From fresh cocktails to tapas and family-style dishes, this new restaurant has everything you need for a Spanish-inspired dinner.
By Ashley Ryan
In Spain, the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, as the culture celebrates the tradition of coming together to eat. And with the word “comedor” translating directly to “dining room,” the new restaurant at La Casa del Camino hotel offers just that—a chance to gather with friends and family to enjoy a proper Spanish meal in a room that makes you feel right at home.
Replacing K’ya Bistro Bar, which served as the historic hotel’s signature restaurant since 2006, the new Comedor was born out of the pandemic, opening this past spring. Doors line one side of the quaint room, turning the space into an open-air oasis, while marble-topped tables, black chandeliers, fresh plants, green suede chairs and dark wooden floors offer an enchanting atmosphere.
Start your meal off with a drink. Sangria, a traditional Spanish libation, is made in house with dry red wine, brandy and plenty of fruit, and can be enjoyed by the glass or with a pitcher for the table. The menu also features a number of signature sips, such as the popular Laguna Blue—a blend of tequila blanco, creme de violette, Luxardo maraschino cherry liqueur, lime and orgeat—as well as the El Sol, made with white rum and passion fruit. Other classic concoctions with a twist are available as well, such as the chai Old-Fashioned, crafted with chai syrup and Laird’s Applejack whiskey. There are also a few wine options, including varietals from Spain’s famous Rioja region.
Everything offered by way of food is designed to be sharable so order a variety of dishes to try them all. The tapas menu is the perfect place to start.
One dish that you won’t soon forget is the carrot fritters. These savory snacks pair perfectly with the flavorful dill-forward herbed yogurt sauce they’re served with. Pieces of corn, apricots and raisins also hit the palate for a smooth, tangy taste.
Comedor’s version of the tortilla española, a type of Spanish omelet, is unforgettable as well. Stacked high, this plate combines egg, potato and onion. Seasoned with paprika and drizzled in a yellow aji aioli sauce, the dish takes what would normally be a breakfast item and launches it into an evening meal with a spicy kick.
Pan con tomate, a classic Spanish tapa, can also be found on the Comedor menu, with fresh tomato brushed across toasted rustic bread. Add prosciutto and manchego cheese for a more layered flavor. And, of course, octopus is a must whenever you’re enjoying tapas. The charred iteration at Comedor offers a layer of smokiness, complemented by medallions of chorizo. The dish is also enhanced with romanesco broccoli and deep black romesco sauce made using squid ink.
If you don’t fill up on the incredible tapas, Comedor also has a few entrees to choose from. The skirt steak is served with herb butter and chimichurri for a fresh flavor, while the miso-glazed salmon is accompanied by coconut forbidden rice and a curried tomato vinaigrette.
Large groups can also opt for the traditional rossejat de fideos, a paella-style vermicelli dish chock-full of seafood. This briny dish was definitely designed for lovers of the sea—but watch out if you’re not a fan of your food having some movement to it, as bonito flakes appear to make the pasta dish dance before your eyes.
As delightful as the food is, dessert just solidifies the homey feeling in the restaurant. The fruit-centric apple strudel and pear tart both look as though they were baked in your own kitchen—but taste otherworldly. Diners can also opt for black forest cake a la mode, creme brulee or one of three different parfaits—chocolate mousse, tiramisu or strawberry with mascarpone.
From the traditional tastes to charming decor, Comedor does exactly what it sets out to. Grab your loved ones, gather around one of the tables, indulge in luxurious tapas and feel right at home.
Comedor
at La Casa del Camino
1289 S. Coast Highway
949-376-9718; comedorlaguna.com
Hours
5-11 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
