Hapjeong sushi restaurant: ₩52,000 lunch with Mom at Sushi Sakaba

Why we went for sushi lunch near Hapjeong Station

Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong is a Japanese izakaya (pub) near Hapjeong Station where sushi is the main event. It was hot and humid, so I met my mom at Hapjeong Station for a simple lunch, and we suddenly craved sushi, so we went to Sushi Sakaba, where I've been many times. It looks like a drinking spot, but sushi is the star, and it's already known as a hot spot among office workers nearby.

Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong location and opening hours

Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong is at 38 Dongmak-ro 3-gil, 2nd floor, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Get off at Hapjeong Station and walk, and you'll find it quickly. Being so close to the station, it's very easy to reach by public transport.

You enjoy the lively streets around Hapjeong Station as you walk, so head over like it's a date! The area around the restaurant has cute little alleys and all sorts of shops, so it's also a nice spot for a stroll or dessert before or after your meal.

It's open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., which is pretty relaxed.

What is the atmosphere like at Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong?

Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong has an upscale feel, like a sushi master's restaurant in an Osaka alley. From the display of chef's clothes that inspires trust to the refined interior, the place really feels like a sushi master's shop down some Osaka backstreet!

Soft lighting wraps the space, making it calm and comfortable, and thanks to the lighting the sushi photos came out even more appetizing, haha! It's perfect for dates and get-togethers: not too loud, with a stylish interior, so I think it works as a date spot or for chatting with friends.

The neatly arranged table settings made me feel well looked after throughout the meal, which I loved. The space blends Hapjeong's hip vibe with the tidiness of a Japanese pub, so even just sitting there with people you know feels healing.

Sharing the Jeong set and Hap set, one each

This time we ordered one no-margin omakase Jeong set and one value omakase Hap set at Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong and shared them. As you'd expect from a sushi place with a Hapjeong reputation, the selection was really generous, so for my blog neighbors I'll leave a tasty comparison.

Jeong set (13 pieces) vs Hap set (12 pieces)

The no-margin omakase Jeong set (13 pieces) has one more piece than the Hap set, with slightly different shrimp and one extra abalone. It's a bit more varied, and with 13 generous pieces it makes a hearty lunch.

Of course the value omakase Hap set (12 pieces) also has 12 pieces, so it's a solid menu for enjoying omakase-style sushi to the fullest at a reasonable price.

Shrimp futomaki and cold soba, a summer treat

Oh, and my favorite shrimp futomaki (thick sushi roll)! The rice that seems to melt in your mouth is the real kicker. The cold soba (buckwheat noodles) comes chilled in buckwheat broth, giving a different kind of coolness, a real summer treat. Maybe next time I'll come just for this?

How much is a lunch for two with both sets?

Ordering both the Jeong set (₩28,000) and the Hap set (₩24,000) at Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong came to ₩52,000 in total, and the table was very full. Anyway, both sets live up to the omakase name, with fresh ingredients nicely balanced, and picking from both was a lot of fun. A sensible choice and a tasty lunch!

The combination is great, just as the "best value" menu name promises, so I strongly recommend it if you want to eat your fill of upscale sushi at an easy price!

Mixing the two sets makes the spread even richer, and I think it's the best choice for sharing with a friend or partner. When you're craving sushi near Hapjeong, definitely give it a visit! Highly recommended.

Is Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong also good as an evening izakaya?

Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong is also good for an evening izakaya, so it's a nice place for a late-night snack date with my husband. Today too, I finished a satisfying meal stuffed with high-quality sushi, a perfect meal. The place is spacious and the food is great, a total atmosphere champ!

At Sushi Sakaba Hapjeong we enjoyed a hearty meal at a reasonable price with varied omakase-style pieces! Both the Jeong set and the Hap set were satisfying choices, with nothing lacking. If you're looking for a sushi restaurant with a good atmosphere near Hapjeong Station, I strongly recommend it.