Hiroshima okonomiyaki and grapefruit highball at Guro izakaya Hoyo

If you're on the endless hunt for good food near Guro Digital Complex, as a local resident I have to recommend this place first — Hoyo Gudi Branch.

Whether you want a light drink on the way home from work or somewhere with real atmosphere for a special someone, few places pull it off as well as this one.

The ceilings are high, so the green view through the floor-to-ceiling windows feels fresh, and it's got real charm at sunset and after dark too.

Why Hoyo Gudi Branch is known as a highball specialist

Hoyo Gudi Branch is designated a certified highball house with a wide lineup of liquor, so as someone who loves to drink, that makes it that much easier to love this place.

Step inside this Guro Digital Complex spot and you'll actually see several highball house certificates on display.

They're also currently running a Hoyo limited sake event, with 15% off all sake when you order assorted sashimi — good to know.

Where Hoyo Gudi Branch is and how to get there from Guro Digital Complex Station

Let me walk you through exactly how to find Hoyo Gudi Branch. Come out of Exit 3 at Guro Digital Complex Station on Line 2.

Keep walking straight and you'll see a building with a parking lot — that's Building 301 of the Yeseong Utopia Officetel in Guro-dong.

It's the building with the Utopia jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) sign — 2nd floor, unit 206.

Follow the stairs up and you'll reach the entrance. There's also ground-level parking. Among izakayas near Guro Digital Complex, this one is especially easy to reach — barely a 3-minute walk from the station, so even if you have zero sense of direction you can find it without any trouble.

Walk in and you get that cozy yet modern feel of a Japanese teppan specialty restaurant, with counter-style dachi seats around the open kitchen — easy to drink solo without feeling awkward.

Hiroshima okonomiyaki grilled tableside with a flame show

After sitting down and checking the menu, I first ordered the signature dish and the reason this place exists — Hiroshima okonomiyaki (savory grilled pancake).

The okonomiyaki is grilled fresh on the teppan the moment you order it, complete with a dramatic flame show that's fun to watch. I asked about the difference between Hiroshima-style and Kyoto-style okonomiyaki — you can hear the answer in the video.

This izakaya's okonomiyaki doesn't just pile on a thick batter — it layers noodles, fully cooked cabbage, seafood and meat on top, giving it real heft and thickness.

They also don't hold back on the bonito flakes piled generously on top.

When I took a big bite, the sweet-salty special sauce, the savory mayonnaise, and the salty flavor of the bonito flakes all came together beautifully.

The chewy noodles inside and the crisp cabbage texture worked well together, and bits of seafood added extra savoriness throughout. It's a fantastic pairing with beer too — right when it starts to feel a little rich, a cold sip of draft beer resets your palate, and suddenly you can't stop eating it.

Salmon salad paired with a Jim Beam grapefruit highball

Next I ordered the salmon salad, which stands out for its fresh flavor, and paired it with a refreshing Jim Beam grapefruit highball.

The glossy, thick salmon paired nicely with the crunchy lettuce, and the fresh sprouts and tangy dressing came together for a clean finish.

In the middle of the meal, they even brought out complimentary tempura, which was a nice touch. Little gestures like that might seem small, but I think they're exactly what turns people into regulars.

The Jim Beam grapefruit highball was so refreshing and sweet it felt more like a soft drink to me — the color is pretty too, and it goes down so smoothly that it could be a great option even for people who aren't big drinkers.

I was really happy with the whole experience, so if you're looking to unwind with teppan-grilled food and a crisp draft beer or highball in a spot with a great view and atmosphere, I'd recommend checking out Hoyo Gudi Branch near Guro Digital Complex.