Amada
217 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Fax: 215-625-2470
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Profile
#8 on the 2009 Philly Mag 50
#4 on the 2008 Philly Mag 50
Serrano ham and aged manchego cheese with sweet and savory condiments; bite-size bacalao croquettes topped with American sturgeon caviar; parmesan-dusted baby artichokes baked to melting creaminess; robust white bean stew with escarole and chorizo; pizza-like flatbread topped with fig jam, Spanish blue cheese and shredded duck: You won’t find a truer taste of Spain in Philadelphia. The clientele looks to be the same well-heeled, well-groomed crowd that frequents Buddakan and Barclay Prime. Here, they surge into a loud, lively front bar. Beyond the open kitchen is a second bar and dining area, quieter and with moodier lighting, better suited to conversation.
Featured In
Best of Philly 2009: Cocktail list
Amada works so well because every aspect fits together seamlessly. And the well-thought-out drink list is a shining example of the un...
Best of Philly 2008: Tapas
In 2005, Jose Garces brought the small-plates craze to Philadelphia with his flagship Spanish tapas outlet Amada. And three years lat...
Best of Philly 2006 New Restaurant, City
Jose Garces' $1.1 million temple of tapas in Old City will loosen you up with well-made white sangria and orange mojitos, pamper you ...
User Reviews (13) :
Review
Nothing close to what a tapas bar is like in Spain. I found the atmosphere at Amada was disappointing and lacking. This pretentious, stuffy, overpriced place is a typical Philly attempt at trying to be cool. Stay away and save your money.
Posted by Diverse: Feb. February 28th, 2013 at 1:12 AM
Review
I had been looking forward to eating at Amada since it opened so we jumped at the chance to close out Philly Beer Week with the Flying Fish Exit Series beer dinner. The 5 course meal was nothing like I had been hoping for considering the hype. The seasoning was minimal at best, the braised short ribs were more like dry pot roast. The one high light were the two oysters paired with the Exit 1 Oyster Stout but it was an insufficient tease. All the beers were great I just wish the food was as well.
Posted by Jeff: Jun. June 22nd, 2010 at 5:44 PM
Review
This has been one of our favorite restaurants for several years now, but unfortunately the quality of the food has declined lately. We went there again last night (the first time in about a year) and were hugely disappointed.
Amada's still offers great service and and vibrant yet intimate atmosphere, but at the prices they charge the food should be better. The prices were high-including tip it was about $260 dollars for three people. One of us had two glasses of beer, the others drank iced tea, but for the most part the bill was for food not drink.
We ordered the "Chef's Choice" assortment of tapas and all of the dishes -- every single one -- were salted with an aggressively heavy hand. This overly salty character of the food overpowered other flavors and ruined the experience for us. It also left us thirsty all night; I woke up several times needing water.
$260 dollars for salt! Next time we want tapas we are going to Bar Ferdinand!
Posted by David: Jun. June 20th, 2010 at 1:13 PM
Review
The food is good (not amazing), but the service is completely pretentious. The two times I've been, I felt like they expected me to thank them for allowing me to eat there. Tinto's food is much more to my liking and the service is amazing. Ansill is way better too!
Posted by Ashlee: May. May 13th, 2010 at 12:41 PM
Review
When I go out I really dont mind an energetic atmosphere, but this place on a Saturday night is over the top with noise. Between this and Tinto, I would go to Tinto every time. I think the food at Tinto is just as good and not quite as high priced. Maybe you have to help pay for the Flemenco dancers. Be prepared to spend at least $70 per person,if you have wine by the glass sans tax and tip.
Posted by Charles: Apr. April 20th, 2010 at 7:48 PM
Review
My wife and I trusted in the chef's Valentines Day special selections and were well rewarded. From start to finish everything was superior. The succulent and decadent proteins may be easy but the complexity, layering and savory subtlety in the lighter courses showed the greatness of Garces. the beet and goat cheese ravioli, mushroom flatbread and bed of Catalan spiniach and that amazing little oyster... all shined against the wonderful proteins and wine. The split lobster tasted as rich as a ribeye and was judiciously sucked dry. We both left needing nothing further for a totally satisfying valentines day. I cant wait to go back for the suckling pig!!!! Thanks for my best gastronomic experience ever!!
Posted by Robert: Feb. February 16th, 2010 at 5:27 PM
Review
A friend and I went to Amada for Restaurant Week after hearing so many good things. Well our experience not only met our expectations but greatly exceeded! The Sangria was excellent! And every dish we tried was superb! All of the flavors are matched well and leave you wanting more! The bar area was cool and I would love to go back and just eat some meats and cheeses and drink more Sangria.
Posted by Christina: Feb. February 19th, 2009 at 9:30 AM
Review
I went here during restaurant week & honestly wasn't expecting much since it was going to be a limited menu. BUT to my surprise, I was simply blown away by the flavor, service, decor & atmosphere here!
My goal was was to have AMADA try to "wow" me in coming back to experience ordering off the full menu.... They succeeded!
The food was absolutely bursting with flavor & the ambience (for a date) was perfect. ! I would highly recommend and know this place will rank easily among top 5 restaurants in the city for me.
Make a reservation and sit back & relax knowing you;re going to have a fine meal!
FYI - You have to make sure you treat yourself to a craft of Blanco San Gria. (Crisp White Wine with Apple, Pear & Orange Spiced Red Wine)
You will NOT be disappointed!
Posted by Carlo: Feb. February 17th, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Review
I think Amada is great. I love the selection of tapas, and the ambiance. I've always had great service, too.
Posted by Toni: Jan. January 20th, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Review
Had a great bottle of spanish red, amazing. Every time I go it gets better.
Insalda Verde is one of the freshest salads out there. The Meats and Cheese are always paired very well together. My Favorite is the Pork and last time I did grilled Lobster, shrimp and lamb chops. The Meal was a 10!!!!!!
Finished with the rice pudding!!!! Get a res, if you can
Posted by Michele: Jan. January 13th, 2009 at 1:27 PM
Review
Love this place! Try the Spanish Octapus! Seasonal sangria is always amazing. Great exciting atmosphere, great service, great all around!
Posted by Emily: Mar. March 26th, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Review
This place is awesome! We loved the Duck Confit flatbread - it's a must try! The atmosphere is calming yet springs to exciting when the Flamenco dance begins. Amada is far and away the best tapas/spanish restaurant we have ever experienced!
Posted by Daniel: Mar. March 10th, 2008 at 1:03 PM
Review
I was there once. I didn't see any reason to revisit this place. The food was unmemorable. This place doesn't hold a candle to Ansill's.
Posted by Lorraine: Mar. March 8th, 2008 at 2:27 PM