Charming Izakaya Near UCLA – Perfect for Date Night! 🏮

The other day, I met friends near UCLA for dinner at Kopan Izakaya. They just opened and are running a sushi roll deal—buy one, get the second 50% off! 🍱 While Kopan has several locations in LA, this Westwood spot stands out with its stylish décor—a mix of Japanese izakaya coziness and vintage theater charm. The second floor is great for group gatherings too! 🌟 Ginza Sushi – Chef’s selection of 12 pieces. Highlights: a sweet, plump scallop, plus rich salmon belly and toro. The sushi rice is perfectly balanced—neither too firm nor too soft, with just the right acidity that doesn’t overpower the fish. 🌟 Ebisu Sashimi – 18 pieces of fresh sashimi, beautifully presented. The yellowtail belly melts in your mouth with a buttery richness, while the salmon and tuna are equally fresh and flavorful. 🌟 Yuzu Miso Black Snapper – A signature dish! The snapper has a slightly crispy skin and chewy texture, served with a tangy yuzu-lemon sauce that’s both refreshing and appetizing. 😋 🌟 Seafood Udon – A warm, comforting surprise. The broth is lightly “wok-fried” with red pepper strips for a subtle smoky note, loaded with seafood and cabbage—simple, sweet, and satisfying. 🍜 🌟 Uni Donburi – A bowl topped with minced toro and sea urchin. Wrapped in seaweed, it’s quite tasty, though the vinegar rice leaned a bit too tangy for my taste. 📍 Kopan Izakaya - Westwood 1051 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 #LAFood #UCLA #Izakaya #SushiLA #DateNightSpot #WestwoodEats #JapaneseFood #LAFoodGuide