Buddakan
Asian Restaurant$$$$
Center City East, Philadelphia
The experts at Philadelphia Magazine and Visit Philly recommend this place
"The Edamame Ravioli is a must have!"(10 Tips)
"The edamame dumplings and sea bass are both on point!"(8 Tips)
"Calamari salad and BBQ pork tenderloin are to die for!"(5 Tips)
"We always enjoy the chicken ginger dumplings and the asian ceasar."(3 Tips)
117 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Bre BonnerAugust 17, 2015The real question is what isn't good here? You get what you pay for and this restaurant is worth every single penny. Try the lamb, the BBQ pork, pad thai, crab sticky rice and calamari salad.
Maddie LippincottJanuary 3, 2019Incredible place. Great for dates. You HAVE to get the kimchi fried rice and dumpling sampler. The duck breast was also very good. Pretty easy to get a reservation. Atmosphere and service is 10/10.- Becky JJanuary 15, 2014Secret off-menu item: order the Red Dragon Tofu! Even if you aren't vegetarian or vegan (and it is both), you'll love the deep fried tempura, the spicy red dragon sauce and fresh crisp wok veggies.
- Fodor's TravelAugust 29, 2018A long "community table" provides an opportunity to dine with anyone else fortunate enough to snag this center-stage space. Be prepared for a loud and lively atmosphere as the evening wears on. Read more
Chris OlsonAugust 27, 2013I expected this to be a bit over-hyped, but the food was really good. Service was solid, and the vibe in the place was great. I would definitely go again. The tomato salad was superb as an opener.
Naif MansourMarch 16, 2013It is my best Asian restaurant experience ever. Try the spicy shrimp for appetizer, shrimp dumpling& spring rolls.for main course the duck, black pepper beef & sweet shrimp walnut. donuts is good.
Philly.comAugust 3, 2014Buddakan has engineered a contemporary menu with Asian twists that may not be groundbreaking, but it consistently delivers well-prepared, large-portioned dishes nipped with just enough creativity. Read more
Rachel GarciaDecember 5, 2014Chilean sea bass...get it even if you don't love sea bass, it's absolutely fabulous. Calamari salad is also fabulous.
KathrynMarch 22, 2012best place to go for birthdays...favorite dish is the barbecue pork tenderloin with enormous onion rings... pissed that the banana dessert is now longer on the menu.. bring it back Stephen Starr!
Gary ZeiglerJuly 5, 2012Pork tenderloin was wonderful and tender, even though cooked medium well. Wasabi mashed potatoes were awesome, as was the Chinese eggplant. Pad Thai was decent. Milk chocolate caramel tart ftw!
The edamame ravioli/dumplings are things dreams are made of ... Buddakan never disappoints ... Food is always top notch! Try the Donuts for dessert ... super delish!
Melanie Di MartinoNovember 12, 2011Appetizers: Edamame Ravioli and Vietnamese Stuffed Grape Leaves. San Bei Basil Chicken Hot Pot is a great entree! Don't forget to order a side of the wasabi mashed potatoes if you like spicy!!
Morgan SchumanMay 12, 2017Everything here is amazing! Sea bass was melt in your mouth delicious and the Shangri La was probably one of the best cocktails I've ever had 😍- Dee💗StacyJanuary 15, 2016Was not impressed by joy or blood orange Cosmo cocktails. Joy was too strong with vodka the other so sweet had to send it back. Excellent food though esp edamame dumplings lobster fried rice and donut
A AFebruary 17, 2015This is one of my favorite restaurants.. The food is flavorful and I love the ambiance.. In the evening the lights are dim.. Intimate
James RussellMay 16, 2011The Zen-gria is refreshing. Try the Asian Caesar Salad, Crispy Calamari Salad, or Chicken & Ginger dumplings for apps. The Sweet & Crispy Jump Shrimp are delicious w/a side of wasabi mashed potatoes.
Edamame dumplings are outstanding Follow with aged beef for a great Night out!
David RosenbloomNovember 24, 2014The original Asian fusion spot. Great bar scene, amazing food. The kimchi fried rice kills me every time!
Dining Out for Life PHLApril 23, 2013Make your reservation now! Buddakan is participating in Dining Out for Life 2013 by donating 33% of every meal sold on Thursday, April 25. Dine Out, Fight AIDS! To learn more about the cause: Read more
Bethany KlineFebruary 11, 2012bento box dessert: must order for chocolate lovers, otherwise the "dip sum" doughnuts come with two dipping sauces and to-die-for ginger whipped cream.
Trendy atmosphere, great service and awesome food!! My favs are the calamari salad, shrimp and lobster spring rolls, chilean sea bass and dim sum donuts for dessert!!!
Bloomingdale'sAugust 18, 2010A huge gold Buddha beams down as you live it up, modern Mandarin-style, in this dark dramatically lit palace. Contemporary Chinese dishes and the house Zen-gria keep the Asian spirit flying.- Clarke ThomasJuly 6, 2015Family style plates, quieter seating upstairs, boisterous dining, save room for the donuts
Beau BallinMay 1, 2013Seriously one if the best meals I've had. Pad Thai, Charred. Aged Beef, and Dim Sum Donuts were all delightful!
Rebecca NoricksApril 11, 2011Get the tuna tartare spring rolls and the beef short rib. The spring roll is fresh and flavorful and the ribs are fall apart tender and savory.
Mark FunnellAugust 19, 2015Lobster Fried Rice and Eggplant - There is no need to look further down the menu!
Bullfrog & BaumFebruary 6, 2011The Edamame Ravioli and King Crab Dumplings are the way to start your meal here. Let the intriguing ingredients take your palette for an experience agai
CheckOutJaredDecember 15, 2011Appetizer and an entre is plenty for a couple. The "Dip Sum" Doughnuts are great but its the dipping sauces that make it.
ed PoprikJune 21, 2015I am in love with the Asian Cesar Salad with spicy cashews; I hope some day we will get married!
Nicole StuberJuly 20, 2012Try the Edamame Dumplings - Loved this dish! Always order it when I go to #Buddakan
Naomi FenlinFebruary 23, 2010Sadly heard rumors that this particular item was taken off the menu, but the "Angry Lobster" (huge lobster chunks, in mashed potatos & mixed vegetables) was the most satisfyingly delicious meal EVER.
Stephane Jean-BaptisteAugust 3, 2011As with all Starr restaurants, great decor with subpar food and service. You end up paying for the brand not the experience.
💋RebeccaJune 14, 2011Edamame ravioli is too hyped up. Try the braised short ribs. Delicious. And pad Thai. Zen gria just ok. Kobe beef satay good
James BressiOctober 19, 2009LOVE this place. Serves family style. What to order? Appetizer: chicken & ginger dumplings Entree: wasabi encrusted filet mignon / pan seared filet mignonDessert: banana towerGreat Drinks. Read more
- Michelle KeaneApril 25, 2013Edamame ravioli are awesome!! Sadly there are only four on a plate. Do good!!
- Krista MSeptember 10, 2011Whole menu delicious! We always enjoy the chicken ginger dumplings and the asian ceasar.
STARR RestaurantsJune 9, 2011When you walk into Buddakan you will feel immediately transported to somewhere in Southeast Asia, where the Far East and the East Coast mix as seamlessly as sushi and soy.
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Open until 2:30 PM, reopens later (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
- 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Fri
- 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
- 5:00 PM–Midnight
- Sat
- 5:00 PM–Midnight
- Sun
- 4:00 PM–10:00 PM
(215) 574-9440
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express & MasterCard)
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Dinner
Drinks
Full Bar, Cocktails
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