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    Buddakan

    4.1 (4.9k reviews)
    Ultra High-EndChinese, Bars, Asian Fusion
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    Order Buddakan Takeout or Delivery

    Buddakan Photos

    BUDDAKAN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Upscale
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - Buddakan

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    Reviews With Photos

    Serenity
    Austin L.

    The ambiance in here is gorgeous and a massive space. The lighting is dark and reminds me of shopping in Hollister and there's a big bar area on the main level when you enter where you can wait and relax before you're seated. I do think the place gives off some pretentious vibes and it was quite obvious we were the only Asian customers apart from 1 other person. This place is elevated overpriced Pan-Asian fusion food that I feel appeals to non-Asian people. As a Chinese person I'd never really pay these prices for this kind of food which I can get for much better at authentic local restaurants in Queens, Brooklyn or Chinatown. That said, I can see the intrigue to celebrate a birthday or event here because it's very photogenic and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The noodles and rice dishes were fine; nothing amazing or horrible necessarily. And the mocktail was good but small and not worth $12 per in my opinion! Overall, I wouldn't come back and recommend this place to any Asians but it's very pretty.

    Priyanka T.

    Buddakan had such a beautiful vibe, the ambience was really good and made the whole experience feel special. The Cantonese spring rolls were good, and the garlic fried rice was amazing definitely the highlight for me. The honey buttered potatoes were decent, but not something I'd go back just for. Overall, a great spot for the atmosphere and some really solid dishes.

    Tamika V.

    Buddakan was definitely a vibe The atmosphere was beautiful, the food came out fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The shrimp dishes, rice, and steak were some of my favorites, and the cocktails topped the night off perfectly Service was friendly and the overall experience felt upscale yet fun. Definitely a great spot for date night, birthdays, or just treating yourself. Check out the photos!

    Sam H.

    Speechless! From the cocktails at the bar To our amazing server and having the ability to try all sorts of item on the menu. Ambiance was sexy and chic Definitely a date night spot. You could seriously miss the entrance door walking down the street if you aren't paying attention. MAKE RESERVATIONS RIGHT NOW. I mean if you will not be disappointed. Thanks again for an amazing experience.

    Luckens L.

    Visited for a birthday dinner. Their menu was filled with a lot of delicious food options including party selections for everyone to enjoy. Drinks were really good complimented our dinner very well. We received very detailed service as we were a big party and I had to mention every dish ordered was delicious. Great for any occasion.

    Chandeliers
    Wilson S.

    13 years in a row, and Buddakan still manages to make it feel like our very first visit--in the best possible way. Celebrating our anniversary here has become a cherished tradition, and every year the experience is just as memorable as the last. A very special thank you to Fatima for once again welcoming us with such warmth, grace, and genuine hospitality. You have a remarkable gift for making guests feel truly valued and at home. Thank you as well to Monica for helping make our evening so special. Your kindness did not go unnoticed. We feel incredibly fortunate to celebrate this milestone at a place that consistently exceeds expectations. Many blessings to both of you, and thank you for creating another unforgettable anniversary for us. We can't wait to return. The food was incredible! The vibe is special!

    Aj L.

    What a beautiful restaurant! The ambience is absolutely beautiful!!! Very elegant, very upscale! The food was DELICIOUS!! The service was exceptional! Our waiter Kevin was amazing The restaurant is very dark, and a bit loud. The price is very pricey You can't take any pictures

    Dining area
    Erick S.

    Recommend: Oxtail dumplings, Char Siu Kurobuta Pork, Tranquility (cocktail) Overall a nice selection of dim sum and main dishes. The place is good for large groups, but gets crowded, so reserve if you can. I went by myself on a Saturday night having booked on Resy earlier in the day. Seating took about 5-10min. My waiter was very attentive and gave good recommendations. I'll have to come back to try more. What I ordered: - Tranquility (cocktail): I like tea, so I was intrigued by this concoction of rye, oolong, and kalamansi - Edamame dumplings: these had a rich, smooth consistency, popular amongst other reviewers - Oxtail dumplings: my favorite of the night, packed with a generous amount of meat and flavors from the sauce - Char Siu: a very tender large portion served with a honey glaze - Lobster fried rice: this was okay, there were pieces of lobster throughout, but I can see how others would want larger chunks

    Riddhi S.

    Came here for happy hour to celebrate a friend's birthday and this place nailed the vibe Great drinks (the Royale was my favorite ), solid bites--loved the carrot dumplings more than the edamame--and such a fun, stylish ambiance. We were a group of 13 and the staff handled it effortlessly, even surprising us with a complimentary birthday dessert The bartender was super cool, service was smooth, music was on point, and the overall energy was just right. Perfect spot for birthdays, happy hours, and group celebrations. Total vibe

    Crispy Tofu Stir Fried Greens Mushroom Chow Fun
    Vishnu G.

    This was basically just Americanized takeout style Chinese food in a bit of a dressed up setting. Practically all of the menu items are hiding some kind of meat product, so definitely inform your server of any dietary restrictions. My server very helpfully pointed out the small handful of dishes that were safe or could be made with minor modifications. The crispy tofu was decent, in a sweet and sour sauce. The greens had a nice garlic kick, but were otherwise a bit bland. The noodles were far too salty - they might've compensated for removing the oyster sauce by doubling the soy sauce instead. The meal worked out to around $72 for two after tax and tip. It's not super expensive for the neighborhood, but you're better off saving a few bucks and going to a takeout spot nearby instead.

    Marry Me Shrimp
    Meryam A.

    From the moment you walk in, the interior just stops you, it's dramatic, moody, and stunning without feeling over the top. Perfect date night spot or celebration with friends. Also the service? Truly incredible. Attentive, warm, and perfectly paced without hovering. They do have a beautifully curated tasting menu that's perfect for smaller groups, but we went the family-style route and honestly... you can't go wrong with anything you order. For apps, we had the marry me popcorn shrimp, edamame dumplings, and chicken soup dumplings. Every single bite was a hit. For mains, we ordered the broken chili chicken, black pepper beef, crispy tofu, and lobster fried rice. All were delicious, but the real standouts were the black pepper beef and the lobster fried rice. This is one of those places that's perfect for great food and great company. Safe to say, it's officially made it onto my top NYC list and I'd go back in a heartbeat.

    Menu
    Jaz Z Ldy

    Ambiance beautiful sat by Buddha wall, food was amazing had edamame dumplings, tuna tartare spring rolls, Cantonese spring rolls, general tso dumplings, chili rock shrimp, Cantonese steamed sole, tangerine chicken, sweet & crispy jumbo shrimp, black pepper beef, Asian stir fry, garlic fried rice and dessert selections of pastries Family style to accommodate the party size Everyone was very well fed. Food was delish Servers were very pleasant Drinks r great

    Luckens L.

    I came for a birthday dinner. Once you walk in you are greeted by the aesthetically pleasing waiting room area and bar. Their menu was filled with a lot of delicious food options including party selections for everyone to enjoy. Drinks were really good complimented our dinner very well. We received very detailed service as we were a big party and I had to mention every dish ordered was delicious. Great for any occasion.

    Mapo Tofu

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    Buddakan Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Buddakan

    Can I wear shorts?

    I've never seen anyone wearing shorts in there and I have been a few times. I would recommend to avoid it although I don't think you would have any problem to get in wearing shorts.

    Is this kid friendly early in the night?

    I'd say yes! We went for early dinner and it was quiet and chill.

    How about a vegetarian friendly tasting menu?

    They have vegeterian-friendly options on the menu, but not a whole tasting menu.

    For a birthday party with 6 ladies how many appetizers and entrees approximately should we order? I read that the portions are small.

    I'd plan on getting at least 3-4. Portions are small (I'm a big guy), but the appetizers will have you wanting more. So enjoy. Coconut shrimp was amazing. Crispy tofu also. My favorite thing on the menu

    Do they have any halal meat (chicken, beef or lamb) dishes?

    Hi! Thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately, we do not have halal meat. We hope this helps!

    I want to celebrate my bday here next week and would like to be sat at a table with a more lively and "party like" atmosphere. Would you recommend I sit upstairs or downstairs and what is the difference? It would be on a Tuesday, what is the vibe?

    The place is loud wherever you sit... I cannot even recall how much of it was music and how much was just the din of people.

    Gluten free options?

    Yes! The chicken congee, crispy jumbo shrimp, and charred filet of beef (without the soy butter) are all gluten free options.

    Do you have indoor dining?

    Yes. We have indoor dining.… Read more

    Is there any dress code requirements?

    Typically, it's smart causal. Some dress up plenty, but you can get away with casual clothing. Given COVID, I would dress comfortably if you're sitting outdoors.

    I was there the other night and really loved it... and am just curious: Why is it so dark in there? LOL. I mean, it's really dark! Is it always like that?

    It's sexy Lol....Yes

    Will they be doing anything special for Valentine's Day (e.g pre fix menu)?

    Hello, We will be featuring our Chinese New Year Feast for Two.… Read more

    Does Buddakan have outdoor seating? If so are there heaters?

    yes. They have overhead heaters and piped hot air. I was there when it was 28 degrees outside and was very comfortable eating outside.

    Do they have space heaters or anything set up to keep people warm?

    Nope

    Does this location have happy hour?

    yes they do

    Do you need to make a reservation for a party of 2 on a Saturday night or can we just walk in?

    You'll need a reservation

    Could I just grab a drink at the bar, or do I have to get a table?

    Yes you can.

    I wanted to celebrate my girlfriends birthday here over dinner is this place good for that?

    Absolutely. Can be great. Upstairs. Yes

    How's the food Portions?

    I'd say they're small, personally

    Is the meat kosher?

    No. The meat can be prepared Kosher-style; without the inclusion of butter or other dairy, however the meat is not prepared in the traditional Kosher manner.

    Can a large party come here and get large plates to share?

    Yes for sure!! We encourage family style dining!

    View All 35 Questions

    Excellent Dumpling House

    Excellent Dumpling House

    4.1
    (873 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    As the name implies, it really is an excellent dumpling house!…read more Me and my buddies were in Jersey and New York for some hockey games, and wanted to go to a deli, get some Chinese food, and a slice of pizza. Got off the E train and when we looked for Chinese food, this place popped up with good reviews and it was just a short walk from where we got off the train. My buddies ordered the special lunches and we also got two types of xlb's, beef chow fun, and some fried dumplings. The special lunches come with a little fried rice, cold garlic flavored noodle, choice of egg drop or hot and sour soup, and main side. My buddies all enjoyed their meals. The beef chow fun was also really good and beef was nice and tender. The xiao long baos were excellent and is comparable to any place in California like DTF. Nice and juicy and great with some ginger, soy sauce, and spicy chili. Friendly service and food comes out pretty quickly. Credit card is accepted. Bathroom was also very clean, which is sometimes rare in some Chinese restaurants I have been to. If you're looking for a good Chinese meal, stop here when you're in the Chelsea area.

    We started out in Chelsea, aiming for Chinatown. The bus was twenty minutes off. "Is it worth…read morewaiting?" I asked T. "We can go someplace else." "How 'bout there?" he responded pointing to Excellent Dumpling House. It was directly across the street. I pulled up Yelp, saw good reviews and readily agreed. At 3:30, the restaurant was empty. There were a few takeout orders, but we were the only people sitting down for late lunch. And y'know ... it was pretty good. Wonton soup is what I'd expect in Chinatown. Wonton wrappers were thin -- my preference -- the stuffing delicious and the broth flavorful. They were generous with the beef in our chow fun. Good, but the noodles needed a jolt. So I asked for soy sauce which was sort of a solution. Shrimp with vegetables was great. A lot of shrimp, too. There are lunchtime specials on weekdays, reasonable prices, and nice people work there. Next time it makes sense to try dumplings since it is, after all a dumpling house.

    Photos
    Dining Area
    Dining Area
    Sizzling Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
    Sizzling Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
    Excellent Dumpling House

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    Philippe Chow Downtown

    Philippe Chow Downtown

    4.0
    (303 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$

    Yeah Id say that was a pretty splendid meal. Shared everything thank goodness…read more Started with the wok fried beef dumplings which were good on their own but had this fire ahh spicy honey mustard wow. Then the scallion pancakes which were crispy and airy paired with this very interesting sauce that was clear but tasted like sweet and sour sauce. For mains we got Kung Pao Chicken which was pretty delicious but my star of the show was the Crispy Beef. It was crispy asf and skinny too I didn't know you could make beef skinny like that. Sauce was super tasty and thick. On the side was broccoli which was fine and eggplant which was fine on its own and good with the chili sauce. Split the Fortune Cookie Red Velvet Cake which okay I thought there would be more creativity with adding fortune cookies somewhere in the cake but it was just a cake with fortune cookies on top. Also they put 2 when we had 4 people like lowkey they couldve just put 2 more on there but anyways the cake itself was pretty tasty so can't complain there.

    Philippe Chow is why Yelp exists. You would otherwise never know that this upscale Chinese…read moreRestaurant blasts club music and mandates 20% gratuities. The food is all over the place but the main theme is that everything is over-seasoned to please the crowd of people who all were gulping down colorful sugary cocktails with dinner while wearing athletic clothing. Peking duck (for 4-5) had great accompaniments (rare to actually get bao with it) but it was a lackluster portion of duck. Salt and pepper shrimp were offensively salted. Special "mignon" was great. The hand-pulled noodles *gasp* weren't hand pulled. "BBQ" chicken in the other noodles was very dry. Sea bass portion was very small. Scallion pancakes were good. Shrimp dumplings were the highlight. I recommend skipping this restaurant.

    Photos
    Philippe Chow Downtown
    Maine Lobster: ginger scallion sauce
    Maine Lobster: ginger scallion sauce
    Bottle of Moët & Chandon

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    Bottle of Moët & Chandon

    Buddakan - chinese - Updated June 2026

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