New anime-themed restaurant with cosplaying servers opening this month

A new Hungarian Village eatery is combing the worlds of cosplay and fine dining.

According to co-owner Destiny “Maki” Ellison, Hidden Leaf Cafe will be holding a “pre-opening” from Aug. 30-Oct 6, in which the concept will slowly roll out its entire menu. A grand opening is slated for Oct. 10.

With the restaurant’s name inspired by the Japanese manga series Naruto, Ellison and fellow co-owner Marquise “SenPapi” Pirela will offer scratch-made dishes featuring flavors from around the globe, with each one served by a cosplaying employee.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

“We will always serve food in costume, as we are cosplayers/content creators and recommend our guests to dine in cosplay as well,” Ellison told 614Now. “We create whatever the characters inspire us to create, so our menu is a mix of everything from Mexican, Asian, Japanese, Caribbean, Puerto Rican, African, Indian and more.”

While Naruto is the primary inspiration for the concept, the eatery will also draw from the world of Marvel, Disney, other anime and comics. 

The new storefront will serve as the concept’s first brick and mortar space. Hidden Leaf began in 2020, operating out of Ellison’s house, before a cosplay element was added at local pop-ups beginning in 2022.

The new anime-inspired spot is located at 181 E. Innis Ave.

Want to read more? Check out our print publications, (614) Magazine and Stock & Barrel. Learn where you can find free copies of our newest issues here!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY