Food was not that good. And it's a noisy, pretentious scene-- so don't forget to bring your shocking pink Blackberry with the rhinestone Gucci logo.

Food was not that good. And it's a noisy, pretentious scene-- so don't forget to bring your shocking pink Blackberry with the rhinestone Gucci logo.
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I don't do frou frou chi chi restaurants. And this is one of them. Expensive food, tiny plates. And the food wasn't that gourmet either. Tiny glasses of water and few refills. Very high stools... More

I don't do frou frou chi chi restaurants. And this is one of them. Expensive food, tiny plates. And the food wasn't that gourmet either. Tiny glasses of water and few refills. Very high stools instead of chairs at many tables. I just wasn’t that impressed with any aspect of this place.
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Strengths: The food is fantastic. I would get the sliced steak over the filet mignon. The sauce that comes with the sliced steak is some sort of teriyaki-based sauce that tastes smokey and not... More

Strengths: The food is fantastic. I would get the sliced steak over the filet mignon. The sauce that comes with the sliced steak is some sort of teriyaki-based sauce that tastes smokey and not sweet. For desserts, go for the Chocolate Pagoda. It's the most bang-for-you-buck, there is an excellent blend of textures (dense brownie on the top, ice cream w/hazelnuts in-between, and it's just impressive to look at), and it's big enough and keeps long enough to take home. Weaknesses: Expect to pay top-dollar for your meal and alcoholic beverages.
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amazing food! went there for lunch and dinner. very popular hotspot with a distinctive aura and ambience. they stress family style sharing although it's not family-sized entree. The sharing aspect... More

amazing food! went there for lunch and dinner. very popular hotspot with a distinctive aura and ambience. they stress family style sharing although it's not family-sized entree. The sharing aspect is just that they expect people to share the plates in the middle. however the service wasn't so great during lunch. it was 2:30 and they weren't even busy but they were very slow. nonetheless, the quality and presentation is nothing short of spectacular. i especially recommend the chocolate bento box to share. it satisfies all your cravings but is not too excessive and heavy. it's on the pricier side so for the college student, it's definitely more special occassions.
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i was not that impressed with buddakan. I didnt like the food and thought the decor was kinda tacky. I felt like they were trying to be like Tao in Manhattan, but without the chic crowd (that makes... More

i was not that impressed with buddakan. I didnt like the food and thought the decor was kinda tacky. I felt like they were trying to be like Tao in Manhattan, but without the chic crowd (that makes Tao!). Food is family style portions. Drinks were great. Doesnt really have much of a bar scene. I think Tangerine or Morimoto are better Steven Starr Picks. Not a fan of Wash Park either. Enjoy!
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Buddakan is one of the truly unique spots in Philly. A crown jewel in Stephen Starr's empire, it is known as much for its romantic setting and ambiance as for the food, which is no slouch itself. ... More

Buddakan is one of the truly unique spots in Philly. A crown jewel in Stephen Starr's empire, it is known as much for its romantic setting and ambiance as for the food, which is no slouch itself. Buddakan offers a wide array of fusion food, and, while it is sometimes pricey, it is always worth the experience. Buddakan is great for families, too, as the serving style works well for large groups. Make sure you come hungry and ready for a new experience and you will eave satisfied!!! Highly reccomended!!!!
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Another Stephen Starr restaurant, complete with over-sized Buddha and other unique details. Each time I've been here, the food has been excellent and the service has been unpretentious and helpful.... More

Another Stephen Starr restaurant, complete with over-sized Buddha and other unique details. Each time I've been here, the food has been excellent and the service has been unpretentious and helpful. The entree portions are purposefully large so that you can share with your dining mates, and everything is so tasty, everyone ends up sharing. The chocolate bento box for dessert is a must (and huge). The drinks are all colorful and yummy. The salads are humongous and great for lunch. Actually, eating here for lunch is pretty much perfect, as the food is excellent, the service fine, the restaurant itself not too packed, and the price just right. The restaurant gets noisy for dinner, but it's about on par for most of Starr's restaurants. It does tend to get a bit pricey for dinner as well, but it's worth it for a nice dinner. I'd definitely recommend.
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I've had the distinct pleasure to dine at Buddakan a number of times. What an experience! OK, I should mention that I am a true Stephen Starr fan. Mr. Starr is responsible for Philadelphia's... More

I've had the distinct pleasure to dine at Buddakan a number of times. What an experience! OK, I should mention that I am a true Stephen Starr fan. Mr. Starr is responsible for Philadelphia's dining renaissance stretching from Old City to Rittenhouse to Center City. The restaurant decor is light and airy with white floor to ceiling curtain panels that seem to float on the walls. Servers also don pristine white uniforms. The head table is lit from below and abuts a giant-sized gold Buddha. It is the place to sit to see and be seen. Asian cuisine is served with much finesse. Specials are truly special. The asian caesar salad created at Stephen Starr's first well-known success, The Continental, has migrated to Buddakan - and is certainly worth the walk from one to the other. The angry crab entree is spectacular to see and patrons contend it's just as good to eat. I myself have enjoyed the fabulous dessert selection from the in-house pastry chef. The Bento Box holds a variety of warm and cold chocolate delights. The banana tower (seasonal) is constructed of crystallized caramel cylinders filled with banana goodness. Yes, goodness. You will need reservations well in advance for any normal seating time. Call weeks in advance for seating at the head table and for weekends. But, don't fret, the wait is well worth it.
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Buddakan has a few things going for it: a beautiful space, that is spacious enough for a stroller, a varied menu, some interesting ideas (edamame ravioli anyone?) and cool drinks. Unfortunately,... More

Buddakan has a few things going for it: a beautiful space, that is spacious enough for a stroller, a varied menu, some interesting ideas (edamame ravioli anyone?) and cool drinks. Unfortunately, some dishes tend to be too salty for my taste. I wish they had low sodium options. It's also not a great value and significantly pricier than more authentic options in Chinatown. Basically, you;re paying for a much nicer space/decor.
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