Namyangju Italian restaurant for seafood pomodoro: Romaok Riverside

It had been a while since I drove out toward Namyangju, where I got to enjoy something delicious and a proper Han River view at Romaok Riverside. I had visited once before, and the food and atmosphere had both stayed with me, so this time I went with my mom.

It would be great for a meal out with parents, a relaxed meal with friends, or even a Namyangju date because the atmosphere is so nice. Especially since it overlooks the Han River, it is nice to take a little break nearby after the meal rather than leaving right away.

Romaok Riverside hours

• 11:00–21:30
• Break time: 15:00–17:00
• Last order: 14:00, 20:30

Mium Naru Han River view and atmosphere

Romaok Riverside is in the Mium Naru area, making it a lovely place to visit as part of a drive. The building is inspired by a hanok (traditional Korean house), so even the exterior feels a little different from an ordinary restaurant! Inside, it feels modern and upscale, and above all, the Han River view was truly beautiful.

I ate with my mom, and she also said she loved the space itself. I thought it would be a good option for anyone looking for a good restaurant in Suseok-dong to take their parents to, or a Mium Naru restaurant with a nice atmosphere.

My second visit and choosing the pasta seasoning

Actually, this was my second visit to Romaok. On my first visit, I had the abalone geu-woo pasta and maesaengi gwanchaja risotto, and I remember enjoying both.

The first time, the dishes themselves could taste a little strongly seasoned, so I chose the lighter seasoning and it was just right for me. That is why I also chose the pasta lightly seasoned this time, but personally, I do not think the Napoli Mare Pomodoro pasta needs that! I think it would be plenty delicious with the regular seasoning. It may be nice to adjust the seasoning depending on the menu :)

Warm scallion bread before the meal

Bread before the meal / Warm scallion bread

This was the warm bread served before the meal. The scallion flavor was so lovely, and dipping it in olive oil made the flavor even deeper.

Napoli Mare Pomodoro pasta

Napoli Mare Pomodoro Pasta ₩27,000

This pasta includes black tiger shrimp, cuttlefish, mussels, clam brodo, tomato sauce, peperoncino, and linguine. The Napoli Mare Pomodoro pasta was one menu item I really wanted to try at Romaok.

It looks appetizing from the start, right? There were so many kinds of seafood, from shrimp and cuttlefish to shellfish, so every bite on the plate had different textures.

It was packed with seafood and had a tomato-sauce base, so it was not too heavy. The peperoncino also gave it a slight kick. I tend to like tomato-sauce pasta, so I personally enjoyed it.

Since it used linguine, the sauce clung well to the noodles, making it nice to twirl up with the seafood. I ordered it lightly seasoned this time, but if I have this menu again, I think I will order the regular seasoning. I think it would be delicious that way too, and the standard seasoning would probably suit the distinct pomodoro flavor better.

Gorgonzola pizza with honey

Gorgonzola Pizza ₩26,000

This pizza came topped with Gorgonzola, mozzarella, ricotta mousse, béchamel cream, and cranberries, with honey on the side.

Gorgonzola pizza is all about dipping it in honey, of course. With several kinds of cheese, it had a rich, nutty flavor and a lovely softness.

The cranberries added little bright, tangy bites here and there, which felt like they gently balanced the richness of the cheese.

I personally love this style of pizza, so it was a great pairing with the pasta. One pasta and one pizza for two people was also quite a good amount.

Even next time, the Gorgonzola pizza is something I would absolutely have to order.

Menu recommendations from what I have tried

If I were to recommend dishes I have tried, I would pick the Gorgonzola pizza and the abalone geu-woo pasta! The Gorgonzola is truly delicious with the nutty cheese and honey, while the abalone geu-woo pasta stood out in my memory for its deep abalone flavor.

Resting by the Han River after the meal

The food is great, but Romaok Riverside is really such a nice place for its atmosphere too. The plating was neat and stylish, the staff were kind, and I could see why it is known as a Blue Ribbon restaurant in Namyangju, so I felt good throughout the meal.

When I visited with my mom, it was not overly noisy or hectic, so we could eat comfortably. Personally, I think it would be nice for a gathering with friends, a visit with parents, or a date.

And one thing I loved about Romaok Riverside! After my mom and I finished eating, we did not head straight home; we came outside and sat for a little while with my child before going home.

Sitting for a moment while looking at the Han River, after eating and getting some fresh air, somehow made it feel like we had come on a trip. These days, since I am often out and about with my baby, delicious food is important, but I also notice whether there is a place to linger after eating. I loved it in that sense too. I think it would be especially nice on a beautiful day.

A Namyangju drive-and-meal route

Rather than going to Romaok Riverside only for a meal, I think it would be even better as a route like this: a Namyangju drive → a meal at Romaok → taking in the Han River view. I heard that brunch and coffee are also available on the rooftop, so next time I would like to come for Namyangju brunch rather than a meal.

The Han River view is so good that it would be lovely to come with friends on a nice day, and it would create just the right mood for a date too. Above all, even though this was my second visit, I was satisfied once again with both the food and the overall atmosphere. The staff were especially kind, and everything from the food presentation to the space was neat, so it was also a good place for a meal out with parents! Next time, I would like to try other dishes I missed this time.