In an otherwise quiet neighborhood in Culver City, Royal/T pops into the picture with its plush, faux moss covered exterior. Fear not if you don't spot street parking; the café/shop/art space has an adequately sized parking lot in back. Royal/T Café, inspired by the Maid Café's of Tokoyo's Akihabara District, brings a slice of cosplay (costume play) into LA. The precious waitstaff is dressed in brown

The moderately priced menu offers breakfast anytime, salads, sandwiches and rice bowls.  We tried the perfectly cooked baked eggs served with sausage and shitake mushrooms and a small (but large enough for two people) pot of Darling Darjeeling tea.

Screen printed T-shirts--including some designed by one of Royal/T's servers/graphic designers, Mayumi Tanaka--are sold in the retail store along with collectible toys (like Be@rbrick figures), cup cake hats, and large, free-standing fake roses. The shop's inventory is handpicked by owner Susan Hancock and her staff, and also hosts a rotating pop-up shop. When we were there the theme was "Valley of The Dolls," with Japanese one-of-a-kind dolls resembling characters like Edward Scissorhands and Alice in Wonderland. 

The art space boasts the best of Hancock's extensive collection of Japanese art as well as an interactive Porta-Party (haha!) booth and VIP lounge, which can be rented for private parties like birthdays and baby showers. Currently on exhibition is I Can't Feel My Face, curated by New York-based artist Kaws (who selected art from Hancock's collection on the premise "If he broke into my storage space, what would he steal?"). 

Overall, this spot is perfect for art fans, individuals who harbor affection for Japanese culture, or Average Joe's who are sick of humdrum cafes.