The Bottom Line
Pros
- A sexy, multi-level space in the hip Condado neighborhood.
- Creative and delicious Asian-Caribbean fusion cuisine.
- One of the few places to get dim sum.
Cons
- Some diners report an inconsistent experience.
- Not the cheapest place to eat; a meal here can set you back a bit.
- Parking can be problematic.
Description
- Stay tuned for a new late-night hangout; the basement at Budatai will soon become the Jade Lounge.
- Ever had potatoes fried in duck fat? Well this is the place to do it!
- Beware the portions! Budatai's dishes tend to be large, so order accordingly.
Guide Review - A Review of Budatai Restaurant in San Juan
The succulent churrasco with ho fun (a terrific pairing of eastern and Caribbean staples) was outstanding, perfectly cooked and seasoned; the roast duck blinis with wasabi crème fraiche was a sweet, sharp, and meaty mouthful; and the spicy tuna pegao roll is a wonderful homage to a Puerto Rican favorite (the crunchy rice scraped off the bottom of the pot, known as pegao) in a familiar setting (the ole spicy tuna roll). Really, of the many dishes sampled at Budatai and all were terrific.
And then there's the place itself; a cool, spacious restaurant in an art deco townhouse with graceful Asian accents, a pleasant second floor terrace, and a hopping bar. The romantic lighting add a sense of intimacy to the restaurant, and the plush booths are the best seats in the house. It's the perfect complement to the sensuous dining experience that Budatai provides.
So even with its naysayers, I have to report that Budatai was everything it was cracked up to be, and everything I expected from the man who might just be the next Iron Chef.
