Ido
이도
About
Cozy Yeoksam izakaya pairing fresh aged sashimi, creative Japanese-style tapas, and sea urchin cream pasta with free corkage on Mondays and Saturdays.
Tucked into the office-dense backstreets near Yeoksam Station, Ido operates as an intimate Japanese dining bar that sidesteps the clamor of Gangnam. Behind a discreet facade with space for just a couple of cars, the compact interior strikes a balance between a lively neighborhood hideaway and a refined hideout, complete with a cozy counter bar framed by rows of sake bottles. It functions as a comfortable sanctuary for small gatherings, date nights, and low-key after-work catchups where guests can linger in unhurried conversation. The kitchen maneuvers smoothly between traditional izakaya fare and playful bistro dishes. While pristine, chewy cuts of aged sashimi (*sukseonghoe*)—some given a whisper of a flame from the torch—anchor the menu, the kitchen’s cross-genre plates draw just as much acclaim. The sea urchin cream pasta arrives rich and velvety, balancing plump shrimp and generous scoops of uni with a subtle hint of truffle. Meaty cuts of pork jowl (*hangjeongsal miso-yaki*) come glazed in savory fermented soybean sauce and torched until tender and springy, sliced over crisp onions and dotted with pink peppercorns to cut through the richness. Other standout orders include the generously packed futomaki—so densely layered with raw fish, tamago, and crisp fried shrimp that the half-portion is often enough for two—and tender cutlassfish tempura (*galchi denpura*), served with seasoned dipping salt alongside shatteringly crisp fried bones. Crispy, made-to-order chicken karaage and spicy tomato seafood stew round out the savory roster. Pair the food with regional spirits like Donghae soju, a chilled draft beer, or a bottle from the deep sake cellar. A major draw for wine lovers is Ido's remarkably generous corkage-free policy on Mondays, Saturdays, and public holidays, making it a rare, value-forward gem in the heart of southern Seoul. Secure a table via CatchTable in advance, as walk-in seats are notoriously scarce.
Menu
- Sea Urchin Cream Pasta
- Assorted Sashimi
- Miso-marinated Pork Jowl
- Futomaki
- 성게알 크림파스타₩25,000
- Seasonal Sashimi₩38,000
- 중합 스이모노₩27,000
Local tips
- Book via CatchTable in advance as walk-in seating is limited.
- Enjoy free wine corkage on Mondays, Saturdays, and public holidays.
- The futomaki portions are generous; ordering a half roll is recommended.
- Limited parking is available directly in front of the venue (around 2 cars).
Details
- Yeoksam Station
Opening hours
- Sunday
- —
- Monday
- 17:00–23:30
- Tuesday
- 17:00–23:30
- Wednesday
- 17:00–23:30
- Thursday
- 17:00–23:30
- Friday
- 17:00–23:30
- Saturday
- 17:00–23:30