REVIEW: Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe

Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe located along Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles on Oct. 2, 2024.

A great photo may be priceless to some, is it worth $12?

From the crowd at Universal CityWalk, the answer appears to be yes. Residents and tourists flock to Hello KItty and Friends Cafe to take photos in front of a bright pink facade covered with Sanrio characters. 

There’s excitement to try the cafe, because it’s the first Los Angeles location, which opened on Sept. 6, 2024. And while the treats inside are beautifully presented and tasty, it’s hard to justify the price.

The cafe, which only has outside seating, offers grab and go treats and beverages based on the characters of Hello Kitty and friends. 

One of the popular beverages at the cafe is the Chococat Frozen Mocha. A frozen coffee, chocolate boba and whipped cream topped with chocolate sprinkles on top. The price on the famous beverage that is social media post worthy is $9. 

Hello Kitty Mousse Dome treat cost $12 at the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe along Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles on Oct. 2, 2024.

The taste is similar to a hot chocolate mocha, but the unexpected fruit boba is a weird combination.

Hello Kitty Mousse Dome, which cost $12, contains cinnamon mousse, apple pie filling and cinnamon streusel is a must-devour treat.

The first bite is a twist of strawberry jam with chocolate cake, followed with a second bite of apple filling, which creates a full apple pie experience.

The rose colored dome from the jam top with edible art including a white chocolate Hello Kitty square is as cute as the iconic cafe’s namesake. The combination is flavorful but the dessert is too sweet for a full dessert. 

Chococat Frozen Mocha frozen coffee drink cost $9 at the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe along Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles on Oct. 2, 2024.

The cafe has other locations in Orange County and Las Vegas and one in Canada.

It’s easy to see why patrons may say, “I gotta take a picture first!” before they eat it, but they probably will be happier with the image than the taste itself.

For more information please visit Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe & Sanrio Smile Shop

100 Universal City Plaza,

Universal City, CA 91608

Hours of Operations: 

7 days a week      11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Please note: Hours may change seasonally with overall Universal CityWalk Hours of Operation