Can't get a reservation at Amada, where's the next best place?

[Lotus7]

Hi there,
I'll be visiting Philadelphia in mid-April. I have a tentative reservation at Amada, but it isn't until 9.45 p.m. which is too late for my group. I only have 1 night in Philadelphia and want to have a spectacular meal. Any suggestions? I'd like to make a reservation this week! Thank you in advance!

[joluvscards]

If you want tapas go to Bar Ferdinand. We prefer it to Amada. Not a fan of Tinto. Peruse the board for other favs.

[bonappetite]

Tinto is good, Distrito you an usually easily get into(garces) had both the $35 and $80 0r $90 tasting menu--both excellent. A completely different route, try to get a res at bibou---french, delicious and charming byo

[brianaface]

I would recommend Tinto over Distrito any day. I find Distrito to be a disgrace.

[Hungryin theBurbs]

Wow, that's a little harsh. Care to explain why? For me, Distrito is my second favorite Garces place after Amada. I like it better than Tinto. Of course, these aren't really fair comparisons since the food is quite different at all of them. I just love both the vibe and the food at Distrito. It's especially fun with a group.

[bonappetite]

Wow, funny differences in opinion, i have a friend who has never left Distrito filled up and feels he spent too much.....i've always left full and only once thought i paid too much! But it is totally not Amada and if that's what you're looking for, Tinto is the closest but Amada totally worth holding our for!!

[Lotus7]

THx for your suggestions. I love Distrito and have been there a few times. But Amada is my favorite! Unfortunately no reservations available at Tinto ...

[thehungrything]

I second the Bar Ferdinand suggestion. They have excellent tapas and nice reasonable wine to go with it. I gets a bit loud, but so does Amada. The decor is chic and whimsical. It is more reasonable than Amada, but Amada has some higher end dishes on the menu.

[Buckethead]

Go to Zahav, it's a better restaurant. Not that Amada is bad or anything, but Zahav is better. If you want to stick with Spanish cuisine, go to Tinto.

[urbanfabric]

I agree with Buckethead, Zahav is a good choice, but if you want closer to Amada, then Tinto.

I'd also throw Amis in the mix if you can get a reservation there. Vetri's new small plates Italian. Search the board for dissenting opinions.

[sockii]

I was going to suggest Amis. If you're looking at the small plate/sharing/multiple course route, this can be a good choice as I really enjoyed my one meal there so far. Food was fairly authentic Roman with a couple missteps, but great pasta, bruschetta and dessets, especially. Wine list is good and fairly reasonable as well.

I also loved a recent meal at Cichetteria 19 for Venetian-style Italian, mixture of small plates and larger with a good bar. But can get pricey.

[spyturtle008]

Third on the Zahav rec.

[Lotus7]

p.s. I'm open to all cuisines--i just want something on par with Amada, or any Garces establishment for that matter.

[bluehensfan]

Try Tinto instead.