Luxury cafe, Louis Vuitton, offers visually appealing environment, but falls short on culinary offerings.
Le Cafe Louis Vuitton: A Stylish Culinary Experience in Seoul
Le Cafe Louis Vuitton, nestled on the fourth floor of the Louis Vuitton Maison Seoul in the upscale Cheongdam-dong district, offers a unique blend of fashion and fine dining. The cafe, a brainchild of the Louis Vuitton group, first opened its doors in France.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a cozy library-like space, while the brighter, terrace-inspired room bathed in natural light awaits further exploration. The interior, a stylish fusion of luxury and minimalism, features leather mats and gold-toned cutlery engraved with the Louis Vuitton monogram. The staff, dressed in minimalist beige uniforms, add to the aesthetic appeal.
The menu, under the gastronomic direction of chef Anthony Yoon, promises an ambitious collaboration with renowned figures from the Louis Vuitton Culinary Community. One of the standout drinks on the menu is the omija lime ade, a sparkling beverage made with sweetened omija syrup.
However, some visitors have found the food to be just average, with the service being inconsistent. Disjointed transitions between courses and occasional oversights of basic fine-dining standards have been noted. The service challenges notwithstanding, reservations remain difficult to secure during lunch and dinner hours, indicating the cafe's popularity.
A dish that has garnered attention is the monogram waffle-caviar, made from chickpea batter and shaped into the Louis Vuitton monogram. Served with creme fraiche and French caviar, this visually appealing appetizer, while modest in portion relative to its price, offers a unique culinary experience.
The maison chicken, served with a creamy porcini sauce and a sweet-and-spicy green plum gochujang base, is another highlight. The chicken is tender and well-seasoned, and the fried batter is crisp without being greasy. However, pickled vegetables cut in monogrammed shapes, included in the dish, have divided opinions among visitors.
From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Le Cafe offers a trimmed-down 'Afternoon Delights' menu featuring lighter fare and beverages. In the absence of the chocolate monogram dessert, which frequently sells out, the tiramisu Montenapoleone (28,000 won) is offered as an alternative.
While Le Cafe Louis Vuitton offers a stylish dining experience, it may need refining before it can compete with top-tier dining establishments or even with its own international counterparts. Some visitors have compared the Seoul location unfavorably to Le Cafe V in Tokyo's Ginza district. Nevertheless, for brand enthusiasts, design lovers, and travelers seeking an aesthetically curated pause in their day, Le Cafe Louis Vuitton remains an attractive destination.
