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Kopan Izakaya
Master Critic Review
Kopan Izakaya
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Happy Hour Hotspots
Reopened in 2024 after transitioning from Kopan Ramen, this izakaya serves fresh sushi alongside their original ramen offerings. Standout dishes include king crab bites, yellowtail jalapeño sashimi, and weekend bento specials that deliver solid value. The relaxed atmosphere and attentive service create a welcoming environment for casual Japanese dining in Madang Mall.
Must-Try Dishes:
King Crab Bites, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Weekend Bento Specials
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Korean-owned izakaya blending ramen expertise with expanded sushi and small plates
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners seeking quality Japanese comfort food without splurging
When to visit: Lunch for weekend bento specials, happy hour for discounted drinks
What to order: King crab bites, yellowtail jalapeño, ramen 3PO with pork chashu
Insider tip: Name combines Korea + Japan; expect Korean hospitality with Japanese technique
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot in Madang Mall, fills up during peak hours; street parking on 8th Street usually available
Dress code: Ultra casual - jeans, t-shirts, athleisure all fine; it's a strip mall izakaya
Noise level: Low to moderate - mall setting keeps it quiet, easy conversation throughout
Weekend wait: 10-20 min typical, rarely exceeds 30 min; no reservations needed
Weekday lunch: Walk right in - bento boxes are quick service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable tempura, edamame, seaweed salad, veggie rolls, miso ramen without meat
Vegan options: Limited - edamame, seaweed salad, cucumber roll; ask about dashi in miso soup
Gluten-free options: Challenging - sashimi works but soy sauce contains gluten; limited GF options overall
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than romantic ones - the strip mall setting and bright lighting keep it low-pressure and budget-friendly, but it won't wow anyone seeking atmosphere
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations - just walk in. Waits are short even on weekends since it's a casual spot with quick turnover
Is it kid-friendly? Very - casual vibe, affordable prices, and familiar items like ramen and California rolls make it easy for families. High chairs available
How does it compare to the old Kopan Ramen? Same solid ramen foundation but now with expanded sushi and izakaya plates - basically they added variety while keeping what worked
Is the sushi actually fresh at these prices? Yes - the king crab bites and yellowtail jalapeño specifically get praise for quality. It's not omakase-grade, but legitimately fresh for the price point
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious diners wanting variety (ramen + sushi) in one spot; solo lunchers seeking quick, quality bento deals; groups wanting to share izakaya plates without commitment
Skip if: You want upscale ambiance or date-night atmosphere; seeking cutting-edge sushi innovation; need extensive vegan/GF options; prefer modern, Instagram-worthy interiors over substance