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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