La bodeguita is an a modern / Cuban restaurant and bar located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. To set the mood, the bright blue ceilings and the sound of Cuban jazz surrounds the place giving a warm and lively feel. To my surprise you’ll be even more amazed when the food and cocktails come rolling out.

This is my first time experiencing Cuban food and at first, I had no idea what to expect. I assumed Cuban food was/is exactly the same as ‘Spanish’ food (chorizo here and there) – I was totally wrong. During my dining experience, an alcoholic beverage with ‘rum‘ is a MUST as Cubans are rum and cigar masters. I had two mojitos to start the night and if you make it in time for happy hour, Mojitos are $10!

Mojito – havana club rum, fresh mint, lime, soda and sugar
Start the night with mojito! It’s a must and impossible to resist.

Comestibles

Ropa vieja (must try!!)
Braised lamb neck, cuban rice with black bean vinaigrette

This was my FAVOURITE dish of the night. Even tho this is only an entree / tapas style dish – it was AMAZING that I can’t wait to go back for this dish. The lamb was soo soft and tender and the beans were so good its hard to imagine how a bean dish could taste so great. The rice and beans areaddictive. I could eat beans and rice all day! My new love is beans and rice!

croquetas de malanga
taro croquettes served with aji de gallina sauce

After speaking with the waitress she pointed out this dish is one of the popular dishes people tend to order. Crunchy taro with a delicious creamy sauce and the thinly shredded cucumber gave it a nice refreshing taste.

Fondo

pato con chocolate (must try!!)
duck breast, sweet potato and spinach croquants and chocolate sauce

This would have to be the another favourite oft he night. The duck was soft tender, skin is crispy and the sweet poato and chocolate sauce makes this dish a complete winner. Definite must try and now I can see why this is another extremely popular dish.

codillo de cerdo con naranja
pork hockm orange mojo and tacu-tacu

Pork hock was delicious! not only did it seriously melt in your mouth, it was rich and mouthwatering. The rice had a really nice texture as though it was panfried lightly giving it a nice crispy touch and the mojo (cuban sauce) was beautiful!

Para Acompanar

repollo
we decided to eat our mains with a side of shaved cabbage (keeping in with the Cuban theme). Cabbage complements the mains giving it a refreshing taste.

Postres

spiced cuban carrot cake (must try!!)
OMGGGG the presentation of this dessert was mind blowing. I couldn’t believe what I visualising! I didn’t expect dessert to be created with perfection and a complete work of art. If you love carrot cake keep in mind this is a Cuban style carrot cake which is dense and orange in colour. The carrot puree was delicious and the texture of it was magical.

café y caramelo (must try!!)
mocha dome with candied peanuts and salted caramel ice-cream

mocha dome was to die for. It was rich silky and orgasmic. Boys, this is a dessert that will win the ladies!

varadero rum (15 year old rum)
I totally recommend trying this vintage rum. Its drank straight and is fairly strong hence the small amount that is given. This rum would have to be nicest i’ve drank straight ever. Its smooth (smoother than a good glass of wine) and the fumes are amazing.

mai tai cocktail
can’t go wrong with a mai tai!

Overall I had a fantastic experience at La Bodeguita. I’m definitely coming back and in fact, I can’t wait as I’m still dreaming about some of the dishes. Looking forward to returning on a friday!

* Leona dined as a guest of La Bodeguita

La Bodeguita del Medio
p: +61 2 9264 4224
a: 125 York Street,
Sydney, NSW, 2000
W: http://www.lbdm.com.au