Buddakan

The Pier at Caesars Cuisines: Chinese, Asian, Japanese

About

Breathtaking, awe-inspiring and perfection aren't the adjectives you would normally associate with Atlantic City restaurants, but Buddakan just might change your view about dining in Jersey. Since opening its doors in October 2006, Buddakan in Atlantic City has gained the prestige and outstanding reputation that follows the success of the other locations in New York and Philadelphia. Built to resemble an ancient Chinese village, patrons enter through a garden filled with footbridges, archways and rocks that lead to the main dining area and the smaller dining areas styled as opium dens. A colossal golden Buddha stands guard over the entire restaurant while diners feast on modern Asian cuisine, basking under a twilight sky created by high tech lighting. The extensive menu offers dishes such as Edamame Ravioli, Glazed Alaskan Black Cod, Wasabi Crusted Filet Mignon, but make sure to save room for the Crying Chocolate (warm chocolate cake with Vietnamese ice cream) or a Chocolate Bento Box. If you still haven't had your fill be sure to sample one Buddakan's many creative cocktails that include ingredients such as red chili, cucumber and ginger juice. Semiprivate dining spaces and a mezzanine are also available for larger parties. Reservations are highly recommended and are accepted up to two months in advance. While you can make reservations by phone, you might want to check out Buddakan's website because like the restaurant, it is an experience in itself.