Robot Restaurants in Los Angeles and Other Fun Automated Food Spots for Kids

Did you know that, besides answering all of your burning questions, AI is being used to flip burgers, cook Chinese food, serve AYCE Kogi beef, and more at restaurants all over LA? Robot restaurants are the hot new thing—and they're so much fun for kids! Who doesn't want a stack of pancakes or a tray of sushi delivered by a friendly little robot (many of them have kitty ears!)?

And, while this experience is one for the record books, remember that robots can struggle with technical difficulties, charging capacities, etc. If you want to experience robot service, please call the restaurant you plan to visit before hopping in the car. That way, you make sure that the robots are ready for action. Read on for a list of the best robot restaurants in LA. 

Looking for more fun dining options with kids? Check out our LA and OC restaurant guide, our list of great themed restaurants for families in LA, or our guide to where kids eat free in Los Angeles. 

Robot Restaurants in the Valleys & Hollywood 

CaliExpress by Flippy - Pasadena 

CaliExpress by Flippy is the world's first fully autonomous AI restaurant. From the moment you order, until you get your meal and pay the bill, the entire process is carried along by various robots. Visitors also get a little education in AI, with the restaurant doubling as a museum with robot arms, 3-D printed artifacts, photography displays, and more. If you are interested in AI technology, this newly opened spot is a must-try! 

Tulsi Indian Eatery - Westwood, DTLA, and Northridge 

Tulsi offers multi-regional Indian food in a fast-casual environment. While expert chefs make the food in the kitchen, the team utilizes serving robots to bring out dishes. The robots have kitty faces, making them particularly adorable for little diners. 

Maria's Italian Kitchen - Northridge 

"Romeo" the robot has been helping the staff at Maria's Italian Kitchen for several years making sure that service stays effective and efficient. Call before visiting to ensure that Romeo is up and running before you go!

 
Jacques and Penelope at the Toothsome Chocolate & Emporium Savory Feast Kitchen. Photo courtesy of Universal Studios.

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen - Universal City 

I threw this one on the list because it's so much fun, though I'll admit that the "robot" here is a costume, not an actual robot. Toothsome is a chocolate-lovers wonderland with confections and creations that will blow your mind and tastebuds. It's steampunk themed and Jacques the steampunk robot is a character that wanders the restaurant greeting guests with his friend, Penelope. 

Robot Restaurants in DTLA and East LA 

Hanu K BBQ - DTLA 

Hanu K BBQ is a family-friendly spot that provides several unique experiences all at once—automated robots help to bring Korean-style meats to the table and families grill the food themselves. Human waiters and waitresses help move the process along and answer questions diners may have. 

Niku X - DTLA 

This top-notch restaurant was started by Michelin-star chef, Shin Thompson. Robot servers are only one of many aspects that make this dining experience out-of-this-world. Niku X runs at a much higher price point than other restaurants on this list, so I'd save this one for a special occasion, or take teens and tweens who can appreciate the high-level cuisine (and the robots, of course!).

Road to Seoul - Koreatown (two locations - Western Ave. and Vermont Ave.) 

This Korean BBQ spot utilizes "kitty bot" servers to bring meats, sides, and sauces to the table for cooking on a personal grill in the middle of the table. It's an all-you-can-eat spot, and the menu choices are staggering. Think steamed eggs, brisket, garlic pork belly, beef sirloin, pork ribs, tofu, spicy chicken, and much more. 

Slurp & Sip - Koreatown 

Instant ramen lovers, rejoice! With the help of a clever little machine, you can make your own ramen at this quirky little convenience store spot in Koreatown. Guests pick their ramen and a bowl at the cashier (add extra toppings like egg, spam, rice cake, and more here if you want) then head to a ramen-making robot, who stirs the food into a yummy meal. 

Kouraku - Little Tokyo 

A kitty robot server helps the staff at this Japanese spot known for its ramen and other Asian dishes. A local favorite for decades, and considered America's first ramen restaurant, ordering the Katsu curry is a must. 

Ten-Raku All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ - Lynwood 

Robots help deliver heaping platters of meat at this all-you-can-eat establishment in Lynwood. Ten-Raku is known for an "explosion of flavor," ready for cooking at your grill at the center of your table. 

Westside Restaurants with AI Servers 

Tigawok - Sawtelle Japantown 

Enjoy mini-bowls of fresh Chinese food cooked by robot woks at this new spot in the Sawtelle neighborhood. The order-at-the-counter eatery offers Chinese food "Chipotle"-style, where guests can build a bowl to enjoy and watch the robots at work. 

Iron Teapot - Culver City 

This Dim-Sum spot in Culver City offers cooking classes, Chinese game nights, and delicious steamer baskets full of Dim-Sum. They also happen to have an adorable robot who helps serve customers, affectionately known as "Kitty." 

 
Hai Di Lao Hot Pot photo by Jason W., courtesy of Yelp.

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot - Century City 

This restaurant chain has traveled with the Westfield Century City mall all the way from Beijing, where it was a groundbreaking advance in AI-powered food service. Families can gather around a hot pot and cook their food with the help of an AI-powered fleet of robots in the kitchen. 

California Pizza Kitchen - Manhattan Beach 

Yes, California Pizza Kitchen is a well-known chain, but the Manhattan Beach location has been testing out robot servers to assist with running out those delicious BBQ chicken pizzas and flavored lemonades. Several of our social media followers pointed us to this spot, so it seems to be a crowd favorite. 

Robomart - Various LA Neighborhoods 

While Robomart isn't a brick-and-mortar restaurant, it does use AI to deliver your food. Local restaurants in LA hotspots utilize Robomart's AI tech to deliver goods to homes all over Los Angeles. A popular option is Unilever's The Ice Cream Shop, which provides sweet treats utilizing AI technology. 

Stellar Pizza - Trucks in Multiple Locations 

Scientists from SpaceX put their skills to good use when creating these pizza-making robots for Stellar Pizza, a great pie place in Hawthorne. For around $10-$12, kids and adults can order a cheese, pepperoni, sausage, or build-your-own pizza, made fresh by some pretty smart robots in the back. Labor costs are low, so the pizzas are priced better than the average, and we think these bots make a pretty stellar pie. Stellar Pizza has also hit the road with a food truck that uses the same technology to churn out pies. It is often parked on UCLA and USC campuses and with a coupon code (check their website) families can order a $2 pie. 

Restaurants with Robot Servers in the South Bay 

Kura Sushi - Brea, Cerritos, Garden Grove, Torrance, Little Tokyo, & Sherman Oaks 

One of our Mommy Poppins writers recently told me this is her favorite restaurant ever! A revolving bar offers amazing, covered sushi creations ready for the taking, or a touchpad at each table is a great way to choose whatever you want (brought by robot servers, of course!) 

Kaju Soft Tofu - Buena Park, Garden Grove, & Irvine