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Kopan Izakaya - Westwood
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Kopan Izakaya - Westwood
8.2
Kopan Izakaya in Westwood Village combines a long ramen reputation with a sprawling sushi roll lineup, from classic spicy tuna rolls to loaded baked specialty rolls. With all-day bento sets, late hours on weekends, and big-flavor rolls, it’s a flexible choice for groups who want both hearty bowls and shareable rolls at one table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dragon Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A ramen-and-roll izakaya with a deep menu of creative specialty rolls and bento-friendly pricing.
Who should go: Groups wanting ramen, baked rolls, and shareable plates
When to visit: Evenings and weekend nights when the room is buzzing
What to order: Dragon Roll, spicy tuna roll, crispy rice with spicy tuna
Insider tip: Use the bento and combo sets to mix ramen, rolls, and appetizers without overspending.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Broxton and Glendon is the easiest option, with garage parking at Broxton Public Plaza typically available but busy during peak UCLA hours.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; jeans, tees, and light layers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially on weekend nights when groups fill the room.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on UCLA crowds and late-night traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie rolls, tofu appetizers, and customizable ramen broths are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of veggie rolls and sides can be made vegan, but ramen options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Some rolls and sashimi are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce alternatives available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for casual, low-pressure dates thanks to its lively energy and shareable plates, but it’s less ideal if you want a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate mostly on walk-ins, and small parties are usually seated quickly except during weekend late-night rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly for ages 7 and up; the menu’s ramen bowls and mild rolls work well, though the space can get loud at peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Great for mixed groups who want both ramen and creative specialty rolls at one table, plus late-night hours that most sushi spots nearby don’t offer.
Skip if: If you want traditional Edomae-style sushi, quiet conversation, or a chef-driven omakase, this won’t scratch that itch.
Kopan Izakaya - Westwood
8.3
Kopan Izakaya is Westwood Village’s primary ramen-focused izakaya, serving tonkotsu-based bowls like Kara Miso, Kuro Mayu, and signature RAMEN 3PO alongside sushi and small plates. With thousands of combined delivery and dine-in reviews, it functions as the go-to sit-down ramen option near UCLA when students and locals want a fuller Japanese meal with drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kara Miso Ramen, Kuro Mayu Ramen, Ramen 3PO
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 6.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Full-service izakaya with a deep ramen lineup in the heart of Westwood.
Who should go: Students and locals craving hearty ramen with drinks.
When to visit: Evenings or late dinners before and after campus events.
What to order: Kara Miso Ramen, Kuro Mayu Ramen, Ramen 3PO.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter for faster ramen service and easier solo dining.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Glendon and nearby side streets, plus the Broxton public garage; meters can be competitive during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to casual-nice; students and locals in everyday wear, but a light upgrade works for evening plans.
Noise level: Moderate—lively izakaya energy but still workable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes depending on groups and peak UCLA traffic.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with seating available at both tables and counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate—several rolls, appetizers, and customizable ramen bases.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and modifications, but ramen broths are mostly animal-based.
Gluten-free options: Partial—rice dishes, some sushi items, and select small plates; ramen noodles are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a casual, energetic spot with comforting ramen and drinks; less ideal for quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—walk-ins are standard here. At peak dinner hours you may wait, but turnover is steady, especially at the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for kids 8 and up who enjoy ramen or simple Japanese plates. High chairs are limited and the room can get lively.
Best For
Better for: A broader ramen selection, izakaya-style drinks, and the ability to mix sushi, small plates, and noodles in one sitting.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional ramen with long-simmered specialty broths or need extensive vegan/gluten-free ramen options.
Kopan Izakaya - Westwood
7.9
Kopan Izakaya’s Broxton location brings ramen, sushi rolls, and fried bar snacks back into a sit-down space that once housed a longtime student favorite. It’s a flexible choice for Westwood groups who want shared plates, comforting broths, and casual drinks in one place rather than a purist sushi counter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kara Miso Ramen, Crispy Spinach and Tuna, Geisha Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: Modern izakaya pairing ramen, sushi, and snacks in one Westwood room.
Who should go: Groups craving ramen, rolls, and drinks in one place.
When to visit: Evenings for happy hour pricing and livelier izakaya energy.
What to order: Kara miso ramen, crispy spinach and tuna, house specialty rolls.
Insider tip: Pair crispy spinach and tuna with ramen for filling combo.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Broxton garage is the most reliable option; first 2 hours are often validated by nearby businesses. Street parking is limited and tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests arrive in jeans or relaxed evening wear.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak evening hours; conversations are possible but expect background chatter.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for small groups; larger parties should expect closer to 45 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating for parties of 1–4.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie rolls, salads, tofu dishes, and some ramen variations available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few side items and customizable veggie rolls, but broths and sauces are not fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Some options like sashimi and select rolls can be modified, but soy-based sauces and ramen are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates — the lively room and shareable plates make it easy, but it’s not ideal if you want intimate or quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes — they accept walk-ins and turnaround is quick, especially for smaller groups. Peak dinner hours may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for kids 8+ who enjoy ramen or simple rolls; the space is busy rather than quiet, with no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Mixed groups who want ramen, sushi, appetizers, and drinks in one stop without going upscale.
Skip if: You want traditional sushi craftsmanship, a quiet omakase-style experience, or fully vegan-friendly options.
Kopan Izakaya - Westwood
7.8
On Broxton, Kopan Izakaya is a casual ramen-and-sushi spot where specialty rolls share the menu with hearty bowls and fried bar snacks. It’s louder and more flexible than purist sushi counters, suiting mixed groups who want maki, skewers, and noodles in one place. Quality is solid relative to price, especially if you time your visit around drink and roll specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yellowtail Jalapeño Roll, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Tonkotsu Ramen with Chashu
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: Casual izakaya-ramen bar pairing big rolls, skewers, and late hours.
Who should go: Groups wanting approachable sushi with ramen and appetizers in one.
When to visit: Evenings before peak rush for easier tables and faster service.
What to order: Yellowtail Jalapeño Roll, crispy rice, Tonkotsu ramen.
Insider tip: Check happy hour for discounted rolls, appetizers, and pitchers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broxton and nearby Village streets is metered and competitive during evenings; the Broxton public garage typically has availability and offers validated rates.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; jeans and simple tops are fully acceptable, though groups often lean slightly dressy on weekends.
Noise level: Loud during peak dinner hours with active bar energy; conversations are doable but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes for small groups; larger groups may wait longer during peak rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; seating is quick outside of UCLA semester peaks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options including veggie rolls, tofu dishes, and non-meat appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited; a few vegetable rolls and appetizers qualify but choices are narrow.
Gluten-free options: Some sushi and sashimi can be modified; ramen generally is not GF-friendly. Request GF soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for casual, fun first dates where energy and variety matter more than intimacy; not ideal if you want a quiet, slow-paced setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Arrive early evening or later at night for the shortest waits, especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who like sushi or ramen; younger children may find the noise and pace a bit overwhelming.
Best For
Better for: Large groups wanting sushi plus ramen and appetizers in one place, and diners looking for reliable happy hour pricing.
Skip if: You want purist sushi, quiet counter service, or omakase-level fish quality—other Westwood spots fit those better.