Small space with bamboo accents and soft lighting creates a traditional tea house feel. Atmosphere stays calm and chill, welcoming for a midday break. Long lines form during peak hours, with a spacious outdoor seating area offering a place to enjoy drinks.
Matcha soft serve stands out as a popular dessert here, enjoyed by many over several years. Customers often eat it outside, creating a casual and social vibe while waiting or after meals.
Soft serve stands out with its smoothest and creamiest texture and authentic, rich matcha flavor sourced directly from top farms in Japan. The Matcha Oat Latte offers a refreshing, cold drink with a subtle sweetness that does not overpower the earthiness.
"The matcha soft serve is the best I've ever had."
"This matcha soft serve dessert is so smooth and not too sweet."
Good to know
Parking costs $4 and is validated.
The entrance to the cafe is accessible.
The cafe specializes exclusively in matcha.
Small bakery inside a hotel lobby offers a cozy, calm atmosphere with limited seating and free wifi. The space feels cute and sophisticated, attracting a steady flow of people who appreciate its quiet vibe during weekdays.
Strawberry coppe stands out as a high-quality dessert here. Little teddy desserts with pudding inside offer a unique taste similar to Guatemalan manjar in plantain desserts.
High-quality matcha shines in drinks like the banana matcha latte and matcha sea salt cold brew. The matcha latte matches Japanese standards and pairs well with subtle flavors like banana cream.
"I loved their banana matcha; it was shockingly good."
"I loved their sweet desserts, especially the strawberry coppe."
Good to know
The bakery opens at 7am.
Parking is very difficult, which is expected for DTLA.
There was usually a wait time at Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe DTLA.
Minimalist Japanese design combines with modern architecture and authentic outfits to create an elegant, cozy space. Calm, serene atmosphere contrasts with busy downtown streets, enhanced by high ceilings and calming music. Occasional robot service adds a unique touch to an otherwise traditional dining experience.
Complimentary desserts include red bean cakes, mochi cakes, and fresh fruits paired with plant-based ice creams. Dessert comes as part of a special menu with appetizer and omakase sushi.
"The desserts here are beautifully presented and taste very good."
Good to know
Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.
The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options on the menu.
The cheapest set menu starts at $87 per person.
Tiny cafe blends Japanese and Hispanic influence with modern, cozy decor and large windows. Bright, cheerful vibe fills both indoor bar seating and plentiful outdoor tables ideal for people watching. Music and atmosphere create a feeling of being in Japan despite urban surroundings.
Unique desserts stand out with a magnificent selection. Coffee pairs well, making it a spot to enjoy freshly brewed drinks alongside delicious sweets.
Premium matcha drinks use a generous amount of matcha powder and show top tier quality. Blueberry matcha lattes stand out as exceptionally good and popular choices.
"I found the desserts here to be magnificent and delicious."
"The blueberry matcha here is phenomenal and delicious."
Good to know
There are no restrooms available for customers; only restaurants have facilities.
You can avoid the long line by visiting before noon.
They open early at 7am for breakfast.
Cobblestone paths and wooden facades mimic traditional Japanese shopping streets, creating an immersive small-town feel. Bright red lanterns and a 50-foot replica fire lookout tower add to the authentic Edo-period design. The plaza buzzes with lively energy, especially on weekends, drawing crowds to its outdoor dining and arcade games.
Traditional desserts like hot crepes, shaved ice, and fresh fruit stand out. Plenty of spots offer authentic Japanese sweets in a compact, walkable area.
Matcha here stands out for its excellent quality and smooth flavor. The matcha latte at Japanese Village Plaza offers a rich, satisfying sip.
"I found so many unique Japanese desserts and creative merchandise here."
"I thought the matcha here was excellent."
Good to know
The plaza hosts cherry blossom events in spring with sakura-themed stalls.
Nisei Week Japanese Festival in August includes Obon dancing, taiko drums, and a parade.
Parking can get crowded and expensive on weekends.
Clean, contemporary space with pink modern design creates a pleasant, fun atmosphere. Soft serve ice cream stands out for its creamy texture and organic ingredients, offering unique flavors like matcha and taro. Drip-proof cones make it easy to enjoy while walking around.
Offers not-too-sweet, high-quality desserts with a nice balance of warmth and texture. The shop feels cute and inviting for a satisfying finish to a meal.
Croffles come with matcha ice cream that is perfectly sweet and not too earthy. Matcha pairs well with chocolate and taro, and options include matcha and true milk cones with pastel sprinkles.
"The ice cream's clean, smooth flavor really shines."
"The matcha soft serve is the best I've ever had."
Good to know
The price for a soft serve is around $10, which is considered steep.
They use organic ingredients for their ice cream products.
The shop had limited variety in ice cream flavors available.
Small dessert spot offers unique crepe service with self-order kiosks and indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels cozy and lively despite tight space and occasional crowding. Crepes stand out as rich and flavorful, especially crème brûlée varieties.
Creme brûlée dessert crepe stands out with a light, fresh texture and balanced sweetness. The custard offers a rich, filling flavor that feels both elevated and homey.
Creme brulee crepe comes with matcha ice cream for a rich twist. Matcha pairs well with strawberries and rose cream, offering a less sweet, more complex flavor. Green tea mochi crepe includes whipped cream, matcha sauce, ice cream, and mochi for a refreshing treat.
"The crème brûlée crepe dessert is amazing with caramelized sugar."
"The creme brulee crepe with matcha ice cream was amazing."
Good to know
This location does not accept cash; only cards and Apple Pay are accepted.
The place gets packed quickly due to its popularity and has limited seating.
Parking is difficult; consider using Japanese Market Plaza or street parking.
Minimalist Japanese design shapes a chic, peaceful space with volcanic rock accents and outdoor seating warmed by heat lamps. Atmosphere stays quiet and relaxed, suitable for conversation rather than traditional omakase formality. High-quality Asian-inspired cocktails complement the refined setting.
Cheesecake stands out as a recommended dessert. Drinks pair well with the sweet options offered.
Cold and regular matcha lattes come in cute little cups and taste quite good. The barista offers to make another drink after mentioning the coconut matcha, showing attention to unique flavors.
"I really enjoyed the matcha latte, it was quite good."
"The desserts here are visually appealing and create an otherworldly ambiance."
Good to know
Parking is street only and very limited.
Valet parking costs $13.
Prices are reasonable for the quality offered.