BODEGA Highlands - Edmonton

Bodega Highlands is a hidden gem. Located well off the beaten path in one of Edmonton's older neighborhoods, it is relatively easy to find and drive to, but not... read more Bodega Highlands is a hidden gem. Located well off the beaten path in one of Edmonton's older neighborhoods, it is relatively easy to find and drive to, but not near anything of note. It is definitely a local gem.I went twice this week and have been many times in the past. This is a favourite of mine, but I don't like to go by myself as the most enjoyment I have had is bringing family and friends and letting the restaurant fade into the background while enjoying the company. This is a restaurant for chatting, relaxing, unwinding, discussing difficult issues, catching up, commiserating or reconciling - it's not about the food, the location, the decor or the server. The two points I want to make define Bodega Highlands are:Everyone I have brought here (roughly 20 people) has enjoyed the experience. They like the quality of the food, the selection, the promptness of the service, the intimacy of the space, and the change from the typical chains and burger restaurants. People really like it here. My brother, who is extremely picky about restaurants, talked about the good variety of dishes and how he would love to come back here. That was a first! Second, the food has been consistent and good. I've not had any disappointments as the food always has come out hot, good, problem free. I wouldn't say this is a great value in terms of quantity, but more of a great value in with a variety of flavourful and slightly adventurous food. Okay, the staff are merely great. Yes, it is a disappointment when they remember your name, great you warmly, have a great sense of professionalism in the service and playfulness with the tables. They obviously enjoy being there, not just working there, and you can tell that they love the customers. I was expecting so much more. Oh well. I intend to give them a couple of hundred more chances to pick up their socks and improve before I have to say something. (Okay, I love the staff)So why didn't I give it a five star review? I obviously like it, bring lots of people and have nothing but a great time each time I've gone. First, it isn't a steal of a deal for pricing and second, after all the times I've been there, I'm looking for one or two new dishes. Half a star off for each, but neither is a complaint but more of an observation. Should you check Bodega Highlands out? Absolutely! But don't go by yourself or even with a significant other. I'm being very serious about this: bring a couple of good friends or good family and really enjoy what a restaurant review or a restaurant can never give; good companionship and good conversation. You might not even notice the restaurant, the food, or the other customers at all, which is a very, very high compliment. As for the staff, they are highly personable and professional. Which means they can't join you and your friends at the table because they have other customers to serve - no matter how much you would like them to.

I live in the Highlands neighbourhood and since Bodega Highlands has opened I've been looking for a special occasion to go there. Well it finally arrived with a... read more I live in the Highlands neighbourhood and since Bodega Highlands has opened I've been looking for a special occasion to go there. Well it finally arrived with a double birthday celebration and I can honestly say I was blown away by the food and regret not having stopped in much sooner. Reservations are not taken so we arrived early (about 5 pm) on Saturday, well before any rush. The four of us were greeted by warm, friendly staff who gave us the choice of the patio or inside (which was air conditioned and much cooler on this especially hot day in Edmonton). After a few minutes to settle in we received some recommendations about a few of the tapas dishes and some special wine that was available. This was followed by a free appetizer (bacon jam on toasted bread) - delicious. Within 10 minutes of ordering, our first dishes started to arrive --- patatas, grilled asparagus, piri piri prawns, and bacon wrapped dates. The flavour of each dish was amazing and we did our best to savour each one. Not quite full (after a busy day) we then ordered the lobster risotto "big plate" and some boar cheeks, both of which were again fantastic. At this point we were most definitely full and enjoyed visiting and sipping on our wine. We declined dessert but after about 15 minutes the server came by with two free desserts for those celebrating birthdays (plus extra forks). The port-cherry cheesecake and creme Catalana were sweet surprises from heaven that finished off a truly wonderful evening.

We have been twice to Bodega Highlands, each time with another couple, both times the food was fabulous. We have now eaten pretty extensively from the menu, and... read more We have been twice to Bodega Highlands, each time with another couple, both times the food was fabulous. We have now eaten pretty extensively from the menu, and the cost is pretty reasonable.Go early, not only for the free tapas, but also because each time we have been, the place was packed!The ambience is great, the staff knowledgeable, the decor reminiscent of European bistros.Most enjoyable.

I had a fantastic date night at this restaurant. I have dietary restrictions and they were very accommodating. They even provided me with a special dairy-free d... read more I had a fantastic date night at this restaurant. I have dietary restrictions and they were very accommodating. They even provided me with a special dairy-free dessert. It was a great evening.

Everything was wonderful—-but the noise level was over the top!!! I have been here a number of times and always look forward to having fairly quiet conversation... read more Everything was wonderful—-but the noise level was over the top!!! I have been here a number of times and always look forward to having fairly quiet conversations—-but last night did not allow for that!