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Buddakan, Philadelphia

325 Chestnut St.

Philadelphia , PA , United States http://www.buddakan.com/

(215) 574-9440

Steven Starr's vastly expanding dining empire includes some two-dozen restaurants, and though Buddakan opened back in 1998, this Old City temple to Asian cuisine remains one of the hottest tickets in town. Housed in a former post office, the dramatic space is famous for its 10-foot-tall gilded Buddha statue — the centerpiece of a room that also has soaring ceilings, a running waterfall, and a glowing communal table that seats 20. Many dishes are designed to share, and standouts include tuna "pizza," Malaysian spicy lobster, and wasabi-crusted filet mignon. For dessert, it’s all about "crying chocolate cake" — so-named for its soft center.