“Renowned restaurant brand Phillipe Chow is thrilled to announce that its first location outside of NYC opens on Wednesday, June 14”

inside 635 Wharf Street, SW photo by Credit: Nicolas Castro

From a press release:

“Renowned restaurant brand Phillipe Chow is thrilled to announce that its first location outside of NYC opens on Wednesday, June 14 in Washington, D.C. at 635 Wharf St., SW.

Situated on the picturesque edge of the Potomac River at The Wharf, the buzzy mile-long waterfront destination known for its world-class collection of restaurants, retail, and residential communities, Philippe Chow is housed in a luxurious, 350-seat space (250 inside, 100 outside) designed by acclaimed local firm //3877.

“We couldn’t have envisioned a better home for our first location outside of New York, and we are elated to share with Washingtonians––and the global visitors it attracts––a taste of Chef Chow’s renowned style of Chinese cuisine, alongside the unparalleled service and high-energy ambiance that we pride ourselves in,” says Abraham Merchant, CEO of Philippe Chow.

An iconic restaurant for almost two decades, Philippe Chow’s first, and now flagship, location opened in Uptown Manhattan in 2005. Since then, the restaurant has remained an undisputed favorite among New York City’s power crowd––attracting athletes, musicians and film stars such as Rihanna, Jay-Z, Adam Sandler, and Mariah Carey (to name a few).

Known for his modern, flavorful, and theatrical style, Chef Chow—the brand’s visionary and namesake—is world-renowned for his Beijing-style dishes.

Philippe DC_Cocktail Menu

Philippe DC_Dinner Menu

Philippe DC_Tasting Menu

Philippe Chow D.C. will feature the brand’s exquisite family-style menu that guests around the globe have come to know and love. The expansive menu showcases classics such as Salt & Pepper Lobster; Green Prawns with stir-fried vegetables, green chili, and cashews; Glazed Spare Ribs; Filet Mignon with oyster sauce, and Chef Chow’s legendary Peking Duck, carved tableside and served with pancakes made fresh every morning. Other standout menu items include Satays, hand-pulled noodles, an array of dumplings (Duck & Cilantro, Pork Soup), sustainable seafood (Red King Crab with Ginger Scallion, Drunken Sea Bass), and other wok-prepared delicacies (Crispy Beef, Philippe’s Surf & Turf, Chicken Jo Lau). There are also several off-menu specialties available for in-the-know regulars that Chef Chow will whip up personally.

For a show-stopping finish, guests can indulge in displays such as our tableside finished Cotton Candy Baked Alaska. The service program is led by General Manager Glenn Hanbury, previously with José Andrés, Fabio Trabocchi restaurants and most recently serving as General Manager of Tiger Fork.

The cocktail program, spearheaded by Amir Babayoff, offers playful and unique selections of spirits and ingredients such as a tropical Old fashioned with coconut, banana and cacao; Espresso Martini with Absolut Elyx, Borghetti, Amaro, Black Strap rum, Vanilla and espresso; and Lychee Martini with Bols Genever, Haku vodka, coconut, Ramazotti, Sake, rose and lychee. Babayoff most recently curated the cocktail list at NYC hotspot Ophelia, which has been consistently listed as one of the best rooftop bars in the city in leading publications.

For the design, Philippe Chow tapped award-winning design and architectural firm //3877, who took an intentionally modern approach––carefully balancing the rich culture of Chinese traditions with a fresh perspective. An opulent blend of glamor and sophistication sets the tone, with the aim to ensure guests feel pampered and enveloped in luxury no matter what the occasion.

Upon entering the restaurant, the eye is immediately drawn to the large, illuminated sculptural installation that suspends from the ceiling, and is subtly inspired by the shape of a ship’s hull.
The bar and main dining area create a playful juxtaposition through intimate, serene settings, while ensuring not to compromise the open, airy feeling of the space and high ceilings. Luxurious touches, such as plush banquettes and brass and mirror detailing, complement a color palette of purples and blues throughout.

The essence of design is seen in Philippe Chow’s two private dining rooms, which are adorned in gold and mirror elements, custom crystal, and 12-foot brass and gold continuous chandeliers. One of these spaces, aptly named “The Emperor’s Room,” boasts a custom-designed floral chandelier alongside unique burl paneling, and hints at D.C.’s beloved cherry blossoms through the clever use of rose gold, brass, and white leaves.

The exterior of the restaurant features a luxurious patio complete with fireplaces, umbrellas, and additional banquette seating for 100 guests.

In addition to Washington, D.C., Philippe Chow has confirmed six future restaurants across the globe, along with two domestic locations, set to debut in 2024, one in Nashville and the other in Miami’s SoFi neighborhood.

Philippe Chow is located at 635 Wharf St SW, and will begin with dinner seven nights a week. Weekend Brunch will follow over the next few months. Full hours of operation can be found here.”