[Mapo / Gwangheungchang] Deno unveils a new late-night restaurant in the neighborhood that only I want to know about. korea hongdae

Discover Deno, a hidden gem in Gwangheungchang, Mapo-gu, offering an authentic Japanese izakaya experience with delicious food, perfect draft beer, and a cozy atmosphere. Your new favorite late-night spot.

After moving to Gwangheungchang four years ago, I quickly realized this neighborhood is a hidden gem. It's livable, quiet, and cozy, but there was one thing missing: a suitable late-night bar without having to venture into the bustling areas of Hongdae or Sinchon. Then, one day, while riding the Mapo No. 11 town bus, I noticed an izakaya had opened where a bar used to be. It was Deno (데노), and it was more than enough to satisfy my cravings.

The inviting exterior of Deno Izakaya

The Vibe: A Slice of Japan in Gwangheungchang

Deno feels like a small town izakaya you might stumble into unexpectedly in Japan. The interior has a subtle Japanese feel without being overdone, creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere. The music also plays a significant role in enhancing the overall ambiance. You'll find various seating options, including cozy dodge seats and even group seating in the basement, which is a cute, purple hideaway.

The cozy and authentic interior of Deno

The Menu: Perfect Pairings for Your Drinks

Deno's menu is clean and well-organized. While everything looks tempting, we opted for Yurigi (유린기) and Kirimochi (키리모찌), along with two draft beers and cucumber pickles. The draft beer here is perfectly managed, with no fishiness or bitterness – just pure perfection. It's the kind of beer that makes you want to have another.

A delicious spread of dishes and drinks at Deno

Kirimochi

This unique dish features Japanese-style sticky rice cakes, deep-fried and tossed in a churros-like coating. It's a surprisingly delicious and chewy bar snack that didn't disappoint.

The unique and delicious Kirimochi

Yurigi

This dish features chicken fried right in front of you, making it incredibly special. It's moist, reminiscent of a pancake bouffant, and the flavor of the soy sauce that permeates it is unforgettable. It's so good, you might find yourself visiting your favorite chicken restaurant one less time just to come here.

The perfectly fried Yurigi

Cucumber Pickles

These cucumber pickles are a revelation. I had never had cucumbers in a salted sauce before, but Deno has a great sense of flavor. The way the cucumber is hollowed out is an art form, making it a delightful and refreshing side dish.

The artfully prepared cucumber pickles

Deno is the perfect late-night Japanese restaurant. It's a place where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks, and perhaps even find it to be a better choice than a trip to Japan itself.

Your Quick Guide to Deno

Name: Deno (데노)
Address: 서울 마포구 토정로 213 1F
How to Get There: Located in Gwangheungchang. Use Google Maps for precise directions.
Hours: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 0507-1442-1629

A Local's Guide: 3 Ways to Explore Gwangheungchang Area

After enjoying your delicious meal at Deno, explore the charming Gwangheungchang area with these curated courses.

Course 1: Get High on Plants and Coffee

Harbiz Coffee Room (하비츠 커피룸): A neighborhood favorite with a retro atmosphere filled with plants and hot coffee. Enjoy the view of students and the neighborhood from the window.
Morning Glory Cafe (모닝글로리 카페): Near Gwangheungchang Station, this cozy cafe is only open when the sun is out. Perfect for a morning visit.
Gwangheungchang Deno: End your day with delicious Japanese-style tempura.

Course 2: Hipster Alley Walk

Zula (줄라): A hip restaurant with a harmonious interior and food. You might even catch live music in the evening.
Ittenbari (잇텐바리): A 5-minute walk from Zula, offering a unique atmosphere and delicious food. A favorite among local hipsters.
Seogyo-dong Street: Between Zula and Ittenbari, this street is home to a variety of cafes and Soho shops, perfect for a stroll.

Course 3: Stroll and a Spoonful of Dessert

Yonggang Neighborhood Park (용강동 근린공원): A 10-minute walk from Deno. A nice place for a stroll with grassy lawns and walking paths.
Harbiz Coffee Room: A relaxing place to enjoy a cup of coffee amongst the plants.
Seoul Forest Trail (서울숲길): The Gwangheungchang-Seogangdae section of the Seoul Forest Path is a secret walking trail for local residents.

These routes are designed to help you experience the true charm of Gwangheungchang, focusing on hidden spots that locals love. Come and experience the unique culture of this area!