Sejong izakaya with grilled toothfish and chicken karaage: Honma

A review of Izakaya Honma, a bar in Dodam-dong, Sejong! The place where the grilled Patagonian toothfish and chicken cartilage karaage were delicious

While looking for a good-vibe izakaya in Sejong, I ended up at Izakaya Honma in Dodam-dong. It's been in the same spot in Dodam-dong for a whopping 8 years, so I'd been curious about it for a while — and once I visited, I understood why it's been loved for so long.

What kind of place is Izakaya Honma?

Izakaya Honma runs as both a tuna belly specialist and a traditional Japanese charcoal-grilled skewer specialist.

They said they use ingredients prepped that same day and cook based on authentic Japanese recipes. Maybe that's why every dish felt made with real care.

Inside Izakaya Honma in Dodam-dong: does it work as a date bar?

The moment I walked in, I noticed how good the atmosphere was. The lighting was soft, not overwhelming, and it felt just right for having a drink. It leaned more toward a quiet izakaya for talking over drinks than a loud, rowdy bar scene.

It seemed like a great spot for both friends and couples on a date. Sure enough, there were plenty of customers there enjoying their food and drinks in a relaxed mood.

That day I ordered the chicken cartilage karaage and the grilled Patagonian toothfish. I already like grilled Patagonian toothfish, so I ordered it the moment I saw it on the menu, no hesitation.

How was the chicken cartilage karaage?

The chicken cartilage karaage came out first, and it looked delicious from the get-go. Fried to a golden brown, it was a total beer-caller of a dish.

One bite in, the crisp outside and chewy inside texture was really good. The distinctive crunch of the chicken cartilage was still there, making it fun to chew.

I liked that the batter wasn't too thick either. It didn't feel overly greasy and came out fried clean, so my hand kept reaching for more. It was a perfect side dish for drinks.

It would go well with beer, highballs, or sake too. Whenever I go to an izakaya I always order at least one fried dish, and this chicken cartilage karaage was quite satisfying.

Honma's grilled Patagonian toothfish, the best dish of the night

Next up was the grilled Patagonian toothfish. Personally, this was my favorite dish of the day. It was grilled to perfection — browned on the outside while the flesh inside stayed moist.

Just a light touch with the chopsticks and the flesh flaked apart smoothly. One bite and it practically melted in my mouth — really impressive texture.

The distinctive savory flavor of Patagonian toothfish was great too, and the fat content was just right, so the satisfaction kept building the more I ate.

There was zero fishy taste, and you could tell they used fresh ingredients. Grilled toothfish can easily turn out greasy, but Honma's version was seasoned just right and grilled cleanly, so I enjoyed it all the way through.

Pairing it with a drink, I got why it's beloved as the izakaya's signature dish. Eating there made me realize Honma isn't just a bar for drinking — it's a place that takes the food just as seriously.

Why Izakaya Honma has lasted 8 years in Dodam-dong

I think the reason they've run in the same spot for 8 years ultimately comes down to the food and the service. The staff were kind, so I could eat with a good feeling throughout. They took care of what we needed quickly, and overall we got to enjoy the meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

Above all, it's not easy to find an authentic izakaya with this kind of atmosphere in Dodam-dong, and Honma satisfies both the vibe and the food.

If you're looking for a good-vibe bar in Sejong, or searching for a Dodam-dong bar, a Dodam-dong izakaya, or a date bar in Sejong, I think Izakaya Honma is worth a visit.