Off-peak 4pm pasta at Hey Joji, a Yeonnam-dong restaurant in Seoul

Today I walked through the Yeonnam-dong alleys around 4pm, that in-between hour after lunch and before dinner.

Where I stopped was Hey Joji, a Yeonnam-dong restaurant. I went there for pasta, but ended up remembering the risotto much more.

First impressions of Hey Joji, tucked into a Yeonnam-dong alley

Walk further into the alley and Hey Joji comes into view. The first impression when I opened the door was pretty vivid.

It felt like being invited into an American vintage house. Cute little objects and warm lighting came together to make the dining space itself feel comfortable.

Look around slowly and the small details catch your eye. It didn't feel overdecorated — more like the atmosphere flowed together like a real home.

I visited around 4pm. Maybe because it was between late lunch and early dinner, seats were only about 30% full at the time. For someone who wanted a relaxed meal, this time slot suited me well.

Ordering by QR code from the table at Hey Joji

At Hey Joji, there's a QR code once you sit down. You check the menu on your phone and order directly. Not having to call staff over let me take my time going through the menu, which I personally liked quite a bit.

What is on the Hey Joji menu?

What I chose that day: garlic squid oil pasta, duck steak cream risotto

I picked one pasta and one risotto.

With both plates on the table, the two dishes had such different moods that the combination worked well together. If you're looking for pasta at a Yeonnam-dong restaurant, it's fun to try a slightly different pairing instead of the usual.

How was the garlic squid oil pasta?

I tried Hey Joji's garlic squid oil pasta first. Oil pastas can sometimes feel like the noodles are slipping around loose or dry — this one was different.

The noodles were moist and coiled softly around the fork. The oil didn't sit separately but blended naturally into the noodles. Best of all was the overall seasoning — not too salty, not too bland.

The squid was good too. Tender, not chewy, and with none of the fishy smell seafood can sometimes have, so I could eat it cleanly all the way through.

The garlic added extra flavor that brought out the clean, light character oil pasta should have. It got more refreshing rather than heavier the more I ate — close to the kind of oil pasta I personally love.

Best plate of the day: duck steak cream risotto

And the dish that stayed with me most that day was Hey Joji's duck steak cream risotto. Personally, it was the best thing I ate.

The first thing I noticed with my first spoonful was the texture of the rice. Not a mushy risotto — each grain of rice was al dente, still alive. The bite was distinct enough that I thought, 'this place really knows how to make risotto.'

The cream was rich and nutty. It wrapped smoothly around the rice, and the seasoning wasn't overdone, so I kept going back for more.

The duck steak on top was also good. Well seared outside, tender inside. Eating it together with the cream risotto made the nutty flavor even deeper.

And the tomato here mattered quite a bit. Just as the richness of the cream started to feel heavy, a bite of tomato would freshen everything up. Then back to another spoonful of risotto. I loved that rhythm.

The spoonful of risotto that beat the pasta

I originally came looking for pasta at a Yeonnam-dong restaurant, but once the meal was over, the first thing that came to mind was the risotto — the texture of the rice, the thickness of the cream, the combination of duck steak and tomato.

The flow of flavors within a single plate was clear. The pasta was good too, but if I go back, I'd want to order the risotto again.

Hey Joji location and opening hours

• Hours: Daily 12:00–21:00, last order 20:00
• Distance from station: About 10-minute walk from Hongik University Station Exit 3
• Parking: No dedicated parking

Good to know before you visit Hey Joji

Hey Joji operates with no break time, so it worked fine even for a slightly awkward hour like 4pm, as in my case. When I visited, seats were about 30% full, but crowd levels can change depending on the time. Ordering is done at your table via QR code. The atmosphere suited not just dates but also a slow meal with friends.

Notes from a 4pm meal in Yeonnam-dong

• One-line summary: A place where you settle into the space first, and the risotto stays with you.
• First impression: Felt like being invited into an American vintage house.
• Most memorable moment: The lively, al dente rice texture of the duck steak cream risotto.
• Would I go back?: If I start craving that risotto, I'd want to return.

Recommended for:

• Anyone looking for pasta in Yeonnam-dong
• Anyone who wants a date in a nice-atmosphere space
• Anyone who wants to try a slightly different risotto alongside familiar pasta

If you're searching for a Yeonnam-dong restaurant where you can slowly enjoy both the space and the food, Hey Joji is worth a look.