2D Café, a two-dimensional café and eatery, has arrived in St. Pete’s Grand Central District and had its grand opening on April 8th from 10 am to 6 pm. The concept uses artistic tricks of illusion to give the appearance of a completely two-dimensional experience in real life and is described as a European-based café offering unique delicacies, coffees, pastries and more.

The visually immersive café is located at 2105 Central Avenue in the former home of swah-rey, and celebrated local artist Chad Mize created the wall and furniture art inside of the store, adding a high quality St. Pete touch to the experience.

The style of these flat-appearing eateries seems to have originated in Japan and more and more two-dimensional shops have opened across the globe. Using black-and-white furniture and decoration designed to look hand drawn, these cafes create the illusion of walking around and sitting in a two-dimensional world fresh off the pages of a book or out of old cartoons. Imagine the Take On Me music video, but in real life. Even the plates and other dishware have the appearance of 2D objects with 3D food set on top of them.

A description from 2D Cafe said to expect pastries, coffee and other inventive eats: “European based cafe – unique delicacies, fresh coffees, pastries and more. We can’t wait to share what’s coming and promise it will be worth the wait! Coming to beautiful downtown Saint Petersburg!

Florida’s first 2D restaurant, Twenty Pho Hour, just opened in Orlando as a noodle bar, and 2D Cafe St. Pete is set to become the first two-dimensional cafe in the state. 2D Cafe has not yet shared a full menu, but says on its instagram that the cafe will be open from 8 am – 11 pm once it begins full-time operations.