Halfway between Santa Eulalia and San Carlos lies LU•UM, a stylish cocktail bar/wood-fired grill restaurant. Our team went to dine there to find out if it lived up to all the praise.
In Mayan culture, Lu Um refers to earth, soil or land. It's a perfect fit for this restaurant, as the island's bountiful red soil is the origin of much of the mouthwatering food it serves up.
The menu at LU•UM features Mediterranean fare with inspired touches from Middle Eastern and Peruvian cuisine. The menu is small but exquisitely formed.
Among its many delectable dishes, the locally sourced grilled vegetables - so often underestimated - are a revelation. But more of them later…
LU•UM started out as a small, inside-only restaurant. After acquiring the adjoining furniture shop and extensive renovation, it has expanded. The result? An inviting space that houses a snug cocktail bar, a seated tapas area, a tiny fashion boutique, and a spacious interior that is ideal for large groups of diners and holding events.
The fashion boutique
The decor is in keeping with its terrestrial roots. Think terracotta-toned walls, clean-cut pine tables and chairs, and low-hanging raffia lampshades, creating the overall impression of rustic harmony.
Outside, there is a cocktail/tapas zone with comfortable armchairs, a big shady terrace for dining (with the wood-fired grill off to one side) and a bijou herb garden.
The enchanting playground will delight the young ones.
The whole comes together to achieve a relaxed, homely vibe that invites guests to chat with friends over a signature cocktail, peruse the store, admire the green surroundings, and take their time over their meal in true Mediterranean fashion. Effortlessly boho, in other words.
Our voyage into LU•UM's world of flavours began in the garden, with a foray into its intriguing cocktail list.
In the hands of the highly experienced mixologist Marta, LU•UM's signature cocktails are a work of art. The combination of colours, aromas, and flavours was irresistible.
In the picture, the tequila-infused Delirium, La Yayita - featuring Amontillado sherry and aromatic white vermouth - and Amber, a refreshing, zingy non-alcoholic treat, with ginger syrup and lime juice.
Seated in the shade of the trees, we sipped our aperitifs, luxuriating in the moment.
The outdoor cocktail lounge was the ideal spot to indulge in some tapas - one of the venue’s strong points.
The tapas menu is a small but perfectly formed fanfare of delights. There may be no more than eight items, but, rest assured, each one is exquisite.
Rich and distinctive, it's amazing to think that the tiny anchovy can unleash such incredible flavour. Against the crispy brioche and smooth smoked butter, these tiny slivers packed a punch.
You may be forgiven for thinking that patatas bravas are a humdrum staple of Spanish cantinas - at LU•UM, they are elevated onto another dimension: crispy, fluffy Spanish potatoes with huacatay - Peruvian salsa verde - and spicy, smoky anticucho aioli.
The fish tempura came with a yellow mayonnaise that lent them a slightly tangy edge.
The bikini steak tartare comprised plump, juicy meat, accompanied by crunchy crisps and - wait for it - a thick charcoal mayonnaise. What will this team of gourmets think of next?
Next stop: the interior dining space. Its warm decor, subtle, ambient lighting, and the light-hearted banter and satisfied noises from surrounding guests told us we were in the right place.
Time for the vegetables to shine! Having just come from the grill, where they are finished off, the roasted aubergines in a miso-infused creamy sauce and caramelised walnuts were a reminder of just how good local produce can be in the right hands.
Almost too visually appealing to devour, the roasted scallops, presented on a bed of aji amarillo, were gone in a flash.
Two more mains then arrived in the shape of a succulent entrecôte steak made using the best Argentinian beef. Perfectly sliced, the edges had been sealed on the open fire to lock in the flavour and retain the meat's juiciness. The final touch: the herb-rich butter that smoothed it down.
Equally tempting, the tuna parpatana (a special cut from the region of Cadiz) was next up. Each heavenly mouthful took us on a trip through the fresh waters of the Straits of Gibralter. It came with a rich tomato sauce and spicy pickled peppers.
Sated and - by now - smitten, we pushed the boat out for the dessert course. The celery panna cotta with green apple and fennel was like liquid satin.
Accompanied by prime olive oil and sea salt, the chocolate dessert on lightly toasted homemade bread oozed decadence.
The serving staff at LU•UM are knowledgeable, attentive and approachable, while the presence of the charming Spanish/Persian hosts makes all the difference.
LU•UM is a soulful spot to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories. No surprise, then, that - in its short life so far - it's already built up a steady clientele of locals, residents, and visitors.
To book your table, head to LU•UM.
