Concubine

The facade of Concubine on Gouger Street features dark, brooding timber slats that contrast sharply with the neighboring storefronts. Inside, the restaurant functions as a long-running anchor for the city's culinary scene, specializing in Cantonese cuisine. When it opened in two thousand and three, the owners pushed for a style that felt removed from the traditional red-and-gold aesthetic of local Chinese dining. They filled the space with heavy velvet curtains and low light, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a den.