I first visited Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe in September, and ever since, it has become a go-to spot every time I’m in Little Tokyo.
Okayama Kobo is located in the heart of Los Angeles (LA), specifically inside the lobby of the Miyako Hotel. This cafe is hard to miss because a beautiful mural of LA Dodger player Shohei Ohtani lets you know you’ve come to the right place. Inside the lobby, you will find a tucked-away and cozy bakery, with its workers proudly wearing their LA Dodgers hats as part of their uniform.
The ambiance is calm with soft music playing in the background. It is decorated with a neutral color palette of sage green, white and brown. The shelves are constantly in stock with freshly made breads.
The menu offers a variety of sea salt and espresso-based drinks such as the Strawberry Sakura Latte, a strawberry-infused espresso with strawberry milk, topped with sea salt vanilla foam. The Matcha Sea Salt Cold Brew, a cold-brew coffee with caramel, topped with sea salt vanilla foam, is a fan favorite for those who want something simple. The Banana Creme Matcha Latte is a must-try. It’s made with strong premium matcha, sweetened with banana syrup and topped with banana foam finished with crushed nilla wafers.
The menu is packed with delicious options but a few favorites always keep me coming back. The Cookie Salt & Butter Roll is my personal favorite. The fluffy buttery croissant is topped with cookie salt, which creates a perfect combination of sweet and salty. The Chocolate Emoji is another standout, a soft bun filled with dark chocolate and vanilla bean custard that melts into your mouth. Another fan favorite is the Dodger Hat, which surprises you with a sweet blueberry filling.
If you love soft, fluffy pastries and a relaxing spot to enjoy your treats. This bakery is a must-visit. Whether you’re grabbing something to go or sitting down with a drink and pastry, the experience is comforting and welcoming. The care they put into the food and the aesthetically pleasing environment make it a perfect spot for a quiet morning or afternoon treat.