Kansui Ramen (Westlake Village, CA) — Restaurant in Thousand Oaks

Ramen connoisseur that’s been to Japan and traveling around US. Focusing on Ventura I’m stuck between Hoshi Ramen and Kansui.

Kansui has better Egg and stable broth.

Hoshi Ramen has better broth/character (extra egg too).

Both are fantastic options and recommend going back and forth because both provide different experiences.

Atmosphere in Kansui nicer while Hoshi more hole in the wall but hole wall feels more homely. (Preference)

I’ve been trying both for the last 4 months before this review. I just really love ramen and want to give my thoughts on who has best ramen in the area. Both are top notch but provide different experiences, I prefer hoshi cause broth more defined but damn Kansui egg easily the best very impressed.

I wrote this review on my 3rd visit, each time ramen was great quality

EDIT June 6th: I’m a mega food critic because I care but since then this review felt bad because I can’t properly rate on google.

My initial review still stands, it’s very consistent ramen and that’s what they are selling. Could broth be better? From a ramen fanatic, yes but that’s not the market they are aiming for. Around here competition is limited and people’s pallets are limited. I’ve come here after work so many times and it’s exactly what I expect, 9/10 ramen with 10/10 egg.

Maybe big ask but if owners (lovely staff btw they remember people

This is THE BEST TONKOTSU RAMEN this west of Sawtelle or Little Tokyo!! If you're reading this review do yourself a favor and get in here!

I've been meaning to try this place for a long time and then finally did and I crave it all the time. I've been in four times in the last 3 weeks. I think I'm gonna go there today.

Kansui is truly THE BEST RAMEN IN THE AREA. There are three other spots semi local but they don't even compare to the quality and consistency of these ramen bowls. I love a traditional Hakata Ramen with the smaller noodles in Tonkotsu Broth with Chashu Pork and this place is up there with the best in LA. They cook the noodles right between medium and firm just the way I like them. I do wish that there were chili powder, chili oil and sesame seeds on the table but I usually can get them when I ask.

I love the interior. The service is always good as well.

The menu is small because the execution is perfect! A smaller menu to me always means better quality dishes. Places that have too many choices on the menu in the ramen world are a huge red flag for me.

Seriously though, GET IN...

Tonkotsu ramen: broth: balanced, nice katsuo flavors ajitama: perfect menma: balanced n crunchy chashu: ok. Wish they offered torched slices noodles: good. Would've liked more bounce negi: shredded but kinda thick, would enjoy a thinner shred nori: great and not soggy!!

Verdict: will definitely come back. Extremely grateful for a decent ramen restaurant addition to this area. Hope they succeed, grow and continue to improve.

Other feedback: beautiful interior and location of what was once Maru. Came in right at opening and the restaurant smelled of cleaning solution. Think there's room to improve the sensory...