Ресторан · Philadelphia · ⭐ 9.3/10 · 2750 reviews · $$$ · updated: 2026-06-30 20:15:50
Address: 325 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
Buddakan: Modern Pan-Asian Under the Gaze of a Golden Buddha
Few dining rooms in America are as instantly recognizable: a gilded Buddha rising above an eighteen-foot communal table, a floor-to-ceiling glass waterfall, and modern pan-Asian cooking that made Buddakan the restaurant that changed how Philadelphia eats out.
The Story
Stephen Starr converted an Old City post office into Buddakan in August 1998, betting that Philadelphia was ready for dining as spectacle. The bet remade the city’s restaurant culture: Buddakan’s theatrical energy helped spark the culinary renaissance of the late 1990s, spawned siblings in other cities, and turned its dining room — waterfall, candlelight, the serene seven-foot Buddha on its pedestal — into one of the most photographed in Philadelphia. Remarkably, the food never became an afterthought.
What to Order
Two dishes have anchored the menu since opening night: the edamame ravioli in truffled sauternes-shallot broth, delicate enough to convert pasta purists, and the angry lobster — a wok-seared showpiece with coconut-curry fire. Around them rotate dim sum, wok-charred vegetables and family-style platters designed for sharing, plus desserts that keep the drama going to the last course. The format rewards groups: order widely, pass everything.
The Space
Post-office bones give the room its scale — high ceilings, long sightlines — dressed in candlelight and shadow. The communal table beneath the Buddha remains one of the great seats in the city, equally right for a milestone birthday or a bold first date.
Who It’s For
Celebration dinners, style-conscious couples, visiting friends who ask for “the famous one” and families marking the big stuff.
Good to Know
Do I need a reservation? Recommended always, essential on weekends.
What are the signature dishes? Edamame ravioli and the angry lobster — both originals from the opening menu.
Can large parties be seated? Yes — the communal table and family-style menu make it a celebration specialist.
Is the room very dark? Atmospherically dim — candlelit and dramatic rather than bright and casual.
Does it suit vegetarians? Well — the famed ravioli plus vegetable dim sum and wok plates form a full meal.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 17:00–22:00 |
| Tuesday | 17:00–22:00 |
| Wednesday | 17:00–22:00 |
| Thursday | 17:00–22:00 |
| Friday | 17:00–23:00 |
| Saturday | 17:00–23:00 |
| Sunday | 16:00–22:00 |
Photos
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Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 20:15:50
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: philadelphianka.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
Our dinner at Buddakan was an incredible experience. The food was simply exceptional — every dish was full of flavour, beautifully presented and cooked perfectly. From appetisers to desserts, everything tasted fresh and…
Sooooo most pleasant experience ever!! I came here without knowing too much about the restaurant and I had one of the best meals ever in Philly. We went for an anniversary and the food, the service, the vibes….everything…
We loved it here, and I'd recommend this place. I'd like to come back to try more of the menu.
Everything we ordered was really tasty. We ordered Peking duck, grilled aged beef and dim sum (added a third of each for our…
I've been here a few times. The atmosphere is really nice. My group had a wonderful time. The food is decent. I ordered the crab fried rice, but didn't realise how much egg was in it until I got home and looked at my pho…
Buddakan in Philadelphia is a well-known modern Asian restaurant, and during Restaurant Week it offered a nice opportunity to visit this famous Philadelphia dining spot. While the chicken and ginger dumplings were a litt…