Royal/T: A taste of Japan in Culver City

A purple neon crown glows among the fake ivy that blankets the entire facade of Royal/T, a cafe, shop, and art gallery located steps from downtown Culver City. Royal/T is a Japanese-style cosplay (costume play) café, so the staff wear Japanese lolita maid costumes. Inspired by the meido kissa (maid cafes) of Tokyo, this eclectic art space has an equally eclectic menu that includes great dessert items like Matcha green tea flan as well as a long list of coffee drinks and cocktails, a standout being the watermelon chu-hi martinis.

beacreature royalt3 Royal/T: A taste of Japan in Culver City

Unlike most cafés, Royal/T displays big name artists. Paintings and sculptures by Japan’s contemporary art stars and other rising starlets line the exposed brick walls. The art is from the collection of Susan Hancock, a collector who has served on several museum councils and is also the owner of Royal/T. You’ll find works by Chiho Aoshima, Chinatsu Ban, Yayoi Kusama, Mr, Takashi Murakami, Yoshitomo Nara, and Aya Takano among many more. It’s quite an experience to sip your tea among Murakami’s and beside hanging anime head sculptures by Mr. Even the walk to the restroom is wallpapered with floor to ceiling Japanese fashion photographs.