Robatayaki Arado

About

A retro-style Japanese robatayaki pub near Apgujeong Station, serving skewers and classic izakaya dishes in a cozy, traditional setting.

At 로바다야끼 아라도, the appeal is less polished cocktail-bar spectacle than the comfort of settling in for a slow drink and a few rounds of food. Bloggers describe an old-school Japanese tavern mood: wood tables, low seating, and, in one account, sunken-floor seats that let you sit with your legs down rather than folded beneath you. One visitor remembers quiet Japanese music; another was taken by the traditional-looking storefront. The atmosphere seems to invite conversation, whether you come for a second stop or stay longer over drinks. There is plenty to choose from beyond skewers. The reported menu spans grilled fish, sashimi, fried dishes, hot pots, and other à la carte plates, with beer, highballs, sake, Japanese spirits, and whisky among the drinks. A meal often begins with small complimentary sides: accounts mention silken tofu, salad, and sweet-potato bites. One blogger notes that the menu asks for at least two dishes, so it may be worth arriving ready to order more than a single plate. For a warming centerpiece, the fresh cod hot pot is a standout in the reports. Served in a small pot, it brings together tender chunks of cod, clams, bean sprouts, and minari in a clear, clean-tasting broth. It sounds especially suited to a table that wants something soothing alongside drinks rather than a fiery stew. Add grilled chicken skewers: browned at the edges, with a hint of char and moist meat, threaded with scallion. Grilled eggplant is another reported pairing. Other visits point to a different kind of order: assorted skewers and octopus takoyaki, with one diner praising the generous pieces of octopus inside. The recommendations are personal rather than unanimous—one visitor admitted the food blurred into the background while the setting took center stage—so think of 아라도 as a place to enjoy the whole table, not just chase a single signature dish. Its low-key, tavern-like character and broad lineup make it an inviting choice for friends easing into the evening over food and a drink.