Indonesian Screens, Sea Urchin Lights, Bamboo: Take a Look Inside Embeya

Grid View

• The dining room has a natural aesthetic with exotic woods, green moss, bamboo and more
• "sea urchin lights" hang over the lounge area just off the host stand
• The bar is topped with an orange-rust marble
• A view through the entire space from the private dining area
• Leather-stitched chairs add an element of beauty and comfort
• 12-foot-tall hand-carved screens from Bali create separation in the room
• The communal tables can also be used for private dining for large parties

While Embeya, the new modern Asian restaurant in the West Loop, has been open for about two weeks, the room's design wasn't completely done until late last week. Now, you can get the full picture of chef Thai Dang and partner Attila Gyulai's new spot.

Designed by 555 International, the 7,000 square-foot restaurant has a laid-back yet upscale Indonesian resort vibe with 12-foot screens hand-carved in Bali, 20-foot ceilings, a gray French oak floor, sea urchin-inspired light fixtures, wet moss green walls made of Venetian plaster, backlit bamboo posts and more.

The 180-seat dining area is broken up into a lounge, which is just off the main entrance, the full dining area and then a communal area that leads into a private dining room that can seat up to 60. The 19-seat bar, topped with an orange rust marble, faces a back bar crafted from a massive antique cabinet that was cut in two to create a bookended feel. That area is accented with gold-hammered glass and suspended lanterns.

Dang opted for an open kitchen that he had outfitted with a center island featuring three French cooktops. If you want to check out the action, request to sit at the end of the bar where a few seats give you a great view. And, since you'll want to eat, be sure to check out the menus from opening day.
· What to Eat at Embeya, Opening Tonight in the West Loop [~EChi~]