There is some drop-dead gorgeousness happening at the very new, very chic Imperial Lamian in Chicago’s River North. This Indonesian import is sure to take the neighborhood by storm; it is the first American outpost for the brand.
Named for China’s famed, hand-pulled la mian noodles (made on-site here in the open kitchen by Wang Hong Jun), the eatery also specializes in Chinese BBQ, soup dumplings, dim sum and creative wok dishes. Grab a tea-infused cocktail, an Asian beer or one of the two dozen well-chosen wines by the glass, and marvel at the stunning interior, designed by Metaphor Interior Architecture, an Indonesian firm, in their U.S. debut.
The space, once home to Vong and Centro in previous iterations, is a symphony of carved wood, fantastic textural elements, evocative wall murals and intricate mosaic tiling. Lighting fixtures made of old birdcages hover over the entrance; big, comfy booths line the east wall, and the open kitchen transfixes. This will be the next see-and-be-seen spot with the bonus of high-quality food — not always a given.
Imperial Lamian is open nightly for dinner at 5 p.m.
Imperial Lamian
6 W. Hubbard St.
Chicago
312-595-9440
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