Daegu Japanese bar for salmon sashimi and pasta: Gyodong Nakwon

I still can’t get over my recent trip to Daegu with friends! Out of an itinerary packed with food, I’m going to tell you about Gyodong Nakwon, a bar in Daegu’s Gyodong where we ate until we were stuffed thanks to the wonderfully Japan-like atmosphere and top-quality dishes 🥰

Gyodong Nakwon location and hours

Address: 1F, 627 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu (Gongpyeong-dong; next to Melting Point) Hours: Weekdays 18:00–02:00 / Weekends 17:00–02:00 It is near 2.28 Memorial Central Park, so it is very easy to get to! The moment I opened the door and stepped inside, that distinctive Japanese coziness came through, and I could enjoy the feeling of being on a trip to the fullest.

Retro atmosphere and spacious group seating

Cute little props and mood-setting posters were placed all around, making it absolutely perfect for Instagram-worthy photos! Past the counter, the interior opens into a space that is far larger and more comfortable than it looks from outside. With generous space between seats and large tables, I would strongly recommend it for gatherings or anyone looking for a group-friendly bar in Daegu’s Gyodong 👍

Ordering salmon sashimi and Napolitan pasta

There were so many menu items that work beautifully as both a meal and drinks accompaniment, so after some deliberation, we chose a foolproof best-of combination!

• Medium salmon sashimi: Thick-cut, rich premium salmon sashimi
• Napolitan pasta: A special pasta with a sweet-and-tangy flavor that whets the appetite
• Chamisul / soju: An essential clean-tasting pairing for the food!

Thick-cut, nutty salmon sashimi

The medium salmon sashimi I had been looking forward to the most finally arrived! Its glowing pink color was beautiful from the start, and it was sliced so thickly that I gasped as soon as I saw it 😋 I picked up a piece, added a little wasabi, and dipped it in soy sauce—there was no fishiness at all, just a rich, nutty flavor bursting in my mouth!

Paired with the sliced onion, house sauce, and radish sprouts that came alongside it, the deep richness and freshness came together in a flavor that kept calling for another drink. Taking a big sip of chilled soju with this excellent dish felt like all my stress was melting away 🍶

Napolitan pasta that went beautifully with soju

While enjoying the salmon sashimi, I started craving carbs, so we added the Napolitan pasta! This retro-style pasta was loaded with sausage and vegetables, and its savory sweet-and-tangy sauce soaked beautifully into the noodles—it was even better than I expected 💛

The moist sauce that clung so well to every bite made me wonder how soju and pasta could possibly be such a great pairing—we devoured it! It is the perfect menu item to have as both dinner and drinking food when you come here for the first round.

Gyodong Nakwon, a place I want to visit again

• Atmosphere: A cozy, distinctive Gyodong izakaya that feels like a trip to Japan
• Space: Cozy bar seating as well as a spacious inner hall that easily accommodates group gatherings
• Taste & quality: Thick-cut salmon sashimi and addictive Napolitan pasta are a perfect match!

Not only was the atmosphere wonderful, but every single dish felt thoughtfully made, making this the best bar in Daegu’s Gyodong and my number-one place to revisit if I return to Daegu 🤍 If you are looking for a date spot with your partner or a place to gather with friends around Daegu’s Dongseong-ro or Gyodong, be sure to visit Gyodong Nakwon!