Private room izakaya near Yeouido Station: Robadayakki Sodam

For a long-awaited reunion with friends or a well-deserved dinner after a tiring day at work, today I want to introduce one of the most atmospheric and polished Japanese izakayas in Yeouido. This is my review of Robadayakki Sodam Yeouido Branch, a spot word-of-mouth has spread about among food lovers for its charcoal-grill and straw-fire flavors.

Yeouido is a classic office district, packed with restaurants and bars between countless office towers. But finding a place where you can actually host someone important, have a private conversation, and still enjoy high-quality food isn't always easy. Robadayakki Sodam solved that problem for me instantly — the space and the food both exceeded my expectations.

Inside the restaurant

How to get there from Yeouido Station

Robadayakki Sodam Yeouido Branch is right next to a subway station, making it an ideal spot to reach by public transportation.

• Address: 2nd floor, Baeksang Building, 33 Gukjegeumyung-ro 6-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Getting there: From Exit 5 of Yeouido Station (where subway lines 5 and 9 meet), walk straight past the Yeouido Shopping Center for about 200 meters (roughly 3 minutes) and you'll easily spot the Baeksang Building.
• Entrance: Coming up to the 2nd floor, you're greeted right at the door by a subtle wood scent and the stylish look of a true Japanese izakaya.

Dachi counter or private room — which seat is better?

Stepping inside, warm, soft lighting and wood-toned interiors immediately catch the eye with their upscale feel.

① The opening dachi counter (bar-style seating)

The long counter running through the center of the restaurant is a great spot to watch chefs prep fresh ingredients and grill them directly over charcoal and straw fire, right in front of you. You even get to see a dramatic flame show, which makes it a great choice for a date or a visit for two.

② Private rooms & large group seating

Along the back and outer edges of the restaurant, there are several standalone private rooms shut off from the rest of the space. These range from cozy shoes-off rooms where you can stretch your legs out, to large rooms for group dinners — perfect for business entertaining, team dinners, family gatherings, or wedding-invitation meetups where private conversation matters.

Menu overview

Straw-fire grilled fish and other signatures

True to the name 'robadayaki' (hearth-fire grilling), this place really shines when it comes to charcoal and straw-fire grilled dishes.

• Straw-fire/charcoal grilled fish (rockfish, Chilean sea bass, Spanish mackerel): I'd recommend ordering at least one grilled fish dish here. The intense heat of the straw fire sears the surface almost instantly, completely eliminating any fishy smell, while the flesh stays juicy and moist inside — crisp outside, tender inside, in one bite.
• Seasonal sashimi platter: Only the freshest seafood of the day is carefully hand-cut. The lineup — flounder, salmon, tuna, red seabream — is generous, and the thick slices reveal more umami and sweetness the more you chew.
• Handmade skewers & warm nabe: Chicken and vegetable skewers grilled golden over real charcoal make a perfect simple side dish, while the nabe, with its deep, rich broth, pairs beautifully with the grilled dishes as a soup-based side.

Sake and highball lineup

• Premium sake: From clean, smooth junmai daiginjo-grade sake to affordable house sake, the range here pairs wonderfully with the grilled fish and sashimi.
• Highballs, soju & beer: Refreshing highballs made with Suntory and Jim Beam bases go cleanly with the subtle smoky flavor of the grilled dishes.

Final thoughts and reservation tips

Robadayakki Sodam Yeouido Branch, near Yeouido Station, stood out for its refined food and comfortable layout — a place to get quality Japanese grilled dishes in this part of Seoul. Weekday evenings and peak hours see heavy demand from groups and dinners, so I'd recommend booking ahead if you want a private room or a specific seat. If you're looking for an atmospheric Yeouido izakaya for an important occasion, this is worth a visit!

Reservation tip: Given the nature of the Yeouido business district, rooms and counter seats fill up fast on weekday evenings (Tue–Thu) with nearby office workers' dinners and meetups. For an important gathering or if you want a private room, I'd strongly recommend booking through Naver Reservation or by phone at least 3–5 days in advance.