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Buddakan
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Philadelphia, PA
Philly offers world class dining!
by Kelly White
Filling up on Philly cheese steaks and soft pretzels is fine, as long as you don’t forget that Philadelphia offers finer dining. The diverse tastes and adventurous eats at our city’s top gourmet restaurants will excite and satiate the foodie in us all.
BUDDAKAN
325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 574-9440, www.buddakan.com
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11:30 am-2 pm; (Sun-Thur) 5 pm-11 pm; (Fri & Sat) 5 pm-12 am
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $30 - $40
Don’t dismiss this Buddha--dinner at Buddakan is a downright divine experience. Stephen Starr’s outpost of mod-Asian cuisine is one of Old City’s hotspots. According to the 2007 Zagat Survey, Buddakan reigns supreme as Philadelphia’s most popular restaurant and OpenTable.com lists it as the Most Booked. The sleek space, opened in 1998, was such an instant hit that Starr spread the chain to NYC and Atlantic City. But it’s here in Philly where the true 10-foot gilded Buddha serenely overlooks the dining room, where a large communal table can host 22 blessed guests.
Prepare for a spectacle of fusion delights with the truffle-scented edamame ravioli in a sauternes shallot broth or the wasabi tuna pizza, a serving of carpaccio-style tuna atop flatbread in a sweet soy and wasabi oil. Among the creative entrees are the playfully-named Angry Lobster IV, 3lbs of wok-seared lobster nested in lobster mashed potatoes and charred vegetables in a coconut-curry sauce, or the Wok Cashew Chicken in a plum wine sauce. For dessert, go to your knees for the heavenly Chocolate Bento Box, an assortment of molten chocolate cake, dark chocolate panna cotta with cocoa-ginger biscotti, white chocolate espresso, a milk chocolate mousse cube on hazelnut crunch, chocolate almonds, and bittersweet sorbet, or try the Dip Sum Donuts, five-spice mini sugar doughnuts that you can dunk into blackberry jam, chocolate sauce, and ginger cream cheese.
LACROIX
The Rittenhouse Hotel, 210 West Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 546-9000, www.lacroixrestaurant.com
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 6 am-2:30 pm; (Sat-Sun) 7 am-2:30 pm; (Sun-Thur) 5:30 pm-10 pm; (Fri-Sat) 5:30 pm-10:30 pm
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $25 - $100
The remarkable Lacroix at the Rittenhouse has been voted Philadelphia’s Best New Restaurant by Philadelphia Magazine and Best New Restaurant in the U.S. by Esquire for a good reason. When chef-ambassador Jean Marie Lacroix brought his expertise and culinary distinction to the Rittenhouse Hotel in 2001, designing Lacroix by 2003, Mobil star ratings were born. Incorporating local ingredients and fusing together French and American tastes, the former chef of Fountain and native from France has created a winning recipe for greatness. Treat yourself to world-class culture and delectable dishes in the prestigious hotel dining room that overlooks Rittenhouse Square for a touch of the high life.
We recommend the tasting menu, for adventurous flavors. Begin with a Grilled Maine Scallop and Banana Soup, a mixture of roasted pork and banana, dark chocolate, and cinnamon flavors. The 12-Spice Roasted Duckling comes with kabocha squash, cranberries, and red miso. A Four Story Hill Farm Veal Saddle is roasted with golden beets and asparagus, raspberry jam, and gouda cream.
STRIPED BASS
1500 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 732-4444, www.stripedbassrestaurant.com
Hours: (Mon-Thur) 5 pm-10 pm; (Fri-Sat) 5 pm-11 pm; (Sun) 5 pm-9 pm
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $85 - $95
Stephen Starr strikes again. After rescuing Neil Stein’s acclaimed eatery from closure, the revived Striped Bass is now part of the Starr legacy. The ritzy seafood restaurant is the epitome of class with its impressive columns and high ceilings. Need proof? It received a Mobil four-star rating and ranked 16 on Gourmet Magazine’s list of America’s Top 50 Restaurants. However, the biggest splash of all is reserved for the plates, where the freshest catches are presented with flair, and one can indulge in caviar and daily oyster selections. The namesake Wild Striped Bass comes aside lobster mushrooms, wild asparagus, and turnip puree, but a more exotic dish to try is the Grilled Mediterranean Branzino, which features seafood escabeche, ratatouille, hummus, and golden raisin falafel in a lemon creme fraiche sauce. The local or the tourist will enjoy the Philadelphia Cheeseskate, a dish of braised short rib, hen of the woods mushrooms, caramelized onions in a parmesan cream and hot sauce. For the indecisive who want to sample all of the fish in the Striped Bass sea? Go for the seasonal five-course tasting menu.
AMADA
217 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-2450, www.amadarestaurant.com
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11:30 am-2 pm; (Mon-Thur) 5 pm-11 pm; (Fri-Sat) 5 pm-12 am; (Sun) 4 pm-11 pm
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $25 - $50
Enter Amada, and you’ll be greeted by the sculpture of a pig, but the home of authentic Spanish tapas is a domicile of refined civilization. The stylish black and white contrast of the interior is warmed by the low lighting, making for a dramatic atmosphere. Executive chef Jose Garces rules the roost here with his visionary Latin cuisine. By latching onto the concept of “small plates“-perhaps the latest resto-bar trend in Philadelphia-Garces has taken tapas to another level.
Choose from the selection of Spanish wine to pair with your dishes. For traditional tastes, the Spanish Octopus and the Tortilla Espanola with Saffron Aioli are favorites. If you want a real exotic treat, order in advance to reserve one of the house specials, a Whole Roasted Suckling Pig with Grilled Green Onions, Herb-Roasted Fingerlings, Pisto Manchego, and Rosemary White Beans. Sound savage? Vegetarians can do tapas, too: Amada’s Empanada combines spinach, manchego, and artichokes. If small plates still leave you feeling peckish, take your dessert pick: Chocolate 5 Ways, crispy Churros fried and rolled in Fresno chile sugar, or a mixed plate of artisanal Spanish cheeses.
LE BEC-FIN
1523 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 567-1000, www.lebecfin.com
Hours: (Mon-Fri) seatings at 11:30 am & 1:30 pm; (Mon-Thur) seatings at 6 pm & 9 pm; (Fri & Sat) 6 pm & 9:30 pm
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $138 prix fixe dinner menu
Out of all of the great dining institutions in Philadelphia, none are more renowned than Le Bec-Fin, the source of restaurateur Georges Perrier’s culinary pride in Philadelphia. The Mobil five-star rated Philadelphia landmark has been delighting palates since 1970, and truly sets the standard for extraordinary cuisine. The elaborate French décor makes for an elegant dining experience. Le Bec-Fin, meaning “the good taste” in French, equates to exactly that.
The traditional French menu will please sophisticated tastes: Go for the French classics with frog legs served blanquette-style, or the foie gras saute with candied green tomato and Rouennaise sauce. The signature fare includes rabbit saddle filled with spinach and mushrooms in a whole grain mustard sauce or Chef Georges Perrier’s famous crab cake.
VETRI
1312 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 732-3478, www.vetriristorante.com
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 6 pm; (Sat) 7pm (tasting menu only); (Closed Sun)
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $30 - $150
Chef Mario Batali refers to Vetri as “Possibly the best Italian restaurant on the East Coast”. Gourmet Magazine lists it as number 25 on their Top 50 Restaurants in America. For authentic Italian, journey no further than Vetri Ristorante on Spruce St., where, since 1998, chef Marc Vetri has been mastering his take on the Italian classics with a contemporary twist. From the 5,000-plus bottle wine cellar and fresh hand-made pasta, to the interactive, knowledgeable service and intimate trattoria atmosphere, Vetri has quickly established itself as the premier taste of Italy in Philadelphia, and perhaps, the East Coast.
Reserve a Saturday night table for the Chef’s menu, when Marc Vetri debuts his new dishes and serves original menus for every table in the restaurant. Known in Italy as “degustazione”, this gastronomical voyage is not to be missed. If it‘s a weekday, however, we think the Sweet Onion Crepe with White Truffle Fondue and Guinea Hen Breast stuffed with Prosciutto and Foie Gras will hit the spot quite nicely.
BLISS
224 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 731-1100, www.bliss-restaurant.com
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11:30 am-2:30 pm; (Mon-Thur) 5 pm-10 pm; (Fri-Sat) 5 pm-11 pm; (Closed Sundays)
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $25 - $60
How do you put the excitement back in contemporary American cuisine? It’s all about the presentation for Francesco Martorella, who is truly a master of design and has mixed in Asian inspirations among the creations on his menu. The spacious dining area features serene blue wall panels, lofty ceilings, and a more private mezzanine level. A tranquil ambiance allows patrons to focus on their stimulating plates. This is Bliss, where your palate will be soothed by extraordinary offerings.
First courses prepare you with choosings such as Steamed Chicken and Wild Mushroom Dumplings in Ginger Sauce and Rosemary Flatbread Pizza with Spicy Shrimp, Chorizo, and Smoked Mozzarella. Continue with a second course of Spiced Peking Duck Breast, Sweet Potato Puree, and Crisped Boa Bun in a Port Wine Sauce or Herb Crusted Halibut Filet and Ratatouille with Lobster Saffron Sauce.
FOUNTAIN
Four Seasons Hotel, One Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 963-1500, www.fourseasons.com/philadelphia/dining
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 6:30 am-2:30 pm; (Mon-Sun) 5:45 pm-10pm; (Sun) 7 am-2:15 pm
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $50 - $100
It’s first place for Fountain, as the esteemed hotel restaurant received the 2007 Zagat Survey honor for Top Service, Top Décor, and Top Food. Reserve posh seats with a fountain view in the grand dining room, an expanse of elaborately adorned tables, rich wood paneling, and plush fabrics. The fare is German meets French, and the wine cave features at least 750 bottles. Feeling pampered yet? Wait until your gourmet meal is presented before you.
Connoisseurs can splurge on the Pan-Seared American Foie Gras with Grilled Black Mission Figs and Toasted Brioche in a Sauterne Vinegar Reduction, followed by a Grilled Center Cut Beef Filet, Alsatian Style Charcuterie Pancake and Granny Smith Apple Sauce. Looking to save a few bucks? The Spontaneous Taste menu during midday is a bargain.
BRASSERIE PERRIER
1619 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 568-3000, www.brasserieperrier.com
Hours: (Mon-Sat) 11:30 am-2:30 pm; (Mon-Thur) 5:30 pm-10 pm; (Fri-Sat) 5:30 pm-10:30 pm; (Sun) 11 am-3 pm; (Sun) 5 pm-9:30 pm
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $20 - $60
The epicenter of chic shopping needed a swank dining establishment, and Brasserie Perrier gladly filled the void. More hip, less stuffy, Georges Perrier’s second restaurant and namesake is down the street from Le Bec-Fin and next door to Stephen Starr’s Alma De Cuba. Such daunting competition did not deter Perrier and crew from earning accolades for the fresh flavors of their Mediterranean bistro menu. The sleek eatery is where socialites and power-players in shark suits can convene for lunch and be scene on the sidewalk café. Dining couples can dig a laid-back romantic vibe set by the jewel tones and funky patterns of the mod indoor space. The food is every bit as fashionable.
Start off with the House-made Potato Gnocchi, a creation of Butternut Squash, Fontina Cheese, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, and Sweet Garlic Sauce. For an entrée, the pleasing Pepper Crusted Moulard Duck in Honey Ginger Sauce comes with a Sweet Potato Cake, Baby Bok Choy, and Candied Pecans. Check out the power brunch on weekends, which features a Zucchini and Vidalia Onion Frittata and the “signature” Crepes Suzette.
ALMA DE CUBA
1623 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 988-1799, www.almadecubarestaurant.com
Hours: (Mon-Thur) 5 pm-11 pm; (Fri-Sat) 5 pm-12 am; (Sun) 5 pm-10 pm
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $20 - $60
Modern Cuba as interpreted through Stephen resto-rock Starr is more about geometric angles and sharp tastes on first impression. But the dishes from chef Douglas Rodriguez will have you jonesing for a cigar and some coffee Cubano to sustain the authenticity. The edgy interior showcases paintings from modern-day Havana, with walls made of exposed brick and a mosaic floor. The entrance, with its pale lemon walls and white-shuttered windows, looks just like a country dwelling in Cuba might appear.
Among the truly inspired menu’s highlights are the Fried Cow, a twice-cooked crispy skirt steak with onions and Cuban oregano with black beans, white rice and tomato escabeche, and the fried Oysters Rodriguez over fufu (mashed sweet plantains with bacon). The Ceviche Tasting options offers a choice of three, five, or seven, with standouts like the Fire And Ice Ceviche of Fluke with preserved lemon, sage, hot garlic oil, and crispy lemon rings. Now how about that cigar? You’ll want to try the Chocolate Cigar, an Award-winning almond cake wrapped in chocolate mousse dusted with chocolate and served with dulce de leche ice cream.
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