L’Ermita (L’Ermita) Hiroshima

I have visited this restaurant four times.L’Ermita offers a solid modern Spanish experience, conveying the essence of Spanish culture through its ingredient combinations and cooking methods, while also making the flavors accessible to us locals in Fukuoka. This restaurant is truly unique and rare.The shrimp in tomato sauce with orange foam is reminiscent of Chinese-style shrimp in ketchup, but it turns out this dish has its roots in traditional Spanish cuisine. It was an incredibly elegant and wonderful start.The clams with apple jelly were a striking dish. The juicy clams paired beautifully with the apple jelly, adding a delightful accent.The pickled sardine pinchos are a common sight in Spain, but the addition of a citrus-flavored jelly layer elevates the dish to a new level of elegance.The combination of grilled waffles and foie gras was also fantastic. The crispy waffle texture complemented the foie gras perfectly.The anago (conger eel) gaspatxuelo (a type of stew that doesn’t use tomatoes, typical of Andalusian cuisine) served with wild rice was exquisite. The creamy sauce paired wonderfully with the tender eel and wild rice.The oysters with sirloin cap and artichokes showcased a delightful combination of sea and land flavors, with the artichokes providing a nice accent.The Aso heritage chicken was juicy and superb, allowing us to enjoy the aroma, umami, and texture of the peas, which were similar to Italian piselli (small, tear-shaped beans).The pork fideuà (a paella-like dish made with pasta) absorbed all the flavors beautifully.The berry red wine compote served with yogurt ice cream was a rich combination of the decadent compote and the tart ice cream.The torrija (a Spanish French toast typically eaten during celebrations) served with goat milk ice cream was enhanced by a meringue caramel-like dessert that provided a wonderful accent.The pairing wines, including CAVA made from Chardonnay and Albariño, were served in a four-glass flight. I was particularly impressed with the sweet Moscatel paired with the foie gras and hard waffles—it was simply exquisite.The level of cuisine is high, the Spanish culture is palpable, and the elegance is undeniable. I believe this is a truly wonderful restaurant. Less