Yeongdeungpo bar for spicy fish roe stew: Robadayakki Sodam

When warm soup and charcoal-grilled dishes call after work

When the breeze on the way home from work turns noticeably chilly, I naturally start craving warm soup and golden charcoal-grilled food. While looking for somewhere near Yeouido to have a casual drink with a coworker after finishing work, I came across Robadayakki Sodam Yeouido Branch, a well-known Yeouido spot for food and drinks.

I had heard it was popular for its cozy, authentic Japanese atmosphere amid the forest of office buildings, so I headed over feeling excited. Choosing a place for a meet-up in central Yeouido always leaves me weighing the location and mood, but this was just the right kind of space for finding a little everyday comfort.

Robadayakki Sodam Yeouido Branch: location and information

Knowing the route and business details in advance makes the visit much easier. Here is the shop information, neatly laid out.

• Restaurant: Robadayakki Sodam Yeouido Branch
• Address: 17 Yeouidaebang-ro 65-gil, 1F Units 113, 114, 115, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울 영등포구 여의대방로65길 17 1층 113, 114, 115호)
• Public transit: 289 m from Saetgang Station Exit 1; also accessible on foot from Yeouido Station
• Hours: Last order at 12:30 a.m.
• Other: Group seating and private rooms are available; Naver reservations and coupon benefits can be used

Wood interiors and a tachinomi-style bar counter

The moment I opened the door, the warm, tranquil wood interior caught my eye. Soft lighting and the character of a traditional Japanese izakaya (Japanese pub) came together to create a relaxing atmosphere. The table seats were separated by partitions, making them great for private conversations, and there was plenty of space for company dinners or gatherings, too.

What stood out most was the tachinomi-style bar counter in the center. Fresh fish, vegetables, and skewer ingredients were piled high over ice, and I could watch the chef grilling them over charcoal right behind it. Seeing the freshness of the ingredients for myself made me trust the food even more.

A varied menu, from grilled fish to nabe

Once seated, I looked through the menu and found an impressively wide range of choices, from individual dishes to satisfying set menus. The izakaya staples you would expect—sashimi, grilled fish, skewers, nabe (Japanese hot pot), and à la carte dishes—were all thoughtfully organized.

Menu selection

• Grilled fish: grilled mero (₩29,000), rockfish (₩22,000), Spanish mackerel (₩21,000), mackerel (₩19,000), and more
• Nabe: fish roe stew (₩22,000), charcoal-fired jjambbong (₩21,000), Nagasaki-style soup (₩21,000), clam soup (₩21,000), odeng nabe (₩19,000)
• À la carte dishes and sides: beef brisket and bean-sprout stir-fry (₩25,000), pollock roe cream udon (₩21,000), yakisoba (₩19,000), arancini (₩14,000), and more
• Set menus: options run from Set 1, assorted skewers plus odeng nabe for ₩44,000, through Set 9, tailored to different group sizes and tastes

After some deliberation, we decided to order a soup dish, a stir-fry, and some easygoing drinks to enjoy alongside them.

Charcoal-fired fish roe stew and beef brisket bean-sprout stir-fry

The food we ordered was set on the table one dish at a time. First came a fried egg cooked on an iron plate as the basic bar snack; it was savory and warm, more than enough to settle the stomach.

Next came the charcoal-fired fish roe stew, packed with seafood and vegetables, and it was visually impressive from the start. With a sip of the broth, a gentle aroma spread through my mouth, followed by a deep, pleasantly spicy flavor. Its moderate heat made it perfect with drinks, and it felt wonderfully refreshing.

The beef brisket and bean-sprout stir-fry we ordered alongside it was satisfying as well. The crisp texture of the bean sprouts worked beautifully with the rich brisket, while katsuobushi (bonito flakes) sprinkled on top added extra umami. It was not overly seasoned, so I kept reaching for it without feeling weighed down. Enjoying these two dishes with a glass of soju was more than enough to wash away the day's fatigue.

Vanilla cheese ice cream from the receipt-review event

As the meal was wrapping up, I joined the Naver receipt-review event and received vanilla cheese ice cream on the house. It arrived as a generous scoop topped with savory sliced almonds and a waffle cookie, and it looked great, too.

Its sweet, rich cheese aroma left my palate feeling nicely refreshed, making it an excellent dessert to finish the meal. Even though it was complimentary, it felt carefully prepared, which made it all the more satisfying.

A Yeouido izakaya worth visiting after work

Robadayakki Sodam Yeouido Branch fully captured the distinctive appeal of robatayaki (Japanese charcoal grilling), where you can see the fresh ingredients right in front of you before they are grilled over charcoal. It is a welcoming place of rest for Yeouido office workers, bringing together delicious food, atmosphere, and friendly service.

If you are looking for an atmospheric izakaya near Yeouido, or want to chat over delicious food after work, I recommend giving Robadayakki Sodam Yeouido Branch a visit.