L'estiu — Restaurant in Seoul

I visited here for my husband’s birthday celebration. The restaurant was modern yet gave the cozy vibe since they renovated the house with a lovely garden. Overall the food was delicious and creative. My favorite was their charcuterie - maybe I will come back for the 2차 next time - wine and jamon. How they prepared the burrata cheese with different kinds of sea plants and uni was super interesting.

One thing I wish I could tell the hall manager was that she was pretty insensitive how people expect to treat the other when s/he brings them for a special occasion. I used a two-person room which requires to spend minimum amount; and she reminded me that at the table, and later asked me to confirm that I ordered a dessert which I separately asked outside earlier.

If managers are more professional and maybe have a wine expert or a sommelier is present, the dining experience would’ve been perfect...

L'Estiu is not a flashy, trendy restaurant that one visits for an Instagram moment. The food has depth, taste, and an understated refinement that is truly satisfying and keeps me coming back for more. The jamon and manchego plate, ceviche, and lobster rice are my perennial favorites, but lately, I am discovering that their grilled fishes are extremely tasty and perfectly seasoned. The grilled octopus, sprinkled with polenta (?), has a nice flavor and texture that sets it apart from the typical octopus dishes that I've had in Spain and Portugal. I also enjoy the unique Spanish wines recommended by the chef and manager. I travel to Spain now and then, and I find it ironic that I am discovering some of the most exquisite Spanish wines in Seoul. I highly recommend L'Estiu for business meals, special occasions, and moments when you feel like having a...

I generally have low expectations for Spanish cuisine in Seoul, but I was pleasantly surprised. A modest two-story residence was transformed into an understated but elegant dining space. The food, from freshly sliced Jamon, on-site baked bread with tomato puree, authentic Spanish sardines with peppers, Spanish bamboo clams, Spanish pork, to one of the best Valencian rabbit paella, were to my immense liking. The highlight, however, were the wines. I kid you not that a restaurant in Seoul probably has one of the best Spanish wine selections, all the way to the very hard to find Teso La Monja. And the way they prepped the glasses and poured the...