Namyangju Italian for 3 generations, mild maesaengi risotto: Romaok

On the weekend I went to Romaok Riverside, a lovely Namyangju restaurant, with my mom and my kid. I like drives anyway, so I found it while looking for Namyangju drive courses, and it's close to Guri too, which made it easy to get to! The Han River view and hanok (traditional Korean house) feel together made me gasp as soon as we arrived. If you're looking for restaurants in Mieumnaru or Suseok-dong, it's definitely worth a visit.

Romaok Riverside hours, parking and practical info

Romaok Riverside is open every day, Monday to Sunday, 11:00-21:30, with a break from 15:00 to 17:00. Last orders are at 14:00 and 20:30.

• Parking available (free)
• Groups welcome
• Takeout and delivery available
• Separate men's/women's restrooms
• Birthday benefits
• Corkage available (paid)

The hanok-inspired exterior was really impressive. Traditional atmosphere and modern interiors blend naturally, so it suits dates, family meals and anniversaries alike. It has a river view and lush greenery at the same time, right near the city.

Is Romaok Riverside OK with a child and a stroller?

The staff were kind to families, bringing baby chairs over before we even asked, but for the walk in I'd recommend a baby carrier over a stroller. Pushing a stroller, heave-ho... carrier, definitely carrier.. But once I made it, the melt-in-your-mouth view, and staff who brought the baby chair and were so kind from start to finish,

meant we could eat comfortably even with Mom and a little one in tow.

Even the walk to wash our hands before eating felt classy,,

What we ordered: maesaengi scallop risotto and abalone gewoo pasta

We ordered the maesaengi (fine seaweed) scallop risotto (₩25,000) and the abalone gewoo (abalone innards) pasta (₩25,000) at Romaok Riverside.

I'd heard the dishes come from a chef who trained at a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Italy, so my expectations were up. I figured anything would be at least decent, so I ordered mostly what Mom likes: the maesaengi scallop risotto and the abalone gewoo pasta!

I guess she was craving seafood. These aren't dishes we eat often, so I was even more excited.

How does the maesaengi scallop risotto taste?

The risotto had a subtle blend of perilla oil aroma and maesaengi flavor, and the scallops and shrimp gave it a lovely plump texture. Even I, who don't usually eat maesaengi, enjoyed it with no resistance, and the chew of the barley was a fun touch too.

The popular abalone gewoo pasta

Next is Romaok's popular dish.

The abalone gewoo pasta had the deep umami of the gewoo sauce, and the abalone was cooked tender, so you really taste the ingredients. Both dishes were prettily plated and better than expected, and I understand why word of mouth is so good.

Can you ask for milder seasoning at Romaok Riverside?

Yes, you can choose the saltiness level when ordering. I'd read that the food is generally salty, so we ordered everything mild, and it suited our taste perfectly.

Linguine soaked in a rich sauce made from abalone innards, with garlic scapes adding the finishing detail. The garlic scapes are even better eaten together with the pasta.

Every bite was rich, and I ate in a daze, savoring it. Now I get why people hunt down Blue Ribbon restaurants. I'd recommend it to anyone near Guri or looking for a Blue Ribbon spot in Namyangju who hasn't been to Romaok yet.

Romaok Riverside's 2nd-floor café: after-meal coffee with a Han River view

The 2nd floor of Romaok Riverside is a café space, and after the meal, writing a review got us an Americano discount.

After finishing the meal, I wrote the review, got the Americano discount and enjoyed coffee too.

With the 2nd floor run as a café, we could spend a relaxed time gazing at the Han River.

We also ordered an extra latte; you order at a kiosk, pick it up on the 1st floor and carry it upstairs.

Sipping coffee while looking at the Han River really gave that on-a-drive feeling and was pure healing. I think it would satisfy anyone looking for a Namyangju brunch or just a simple café.

Is Romaok Riverside good for a first birthday party or family gathering?

While eating, I saw an event notice, and picturing the party with the Han River as the backdrop, I thought if I ever hold my kid's first birthday party (doljanchi), a place like this would be nice.

It felt like a space that suits family gatherings, parents' birthdays, first birthday parties, dates and group get-togethers. Overall, the atmosphere, food and service were all satisfying. If you want a drive near Seoul plus a good meal, I really recommend it. You can eat leisurely with a Han River view and then have coffee in the café, so it's a perfect date course too.