If you are up-to-date with ‘it’ scene in Seoul, you will know that Garosu-gil over the last few years developed into the have-it-all street. Whether you’re looking for authentic & exotic restaurants, small or large cafes, wine bars, private lounges, the street which connects Apgujeong and Sinsa has it all.
In one of my latest expedition to Garosu-gil, I checked out this restaurant called Spain Club.
Located just one street away from the main Garosu street, Spain Club stood out with its beige colored wall, with Spanish flag hanging over the door.
Just taking a step inside, I realized that Spain Club really meant business; there were two huge chunks of pork leg that thin pieces of jamon were being cut to be served. Orange wall and decorative plates were hung on the wall… I immediately felt like I was transported to Spain! (not that I visited the place)
Also noticeable were the seats – all the seats/tables were occupied (which usually is a good sign)! Luckily enough though, just as I entered, a table freed up so I didn’t have to wait in line.
I didn’t know much about Spanish food, so I didn’t care to even pretend to know. I simply asked for recommendation and went with it. I ended ordering 1 seafood paella dish, seasoned rice dish that originated from Valencia, on the east coast of Spain, often viewed as a dish that is representative of Spanish cuisine. I also ordered a mussels plate, and 2 glasses of house white wine to go with them. I also learned that Spain Club is Japanese-owned brand. Successfully implementing this business in Japan, I take it that the Japanese restaurateurs are trying out the new waters with Korean market by starting it off in Garosu-gil, which is probably the best place to start.
I was told when I ordered that paella dish takes a little while to cook, between 30-40 minutes in length. The waiting time didn’t bother me though, as practically every other table around me seemed to be getting the dish. I figured, why not just have some wine and mussels and kill some time? So I did.
The mussels dish came out, and it came with bread. The mussels were seasoned well, and was delicious overall. One minor thing though, I felt like the soup or the sauce could have been a little thicker. Then again, that could be the Korean in me wanting ever thicker and spicier/herbier flavor. Then again, having a mussel stew wouldn’t be the same as having tomato-based clear sauce that was clearly and originally intended for this dish. I guess just personal preference. But, coupled with bread, it was overall a good appetizer.
Soon after I killed the glass of wine (which didn’t take long, of course) and was unintentionally but obviously staring at my company’s rather-too-full glass, the seafood paella dish arrived. And it didn’t disappoint!
It came in a large pan, sizzling hot as the waiter put it on the table. Yellow rice was topped with generous serving of clams, mussels and prawns (x3). I served it immediately and didn’t wait a second to put it where it belonged. The first bite immediately released rich sea/prawn scent and I was nothing short of satisfied. Unlike the first dish where I thought the seasoning was a little bit bland, this dish had it down right on the dot. The food was great, and I won’t write a detailed description on purpose so you have to go try it out on your own to figure out what it tastes like!
I did some searches online on Naver and apparently, Spain Club used to prepare HUGE portions of paella at a time… so whenever they received an order, two waiters lugged that ginormous pan, move over to the table, and serve it (and take it back to the kitchen of course). I guess this was for the show… But when I ordered it, they gave it out in a smaller pan, which probably means that they no longer do this. It would have been cool though, if they continued serving it that way. Maybe this method created too much logistic hassle or the food didn’t taste good after a while (which is probably the main reason).
Sadly, I didn’t get to take many pictures of this restaurant. I feel that I didn’t do this place justice and that this place needs yet another visit (or maybe it’s just an excuse).
Of course, this place wasn’t the cheapest option you could find in Garosu-gil. 2 glasses of house wine, 1 appetizer and 1 paella dish cost me around 60,000 Won. And despite how it looks, the paella wasn’t that much food; I wish they had half an inch thicker layer of rice on that pan, which would have imprinted a smile on my face for the rest of the night!
So… conclusion that I drew from this adventure:
Spain Club is a must-visit if you are getting bored of the same pasta and pizza dishes in Seoul. It is not your cheapest option, but the place is definitely not a rip-off. Also judging by how full they get during their busy hours, the words are spreading amongst Koreans as well. Do make sure to make a reservation before you go. There is also a second floor, which I did not get to check out, but I heard that it is more for private gathering. If you want to have a proper meal, the place will run around 70,000-80,000 Won (1 appetizer, 2 main dishes, 1 dessert), without alcohol (dishes run around 15,000 to 20,000 per plate)
The Good
- Great Spanish food & service
- Classy atmosphere, refreshingly different interior
- Beginner friendly-menu with pictures of each dish
- Valet available
The Bad
- Typically always full during busy hours. Reservation a must
- Pricey.
- Small portions
- Seat arrangement for 2 people are rather a little close to another seat/table for 2, which maybe strange to some.
Directions
- Located one street to the west of the main Garosu-gil, Sinsa. Take one block to the left (facing north, or Apgujeong-side, with your back facing South, Sinsa station side) and keep walking north for around 400-500 meters (straight) until on your left you see Spain Club. Go past Paper Garden and Diner Like.
Operation Hours
- 11am – 3am of the following day
Contact
- 02-515-1118
