Himawari
히마와리
About
Cozy Japanese izakaya near Seokgye Station, serving single-portion sashimi, sweet potato shochu, and abalone cream pasta in an intimate setting.
Tucked into an alleyway near Seokgye Station in Seongbuk, Himawari—named after the Japanese word for sunflower—announces itself with an eye-catching yellow facade and sunflower-patterned noren curtains. Inside, the space narrows into a quiet, warm refuge lit by low, amber fixtures. A long wooden counter overlooks an open kitchen where skewers, sashimi, and fried fare are prepared in full view, flanked by just a couple of two-top tables. It is an intentionally intimate layout, built for solo drinkers decompressing after work or pairs looking for an unhurried conversation. The handwritten kraft-paper menu reflects a broad range of classic Japanese drinking fare, but the raw bar anchors the room. Himawari offers a dedicated one-person assorted sashimi platter, an uncommon and welcome accommodation whether you are dining alone or sharing across a table. Arranged neatly on a floral plate, cuts of flounder, tuna, sweet shrimp, abalone, and squid are clean and precise without excessive aging, needing little more than a dab of wasabi and soy sauce. The kitchen flexes beyond the expected izakaya playbook with its abalone intestine cream pasta. Thick strands arrive coated in a rich, emerald-green sauce that draws deep umami and briny sweetness from the abalone liver without tipping into heaviness, crowned with tender shellfish. For fried fare, the thick-cut pork sirloin tonkatsu is coated in coarse panko and served on a wire rack alongside shredded cabbage, keeping the exterior crisp and the interior juicy. Beverages skew heavily toward authentic Japanese spirits alongside standard pours. Rather than draft beer, the counter focuses on sake, crisp highballs flavored with black raspberry, and premium shochu. A glass of Kagoshima-style Mosuke sweet potato shochu on the rocks yields an earthy, roasted fragrance that pairs naturally with the raw fish. Starting with seasoned stewed tofu and chilled barley tea, an evening here feels measured, neighborhood-focused, and comfortably removed from the noisy street outside.
Menu
- Assorted Sashimi₩19,000
- Abalone Viscera Cream Pasta₩17,000
- Mosuke Sweet Potato Shochu₩9,000
- Bokbunja Highball₩6,000
- 새우크림고로케₩15,000
- 시샤모(10마리)₩15,000
- Grilled Mackerel₩16,000
- 메로미소구이₩22,000
- Fried Shrimp₩16,000
- 닭다리살유린기₩16,000
- Pork Loin Cutlet₩10,000
- Beef Tataki₩16,000
Local tips
- Great spot for solo drinking with 1-person sashimi portions available.
- Draft beer is not served; choose from shochu, highballs, or sake instead.
- Counter bar seats and a couple of 2-person tables make it best for 1-2 people.
Details
- Seokgye Station
Opening hours
- Sunday
- 16:00–01:00
- Monday
- 16:00–01:00
- Tuesday
- 16:00–01:00
- Wednesday
- 16:00–01:00
- Thursday
- 16:00–01:00
- Friday
- 16:00–01:00
- Saturday
- 16:00–01:00