I’ve been to Bocado in Worcester(and wrote a review) and now in Wellesley. Night and day difference in service. Wellesley is the clear winner. The food at both is excellent and I strongly recommend getting a paella for the table. But Worcester service was consistently slow, and Wellesley offered service at just the right pace. Reasonably priced, too — seven of us ate very well for under $ 150. Go.
Jc J.
Classificação do local: 5 Medway, MA
Great spot just off Central St, with ample patio seating and big, screened picture windows. Julie and I prefer mid-afternoon drinks, beers, and snacks at the bar. What a warm and capable staff, too: Christine’s signature blood orange margarita is surprisingly delicate, fresh, and varied on the palette; she and our buddy Dan always make time to lean in and chat. The fried goat cheese platter, served with a small baguette and quince paste(!) is owed all the press it receives. We’re also big fans of the queso mahon. Bocado and Juniper: freshest spots in Wellesley.
Vivian C.
Classificação do local: 3 Boston, MA
Bocado Tapas Wine Bar is located off the main drag of Wellesley a short distance from Wellesley College. I parked for 2 hours free in a residential area, only to find that the parking lot across the street(the Waban Street Parking Lot) from them offers free parking on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. Oopsie! We could have dined for lunch this Saturday for a reasonable price tag of $ 11-$ 12 for a sandwich and side or $ 12-$ 16 for one of four combo options, but we wanted variety, and gee did we pay for it. The two of us shared the following: . Camarones y Aguacate fried avocado, spicy shrimp salad, lemon ginger dressing $ 10 . Carpaccio de Betabel Madera wood roasted beets, goat cheese, orange zest, smoked sea salt, micros, lemon oil $ 9 . Jerez Panceta de Cerdo a la Brasa crispy braised pork belly, spiced carrot purée, sherry balsamic syrup, crushed pistachio, pickled grilled onion $ 11 . Foie Gras a la Plancha seared foie, potato crusted fried eggplant, rioja pear jam, pickled shitake, onion crisps $ 15 . Churros y Chocolate fried dough with chocolate dipping sauce $ 8 . Budin de Pan Blanco de Chocolate y Frambuesa raspberry & white chocolate bread pudding $ 8 The fried avocado dish was a bit spicy, but still good and not overwhelming to my tastebuds. The beets was too light portion with more than a hint of orange from the zest. The pork belly was a bit dry on the end further from the fat, while the fatty end wasn’t as melty as I like. The duck liver dish was the best of the four, followed strongly by the fried avocado, while the other two lagged behind. As for the desserts, the nicely warmed bread pudding was the surprise winner as the chocolate dipping sauce lacked the luxuriousness normally associated with such ambrosia. The price tag for our weekend lunch: $ 61(before tax/tip). I’d willingly come back, but I think next time I’d want to try the sopa y bocadillo combo #3 $ 15. Their sandwiches looked well portioned, as did the bowl of soup I spied on another table. Their butternut apple soup $ 6 spiced crème fraîche, candied walnuts did catch my eye, as did their vegetable sandwich(Eggplant Veggie Melt $ 11 golden fried eggplant, charcoal grilled zucchini and onion, baby spinach, mahon cheese, bravas tomato sauce).
Songyi W.
Classificação do local: 5 Waltham, MA
We have been to this place for 4 times now and I have to say that we enjoyed it every single time. It’s a typical tapas restaurant where you share all the dishes(they do have some large plates if you prefer order and eating your own food). Some of my favorite dishes are: Braised octopus and potatoes, Fried avocado and spicy shrimp salad, Roasted duck leg, Braised(for 5HOURS) brisket with mashed potatoes, and mostly importantly the PAELLA(must have!)!! They have one of the best Paella in the greater boston area! I always go for the Classic Paella but ask to swap out chicken with scallop. the waiters are always accommodating and happy to make the substitution. I like that they offer two different sizes so that you can choose to order the small one for 2 people($ 23) or the large one for 4+ people($ 43). The seafood is very fresh and the rice is so flavorful! The price is more than reasonable($ 40-$ 50/person including drinks). As it is located in Wellesley, parking is really easy. I was able to find street parking most of the times and it is free after 6pm. Otherwise, there is also a parking lot across the street.
Ellen O.
Classificação do local: 5 Westwood, MA
Went here with friends last night. Our server Frank got me a few wines to try since I am not familiar with Spanish wine. I chose a very nice one and then he went on to suggest many choices for us to try for our tapas. We had a great choice for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Everything from a simple cheese and meat platter to some very intricate dishes. The experience was extremely fun and I will absolutely go back.
Julie N.
Classificação do local: 5 Boston, MA
Love this place. Our waiter is the nicest guy and really knows the menu. He gave great recommendations on our first visit so the second time we said just bring us your favorites. So much fun! The octopus is out of this world as is the goat cheese, and the avocado. The cheeses and meats he chose were varied both times and delicious. I had never had white sangria and it was delightful. I can’t wait to go back.
E. M.
Classificação do local: 2 Northfield, MN
This place is so overpriced. The food was nothing special and the wait staff is just rude. Wellesley restaurants aren’t that great, but Bocado is just awful. The one redeeming quality was the delicious wine. However, it was still expensive.
C C.
Classificação do local: 2 Medway, MA
Save your money and take the drive to Solea in Waltham. This was our first and last time at Bocado. The quality of food from start to finish with exception of the lamp pops and tuna was just not up to par. The paella was so salty, it inedible. The bread pudding was inedible as well. Sorry to say one and done. Always have high hopes going to a new restuarant. Unfortunately this did not meet expcations. *After being contacted by the owner/manager, I had removed my review. However, I decided to reinstate the review, including the details I provided to the owner/manager.
Yi-Wen J.
Classificação do local: 5 Palisades Park, NJ
One of the best restaurants in town! Good service, elegant setting. Dan is the best server ever!
Rae B.
Classificação do local: 5 Framingham, MA
Went to Bocado for birthday tapas and it was amazing! Everything was beyond delicious, though compared to your average tapas place remember to order conservatively because I would definitely consider Bocado TAPAS+. As in, every dish is quite larger a serving than traditional tapas. If you get the«Bocado Experience» for 2, you could easily feed 3 or even 4 people because they give you SOMUCHFOOD! The charcuteria y queso includes a giant baguette of bread, the tapas are pretty hefty(and delicious), and the paella is literally a GIANTHEAVINGPAN full of paella… my god, I feel full just thinking about it. But not regretful because so delicious! And our leftovers kept us well-fed the next day, too! Highlights of the evening: Sparkling Lemonade Sangria(hello, my love… I still have dreams about you!!!) CHURROS!!! OMGCHURROS I LOVEYOU! Kobe beef sliders. I repeat, LADIESANDGENTLEMENTHISISNOT A DRILL!!! KOBE. FRICKIN’. BEEF. SLIDERS! omg. bocado, you may not be real tapas. or you know, you’re tapas on crack… but…I LOVEYOUUUU!!!
Dawn E.
Classificação do local: 2 Marlborough, MA
I’m gonna say it. I’m disappointed in Bocado Cocktails are TERRIBLE and the tapas are somewhat bland and uninspired. In an area where truly amazing restaurants thrive, you have to live up to the competition. Bocado does not. Several of us shared a variety of tapas and, although it was all edible, there was nothing that said«you must come back and eat this again.» Service, albeit slow and a bit uninformed about selections is friendly and the space itself is interesting to the eye. A small private room for special events is an available and attractive space.
Sasanek ..
Classificação do local: 3 Providence, RI
I tried Bocados because I got a GroupOn. We went in the summertime, August Saturday for a late lunch. The restaurant it large and trendy. I was eager to try their food and drinks. The food is horribly overpriced. I know tapas are meant to be small but I am not a fucking Barbie. Servings were super tiny, even for tapas. Paella was huge — yes finally! Oh wait, it tastes like grease and salt. No no no why?! It looked great but tasted mediocre at best. But this is where it gets real interesting. The place was getting really hot. The ceilings are high as the building used to be a factory. Beautiful, high ceilings with fans. No AC. With every bite the restaurant got hotter and hotter. I started drinking a lot of water to cool myself down. I looked over at my mother at she was white in the face. She said she couldn’t handle the heat anymore and ran to the bathroom. She got sick. I paid the bill and left. Even with the GroupOn the bill was over $ 150. It was a horrible experience. Maybe I will give it a try in December. Ugh the thought of going back makes me sick to my stomach.
Meagan R.
Classificação do local: 3 Westwood, MA
I hate to say I was pretty unimpressed with the menu, trying to eat here as a vegetarian, and wanting hot food(not a cheese plate). Great place if you want to try more exotic meats(as opposed to chicken or beef). Menu aside my only issue was that one of my dishes was brought to me cold(vegetable lasagna is not supposed to be cold). The issue was promptly fixed but honestly?! It’s a small portion how difficult is it to serve it hot? The bright side is that this restaurant has hip décor, a fun dessert menu, and is one of a kind to the area. If you’re into trying something you’ve never had, I say it worth trying. But leave your kids and picky eaters at home!
Big S.
Classificação do local: 2 Natick, MA
We wanted to try this place as we just moved to Natick and we love tapas restaurants. They are in a good spot, hidden in wellesley but right off the strip. Parking is easy here, lots of street parking and a few lots near by. The drinks are very good, I would come back for a few drinks and some small plates again. They made a great dirty martini, good spicy margarita, and a good mojito. We ordered a lot of dishes, we thought the food was ok. We got the fried goat cheese, the fried calamari, aricini balls, hanger steak, potato bravas, salad w/avacado, regular paella, and the octopus. Nothing was amazing but it was all fine. I would get the goat cheese again. The drinks are good, just be smart with what you order here. Nothing is bad but nothing is amazing.
Stacia T.
Classificação do local: 5 Millville, MA
Everything here was delicious from start to finish! Appearance was clean and very cool décor. Service was fantastic– she was on top of the food coming out consistently and she ensured our drinks were always filled Food: Specials– Cider pork ribs were amazing. Fell right off the bone Romaine salad– delicious mix of greens Brussels Sprouts– perfectly cooked Duck– the best sour kraut I have ever had and the duck was amazing; perfectly cooked Menu– Fried Goat cheese — could have been a bit warmer but still great Pork meatballs– the perfect complementing tastes to make a delicious dish Churros– literally melt in your mouth Drink: Sangria was delicious but not strong if you are planning on a buzz stick with straight wine We will be back and I would highly recommend!
Chad G.
Classificação do local: 2 East Weymouth, MA
Full review by «Chad’s Eats» Cuisine: Spanish Tapas Location: Wellesley, MA Parking: Parking lot across the street which is free on weekends and holidays. Metered street parking which I think has same guidelines. Décor /Ambiance: Great modern feel, low lit. A bit cramped especially when coming in and trying to find floor space with others waiting for a table. Luckily we were sat quickly despite being 25 minutes early for our reservations. Greeting: Very friendly and welcoming. Hostess could tell we were new and came up to us to welcome us in. Menu mix: Menu has a great mix of classic Spanish tapas and many creative items as well. There were several items we wanted but best to start slow as we did. Can always order more. We wanted to be sure to try foods from the special Josper coal oven. Water /Bread service: No bread(comes with charcuterie) … The water… well unfortunately it came with the bleachy aftertaste. Oh well, keep the wine flowing! Drink pour: Good wine pour. Nice pricing Food quality: Ok this is where things went unfortunately downhill. We started with a selection of charcuterie with prosciutto, smoked salmon and house cured pork loin. It came with a stick of bread, cherry pepper and about 4 almonds. Rather than get into each item I will simply say in general it was rather unremarkable, lacking flavor and in need of a few more accompaniments to give the little mix and match bites some«pop». We had the seared yellowfin tuna with lemon basil crema and stale sweat potato chips(stale is putting it lightly) presentation looked great but flavor did not deliver. Scallops wrapped in bacon with truffle honey was ok, we dipped the remaining pieces of tuna in the truffle honey to help finish that plate of. The chopped grilled vegetable salad with manchego cheese and over easy fried egg was just ok. The final item was the lollipop lamb chops. We were asked if medium rare was fine and we certainly agreed. They arrived on 7 pieces of baby spinach leaves with a sprinkle of rough cut diced red peppers(mediocre presentation). One chop was thin and rare, the second one was more than twice as thick and straight up raw. Now I have vampiric abilities and am more than fine with rare or even just under rare, but this was this was the equivalent of taking a bite off the animal as it walked by. I just ate around the outside and left the fresh flesh in full view hoping somebody backstage might make note of it. Service: Our server was great and vert attentive. I’m not a big fan of tart Spanish wines and I asked for something smoother and he produced a perfect wine. Value: Tapas is a great value but the food quality and presentation needs to be there. Bathrooms: Fine, neat and tidy Would I return? Unfortunately not. I would put this at 2.5 stars but not 3 so I had to go with 2 star rating.
David N.
Classificação do local: 2 Wellesley, MA
We got a groupon for a «2-person experience.» This includes 2 small apps, 4 tapas, a paella, and then a churros and chocolate dessert. The sangria and the churros were great. All the tapas except for one were ok(most tapas places are good or great), but they were all too salty, and the one we didn’t like was way, way too salty. The 2-star review is because of the paella. This was tremendously disappointing. The meats in the paella were all in large chunks(except the chorizo sausage slices) and had to be cut with a knife. Among them there were marble-sized chunks of loose animal fat, which was pretty gross to have to spit out. Many of the big chunks of meat had bones in them which were small and sharp and hard to find until we bit down on them. The worst part is that in the middle of the paella, there was a huge chunk of bony meat about the size of my fist! It was very disappointing, and we will not be eating a meal here again. That said, it is worth a visit in the summer just for the outdoor seating, sangria, and churros!
Greg P.
Classificação do local: 4 Brookline, MA
Another nice entry to the Wellesley Dining Options Bocado is located right off of the main street in Wellesley Center. It offers a variety of Spanish style tapas. The ambiance is warm and contemporary. There is patio and indoor dining. We went for brunch on a Sunday. It was not hard to get a table. The hostess and staff were very accommodating to our 16 month old. We started with the smoked duck breast charcuterie with quince paste, fresh bread, and balsamic syrup. Very unique taste mixing sweet and savory. A great start. We then had the arugula salad with radish, goat cheese, and golden raisins with champagne vinagrette. It was a nice refreshing dish that we shared among the 5 of use. My wife and I had the duck confit bocadillo with fig jam, mushrooms, blue cheese, and white pepper truffle aioli. It was a very generous portion and delicious. It came with home made potato chips. We enjoyed Bocado a lot and will definitely be back!
Rita V.
Classificação do local: 5 Hudson, MA
Can I get 8 starts up here please? SIGH! How they exceed expectations is beyond me. Now mind you, this is not a «Higher End» Artesanal Tapas place. Its heading up the crust without breaking the $$ point. So you get 2 bloggers in 3 hungry couples, and the $ 40 pp tasting menu, 2 bottles of wine and a «bladder» of cava rose, and you wind up in the middle of party town on a one way ticket to … STUFFED. Dan the GM and his amazing staff, are caring, down to earth, attentive and on the baseball in the park over the fence and into the ocean. Really. Our«new» server, Mike, a fan of our local Rail Trail, knows his stuff. And stuffed us. Ms. Christine at the bar can whip up poison like there is no tomorrow. You come to Bocado for an experience. Dan, you asked how the paella was… Well, being the purist I am, I am used to the flavors I coax in my kitchen. BUT let that detract NOT from the Paella you guys produced last night — socarrat and all -! Textbook paella for the American palate, without deviating from the classics. Really, a legit interpretation that left us all… stuffed. The rare roasted lomo with the smoky paprika… CRAZYGOOD. And when you said«family style» NOKIDDING. We eat like animals, and the take home — for $ 40 pp — WASINSANE! Specials of the night — waygu beef brisket pâté — CRAZYGOOD Garroxta on the cheese plate — GREAT touch with the smoky slivers of duck… That FRIEDGOATCHEESEBALLINALLITSGLORY! Really fantastic meal. And you know how much I ADORE the churros… I WANTTHATALMONDCAKETODAY! DARN! IMCRAVINGIT! Just have to come back with the gang and reload! Classy, CLEAN, upbeat, friendly and sinfully delicious food served by adorable people. What more can I ask for?(more almond cake…)
Andrew M.
Classificação do local: 4 Wellesley, MA
Deer and rabbit on the menu in Wellesley? Signs and wonders. 4.5 stars based on my first visit. Fried goat cheese with honey is the definition of gilding the lily, but on the other hand it’s delicious beyond belief. The roasted potatoes, against all odds, were our favorite dish — perfect flavor on their own(is it the saffron?) or with the tomato aioli.(Also, «patatas asadas» is fun to say.) The venison, served medium rare over a risotto-type thing, was also quite good but I have no point of comparison for deer meat. We also had an apple and fennel salad with manchego(hard to mess that up) and the classic paella, but I only had a bite of that. Service was A-OK, ambience not especially memorable. Not a cheap meal even by the standards of small plates, but the food was distinctive enough I feel like I got my(fine, someone else’s) money’s worth.