Project Description:
Situated on the picturesque edge of the Potomac River, the newest Philippe Chow location establishes the iconic New York restaurant’s DMV debut at The Wharf. Known for its quality and service, the culinary destination has a history of attracting elite crowds for nearly two decades––Philippe Chow’s first, and now flagship, location opened in Uptown Manhattan in 2005. Providing guests with signature Beijing-style cuisine, fine dining, and a dedication to detail, the restaurant has remained an iconic staple of New York City’s culinary scene. Marking the third location, brought to life through the collaboration of Chef Philippe Chow and restaurateurs Abraham Merchant and Richard Cohn, the new project is the first to venture outside the brand’s homestead, bringing the brand’s signature opulent blend of elegance and extravagance to the Washington, D.C. area.

To facilitate the adventurous expansion, the Philippe Chow team enlisted Washington D.C.-based architecture and design firm //3877 to create a luxurious space befitting of the beloved brand. A critical component of The Wharf’s second phase of development, the restaurant is on the ground floor of a new apartment complex, giving the //3877 team creative liberty over the blank shell space. Inspired by Chef Philippe Chow’s prestigious reputation, the design team reimagined the signature, elegant brand experience, embracing the opportunity to establish the restaurant’s presence in a new locale. //3877 differentiated this location by rearranging the layout and experimenting with grandiose designs, featuring higher ceilings and a more open concept to accommodate a higher capacity. 

Upon entering the restaurant, guests will find themselves completely immersed in the extravagant elegance of the Philippe Chow experience. Patrons are immediately drawn to the large, illuminated sculptural installation that suspends from the ceiling, subtly nods to the shape of a ship’s hull and mirrors the curved architecture of the space. At the host stand, //3877 designed the entrance to feel intimate, welcoming diners with glamor and opulence. Past the entrance, guests notice the ceilings expand to impressive heights while also catching a glimpse of the bar, a central design element that emphasizes the upscale architectural elements found throughout the property. The bar and main dining area create a glitzy juxtaposition through intimate, serene settings, while ensuring not to compromise the luxurious views of yachts sailing the Potomac just steps away. //3877 integrated purposeful design elements, such as ornate finishes and custom, plush banquettes to curate touchpoints and greater spatial connectivity. Customized brass and captivating mirror accents are complemented by a palette of purples and blues, creating a design reminiscent of Philippe Chow’s New York locations. The concept is intentionally modern, balancing the rich culture of traditional Chinese cuisine and dining with the intimate, lavish aesthetic of France. 

The crux of //3877’s celebration of design for the new location, Philippe Chow’s private dining rooms are thoughtfully designed to be reserved for special events and celebrations. With additional gold and mirror elements, custom crystal, and a 12’ brass and gold continuous chandelier, the design team carried the main dining area’s aesthetics into each private dining room, amplifying the cohesive concept while creating a unique spectacle. One of the exclusive spaces is aptly named “The Emperor's Room” –– featuring a luxurious interior designed to elevate private events. A custom-designed floral chandelier with a unique burl paneling backdrop serves as the extravagant focal point of The Emperor’s Room, hinting at D.C.'s beloved cherry blossoms through the clever use of rose gold, brass, and white leaves.

The exterior features an expansive patio, located right outside of the dining area –– highlighting Philippe Chow’s connection to the beautiful Potomac River waterfront of The Wharf. The patio area blurs the lines between the restaurant and waterfront, offering guests the opportunity to dine beneath the stars with fireplaces, umbrellas, and additional lounge-style seating. The patio’s adaptable design accommodates a variety of weather conditions, making the space accessible through various seasons. 

Renowned for world-class cuisine and service, Philippe Chow seeks to expand the brand’s influence with its new and glamourous Washington D.C. location. Imbued with power and extravagance, Philippe Chow at The Wharf exudes a compelling atmosphere that not only celebrates high-end design, but also honors Chef Philippe Chow as a modern innovator and culinary icon.