Wow Space: A Comic Book Restaurant You Have to See to Believe
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Editorial Team
- May 21, 2026
- 3 min read
- Spotlights
Have you ever wanted to step inside a comic book and enter a two-dimensional fantasy? In Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, you can do just that. This month’s Wow Space is the 2d Restaurant–a mind-bending, monochrome eatery that offers an immersive experience unlike any other. It is a place where food, art, and imagination collide, creating a backdrop so unique it has to be seen to be believed. Get ready to explore a cartoon dream world, all without leaving the Windy City.
The 2d Restaurant is the passion project of husband-and-wife team Kevin Yu, an award-winning chef, and Vanessa Thanh Vu, an award-winning interior designer. Inspired by the two-dimensional cafés that began in Malaysia and gained popularity across Asia, the couple wanted to create a space that would truly entice people to dine out, especially in the wake of the pandemic. They spent over two years perfecting every detail, transforming a 1,600-square-foot space into a breathtaking monochrome masterpiece.
The restaurant’s incredible interior is the result of months of meticulous work. Every line and shadow was hand-drawn by local artist Mia Larson. The theme, inspired by the Netflix series “Emily in Paris”, is both romantic and bold, featuring iconic Parisian landmarks. You can gaze at the Eiffel Tower from a balcony, admire the Louvre, and even see a hand-drawn Mona Lisa. The space includes a cozy library with a fireplace and an en-suite hotel bathroom complete with a bubble-filled clawfoot tub, all rendered in stunning black and white.
The entire dining room gives you the feeling of walking directly into the pages of a comic book, offering a memorable photo opportunity at every turn. It’s the perfect unexpected setting for any event, whether you’re planning a birthday party, a baby shower, or even a creative corporate meeting. Imagine hosting a family reunion where every photo looks like a custom illustration, or an office party that sparks creativity and conversation.
The cherry on top? This Peerspace also provides a variety of food, drink, and activity options to ensure your event is perfectly tailored to your needs. Leveraging Kevin’s culinary background, guests can choose from a diverse selection of Asian delicacies, often including fan favorites such as Taiwanese fried chicken sandwiches, Japanese mochi donuts, Filipino Ube, and Vietnamese coffee. This space is a one-stop shop for any extraordinary and joyful celebration.
“A perfect space for a networking group to meet to break up our normal officey type routines. We were 16 folks in total and it was comfortable since we had the whole restaurant to ourselves. The staff was very helpful and kind.”
– Sarah J., CEO
The 2d Restaurant is a testament to what happens when creative minds rethink the dining experience. It proves that a restaurant can be more than just a place to eat; it can be a destination, an escape, and a source of wonder.
If you’re ready to experience something truly different for your next outing, the 2d Restaurant is a must. It’s a place to forget the outside world for a while and immerse yourself in a storybook setting. Book your shoot or plan your next event, and prepare to be wowed.
