Magok Izakaya Usagi is a refined Japanese izakaya near Magoknaru Station, specializing in expertly aged sashimi made with seasonal fish, a calm atmosphere, and an excellent sake selection.
Magok Izakaya Usagi: Aged Sashimi Worth Seeking Out in Magok, Seoul
If you’re someone who chooses sashimi over meat without hesitation, this place will speak to you immediately.
I’m firmly on that side—especially when it comes to thick, well-aged, ultra-fresh fish.
During a recent visit to Magok for a meeting, I stopped by Usagi, an izakaya near Magoknaru Station that takes aged sashimi seriously. It quickly became one of the most memorable Magok restaurants I’ve introduced to my family—so much so that my mother kept talking about coming back before we’d even left.
If you’re looking for a Magok izakaya that understands seasonal fish, balance, and quiet confidence, Usagi is a place I wholeheartedly recommend.
Overview of Magok Izakaya Usagi
Location & Accessibility
Address
212–213, B-dong, Doosan The Land Park
161-8, Magokjungang-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Usagi is located on the 2nd floor of Doosan The Land Park B-building, just a 4-minute walk from Magoknaru Station Exit 2.
Once you head up the stairs, the restaurant is easy to spot.
One of the first things that catches your attention is the Japanese city-pop music flowing gently from outside. It immediately signals that this is a place with taste and intention—subtle, not flashy.
Menus and a playful rabbit greeting sign are displayed outside, making it easy to preview what’s inside even if you’re just passing by.
Parking is available with dining validation inside the building, which made driving the obvious choice for us.
Business Hours
Daily: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Last Order: 12:30 AM
(Previously opened at 6 PM; changed to 5 PM starting February.)
More info : Official Instagram
A Restaurant Built to Last
Magok Izakaya Usagi opened during the COVID period and is now entering its fifth year—no small feat in Magok, an area where new restaurants appear constantly, but many quietly disappear within a year.
The owner originally ran the restaurant alone and recently hired staff. He has a calm, slightly reserved demeanor, but once you start talking, it’s clear how much experience and pride he carries. That quiet confidence translates directly into the food.
Longevity like this builds trust—and at Magok Izakaya Woosagi, that trust feels well-earned.
Interior Atmosphere of Magok Izakaya Usagi
Step inside and you’re welcomed by a space that feels refined, modern, and intimate—almost omakase-like in its entrance and layout.
The interior blends modern design with subtle Japanese bar aesthetics. Lighting, furniture, and decorative objects feel thoughtfully curated rather than trendy. It’s cozy yet private, the kind of place where time slows naturally.
Seating
- Counter (chef’s bar / “dodge” seats): ~6 seats
- Dining area:
- 4 tables for four guests
- 2 tables for two guests
We chose the counter seats, which turned out to be the best decision. From there, you can watch the chef prepare each plate and casually exchange a few words—perfect for solo diners, couples, or anyone who enjoys seeing the process behind the food.
Menu Overview at Magok Izakaya Usagi
The heart of Magok Izakaya Usagi’s menu is aged sashimi, but the offerings extend well beyond that:
- Seasonal sashimi & aged fish
- Grilled dishes
- Hot pots
- Futomaki
- Sushi
Portions for items like futomaki and sushi are thoughtfully divided into sizes, which makes mixing and matching easy.
Magok Izakaya Usagi also has one of the most extensive sake selections I’ve seen at an izakaya. There’s an entire sake menu book—pages upon pages with clear descriptions and reasonable pricing. Staff recommendations are genuinely helpful rather than sales-driven.
Since it was a Sunday evening, we kept it light with beer this time, saving sake for a future visit.
Food Experience at Magok Izakaya Usagi
From the counter, you can see your plates being assembled specifically for your table. Ingredients are sourced daily from the early-morning fish market, and the quality is obvious even before the first bite.
Our sashimi platter included:
- Sea trout
- Horse mackerel
- Steamed abalone in sake
- Red sea bream
- Yellowtail
- Fresh tuna
- Spanish mackerel
Presentation was generous and beautifully balanced.
One small detail that charmed us immediately: a bird-shaped soy sauce bottle—adorable and surprisingly elegant.
Highlights
- Steamed abalone in sake: tender, rich, and full of natural juices
- Horse mackerel: clean, nutty, and completely free of any fishiness
- Sea bream: light, delicate, and deeply savory
- Sea trout: kombu-aged, bringing out layered umami
- Spanish mackerel (my personal favorite): lightly torched skin added a smoky aroma and rich, melting texture
The aging here is precise—nothing overdone. Each fish retains its identity while gaining depth.
As a bonus, the owner brought out a small pour of DAIYAME shochu (sweet-potato shochu, 25%) that wasn’t even listed on the menu. Smooth, aromatic, and a perfect match for the sashimi—it felt like genuine hospitality rather than a gimmick.
Additional Dish: Yaki-Soba with Squid
After much deliberation, we followed the owner’s recommendation and ordered the squid yaki-soba.
This version stays true to the basics—cabbage, pork, squid—but the difference lies in the fresh noodles. Unlike many places that use pre-cooked noodles, Magok Izakaya Usagi uses fresh ones, resulting in a chewy, springy texture that stands out immediately.
Seasoning was restrained, slightly spicy, and well-balanced. It’s easy to understand why some guests visit just for this dish alone.
Final Thoughts about Magok Izakaya Usagi
When we arrived at opening time, we were the only guests. By the time 6 PM rolled around, the restaurant was completely full—even on a Sunday. Most tables were couples or regulars, which says a lot.
Both my mother and I left fully satisfied, already planning our next visit—this time on a Friday or Saturday night, with sake and no rush.
With its dedication to seasonal fish, thoughtful aging, calm atmosphere, and sincere service, Magok Izakaya Usagi stands out as a place worth returning to again and again.
If you’re searching for a Magok izakaya that truly respects sashimi, this is one restaurant you shouldn’t miss.
Related post about Izakaya in Seoul : Seongsu Izakaya Kiki Robatayaki — A Quiet, Refined New Spot in Seongsu for Charcoal Skewers, Thoughtful Small Plates & Date Nights
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