Kopan Ramen Enriches Encino Soup Noodle Scene
Kopan Ramen 4 is an Encino izakaya that’s part of a growing Japanese chain in Southern California, with branches in Fullerton, Burbank and Rowland Heights.
- CategoryEat & Drink
- Written byJoshua Lurie
Kopan Ramen 4, part of a growing Japanese chain in Southern California, just opened an izakaya in Encino on May 1, building on the success of branches in Fullerton (noodle house), Burbank (tofu house) and Rowland Heights (izakaya). Mike C. and Jun L., who choose to keep their last names anonymous, took over an address that last held a Japanese restaurant called Dancing Wasabi.
The owners were inspired by the Japanese food they experienced in Kobe, Japan. They honored the city (and the area’s famed beef) by naming their restaurant Kopan, with Ko referring to “Kobe” and Pan referring to the cooking vessel.
The space features a glass front, tan awning, cushioned banquettes, L-shaped bar, wood framed patio and wood tables. In a fun nod to the past, a cartoon mural of anthropomorphized dancing wasabi remains from the previous tenant.
They specialize in tonkotsu—pork broth that takes 16 hours to create, though they also do a veggie ramen with mushroom base. Spicy miso ramen isn’t on the menu, but is always available with crunchy onion and garlic, green onion strings, soft chashu and nori. Kopan casts a wider net with dishes like sesame chicken, gyoza, sashimi and poke. Angry Hulk is the most popular specialty sushi roll, featuring spicy crabmeat, jalapeno, cucumber, shrimp tempura, topped with shrimp and guac.
17547 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 818-986-0014
Open Today: Maradentro Studio City
What: Maradentro is a Mexican seafood restaurant in the former location of La Ventura in Studio City. The space is completely unrecognizable with white walls, blonde wood floors, sea blue chairs and ocean-themed wall art. Who: This is the third concept for restaurateur Jesse Gomez and Chef Jose Acevedo of the Mercado restaurant group (LA, Santa Monica, Studio […]
Up In (Hookah) Smoke
Think fast: Where in the neighborhood can you eat, drink, and cozy up to the Hookah on an open patio until 2 am? Got nothing? Well, now you can, with Encino’s latest addition to the neighborhood, Terrace Restaurant. The Lebanese restaurant, which is in the former Alcazar space, celebrated its grand opening this past Friday, […]
Join the Valley Community
