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Budatai Reviews List
Budatai
As soon as you enter Budatai you are enthralled by the charm of its exotic, lavish atmosphere. A collection of Buddha statues and oriental colors help create the special atmosphere that go well beyond your expectations to ensure a relaxing yet exciting experience. An incredible energy and unique ambiance – 3-in-1 (restaurant, bar, terrace) venue is an exceptional restaurant concept. The bar mezzanine, looks out over the dining area where the most beautiful view of San Juan"s "La Ventana al Mar" frames swinging palm trees and ocean waves. Chef Roberto Treviño has successfully merged in his menu oriental inspired delicacies with traditional elements of Puerto Rican cookery. Your taste buds travel to far away lands and inventiveness nests in your plate. Chef Treviño calls upon his charms and endless creativity to create a culinary art score that skillfully combines exotic delicacies with high-class cuisine.
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67 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 67 reviews
5 stars
(23)
4 stars
(26)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(33)
- special occasion(26)
- hot spot(23)
- romantic(22)
- scenic view(20)
- neighborhood gem(17)
Budatai Reviews List
Review 1 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went twice on my 3 night vacation!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This place was amazing - it was right across the street from our hotel and we went the first night we were in town. It was so amazing we returned 2 nights later because we just had to have the Dim Sum again before returning home!
Try to get a seat outside - it is a lovely view."
Dined on 3/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, hot spot
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Review 2 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Budatai Review Survey
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have been in your restaurant several times with tourists that come from all parts of US and Europee since December 2012, and every ocasion and even
during early week days , like Tuesdays we have been instructed by your waiters that appetizers and entrees have
to be order at once due to the kitchens rush .
This is like coming and will throw our best in one hour for your
own sake , not even have time two think over your
menu.
Your place is attractive, food is excellent and
service is average due to them rushing all of us in and out
in 1 1/2 even with reservations...
Please take note ."
during early week days , like Tuesdays we have been instructed by your waiters that appetizers and entrees have
to be order at once due to the kitchens rush .
This is like coming and will throw our best in one hour for your
own sake , not even have time two think over your
menu.
Your place is attractive, food is excellent and
service is average due to them rushing all of us in and out
in 1 1/2 even with reservations...
Please take note ."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Dinner @ Budatai always a good idea
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Budatai is always a good choice...great atmosphere , amazing food, beautiful staff ...one of my favorite restaurants in the Condado area."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 4 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fabulous!!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food and service! Salmon dish was exceptional."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic
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Review 5 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful food and service. Be sure to try the pork dumplings."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 6 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Needed to change tables because
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Needed to change tables because of noise from one group that had obviously drank much more than they could handle yet Manager never went over to them and the restaurant kept seating people near them despite the high noise level. We would have left without eating if they finally had not moved us. Pretty sad to see that they essentially ignored the problem until 3 of our party of 4 complained."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 7 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Offbeat selections of appetizers
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Offbeat selections of appetizers with ordinary selection of limited entrees. Menu seemed incoherent. Too limited in selections. Friendly staff.m"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
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Review 8 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of my favorites
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"One of my favorite restaurants in San Juan. We visit more than once monthly."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 9 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Budatai was good not great.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Budatai was good not great. Highlight was excellent ginger martini and duck croquettes. Otherwise, food was average. There are better restaurants to check out if you are only in San Juan a few days."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 10 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We were early for our reservation;
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"We were early for our reservation; they couldn't have been nicer & gave us a window table. I took my 16 year old daughter while we were on vacation and she loved thT it was a "hot spot". We tried noodle specialties & chicken empanadas which were great. They have a killer cream brûlée. It is pricey but worth it."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 11 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Takes Asian to a whole new
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Takes Asian to a whole new level. We were 3 men and one woman, and ordered four or five small plates and one entrée, and we were very full at the end. The pork loin entrée was too much for one female to eat. The potstickers were very good. Our waitress was very knowledgeable. Make sure you don't mistake the chopsticks for bread sticks!"
Dined on 03/25/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 12 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was excellent, as was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was excellent, as was the service. The appetizers, sushi and noodle/rice dishes were much more interesting than the main courses. We did six appetizers and one noodle dish for the three of us and it was perfect. The dumplings were wonderful, as was the tuna roll with truffle. The scallop noodle dish was like a very creative pad Thai. Everything we had was delicious, except the shrimp shu Mai. They were fine but the wrapper a little too thick. Sat on the terrace and it was lovely."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 13 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Appetizers were fantastic.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Appetizers were fantastic. Unfortunately a long delay in receiving our main courses. Wait staff gave us another round of drinks, but the appetite dulls. Main courses were good (interesting concoctions that did not quite hit the right notes, but were worth a try) and some were very good."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Budatai IS the best! We waited
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Budatai IS the best! We waited until we sampled all of our dining experiences during our eight days in Puerto Rico before writing any reviews. The depth of flavors created with our various courses were amazing! Churrasco Skirt Steak was absoultely spot on and the Ahi Tuna prepared seared / rare with wasabi nuts and homemade gnocchi was a tremnsous treat. While others may have the reputation for being number 1, Budatai IS number one. Don't miss out on avfantastic experience and a room with a view...over La Ventana del Mar. Within a "Safe" waliking distance from the major hotels in Condado, or worth the cab fare. Don't miss it. We won't!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 15 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Long wait after ordering.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"After the quick sushi, I was optimistic. However that faded fast as I realized I should have just ordered the quick appetizers like the dimsum because we waited for over an hour to get 4 main meals, the one taking the longest being ramen noodes...not right. I can confirm it wasn't just our table. The other tables were famished too. And no, waiting didn't make the food better, it made us diners irate. I can't imagine how the private room with 15+ people must have dealt with it. The low ceilings also conducted noise from the loud table of businessmen over our heads. The inattentive service didn't help to make us feel better. We were largely ignored by the understaffed service. The check came quickly though. Surprise. Good flavors and location"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Scallop and Noodle dinner
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Scallop and Noodle dinner was great. Wasabi Ceasar Salad very good"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
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Review 17 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Just a little too dark. Otherwise,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Just a little too dark. Otherwise, great place and food.Best slow roasted duck I ever ate."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The hamachi was one the best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The hamachi was one the best sushi dishes I have ever had. The restaurant is in my Top 10. Overall excellent."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 19 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What a wonderful dinner!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What a wonderful dinner! The food was truly memorable. The margarita was one of the best I've ever had. My husband and I loved it."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 20 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great sushi. The service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great sushi. The service was friendly and attentive and the ambiance was fun and trendy. Everything was reasonably priced and I would definitely come back! The cocktails were incredible, try the ginger-lemon and pear-lemongrass, both were wonderful."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 21 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The actual food was amazing.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The actual food was amazing. Recommend the pork dumplings to start. The night we were there the air conditioning was broken and it felt like the arctic-, we told the waiter who said yes it's broken and everyone is complaining. We ordered 2 apps. The pork dumplings and then sushi. The dumplings arrived in a timely manner then we waited for 45 minutes the sushi. We asked the waiter where it was and he said they were rolling it??.
Finally our meals arrived mine piping hot a noodle dish with chicken - very flavorful and delicious. My moms main dish was cold and the steak was super rare ( she had ordered it medium) it still tasted good but my mom could not eat the meat. She sent it back and it was taken off the bill.
Loved the food."
Finally our meals arrived mine piping hot a noodle dish with chicken - very flavorful and delicious. My moms main dish was cold and the steak was super rare ( she had ordered it medium) it still tasted good but my mom could not eat the meat. She sent it back and it was taken off the bill.
Loved the food."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 22 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Tremendous disappointment!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our 3rd visit in as many years. The first time was spectacular. Each visit since has declined. The food especially was such a disappointment, and very expensive. We had a special sushi plate of tuna and salmon tartare. The salmon was delicious, the tuna was over salted. My filet mignon was tasteless! On all three visits, I asked to meet Chef Trevino, but he was not in the restaurant. We were told each time, that he has many projects to attend to. As it stands, he is about to open his 5th establishment in San Juan. Perhaps that is the reason for the lack of attention to detail. Whatever the cause, we will not dine there again!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2006
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Review 23 for Budatai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food ans service were great.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food ans service were great. Highly recommend."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Budatai
Based on the average of (44) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic