The Thousands

Note: The Cocina is now closed (Bodega is still open)

We Sydney folk like to try new things. We love new things served in small terracotta dishes for sharing, and we especially love them when they’re tapas.

A new Spanish conquest is being led by an army of slick little tapas bars that have sprung up all over town. They’re one of the factors being blamed for the demise of the old-school Spanish quarter in the CBD. But in the ebb and flow of our latin dining culture, there is still room for input from an older generation.

On weekdays at 12, Bodega’s side bar becomes the Argentinean Cocina run by Hilda and Adan Abrahanowicz, parents of chef and co-owner, Elvis. If there’s a hospitality gene, this family’s got the chromosome. The mom and pop operation serves up simple, home-style cooking with a warm welcome. Get there early and you’ll be greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread. The empanadas we know and love from the regular menu are here, along with pizzas, chorizo rolls, salads and daily specials. Best of all, nothing’s north of a tenner at this South American diner.