A Sisterly Bonding Trip to Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe at Universal CityWalk Hollywood

Being a big sister to a 10-year-old means I get to experience the things I loved as a kid all over again, including (and especially!) my obsession with Hello Kitty and all things Sanrio. During my childhood in the ‘90s and early 2000s (I hope I’m not dating myself here), this iconic character brought joy into my life in the form of cute notebooks and stylish pencil cases. Now, as an adult, I was given the perfect opportunity to visit the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe at Universal CityWalk Hollywood with the biggest Hello Kitty fan and Sanrio lover I know: my baby sister, Cata.

My love for Hello Kitty started on my 8th birthday when I was given a transparent plastic purse with Pochacco, a small white dog wearing a purple shirt and teal sunglasses, on it. I was immediately drawn to him, which led me to discover other characters like Keroppi, Chococat, and the one and only Hello Kitty. I wanted all my belongings to be graced by her adorable bow and tiny yellow nose, and I spent all my birthday money buying Hello Kitty treasures — my most prized possession being a red plastic wallet with a button closure.

My love for Hello Kitty resurfaced decades later when I was planning my baby sister’s 8th birthday party. She told me she wanted a Sanrio theme, and my first thought was: Why didn’t I think of that when I was a kid? Probably because themed birthday parties weren’t as popular back then. In any case, planning Cata’s party allowed us to bond over our mutual love for Hello Kitty. She even introduced me to newer characters that weren’t around when I was a kid, like Cinnamoroll, an adorable white puppy with long, fluffy ears and a tail curled like a cinnamon roll. It felt like I had opened a portal to my childhood, and the Hello Kitty-loving kid inside me was reborn.

Fast forward a few years, and now there’s a Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe at Universal CityWalk Hollywood. Of course, as soon as Cata and I heard the news, we had to pull out our Hello Kitty outfits and plan a visit! We arrived early in the morning, eager to be the first in line. As we walked through CityWalk, past The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and the dancing fountain, we finally spotted them: Hello Kitty’s white ears adorned with her signature pink bow. Cata and I couldn’t contain our excitement, jumping and shrieking at the sight of the whimsical pink-and-white-striped facade and the pretty-pink metal chairs. The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe has outdoor seating with both standard and bar-height tables shaded by light beige umbrellas, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Stepping into the cafe felt like being transported into the world of Hello Kitty. For a moment, I imagined myself as a Sanrio character, half-expecting Cinnamoroll and My Melody to walk in and join us. The content creator in me couldn’t resist taking photos in every corner — the aesthetic is just perfect! Behind the counter, the wallpaper features pink outlines of Sanrio characters camouflaged among cafe elements, while a giant white Hello Kitty bow adorns the pick-up counter.

Want to learn more about Universal CityWalk Hollywood? Learn about everything this entertainment district has to offer by reading Discover Universal’s guide to CityWalk.

When we looked at the menu, Cata and I were immediately hit with FOMO — everything looked irresistible. Some honorable mentions include the Kuromi Berry Iced Tea, with its sparkly-purple sugar rim and perfect blackberries. The seasonal specials were equally eye-catching, especially the red Hello Kitty Mousse Dome filled with cinnamon mousse, apple pie filling, and cinnamon streusel. The presentation alone, sprinkles and a white chocolate square with a picture of Hello Kitty, was enough to make us smile.

The Strawberry Cake was another standout on the Sweets menu. It captured the classic Hello Kitty aesthetic with a vanilla sponge cake and strawberry jam, covered in whipped white chocolate ganache and topped with a big, red Hello Kitty bow. We couldn’t say no to any of it, and we knew right then we would have to plan another visit to try the rest of the menu.

All the beverages are served in clear cups with Hello Kitty’s face, which added an extra layer of joy to the experience. Cata ordered the Tuxedosam Lemonade, a blue raspberry lemonade with a pink sugar rim and a lemon wheel garnish. I’ll never forget the shocked look on her face after that first sip. The suspense built until she exclaimed, “Oh my god, sis! You have to try it!’” As soon as I tasted it, her reaction made perfect sense, and I was tempted to break into the same happy dance my taste buds were doing.

I opted for the Keroppi Matcha Latte, a frozen blended matcha drink topped with whipped cream sprinkled matcha powder. For all my matcha lovers out there, this drink is a must-try! My sister and I also indulged in the Chococat Mousse Dome, a rich chocolate-and-peanut-butter mousse that was complemented by crunchy chocolate pearls. And of course, we had to get the macaron set — vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, raspberry, and pistachio macarons, all adorned with red Hello Kitty bows. They came in a box, which made them the perfect souvenir to take back to our family after our day at Universal Studios Hollywood.

If you’re feeling indecisive when you visit, I highly recommend the Berry & Cream Churro. We kept raving about this churro stuffed with berry cream, topped with a pink drizzle, sprinkles, and Hello Kitty’s signature bow.

After finishing our treats, Cata and I headed next door to the Sanrio Smile Shop. The first thing that caught my eye was a pink Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe apron. Was it a need or a want? All I knew was that I had to have it! We were in awe of the endless merchandise featuring our favorite characters — from Hello Kitty hats to Pompompurin sculpted mugs. My sister and I spent way too much time at the build-your-own headband station, playing with the interchangeable bows and buttons. We ended our visit with a photo in front of the Hello Kitty and Friends mural with Hello Kitty driving out of the frame in her iconic car. It’s the best Hello Kitty photo we’ve ever taken.

The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe at Universal CityWalk Hollywood is truly a dream come true for Sanrio fans. Between the adorable cafe, themed food and drinks, and the nostalgic Sanrio Smile Shop, my sister and I felt like we were experiencing the magic of Universal Studios Hollywood without even stepping into the theme park. Hello Kitty always held a special place in my heart, and now, thanks to this memorable day with my sister, we’ve created even more unforgettable memories. Our bond has always been strong, but Hello Kitty makes it sweeter.

What are you most excited to try at the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe at Universal CityWalk Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below.