Rainy-day forest-view bakery café in Gonjiam: meju bread, La Cuesta

A rainy-day parents' night out at La Cuesta in Gonjiam

On a day of soft, drizzly rain, I went out with my dad and my husband to La Cuesta, a big café in Gonjiam, Gwangju. The baby stayed with my mom, so it was a little kid-free date of our own 👼😆💛

We visited this big café near Hwadam Forest, and I was so happy with everything from the atmosphere to the bakery that I had to write a review. The café is spacious and lots of families come, so it would be great to bring the baby next time too.

Where is La Cuesta, and how is the parking?

La Cuesta is a large bakery café near Hwadam Forest in Gonjiam, Gwangju, Gyeonggi, and it's a nice stop on a drive.

The parking lot fits 100+ cars, so even on weekends it's relatively easy to use, which I liked.

Forest-view seating and atmosphere at La Cuesta

As a big café should be, the interior is roomy with a variety of seats, so it was easy to relax. With so many seats on the 1st and 2nd floors, I think couples, families and group gatherings would all work.

The forest view through the big windows is especially pretty, and because it was raining, the greens looked even deeper and the mood was so much better. It's a lovely spot to sip coffee quietly and unwind, so I'd recommend it for a family outing or a date.

La Cuesta bakery menu: what is meju bread?

This is the La Cuesta menu. There's a wide range of bakery items, snowflake bingsu (shaved ice) and brunch dishes, so it's fun to order a bit of everything.

Meju bread (meju-sikppang) is La Cuesta's famous bread, so I'd definitely recommend trying it when you visit.

It's literally a loaf shaped like meju (a block of fermented soybeans), packed with kidney beans and green peas, a low-carb, high-protein bread.

Apparently it was even featured as meju bread on SBS's Live Today. La Cuesta has so many kinds of bakery items that choosing is half the fun.

• Meju bread (signature bestseller)
• Skin-beauty cookie (health-themed dessert)
• Sausage bun / corn sausage bread
• Cinnamon roll / chestnut bread
• Canelé
• Salt bread / plain buns

We ordered a bunch, including canelé, milk cream salt bread and a sausage bun, and shared them, and every one of the breads was delicious.

La Cuesta coffee and the signature latte

We ordered 3 drinks at La Cuesta.

• Iced Americano
• Decaf café latte
• La Cuesta signature latte

The signature latte is topped with a heap of thick, rich cream and tasted wonderfully nutty.

La Cuesta events, discounts and facilities

• Coupon event every Monday
• Drawing contest
• 10% off for soldiers, firefighters and police (with ID)
• Outdoor stage (busking performances)
• Summer water play area
• Naranghan-cut 4-cut photo booth

There's something for everyone from kids to adults, so it's a great café for families. And with its big outdoor space, they rent out picnic baskets, picnic mats, blankets and more, so you can enjoy that picnic feeling.

Is La Cuesta worth visiting on a rainy day?

• Large café near Hwadam Forest in Gonjiam, Gwangju, Gyeonggi
• Meju bread and skin-beauty cookies are popular
• A café where you really feel the forest-view mood
• Outdoor garden for picnics
• Easy parking, recommended for family outings

La Cuesta, the big Gonjiam café in Gwangju, Gyeonggi, was lovely even on a rainy day. Next time I want to come back on a sunny day and do the picnic properly :)