Amada

Beautiful restaurant!

by msfrenchfry at Citysearch

A friend and I stopped in at Amada for a quick after work dinner. After returning from Spain, I was eager to try the 'authentic tapas', but after my Chifa experience,* see Chifa review* I really didn't want to try another Garces Restaurant.

Upon entering into the restaurant, I was warmly greeted by three hostesses. I was surprised to see how large and spacious it was. Beautifully decorated in a contemporary style, dark and light wood contrasting against each other. The bar area was accented with a milky cool granite countertop which complimented the street side white restaurant front. Candlelight danced on the tabletops from the lanterns through the restaurant. If the chef could produced delicacies half as good, as the interior decorator delivered on ambiance, this dining experience would surely win me back on the Iron Chef Garces' bandwagon.

Our server Jen was quick, attentive and very pleasant, she strode over as I said down asking if I wanted a cocktail to start. She had to patiently come back several times as we had begin chatting away.

We were brought some bread and some tuna salad dip, I can't quite recall, and then a complimentary(*see Chifa review) Amada's Empanada- which was a fluffy warm pocket of spinach, manchego and artichoke, it was very well done and I knew we were in for a treat.

Our Order-

Aged Manchego- apple with truffled lavender honey- Garces does this well, I believe he has the same course at Tinto.

Oysters- strawberry escabeche & Cava Granita- a wonderful marriage of flavor, I highly recommend this

Albondigas- Lamb Meatballs & shaved Manchego- the lamb was a nice medium rare but did not have the usually gamey taste, delicious

Chipirones- baby squid- grilled to perfection

The table next to us had a paella, which made my taste buds curious, but the platter was the size of the table top, maybe next time with a large group of people.

The restaurant was packed for a Tuesday night, which made me almost forget that I had work the next day!

It was a nice happy hour and I will be curious to try the suckling pig next time, as it is featured on 'The Best Thing I've Ever Eaten' on food network channel!!

Best Tapas in Philly

by ARONBM at Citysearch

One of the best restaurants in Philly! A must try along with any Jose Garces restaurant.

Ruined my birthday

by HeatherA77 at Citysearch

My fiance and I went to Amada last December and had a great time. We had made reservations in advance and got a nice cozy table in the back. The experience was so great last year, so I decided to go back there for my birthday last night. What a horrible disappointment. We made reservations 5 days in advance and when we got there a little early, we waited at the bar for a drink. The host forgot about us! We had to go back up and see if our table was ready. They squeezed us into a crowded area of two seaters. The seating was so tight my fiance could barely get to his seat without knocking over something on the other table. We asked to be moved, and they moved us down a bit to a rickety table that moved when you touched it. Not to mention the chair was so high and my fiance's seat was so low, it was awkward. We asked the hostess if we could be seated in the back where we sat last time. We mentioned that we made a reservation in advance and had hoped to sit back there. We were told we'd have to go back to the bar to wait. We did, and they forgot about us again! This was the first time I ever walked out of a restaurant. I will never ever step foot in this restaurant again. Maybe Jose Garces should stop in to check on his hideous staff.

• Pros: Nice sangria
• Cons: Everything

Great place for special occasion or group dining

by fantacia8519 at Citysearch

The atmosphere is great. Even though they served kinda slow, but every tapa is absolutely delicious!

I suggested not to order pizza, since they taste on different from big pizza outside. A bit pricey, since the portion is very small. Serving is good. Worth a try !

• Pros: delicous food , good atmosphere,
• Cons: Pricey

wonderful sangria, wine, cocktails & large small plates

by jossfan23 at Citysearch

Leaving Amada we decided to walk home because we were so satisfyingly full. This was my 2nd favorite meal I've eaten in the 7 years living in Philly. The food & drinks were wonderful and we were never rushed - though the room was full they allowed us to spend 2 hours lingering over the wonderful tastes we were having. Go and eat there with a great group of friends.

• Pros: white sangria. slow-paced meal. varied menu
• Cons: food was slightly salty for my tastes - but wonderful.