Buddakan occupies a dramatic Chestnut Street space anchored by its ten-foot Buddha statue, with a signature communal table seating up to 24 guests beneath it and a mezzanine level that holds larger parties. It's part of Starr Restaurants, and the room itself — soaring ceilings, theatrical lighting — is built to make dinner feel like an event.
The menu runs modern Asian, built for sharing across the table rather than individual plates. Signature Dim Sum opens the meal, and Whole Peking Duck, served with moo shu pancakes, is a standing centerpiece order. Pork belly and spicy rock shrimp bao buns and miso black cod have developed a following among regulars, alongside a wider spread of dumplings, fried rice, noodles, and larger fish and meat dishes. An extensive sake, wine, and cocktail list runs throughout.
Beyond the main room, Buddakan handles group dining at scale, with private event space accommodating up to 250 guests. A member of the restaurant's pastry team was named a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009.
The menu runs modern Asian, built for sharing across the table rather than individual plates. Signature Dim Sum opens the meal, and Whole Peking Duck, served with moo shu pancakes, is a standing centerpiece order. Pork belly and spicy rock shrimp bao buns and miso black cod have developed a following among regulars, alongside a wider spread of dumplings, fried rice, noodles, and larger fish and meat dishes. An extensive sake, wine, and cocktail list runs throughout.
Beyond the main room, Buddakan handles group dining at scale, with private event space accommodating up to 250 guests. A member of the restaurant's pastry team was named a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2009.