Weekend izakaya with friends in Hapjeong: salmon tower, Sushi Sakaba

Why I picked Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong, a sushi izakaya in a Hapjeong alley

Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong is a sushi izakaya in an alley in Hapjeong, set slightly away from the busy Hongdae streets. I had plans with a friend on the weekend and spent ages deciding where to go, then remembered Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong, which had been all over Instagram and blogs lately, so I went.

I didn't want the usual meat or pasta. I wanted something clean but with atmosphere, and this place popped right into my head. Hongdae is so crowded that I can't stand the hassle, but I'd heard the Hapjeong alley had quiet, moody spots, so I happily headed over.

I love raw fish and sushi, so I went with high hopes, and to cut to the chase, it was a satisfying time overall.

How was the weekend wait at Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong?

I got to Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong just before the weekend peak and found a seat right away with no wait. Not long after we sat down, a line formed. Timing really is everything at a popular place, I realized all over again.

A cozy izakaya interior

Inside, the cozy, soft lighting stood out. It has that warm izakaya (Japanese-style pub) feel, and I thought it would make a great date spot too. The tables aren't packed too tightly, so it was easy to chat comfortably.

Signature dishes and how to order at Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong

You order on a tablet at the table, and the tower-style sushi is the famous thing here. As soon as we sat down I went through the tablet menu carefully, and the looks alone grabbed me, so I couldn't not order it.

We picked mainly signature dishes that let us enjoy several flavors at once. After ordering, a starter set came out that was easy to nibble on, and the plating was so neat I loved it right away. Waiting for food under that lighting, with that little thrill, was lovely.

What does the salmon tower sushi look like?

The salmon tower sushi (연어타워스시) at Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong comes with the sushi stacked in layers on the plate. When the main dish we'd been waiting for finally arrived, I instantly understood why everyone takes photos of it. The stacked look is a work of art.

The fish is varied too, from flounder to sea bream and tuna, so it looked like you'd never get bored. I first picked up the salmon, which melted in my mouth. The nutty flavor spread gently as I chewed, and I couldn't taste any fishiness at all.

Chewy fish and pudding-soft steamed egg

The slices of fish on the sushi are a good thickness, so the texture with the rice was wonderfully chewy. I usually get a little nervous eating fish innards or special cuts, but it seems they were prepared cleanly, and it all went down without any aversion.

In between, we had mini udon and steamed egg (gyeran-jjim), which warmed my stomach and balanced everything out perfectly. The steamed egg was as soft as pudding, so my spoon kept going back. The portions are more filling than they look, and I was full before I knew it.

Is Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong worth going back to?

From the flavor to the plating to the atmosphere, I was happy to find a place I really liked for the first time in a while. On the way out after paying, my friend and I both said we should try other dishes next time.

If you're torn over which Japanese restaurant to pick around Hapjeong and Hongdae, Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong is worth a stop. I'd gladly go back whenever I'm nearby. What did you all pick for dinner tonight?