Tsukinoya
츠키노야
About
Cozy neighborhood izakaya in Bongcheon-dong specializing in straw-smoked tataki seared before your eyes, fresh seasonal sashimi, and rich nabe hot pots.
Tucked along Euncheon-ro near Bongcheon’s Hyundai Market, Tsukinoya offers a moody, dark-toned retreat that has quietly become an open secret among Gwanak locals. The understated storefront and warm, dimly lit black interior set the stage for an izakaya whose kitchen punches far above neighborhood expectations. Guests gather along the counter or at well-spaced tables, where QR codes facilitate orders while providing front-row views of the chef at work. The undisputed centerpiece of the kitchen is the straw-fire grill. Searing over leaping rice-straw flames, the chef chars tuna cuts like fatty toro and lean akami to impart a distinct smokiness that complements the tender fish. Seafood continues to lead the menu with impeccably fresh platters: pristine slices of flatfish sashimi paired with rich, velvety ankimo (monkfish liver), as well as seasonal three-kind sashimi flights featuring sea bream. Beyond raw fish, Tsukinoya builds substantial depth across its hot dishes. Simmering broths are a fixture of every table, whether it is a piping pot of red scallop soup that keeps soju glasses filled, a hearty hanwoo motsunabe loaded with plump beef intestines and mushrooms, or a vibrant tomato seafood nabe brimming with fresh, crushed-tomato acidity. To round out the table, skewered and grilled dishes showcase intense char, particularly the charcoal-grilled pork jowl (hangjeongsal) with its rendered fat and smoky crust, alongside juicy minced-meat menchi katsu dressed in a savory glaze. Pairings lean into draft beer, sake, and soju, always accompanied by a complimentary starter of tuna mayo and crackers. For dessert, diners often cap off the meal by claiming a house gelato through the restaurant's review promotions. Tsukinoya fills quickly from opening at 6:00 PM, drawing a devoted crowd that values serious culinary technique poured into a relaxed neighborhood hideaway.
Menu
- Flatfish Sashimi with Monkfish Liver₩20,000
- Straw-Smoked Tataki
- Red Scallop Soup
- Charcoal-Grilled Pork Jowl₩18,500
- Fried Shrimp₩15,000
- Chicken Karaage₩13,000
- 멘치카츠₩15,000
- Fried Chicken Skin₩10,000
- 닭야채숯불구이₩16,000
- Beef Belly And Bean Sprout Stir-fry₩18,000
Local tips
- Sit at the counter to watch the chef sear straw-grilled tataki over open flames.
- Order the flatfish sashimi served with creamy monkfish liver (ankimo).
- Beverage order is mandatory; orders are placed conveniently via table QR code.
- Lines form frequently on busy nights, so call ahead to inquire about reservations.
Details
- Bongcheon Station
Opening hours
- Sunday
- —
- Monday
- 18:00–01:00
- Tuesday
- 18:00–01:00
- Wednesday
- 18:00–01:00
- Thursday
- 18:00–01:00
- Friday
- 18:00–02:00
- Saturday
- 18:00–02:00