Immerse yourself
in a playfully
sophisticated
art space, shop
a little, and be
served high tea
just like a
royal at
Royal/T,
Culver City’s
unique
Japanese-style
maid café. This
distinct spot
caters to anime
and
cosplay
enthusiasts’,
and people who
know an
unbelievably
cool hang when
they find one.
As well as
artists, foodies
and those who
like to buy
Pullip dolls.
Owner Susan
Hancock was
inspired by the
popularity of
the meido kissa
café’s in
Tokyo’s
electronic
district;
service staff
dress as elegant
maids,
encouraging
guests to relax,
feel at home,
and in effect,
be treated like
royalty. She has
created her own
version for LA.
Complimenting
the Japanese
French fusion
cuisine of
Royal/T, the
servers are
mostly Japanese
women, dressed
in French Maid
costumes, who
happily take
care of their
guest’s culinary
needs.
The dinner menu
offers an
eclectic mix of
specialties and
comfort food,
stand-outs
include Ponzu
Salmon, the
Japanese
Hamburger Steak,
and Tuna Sashimi
Salad. You can
start your day
here as well;
enjoy
traditional
breakfasts with
a Japanese
twist. There are
yummy lunch
salads, and rice
bowls are served
all day long.
High Tea is also
served with
assorted
canapés, mini
quiche, and a
dessert sampler.
And of course
there are
appetizers to
pair with any
beverage of your
choice, alcohol
or not - the
Wagyu Beef
Sliders, Miso
Chicken Skewers,
and Crab
Croquette being
delicious
options.
Whilst dining,
or before, or
after, take in
the collection
of contemporary
Japanese art and
interactive
displays owned
by Susan
herself. Most
featured artists
also have
one-of-a- kind
merchandise and
prints available
for purchase,
envisioned as a
supplement to
each exhibition.
If by chance you
need more than a
meal, some art
and shopping,
attend any
number of
special events
hosted here;
Japanology I –
How to Order
Sake and Impress
People, or the
Candy Land
Lolita Tea
Party, perhaps a
documentary
screening, or
maybe the
Crusaders &
Haters art show.
For many events
patrons are even
encouraged to
dress up –cosplay
is alive and
well in LA – a
bit of the
Japanese
underground pop
culture in our
own backyard. So
dust off your
superhero
outfit; now you
have a place to
wear it.
~ Robbie Troy
Where:
Royal/T, 8910 Washington
Blvd, Culver City
When:
Dine: Tues-Thurs: 10am-9pm; Fri-Sat:
10am-10pm; Sun: 11am-7pm; Breakfast & Lunch
served until 6pm; Dinner 6pm-closing. Shop:
11am-7pm; Closed Mondays
