Indonesia-based Imperial Group is thrilled to bring its first U.S. concept, Imperial Lamian, to Chicago this winter. Working hand-in-hand with Chicago-based Hat’s Off Hospitality, which will provide its expertise in food and beverage, Imperial Lamian arrives at 6 W. Hubbard in the heart of Chicago’s bustling River North neighborhood. The exciting concept offers authentic, yet modern, Chinese cuisine in a stylish space designed by Metaphor Interior Architecture for its American debut.
With an innovative open kitchen, guests watch as three master chefs, artfully trained in their individual crafts, bring the meal to life, including both traditional and inventive wok dishes, dim sum and xiao long bao, and fresh, hand-pulled lamian noodles. Whether it’s a special occasion, a bite before a night out or stopping in on a Saturday after shopping, Imperial Lamian promises to bring authentic and flavorful Chinese cuisine into River North.
Divided into different sections, Imperial Lamian’s menu features Chinese cuisine made from the finest ingredients with a traditional handcrafted touch. Diners begin the meal on a high note with dishes such as Crisp Eel with Wu Xi Sauce, Gua Bao Belly Bun, or Soft Shell Crab with Curry Leaves and Almond, in addition to a variety of traditional soups and salads.
Imperial Lamian’s Dim Sum features over 10 savory varieties, including Har Gao, Crisp Duck Roll, or the Szechuan Wonton. For those seeking Xiao Long Bao, or “soup dumplings,” the menu includes six colorful handcrafted versions, including Spicy Szechuan, Crab Meat, Truffle, and others.
Like its name, the menu focuses on fresh, hand-pulled lamian (La meaning pull, mian meaning noodle)—an ancient Chinese tradition that dates back to the 16th century—combined with Pork Broth, Beef Broth, Spicy Broth, Vegetarian Broth, or Fried with a variety of different meats and garnishes.
Diners are also treated to traditional Chinese barbecue selections like Peking Duck and Crispy Aromatic Duck as well as a variety of Fried Rice, including dishes made with Oxtail in XO Sauce and the Imperial Hot Stone Fried Rice.
Wok Dishes round out the offerings, including classic Chinese dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken and Mongolian Beef, combined with fresh interpretations such as the Miso-Champagne Glazed Black Cod, Scallops with XO Sauce, Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek, Imperial Braised Pork Belly, and more.
Designed to complement the cuisine, Imperial Lamian’s beverage program is curated by General Manager Pepe Guzman and the partners of Hat’s Off Hospitality, featuring a variety of rare teas by Rare Tea Cellars, Asian beers, sake, wine, and cocktails. Unique to Imperial Lamian, the restaurant highlights a variety of specialty Chinese teas from teahouses around the world, each served in an eye-catching centerpiece at the table. The cocktail program features a full bar, with a focus on single malts, Asian whiskeys and bourbons, and other authentic Chinese spirits. The menu includes eight signature cocktails, using in-house, tea-infused spirits, and the beer program includes a range of draft and bottled beers, incorporating Asian beers and local craft brews. Wine lovers will be pleased with the selection of over 100 wines in-house focusing heavily on white varietals, including 24 by-the-glass pours.
As the first American venture by Indonesian based-Metaphor Interior Architecture, the design features raw timber and exposed materials to highlight the high-quality and natural textures of the restaurant in earthy tones of green, light, and deep chocolate browns, highlighted with stone mosaic tiles throughout. As guests enter Imperial Lamian, they are welcomed in an elaborate foyer with hand-made Oriental screens and unique birdcage pendant lights—a nod to the story of the Chinese bringing their birds with them when dining out. The bar area features a backdrop of rustic brass Chinese medicine boxes and a 15-foot bright, colorful mural by Chicago artist, Tracee Badway. In the dining room, the open kitchen commands the space, with a backdrop of glass, turquoise-colored tiles and surrounded by custom-made booths, chairs and tables. Private parties are held in two different spaces, featuring laser cut screens, eye-catching chandeliers, large banquets and another bright mural by Badway. Construction is led by Jack Lee Construction & Services, who have completed many successful restaurant projects in Chicago.
