Lieva, Javier Abascal's Iberian dream

Javier Abascal, known for his successful career in Seville with Lalola, now returns to his roots with the mission of paying homage to the land that nurtured his culinary development. Lieva is an extension of his vision, a firm commitment to local products and an intimate connection with the nature surrounding the restaurant. Sustainability is paramount.

While he has achieved recognition for his decade-long career at Lalola, a national benchmark for Iberian pork cuisine recognized by Michelin and Repsol, few know that his first steps in the kitchen were in the mountains of Huelva, where his love for local flavors and produce was born. After gaining experience in the region, his passion for Iberian pork and the cuisine of the dehesa (Iberian pastureland) solidified, becoming the central focus of his culinary offerings wherever he goes.

Abascal has never lost sight of his goal of returning to the land that shaped him as a chef. This led to the creation of Lieva last August, a restaurant where Javi seeks to serve food while expressing gratitude to the region for everything it has given him, both professionally and personally. For him, this project is much more than a business; it's a return to his roots and a life project.

Clearly, Lieva doesn't represent a break with Seville, but rather an evolution. In this new space, he has taken the principles that brought him success at Lalola (which will soon celebrate its tenth anniversary with Andoni Luis Aduriz) to a new level. Now, the Huelva countryside is not only his inspiration, but also his definitive stage, where he hopes to culminate his professional career.

At Lieva, they strive to make gastronomy an extension of the landscape of the Huelva mountains, where Iberian pork takes center stage, alongside other prominent and iconic ingredients from the province. The menu reflects a deep respect for the seasonality of local produce, with a constant nod to the rural traditions that characterize the dehesa (pastureland).

Lieva's menu encompasses both simplicity and sophistication, classic and contemporary. For example, the charcuterie and cold cuts that begin the menu are an invitation to savor the dehesa (Iberian pastureland) bite by bite, such as a charcuterie board that showcases the power of the region's cured flavors, or the selection of cheeses that pairs perfectly with this rustic setting. The menu evolves in complexity as the options progress, and you'll experience the warmth of the front-of-house team, led by Iván and Carmen, who have left everything behind to move there with unwavering faith in the project.

One of the most interesting aspects is how the starter menu plays with textures and temperatures. Dishes like the potato salad with Aroche sausage offer a fresh and traditional take on the aniseed typical of Aroche, while the braised beef cheek brioche introduces a warmth that prepares the palate for the main courses, where Iberian pork, once again, reigns supreme.

The true heart of the menu lies in its hearty stews and the traditions of the mountains, where Abascal delves into the region's culinary heritage with dishes like rosemary-braised beef cheeks with white beans or game ragù with potato gnocchi. These slow-cooked dishes are filling and evoke the cuisine of yesteryear, offering a comforting and nostalgic experience.

Despite the prominence of Iberian pork, the presence of fish on the menu demonstrates that Lieva also knows how to take advantage of its proximity to the Atlantic. Dishes like cuttlefish from Huelva or cod in pil-pil sauce balance the gastronomic offerings, introducing fresh seafood flavors that perfectly complement the robustness of the meats, which, in addition to Iberian pork, can also include game (both large and small) or beef.

Each dish is designed to connect diners with Huelva and its traditions. The fusion of rustic and innovative is constant; the use of locally sourced ingredients respects sustainability and elevates the flavor to a gastronomic level that transcends the conventional fare found in the area.

Beyond the food, Lieva offers an opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with what truly matters. Its rural cottages invite you to extend the experience, offering the chance to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. Here, you not only enjoy excellent food, but you also take away a complete experience, where gastronomy and the environment intertwine in a single narrative.