Bodega Española

The story

Bodega Española in Zürich: Award-Winning Spanish Tapas & Dining

The chef and the kitchen

Bodega Española brings authentic Spanish dining to Zürich through a menu rooted in Catalan tradition. Owner and manager David Martínez Salvany founded the restaurant and now oversees every detail across both floors. The kitchen maintains a straightforward approach, focusing on time-honored recipes rather than modern reinterpretations. The Spanish cooking has earned a 13-point rating from Gault&Millau, reflecting the consistency of every plate.

Standout dishes

The menu opens with lighter preparations like the red shrimp carpaccio served with chives and porcini tartare. Hearty options include the creamy ham croquettes and the deeply savory Fabada Asturiana stew, which blends pork shank with chorizo for a smoky finish. Larger groups often share the paella, a dish prepared from two portions upward and packed with mussels, prawns, chicken, and seasonal vegetables. The Galician beef loin rounds out the mains with a distinctly nutty profile.

Room and atmosphere

Visitors typically begin their evening among the long wooden tables and worn linoleum floors of the downstairs tapas bar. This casual setting encourages conversation and shared plates throughout the afternoon service. Upstairs, the historic Sala Morisca offers a more formal backdrop inside a protected heritage building. The transition between these two levels allows guests to choose between relaxed mingling or structured table service while enjoying Spanish cuisine.