At Amada, the first of chef-restaurateur Jose Garces’s restaurants, the Ecuadorian-American chef reinterprets regional cuisine with choice ingredients and a modern touch that feature in more than 50 tapas, from the crab-stuffed peppers with toasted almonds to the flatbread topped with artichoke, black truffle, and manchego. Ingredients—including even more glorious cheeses—are sourced from northern Spain, the main inspiration for the menu. The large, festive front room can skew loud; for a quieter meal, ask for a table in the second dining room, beyond the open kitchen.

Amada is Jose Garces’ flagship Philadelphia restaurant and a longstanding Spanish tapas destination. It also doubles as a romantic date night classic thanks to warm, subdued interiors and many ways to select and share plates with your companion. Split some essential dishes such as the garlic shrimp and crab-stuffed peppers over a pitcher of sangria, or opt for the chef’s selection at $65 a person.

Since Executive Chef Jose Garces opened Amada in 2005, this flagship Old City restaurant has been serving up new and inventive interpretations of centuries-old Spanish tapas recipes. Even staples like the tortilla española and patatas bravas are presented with an innovative flair. Luckily, the lunch and dinner menus for Restaurant Week feature a wide assortment of small plates and entrees, so it shouldn’t be difficult to get a good sampling of Amada’s eclectic offerings (we personally recommend the gambas al ajillo and the espárragos con trufas).

Amada, his authentic Andalusian tapas restaurant in Old City, has Philly foodies singing his praises even louder. Most fans suggest going with a group, so there are more dishes to try. Favorites include Pulpo a la Gallega (octopus) for $12, Ensalada de Jamon (Serrano ham and fig salad, with cabrales and spiced almonds) for $10 and Albondigas (lamb meatballs with shaved Manchego cheese) for $12.

Jose Garces serves Andalusian-style Spanish cuisine at Amada, where the authentic decor includes hams hanging from the ceiling and wine barrels lining the walls. Open for lunch on weekdays and brunch on weekends, the tapas-based menu is a perfect choice for groups who want to sample several of the restaurant’s mouthwatering items. Where:Amada, 217-219 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

While other eating places have lost relevance, Amada continues to set the bar high for stylish but fun fine dining. The place is somehow equally perfect for a peaceful early-evening albarino paired with the city’s best charcuterie (still sliced to order) or a rowdy night out with a gaggle of pals. Its dim light, gauzy fabrics and dark wood make it simultaneously sexy and serene.

The Atmosphere: Inspired by Spanish bodegas with rustic details and. Why You Need To Dine Here: From award-winning chef (and winner of Food Network’s The Next Iron Chef) Jose Garces is this celebrated spot, serving up brunch, happy hour specials, dinner, and an array of wines and cocktails. Pro Tip: Sit at the six-seat chef’s counter for an exclusive view of the kitchen.

Who would have thunk one of the best cheesesteaks in town would come from an upscale Spanish restaurant?. Amada is so good that its twist on Philly’s signature dish is in the discussion for best in the city. Coming from the mind of TV chef Jose Garces, you’ll indulge in the finest flavors, whether the killer lamb meatballs or the suckling pig that melts in your mouth.

Amada, an Old City staple by Iron Chef Jose Garces, blends rustic Spanish charm with modern flair. Its warm décor—dark wood, wine barrels, and soft lighting—creates an inviting space for couples celebrating love or locals enjoying a lively tapas night. Prices lean upscale, with tapas ranging from $8 to $18, but the shareable portions make it easy to sample widely.

The concierge at Hotel Monaco secured a last-minute reservation for us at the chef's table, marking our first visit to this establishment during restaurant week. We were thoroughly impressed by the exceptional food, drinks, service, and ambiance. The dishes we sampled during restaurant week were outstanding, offering great value for the price.

Before the proliferation of tapas across the city and the country, there was Amada–one of the original best places to eat in Philadelphia. For 15 years, the Old City staple has served up their gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) to voracious diners looking for a Spanish seafood fix. (There are other locations in Radnor and Atlantic City.)

If you want to enjoy delicious Spanish cuisine, Amada in Old City is the perfect date night restaurant in Philadelphia. The longstanding tapas destination features a comfortable, warm interior, making it an ideal date night destination. Some key dishes to try aside from the tapas are the garlic shrimp and crab-peppers.

Amada, of course, has long been the gold standard for Spanish classics, and though it's been a while, I remember my last paella from a Garces kitchen fondly, the nubby Calasparra rice brimming with a smoky base of braised chicken and chorizo that was worth the 40-minute wait.

Helmed by Iron Chef Jose Garces, this buzzed-about eatery serves contemporary Andalusian tapas within an airy, industrial-chic space in Old City. Don't skip the aged Manchego, drizzled with truffled lavender honey. 217 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106; (215) 625-2450

Amada is a renowned Spanish tapas restaurant, and their paella is a shining star on their extensive menu. Known for their authentic Spanish flavors and high-quality ingredients, their paella is a crowd-pleaser. They offer both seafood and mixed paella options.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,236 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Spanish, Catalan- Price: $$$$- Address: 217-219 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2812- Read more on Tripadvisor

Amada: Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Andalusian cuisine at this Jose Garces-helmed restaurant. The intimate setting, flickering candlelight, and tapas-style menu create an ambiance perfect for sharing intimate moments over delicious small plates.

Visit Amada, a Spanish restaurant and tapas bar owned by Celebrity Chef Jose Garces. If you don’t know the name, he’s a James Beard Award winner and official Iron Chef. You can see how he was inspired by his roots with jamón hanging above the bar.

Amada was founded in 2005 by Chef Jose Garces, an Iron Chef Champion. Located in Old City, this restaurant is known for its tapas and wine. Chef Garces is from Ecuador and uses his background to create Spanish dishes.

I wasn’t as crazy about Amada, Amis, or Zahav, but I’ve only been to each once. Vetri will be amazing I’m sure but I haven’t made it – so expensive!. If you want more inventive/experimental then Sbraga is really good.

I'm not sure how unique you'll find any of these, but the happening, buzz-worthy spots seem to be: Amada or Tinto, Rae, Zahav. You might also consider Le Bec Fin (recently gone a la carte, to mixed reviews...)

Opened in 2005, Amada was Chef Jose Garces’ first Philadelphia restaurant. Today, he owns restaurants across the country. The Old City restaurant features Spanish cuisine perfect for sharing.

Amada is located in the Old City neighborhood and has a rustic vibe. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, plus happy hour. And your well-behaved dog can sit with you on their outdoor patio.

Hovering on the edges of Old City is Amada, a modern tapas restaurant that holds authentic and timeless Spanish traditions at the highest degree.[Learn more]