Ресторан · Philadelphia · ⭐ 9.3/10 · 2750 reviews · $$$ · updated: 2026-06-30 20:15:50
Address: 325 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
Buddakan: The Old City Original That Invented Philadelphia’s Big Night Out
Before dinner-as-theater was a genre, there was Buddakan: a golden Buddha two stories of serene, a glass waterfall by the host stand, and a room that treats every evening like a premiere. Decades on, Stephen Starr’s Old City juggernaut still delivers the same electric jolt — proof that spectacle ages fine when the kitchen keeps up.
The Story
Starr opened Buddakan in August 1998 inside a converted Old City post office, and it detonated. He had toyed with a Cuban concept and other names before landing on the idea that helped ignite Philadelphia’s culinary renaissance: high-energy, theatrical Asian-inspired dining in a city then dominated by tradition. The gilded Buddha — seven feet of statue on a four-foot pedestal — presides over an eighteen-foot communal table that has hosted a generation of celebrations.
What to Order
The edamame ravioli in a truffled sauternes-shallot broth has been the icon since day one — order it without debate. The angry lobster, wok-seared and lacquered in coconut curry heat, is the showstopper main, backed by dim sum, wok-charred vegetables and plates engineered for the middle of the table. The cocktail list leans as theatrical as the room; commit to the theme.
The Space
Soaring ceilings, that plate-glass waterfall, moody lighting and the Buddha’s permanent half-smile over the communal table. It is loud, glamorous and communal by design — a room that makes even a Tuesday feel like an event.
Who It’s For
Birthday battalions, out-of-towners who want the famous one, group dinners that need a centerpiece and anyone who believes restaurants should occasionally show off.
Good to Know
Do I need a reservation? Yes — weekends especially; the communal table sometimes accommodates spontaneous walk-ins.
What is the signature dish? Edamame ravioli to start, angry lobster if the table is celebrating.
Is it good for groups? Built for them — shareable plates and the famous eighteen-foot communal table.
How is the noise level? Energetic to loud — this is a party room, not a whisper room.
Are vegetarian options solid? Yes — the famous ravioli, vegetable dim sum and wok dishes carry meat-free tables well.
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
Show 2 more photos
Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 20:15:50
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: philadelphia-trend.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…