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Roji Bakery
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Roji Bakery
8.4
Roji Bakery is a Japanese-style bakery café from owner Mizuki Shin that has been serving shokupan, melon pan, and croissant-style pastries to Mid-Wilshire and Beverly Grove for around two decades. The case leans into Japanese flavors like Earl Grey, matcha, and curry alongside European techniques, making it a favorite for both sweet treats and light lunch sandwiches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shokupan milk bread loaf, Melon pan with custard cream, Earl Grey scone
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Japanese-influenced bakery where shokupan, melon pan, and tea-scented pastries anchor a deep pastry case.
Who should go: Pastry lovers chasing Japanese flavors and quiet café time.
When to visit: Late mornings or midafternoons when the line thins but cases stay stocked.
What to order: Shokupan loaf, melon pan, Earl Grey or matcha croissant.
Insider tip: If you see Earl Grey items in the case, grab them—they often sell out before closing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Beverly and adjacent residential streets; generally manageable midday but tight during peak weekend brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests come in everyday wear suitable for a bakery café.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy for conversation, especially during late mornings and midafternoons.
Weekend wait: N/A — this is primarily a daytime bakery and café; lines occur in the morning rather than evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though a short line can form for popular pastries around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many pastries, sandwiches, and sweets are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—most pastries contain butter or milk, though occasional vegan-friendly bread items may appear.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—most offerings rely on wheat-based doughs; not suitable for strict gluten-free needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's a low-pressure, charming spot ideal for a casual coffee-and-pastry meet-up with cozy seating and photogenic pastries.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are needed; seating is first-come, first-served, with the best availability during midmorning and midafternoon.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for younger kids who enjoy pastries; seating is limited and closer quarters mean strollers may be tough during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Japanese-style pastries, shokupan loaves, and tea-infused flavors (Earl Grey, matcha) that are harder to find at Western-focused bakeries.
Skip if: You need extensive gluten-free options, full meals, or large-group seating—other cafés or restaurants are better suited.
Roji Bakery
7.9
Roji Bakery is a compact Japanese bakery-café where milk bread loaves, melon pan, and delicate pastries share the case with katsu and egg salad sandos. It’s more of a grab-and-go spot than a hangout, but the quality of the bread and fillings makes it a quiet favorite for lighter sandwiches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken katsu sando, Egg salad milk bread sandwich, Tonkatsu curry bun
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Japanese milk-bread bakery turning out delicate, compact sandos.
Who should go: Fans of lighter Japanese-style sandwiches and pastries.
When to visit: Morning or early afternoon before popular items sell out.
What to order: Chicken katsu sando, egg salad sandwich, melon pan.
Insider tip: Check the daily specials board for limited-run sandos and buns.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Wilshire-adjacent side streets; usually manageable on weekdays but tighter during peak morning pastry runs.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—most guests drop in for grab-and-go; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low—it's a small bakery-café with minimal seating, so conversations are easy if you stay to eat.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—Roji is a daytime bakery and typically closes before dinner.
Weekday lunch: Short lines of 5–10 minutes; popular items may sell out closer to 1–2pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pastry items and the Japanese-style egg salad sando work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—most breads and fillings contain dairy or eggs; a few simple buns or drinks may qualify but options are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—this is a traditional bakery with no dedicated gluten-free program.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're aiming for a low-key, casual meet-up. The space is tiny with limited seating, so it's not ideal for lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations here. Seating is first-come and very limited, so most visitors take their sandos to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick stops—pastries and soft milk bread appeal to kids, but stroller maneuvering is tight and there are no dedicated amenities like high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Exquisite milk bread and delicate Japanese-style sandwiches that feel lighter and more refined than typical deli-style subs in the area.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down meal, lots of seating, late-night hours, or hearty, oversized sandwiches—this is a compact bakery with a soft, minimalist menu.