Manhattan’s Upper West Side is not exactly known for its trendsetting nature, but a new Chinese eatery, Atlas Kitchen is making a stride with its unique confluence of east and west.
Inspired by one of China’s oldest myths, The Classics of Mountains and Seas, the restaurant’s contemporary design and cuisine is everything a typical Chinese restaurant is not. Shanghai and New York-based firm New Practice Studio, has carved the space into three distinct areas: taking centre stage in the main section is a mural, painted with Chinese ink on plaster, by artist Qiu Anxiong; this is followed by an area with a communal table, where an architectural framework festooned with greenery hangs overhead; and lastly, a private dining room that has horseshoe banquettes and exposed bulb lighting, where diners look out onto the main dining area behind draped curtains.
This comes together in a palette of blue, grey and brown that references ancient Chinese maps, while details such as floor tiles carved to resemble the shapes of mountains and the ripple-like curvilinear edge of the entrance’s awning to look like water, is completed by a comprehensive Chinese menu that draws from all of China’s eight culinary regions to thrill even the most jaded of diners.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
258 W 109th St
-
These sculptural mirrors embody the relaxed spirit of the MedPhotographed in a Mallorcan residence designed by local studio Munarq, these new sculptural mirrors by New York furniture company Ready To Hang are inspired by the sea
-
African brutalism explored: from bold experimentation to uncertain futureDiscover the complex and manifold legacies of brutalist architecture in Africa with writer and curator Fabiola Büchele
-
What to see at Frieze Seoul 2025Don't miss this mix of contemporary and established artists at Frieze Seoul, 3-6 September; here’s our guide to the fair and what's on around the city
-
Javier's, a new cathedral-inspired restaurant in downtown LA, offers a divine take on Mexican cuisineAt the restaurant's newest location, discovery lies around every corner – and on every plate
-
Why everyone in LA is talking about Café TondoHelmed by chef Valeria Velásquez and designed by Aunt Studio, this new spot delivers Latin American buzz all day long
-
Size doesn’t matter at Now Now, a micro-hotel for solo travellers in New YorkCan you pack style into 32 square feet? We find out
-
At this LA dining hotspot, go Spanish or Japanese as you pleaseA dual-concept dining destination designed by the Rockwell Group brings Mediterranean warmth and Japanese precision to Century City
-
The Benjamin’s chic new upstairs bar is Hollywood’s hottest hideawayAt Bar Benjamin, speakeasy mystique meets elevated snacks, cocktails and views
-
The best New York rooftop bars that go above and beyondFrom the West Side to Williamsburg, these are the very best watering holes for good booze, stylish patios and even better views
-
The best spas in Upstate New York to decompress in styleFrom sprawling sanctuaries to sleek, small-scale sanctums, these are the best spots to hit reset
-
More is more at Bar Issi, a maximalist new dining destination in Palm SpringsFettle studio fuses eco-conscious materials with bold design gestures in this playful space inside the new Thompson Hotel
