamón ibérico carved to order as standout tapas
- Warm, bottle-lined interior ideal for long, unhurried evenings
- Knowledgeable service with genuine enthusiasm for the evolving wine programme
Tips for visiting
- Ask the staff to guide the wine selection — the list rotates frequently and their recommendations are reliable.
- Order a mixed spread of tapas rather than a single main to best experience the kitchen's range.
- Weeknight visits are quieter; weekend evenings draw a lively Russafa crowd.
- Russafa is easily walkable from the old town — 20 minutes on foot through the Eixample.
- Make a reservation for weekend evenings; walk-ins on weekdays are usually possible.
Accessibility
Bodega Casa de la Mare is on the ground floor of a building in Russafa with street-level access from Carrer del Mestre Gozalbo. The interior is intimate and may feel cramped during busy periods. The space is generally accessible at entry level but is not purpose-designed for wheelchair use.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of wines does Casa de la Mare focus on?
The bodega focuses primarily on Valencian producers alongside natural, biodynamic, and artisan wines from across Spain. The list changes regularly to reflect new discoveries and seasonal pairings.
Is Casa de la Mare suitable for a full dinner rather than just drinks and tapas?
Yes. The kitchen offers enough variety in its small plates — jamón, cheeses, croquetas, vegetable dishes — to construct a satisfying full dinner from shared plates.
What is Russafa and why is it a good dining destination?
Russafa is Valencia's most culturally lively neighbourhood, home to a concentration of independent restaurants, wine bars, galleries, and coffee shops. It is the city's most interesting area for off-the-beaten-path dining.
Does the bodega serve food at all hours it is open?
Yes. Kitchen service runs through both the lunch and evening sittings, Tuesday to Sunday. The kitchen may close between service periods — confirm timing when booking.