Late-night Seolleung izakaya for simmered mackerel and hosomaki: Sakai
Sakai is a sushi sakaba (sushi-and-drinks bar) on Yeoksam-ro 67-gil near Seolleung Station in Gangnam, Seoul, which opened in June 2025. Three of us took counter seats around 10:30pm and shared a sashimi moriawase (assorted sashimi), sabamiso-ni (mackerel simmered in miso), Chinese-style fried eggplant, kyuri (cucumber) and negitoro hosomaki, plus nigiri the chef pressed to order. Sakai's wide menu makes it a strong pick for a late drinking session, though the sake list gives no notes on dryness or acidity.