Rebuilding Brooklyn
News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local
Crime
Weather
Taking Action
beWell
The East End
Crime Files

NYC’s first 2D restaurant opens in lower Manhattan 

Shirokuro, which translates to “black and white” in Japanese, opened in March. 

Angelica Toruno

Jun 5, 2025, 4:26 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

A new Japanese restaurant in New York City is offering diners a surreal, sketchbook-style experience. 

Shirokuro, which translates to “black and white” in Japanese, opened in March. 

It’s designed to make guests feel like they’ve stepped into a two-dimensional world. From the floors to the ceilings – and even the bathroom – everything inside is hand-painted in black and white to create the optical illusion. 

“It’s a head-turner for sure,” says co-owner Alex Kim. “It's such an amazing experience.” 

Kim says the inspiration came after his business partner traveled to Korea and saw similar 2D cafes. While the concept has been popular in countries such as Japan and Singapore, it had never been brought to New York until now. 

More Stories

Top Stories

01:38
justinbptfire0414_2026-04-14-21-07-43

'Heard an explosion.' Multialarm fire in Bridgeport sends one to hospital, displaces 16 people and two cats

02:40
CT FUTURE 2

Weather to Watch: A few thunderstorms may bring strong winds tonight

00:43
stamfordarrest0414_2026-04-14-21-06-56

Police: Stamford officer facing charges in October crash now on administrative leave

Brush Fire

DEEP: Brush fire at Burr Pond State Park now contained

01:22
7bb683e9-4a2d-422d-bf18-f0c7433b73d7

Record-breaking heat expected across the tri-state Wednesday

01:46
CRAVENICEPKG430Show041426_2026-04-14-17-48-08

CT lawmakers move to limit ICE 'vigilantes.' Republicans call the bill 'anti-cop'

NorwalkFireFullmarLane430Show041426_2026-04-14-17-13-04

Crews fight 3-Alarm fire on Fullmar Lane in Norwalk

greenwich cancer

Greenwich Hospital hosts an event for a free head and neck cancer screenings

01:57
marissapkg0414_2026-04-14-17-13-53

CT Humane Society offers 'purr-fect' way for kids to practice reading skills

00:33
HouseGOPBudgetVOSOT430Show041426_2026-04-14-18-39-15

GOP budget proposal ties property tax relief to ending Medicaid for undocumented immigrants

00:35
AP25230554957594

Department of Justice suing Connecticut and New Haven over its sanctuary policies

00:15
AutismNorwalk_2026-04-14-11-57-05

Norwalk shines blue for Autism Acceptance Month

00:21
174faa73-b388-43b9-9c6b-be38331039fe

State workers’ pay deal heads to Capitol for legislative approval

02:01
Mark6aml414_2026-04-14-06-11-01

Gas prices will “continue to be volatile” as Connecticut drivers pay more at the pump

02:12
frankpkg0413_2026-04-13-21-12-55

Bridgeport Schools to offer free home Wi-Fi for students, families

00:35
0411Fairfielddofrescue_2026-04-12-06-15-47

Good Samaritan rescues large dog from waters of Lake Mohegan

00:16
erinstewart0413_2026-04-13-21-13-06

Erin Stewart, Republican candidate for governor, expected to announce running mate

02:17
AP23165149532160

'Inspired a lot of kids.' Three-time Stanley Cup champ, Hamden native Jonathan Quick, retires from hockey

00:17
AP26099607914287

Dallas Wings select Azzi Fudd of UConn No. 1 in WNBA draft with a $500,000 payday waiting

00:10
monroeupdate0413_2026-04-13-21-13-17

Car crashes into Aldi on Monroe Turnpike

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices