Cuff

About

Minimalist specialty coffee roaster in a Yeoksam backstreet, known for smooth lattes topped with gelato-like ice cream.

Tucked into the quiet backstreets behind Teheran-ro, just past the intersection between Gaenari Apartment and Centerfield, Curf Coffee Roasters offers a stark, calming contrast to Yeoksam’s corporate hum. Housed on the ground floor of the Dongseong Building across from a GS25, the cafe announces itself with a stark white facade, crisp black framing, and a minimalist sign reading simply "COFFEE." Inside, soaring ceilings, soft amber lighting, exposed brick, and rich wood tables set an uncluttered, grounded tone. When the weather cooperates, full folding glass doors open wide to the street, bathing the open-bar counter in natural daylight. The coffee program is anchored by careful technique, driven by a founder with formal coffee training. Hand-drip enthusiasts will find a rotating lineup of single-origin filter beans, such as washed and natural Colombian roasts highlighting delicate tea and roasted peanut notes, prepared behind the open bar counter and presented in handsome ceramic ware. The menu is mounted on wall tiles, but guests can also order from digital Toss kiosks that occasionally reveal off-menu bites like croffles alongside fresh-baked cookies. The undisputed centerpiece of the drink menu is the signature Curf Latte. Built to individual preferences—including decaf and soy milk substitutions—the iced drink arrives crowned with a generous scoop of ice cream that leans closer to dense, chewy gelato than airy soft serve. The ritual is to spoon up the velvety ice cream first, then let the remaining half slowly melt into the rich espresso base for a sweet, textured finish. Standard espresso beverages, including a balanced iced Americano and expertly steamed hot lattes turned out with individualized latte art, make it a steadfast neighborhood refuge. Open early on weekdays for office commuters seeking thoughtful extractions, Curf proves that a focused neighborhood roastery can easily turn a brief lunch break into a genuine pause.