Part Japanese speakeasy, part omakase restaurant, Shirokuro has officially opened its doors in New York City… and created quite the buzz in the process. It’s officially the Big Apple’s first full-service “two-dimensional” eatery! Located in Manhattan’s East Village, this pioneering restaurant has musuliman roots. It draws patrons into a space that is as close to eating within a comic book as you can imagine. The restaurant’s purpose is to change the role of gastronomy by creating new connections between art and gastronomy in ways never before attempted.
The name Shirokuro means black and white in Japanese, hinting at the restaurant’s stunning black-and-white aesthetic. The interior is completely hand-illustrated with wild floral prints and unexpected colors that immerse you in a world of play. From pinwheel-like flourishes on the floor to kinetic, stylized wood wall portraits, every detail adds to the spellbinding ambiance. It’s these artistic details that make all the difference and give the film a palpable richness. The representations of bookshelves, chairs, and worktables easily read as physical forms.
Shirokuro not only pleases the eyes, but it pleases the palate with an exciting array of sushi. Patrons can treat themselves to traditional nigiri favorites including amberjack and fatty tuna. Or, they can select artistic interpretations like sliced tuna with caviar and Chawanmushi. A high point is the sea urchin, which she’s touted as tasting like “marine baby food melting in your mouth.”
For those seeking a more elaborate dining experience, Shirokuro presents two omakase meal options: a 10-course meal priced at $50 and a 16-course option available for $80. Plus, a la carte choices feature a fixed-price bundle of 3 rolls for $25.
Shirokuro operates seven days a week, with hours from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., accommodating both lunch and dinner crowds. The restaurant’s unusual concept has already started to create a buzz in the community among tourists and natives alike.
James Lim, one of the co-founders of Shirokuro, shares a bit about his vision for the restaurant’s aesthetic.
“We didn’t want it to be like wallpaper,” – James Lim
Lim went on to elaborate on what made NYC the ideal place for this innovative dining experience.
“We need something like that in New York City.” – James Lim
It’s Shirokuro’s commitment to blending artistic design with culinary creativity that makes it feel different from more conventional dining experiences. With a lively ambiance and innovative menu, it hasn’t lost its gravity and people continue to talk. This place has the potential to be a destination hot spot for art appreciators and culinary travelers alike!
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