Buddakan
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 574-9440
Fax: (215) 574-8994
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Between Third Street and Fourth Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- First Date Spot 2008
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm, Sun-Thu 5pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-12am
Editorial Review for Buddakan – by Lauren McCutcheon
In Short
A 10-foot-high gilded Buddha, a communal dining table, chair backs with black-and-white portraits and a wall of falling water transform this former post office into a Zen shrine. Asian fusion plates meant for sharing include raw tuna on flatbread and sweetly sauced scallops. The dinner menu features the whole sizzling fish with sweet black bean-chili sauce and wasabi-crusted filet mignon. For dessert, sugary works of art defy gravity with spires, powders, sauces and confectionery flourishes.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoMost dishes are large and meant to be shared; so select ones that appeal to your dining companions
What To DrinkBartenders are always coming up with creative libations. Try a Sumo in a Sidecar II (apricot brandy, sake, a splash of sour, with a sugared rim and garnished with dried apricot).
Where To SitAll dressed up and want everyone to notice? Reserve space at the onyx-topped community table, and be at the center of the action. (Seats 22.)
User Reviews for Buddakan
02/19/2008 Posted by vincent2
I decided to take my fiance to Buddakan for a last minute Valentine's dinner . It ended up being a great decision. We had no reservations but the hostess [ Janine ?] welcomed us and assured that it would definetly be worth the wait and then directed us to the bar . The drinks were a bit expensive but the bartender couldn't have been nicer , considering it was busy . We were seated sooner then expected and we were lead to a quaint table near the bar . We devoured a calamari filled salad which our server recomended we try . It was large enough for us to share , with some to spare . It was very flavorful and fresh tasting! The salmon was incredible which was accompanied by several rolls of delicious cream cheese sushi . The desserts sounded quite original . We decided on the donuts , which came out warm and delicious , with a trio of dipping sauces to try. The price for a wonderful night out was well worth it ! We left happy and full ! I would definetly go to this restaurant again . A great place for a romantic dinner .
Cons: noisy
02/08/2008 Posted by ktsteven3
I chose Buddakan for my boyfriend's birthday. Neither of us had been there before. It was a bit pricey ($225 for 2), but the sophistication and unique flavors of the food lived up to it. We started off with the kobe beef appetizer and a special-of-the-day sashimi yellowtail tuna appetizer - YUM. They were both so flavorful with great texture. Following this, we elected to share the angry lobster (taking advice from a review I had read on this website). It was plenty big enough for two - succulent, and so creatively plated. My only problem with this place (and I had also read this on this site) was that when it was time for dessert (which we would have normally passed on because we were so full), the dessert came out with no sparkler. That really let me down, as I had reminded them twice, even on that very day when they had called me to confirm the reservation, and I had sat there during dinner watching 3 other sparkler desserts being delivered. I couldn't really say anything when we arrived, obviously, as it was a surprise. I brought it up with the host as I was leaving, and he made an excuse that it had been so busy when we came in that it was his fault - he hadn't alerted the waiter . He gave me his card and told me if there was ever anything he could do for me, like a reservation on a busy night, he would do it. Sorry, but it's not the kind of place I can afford to go to regularly, and nothing can make up for the nearly perfect night that they had messed up. A coupon for a percentage off a future visit would have been more classy and made me more apt to come back. Presently, I have mixed feelings. As far as the food goes, however, 5 stars.
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