Tabelog ratingL'Ermita (L’Ermita) offers an ambitious, modern Spanish dining experience rooted in Catalan traditions. The chef, who trained in the kitchen of the legendary Martin Berasategui, presents a single tasting menu in a theatrical sequence of small, intricate plates. The intimate six-seat counter allows guests to watch the craftsmanship up close, making for a memorable fine-dining event.
Guests consistently praise the signature dishes, particularly the anago (conger eel) and foie gras millefeuille, a creation inherited from the chef's mentor. Other highlights include charcoal-roasted Sistron lamb and a richly textured rice dish like arroz meloso. The meal often begins with inventive tapas, such as churros with bottarga, and the experience is elevated by the hostess's expert Spanish wine and sherry pairings.
While most admire the chef's skill, some diners find certain plates, like those featuring offal or fatty pork head, to be challenging or too 'authentic'. The meal is a long affair, with the restaurant itself noting it takes around three and a half hours, and some find the chef's detailed tableside explanations lengthy. The restaurant also enforces strict rules regarding photography and fragrances that have surprised some visitors.
Reviewers in 2024 reported paying between ¥18,700 and ¥23,100 for the tasting menu, with an optional wine and sherry pairing costing an additional ¥12,000 to ¥13,000. For a special occasion, the quality of the ingredients and technique make it good value, but it is not a destination for a casual or quick meal.
- Booking: Reservations are mandatory and can be made online via TableCheck up to two months in advance. The restaurant does not accept bookings by phone or email.
- Getting There: L'Ermita is on the 2nd floor of the Koa Mansion Ohori building, a 4-minute walk from Exit 6 of Tojinmachi Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line.
- Payment: Credit cards are accepted, but electronic money and QR code payments are not. A 10% service charge is added to the bill.
- Seating: There are just 6 counter seats. Private rooms are not available.
- Children: Children are welcome if they are able to eat the full adult tasting menu.
- Dress Code & Rules: A smart casual dress code is requested (no sportswear). Guests are asked to refrain from wearing strong perfumes or scents. Photography is limited to food and drinks only; photos of the interior or other guests are not permitted.
- Parking & Smoking: There is no dedicated parking, though paid parking is available nearby. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
