Amada PHL

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1. J

   Jake

   Los Angeles

   110 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   110 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   One of the best way to assess the quality of a restaurant is to look at the diners. Are they glumly looking down, frowning, or staring at their phones? Or are they smiling and engaged in animated conversation? Located in a promising block on Chestnut in the Old City, Amada promises much and delivers more. The room is tastefully and comfortably decorated with upholstered banquettes and indirect lighting. Entering the room, there is a palpable excitement of the many animated diners enjoying their evening. Service is efficient and helpful in general. The standout is the food that is if consistent high quality. We loved the entrecôte that was perfectly cooked and sauced, rivaling the dry-aged steaks in Josiah Citron's Charcoal in Venice, CA. Squid was sauced with a squid ink-based pâté that invited spreading it on bread – I had to repeatedly shoo off the servers from clearing the leftover sauce. Every dish for that matter had unique flavors with complementary sauces that merged into a harmonious whole. When multiplied by ten or so, it was a overwhelmingly pleasant sensory experience for the most jaded palate. The wine list is exclusively Spanish, ranging from light whites to intense, rare, and costly tintos. Bear in mind that although the prices appear reasonable, the dishes are small, obligating ordering multiple dishes. Also be wary of servers upselling the paella and the set dinner, since it would be difficult to beat à la carte ordering. Also, the bread was dry. When in Philly, skip the cheesesteaks and head for Amada. You won't regret it.
   

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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Philadelphia

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall3food3service5ambience4

   We had a great experience at Amada. Pros: diversity of dishes, bold flavors, a unique dining experience with different tapas. Beyond amazing service from the staff. Our server went out of her way to cater to us and explain the dishes and more! Cons: at first the seating was too close to another couple in which it was hard not to overhear every detail of their conversations. However the host kindly relocated us for a nice intimate setting. The dishes were a bit salty which is common in their reviews. Also a bit pricey with a final bill of $250 that included tip for the two of us. Overall: Definitely a unique dining experience to have once in my life. Not sure we would do it again though.
   

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3. P

   Phillyfolkx

   Philadelphia

   7 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service4ambience3

   Amada is one of my all-time favorites in Philly. It never fails to provide wonderful tapas and a great selection of wines.
   

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4. FP

   FoodloverinPA

   Philadelphia

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Outstanding food; great menu and service. Definitely will be back
   

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5. K

   Karen

   Philadelphia

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Fun, delicious dining experience! We were pleasantly surprised with the tapas and tasting selections as well as cocktail and wines. We loved the personal attention. Our server, Shayna, took excellent care of us and the chef let us know that our dishes were done in a way that complied with our dietary restrictions. Beautiful place with a pretty bar.
   

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6. KW

   KevinW

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall3food2service4ambience3

   My wife and I shared the paella mariscos. Despite having a decent soccarat, the rice was severely undercooked. This spoiled the dish. The monkfish in it was cooked perfectly, but some of the prawns were pasty. The small clams around the outside of the dish had only half pearl-sized pieces and were essentially there for decoration. To compensate us for the undercooked paella rice, the restaurant brought out two extra tapas. The tapas were for the most part very good, especially the peppers stuffed with crabmeat and the pulpo. Unfortunately, even these otherwise excellent dishes were over salted. Other dishes, such as a side of mashed potatoes, were so salty that they were inedible. In sum, what could have been a delicious and memorable meal fell far short because of an excess of salt in everything and the undercooked rice. If Amada were inexpensive, this could be more easily overlooked; but Amada is not cheap. It is always sad to pay top dollar for a mediocre meal.
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   4 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall4food4service5ambience5

   Gia was our lovely waitress and she went above and beyond to make sure my husband and I were great! We went there for brunch at 12pm on 5/28/23. We have been to this restaurant before. This was our 3rd time there. We had Yasmine as our waitress before and she’s AWESOME! We usually get the garlic shrimps and the asparagus salad, and this time my husband added the hamburger and fries. Our garlic shrimps were VERY salty this time. I mean we never experienced that before but this time it was wayyyyyy tooo salty. Everything else was great! Once Gia was aware that both of our garlic shrimp were way too salty she offered to take them off the bill. We know some days it’s a hit and miss with the chef but we truly appreciate it that Gia took them off our bill. We will definitely continue to dine here… the staffs are ALWAYS super helpful and professional, we love it here. Amada Gia and Yasmine are both amazing staffs! They are gems!
   

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8. J

   John

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall4food3service4ambience4

   Salty … most of the small plates were just sooooo salty. This is our second time here cause we wanted to give it a second chance. But it’s still just as salty …. The paella was good.
   

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9. IF

   IreneF

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Perfect food, perfect vine, perfect service, we did enjoy our celebration of my son graduation from law school.
   

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10. DB

    DavidB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food4service4ambience3

    Enjoyed the meal and the service. I thought the food was very inventive. I would definitely go back.
    

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11. TQ

    TheQuietMan

    Philadelphia

    47 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    47 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We were at Amada for happy hour and dinner. The food was delicious. The service was great. The ambience was lovely. All in all a fun time.
    

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing dinner with the main dish … suckling pig!!! Delicious!!!
    

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13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    We ordered some Paella and some tapas, the tapas tasted good but the paella was a bit salty. Our server was nowhere to be found when we needed him. My friend dropped her silverware and he never came back for a replacement so she ate the food with a knife. I don’t think I will come back to this place.
    

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14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our experience at Amada PHL was fabulous! The food was amazing! The staff was extremely gracious. They made accommodations for dietary restrictions. I could not have chosen a better place to have Sunday brunch! We will return. Thank you!
    

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15. AR

    ArtemisR

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Amada was a fantastic experience. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable, the drinks were great, the and the tapas were delicious. It was an overall great experience and we will return!
    

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Food was delicious and wonderful ambiance for night out but not too loud. Server couldn’t have been more friendly or attentive but would’ve appreciated a bit more guidance on ordering since some dishes very small while others are bigger and was difficult to know how much to order of what. Service re: drinks was quite slow but servers made up for slow service by being very friendly and kind. Overall positive experience and will definitely be back.
    

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Food basically ok ok. Good but not super by any means. We try tapas and main dishes. Would go back but now I know what to expect .
    

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18. KL

    KayLeeT

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The service was wonderful, the food was perfect, the atmosphere was amazing!
    

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19. N

    Nico

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    Very good spot. Not ideal for dates, as the level of noise was pretty loud. Food and service were great. Recommended for friends
    

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20. OT

    OTDiner

    Philadelphia

    36 reviews

    4.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    We always opt for the chef’s menu and wine tasting. It’s one of the best deals in Philly. The food, wines, and service are always reliably terrific (with the exception of the bread accompanying the ham which could’ve been better). The noise level seemed higher than usual but still lower than most places these days. And I would’ve liked a bit more lighting. We had a memorable evening showcasing one of Philly’s best to first-time visitors to the city. Amada is my go-to for out-of-town guests and celebrations.
    

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21. A

    Alma

    New York Area

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We tried the chefs tasting menu after mentioning to our server that there were a few things we wanted to try. They worked them in and we had an incredible meal. My only regret is that I’m not in Philadelphia more often, I would do it again in a heartbeat
    

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22. BF

    BananasF

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Food is delicious. Be prepared for pushy wait staff, encouraging all sorts of add ons. Aside from that, the ambience, food and drink were top notch. I highly recommend.
    

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    Overall a good experience. Some disappointment with the meal..several items were very heavily oiled. Additionally the squid ink paella was disappointing.
    

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3

    The server we had was very nice. I can’t remember her name but she had a lot of tattoos. She made good recommendations and explained the menu very well.
    

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25. DY

    DaveY

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was fantastic would definitely go again
    

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26. JP

    JaimeP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Start to finish, had a wonderful experience at Amada. All of the staff was so friendly and helpful and the food was delicious. Outstanding - looking forward to coming back soon!
    

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27. NB

    NolanB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amada was a top 5 food experience. We ordered the Chef's Selection and were not disappointed. We had 10 different tapas that came out that were all delicious in their own way. For a nice, fun night out Amada is the place to be in Philly.
    

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28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always enjoy food and drinks here! Family favorite. Relax, eat and drink we’ll with cordial, attentive servers. Never disappoints!
    

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29. JK

    JennyK

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very nice spot for special occasions! We solely ordered off the happy hour menu and loved it! The food was fast, delicious, and service was great. The server also gave a complementary birthday drink, which was so sweet and really added to the experience! We will definitely be back for happy hour or brunch!
    

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5

    5 star service! Beautiful restaurant, but the food is not authentic Spanish food. Paella de mariscos was not good AT ALL. Tapas were ok, but really small for the price (I know tapas are usually a small plate, but these were smaller and gourmet style) The charcuterie board was the best, we really enjoyed it. We got arroz con leche and tarta de queso for dessert and were really good as well.
    

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31. B

    Bourbon

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience2

    Hostess at the desk acted like it was a chore to check is in. No smiling greeting. Server was very pleasant and friendly. Drinks were okay, food was not wonderful. We have eaten here many times in the past and I have to say, standards were not up to par. Food was served all at once, when we ordered Tapas and mains. My dish was Crab Benedict and if there was any crab in it, I did not see it or taste it! Presentation of plate was extremely poor, slice of sourdough bread, food slapped on top with limp and old looking garnish.
    

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32. H

    Housecalls

    Philadelphia

    46 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We had a wonderful dinner. The food was excellent. We enjoyed the Paella. Special thanks to our waiter, Veer, who was very attentive and made this birthday dinner special.
    

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33. KF

    KatieF

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My girlfriends and I went to Amada for a birthday and had a fantastic time! I put a note in the reservation about being a birthday and our server Shaina acknowledged the birthday several times, made our experience extra special, and brought out a special birthday glass of cava at the end of the meal! Everyone was very attentive and the food was amazing. The drinks deserve special mention - the Pain and Glory is a fantastic drink if you like spicy and citrus flavors. Overall Amada is a great spot for a special occasion or upscale date night!
    

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34. MH

    MikeH

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food and the service were amazing. I wish I could add a few stars to the rating to recognize how great our server was. She was amazing.
    

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35. M

    Millie

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and service! Celebrated our anniversary and we really felt important!
    

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36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was amazing - highly recommend the tasting menu and Veer was a fantastic server! We will 100% be returning
    

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37. ZT

    ZoeT

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4

    The food and atmosphere was great! It’s a fun spot to bring friends and share difficult dishes. The wait staff wasn’t the best, we didn’t get all of the items in our order and everything took a while to get to us. But the waitstaff was really nice about it.
    

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Would have given. Fifth star for service if fresh plates were provided after first couple rounds of tapas. Food amazing as it always has been.
    

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39. V

    marleneV

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My all time favorite restaurant. Food is always good, service excellent!
    

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40. DN

    DavidN

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience2

    Ordered the roast suckling pig for a special double birthday celebration…amazing food, absolutely delicious. But with so much food to enjoy and friends to enjoy it with, it was annoying and ultimately unforgivable how after reaching the 2 hr mark we had to fight off servers wanting to clear our plates, offer dessert menus, even while we were clearly still eating and enjoying the main event. We ordered lots of drinks too and to feel rushed, truly pressured to finish before we had thoroughly enjoyed this huge spread was distracting and disappointing. It was a Friday evening and the place became packed (and too noisy frankly), and I total understand how restaurants monetize tables, but this is just antithetical to a high level dining experience. Especially when we have ordered so much food and wine. Garces always disappoints on this level, money and profit before quality dining experience. Even though the roast pig was exquisite, as were all the accompanying sides, I would be very reluctant to ever return because of the insensitive level of service we received.
    

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