La Bodega is a family owned Venezuelan cafe and kitchen on Bellgrove Street in Glasgow's East End. Opened in 2023, the small, colourful venue was created to share the flavours of home while providing a welcoming gathering place for the local and wider South American community.
Homemade empanadas are a defining part of the menu, using corn dough around fillings that can include meat, vegetables and Venezuelan cheese. Arepas add another staple, with split maize breads filled generously to make a compact but satisfying breakfast or lunch.
The focused food selection reflects home cooking rather than an oversized restaurant menu. Savoury pastries and filled breads work well for eating at a table or taking away, while changing fillings allow both meat eaters and vegetarians to find a suitable choice.
Venezuelan coffee is treated as seriously as the food, alongside flat whites, iced drinks, teas and other refreshments. Friendly counter service and a handful of tables give La Bodega the feel of a neighbourhood cafe, suited to a quick coffee, lunch break or introduction to Venezuelan cooking.
Address: 98 Bellgrove Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow G31 1AA, Scotland
La Bodega Calton Menu
Empanadas
Handmade Venezuelan corn empanadas, available 09:15–15:00.
Queso Empanada
Classic cheese empanada made with Venezuelan cheese. Venezuelan Empanadas are made with a pre cooked maize (Harina Pan), slightly sweet dough and golden crispy. Each hand made every single day. Empanada de queso llanero.
Mechada Empanada
Slow cooked shredded beef made with our Venezuelan touch. Cooked with sofrito (onions, peppers, garlic) and our own spices recipe. Venezuelan Empanadas are made with a pre cooked maize (Harina Pan), slightly sweet dough and golden crispy. Each hand made every single day.
Domino Empanada
Venezuelan style black beans made with sofrito for the maximum flavour. We add vegan cheese to make our empanada filling. Venezuelan Empanadas are made with a pre cooked maize (Harina Pan), slightly sweet dough and golden crispy. Each hand made every single day. Apto para veganos.
Pollo Empanada
Shredded Chicken breast made with our Venezuelan touch. Cooked with sofrito (onions, peppers, garlic) and our own spices recipe. Venezuelan Empanadas are made with a pre cooked maize (Harina Pan), slightly sweet dough and golden crispy. Each hand made every single day. Seasoned pulled chicken corn empanada.
Arepa
Venezuelan corn arepas, available 09:15–15:00.
Reina Arepa
Shredded chicken breast, mayo, avocado red onion, coriander. Arepa Reina Pepiada.
Catira Arepa
Pulled seasoned chicken breast, cheese
Pelúa Arepa
Slow cooked shredded beef, shredded cheese
Tropical Arepa
Cheese, avocado, sweet plantains and pineapple salsa (pineapple, chilli, red onion, coriander), swap the cheese for vegan cheese for dietary requirements.
Queso Arepa
Cheddar cheese and butter arepa. Arepa con queso cheddar y mantequilla.
Cochino Arepa
mojo pulled pork and pickled red onion
Caraota Arepa
fresh black bean salad-tomato, coriander, avocado salad dressing
Tajada
plantain and cheese
Caliente
Hot drinks, available 09:15–15:00.
Flat White
Double shot Espresso with steamed milk. 6oz.
Americano
Double Espresso with warm milk. 8oz
Cappucino
Double Espresso with steamed milk and foam. 8oz
Chocolate Caliente
Hot chocolate drink made with Venezuelan and Spanish chocolate. 8oz
Chocolate Picante
Thick hot chocolate with chipotle chilli, condensed milk & cinnamon. 8oz
Espresso
Double shot coffee.
Latte 8oz
Double shot Espresso with steamed milk. 8oz
Latte 12oz
Double Espresso with steamed milk. 12oz
Mocha
Espresso with chocolate, steamed milk and chocolate powder. 8oz
Tea selection
Selection of tea: Breakfast tea, Tropical green, Mint, Earl Grey, Kiwi berry, Fruits of eden.
Babyccino
Steamed milk with a little foam.
Cafe bombon
Double espresso with a layer of condensed milk.
Cortado
Double Espresso with a small amount of steamed milk. 4oz
Leche & Leche
Double espresso, steamed milk & a layer of condensed milk 6oz
Long Black
Double shot coffee with hot water. 6oz
Hand Pour
Fresh coffee brewed slowly over water.
Coquito
Espresso, coconut milk, condensed milk, spiced rum syrup, cinnamon. 8oz
Frio
Cold drinks, available 09:15–15:00.
Chicha
Creamy and refreshing drink made from rice, milk, cinammon, condensed milk.
Iced americano
Double Espresso, ice and water.
Iced Latte
Double Espresso, ice and milk.
Papelón
Traditional Venezuelan lemonade made with panela (pure sugar cane) & lime.
Cocada
Venezuelan coconut smoothie made with coconut milk, coconut cream & condensed milk.