Bodegas Mezquita Ribera — Restaurant in Córdoba

I was recommended this restaurant on my visit to Cordoba and it didn't disappoint! Wonderful restaurant, minutes walk from the Mezquita. So much character! The food is really good, staff are great and the service excellent.

It has different areas. We sat on the one with exposed thick light brick and stone walls and dark exposed beam ceilings. The deco is very accomplished, no doubt helped by the use of two marble colums over 1000 years old!

The food was delicious. We had a selection of tapas as recommended by the manager, the portions generous and the food delicious. Cordovan salmorejo very good, soft and creamy and village bread basket. Caliphate tempura aubergines delicious. Oxtail croquettes, tuna with mojito sauce, and sauted baby squid with coleslaw really well cooked and tasty. The combination of textures and flavours made every dish sing. Cordovan cake was a fitting end to a delicious meal. Highly recommended!

I initially gave it a 4, although clearly deserving of more. Therefore, after careful consideration and taking everything into account, I feel that 4 does not do justice to this restaurant. The quality of ingredients, cooking and presentation of the food, which was delicious, was all of high standard. Coupled with the great staff and excellent service provided, it is, in my experience, certainly closer to 5*. In reality, it would be 9.5/10. Indeed, very highly...

​"We chose Bodegas Mezquita for our final night dinner in Córdoba, and it was the perfect end to our road trip! The atmosphere on the terrace was fantastic. ​We booked easily via Google Maps and were seated right away, which was a huge plus since the restaurant was so busy (highly recommend booking ahead!). ​We ordered a wide selection of tapas, but here are some highlights from our table: ​Berenjenas Califales (Fried Eggplant with Pedro Ximénez Reduction): This Cordoban specialty was divine! Perfectly crispy and the sweet wine reduction was the best we've had. ​Carrillada Ibérica (Iberian Pork Cheek in Oloroso Wine Sauce): This was the star! The pork was incredibly tender, melting in the mouth, and the rich sauce was full of deep, savory flavor. (This dish is a must-try!) ​Croquetas (Various): Creamy and delicious, a great classic. ​The entire team was efficient, friendly, and kept our table flowing with food and drinks. A fantastic experience—great company, great atmosphere, and truly authentic Spanish food. We highly recommend this restaurant! Thank you, Bodegas...

The worst dining experience of my life — pure racism.

Even with a reservation, we were seated directly in front of the bathroom, while plenty of better tables were empty. From that seat, the toilet was clearly visible every time the door opened. When I asked to move, a young staff member rolled her eyes, shrugged, and ignored us. Only the manager finally changed our table.

But the service continued to get worse. Drinks came fast, but our main dish never arrived. We waited an hour before asking, and only then were told “five more minutes” — with zero apology.

The final insult? The table we were originally forced to sit at in front of the bathroom was completely removed, as if it was never a real table. On the receipt, they even drew a heart asking for tips. Who could possibly tip after this?

This chain is well-reviewed in Korea, but for me it was open racism and disrespect. This restaurant ruined Córdoba for me. I will never return, and I’ll tell everyone I know to stay far...