Philadelphia Other Cities

Welcome to Citysearch!

Find what you were looking for? (Hint: You can use the search box in the upper left-hand corner to track down anything you want. We're here to help, so click around.)
 | close

Best of Citysearch

Philadelphia Look Hot, Feel Good 2008

More

Vote Sponsored By

My Summary

Recently viewed

Recommended for you

More

Buddakan

325 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 574-9440
Fax: (215) 574-8994
Buddakan
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 Go

Most dishes are large and meant to be shared; so select ones that appeal to your dining companions

What To Drink

Bartenders 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 Sit

All 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

4 Star Rating: Recommended

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

4 Star Rating: Recommended

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.

Users Like You Also Viewed

Barclay Prime
237 S 18th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Terme di Aroma
32 N Third St
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Related Searches

Editor's Review

Brash and Buddhist, trendy and timeless, this Pan-Asian joint spectacularly weds East and West.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

Most dishes are large and meant to be shared; so select ones that appeal to your dining companions

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Smoking

  • At the bar

Parking

  • Valet

Coat Check

  • Yes

Hours

  • Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm
  • Sun-Thu 5pm-11pm
  • Fri-Sat 5pm-12am

Dress Code

  • Casual to dressy

Payment Types

  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Visa
  • Diners Club

Cuisines

  • Seafood

Meal Price

  • $$$

Recognition for Buddakan

2008 Audience Winner - First Date Spot

Site Links:

Citysearch is a registered trademark of Bluefoot Ventures Inc., and is used under license.
© 2008 Citysearch.com All rights reserved.

Partner Sites: