Restaurants
Chef Garces is proud to share his culinary expertise and love of hospitality through a diverse group of restaurants. Ranging from Spanish tapas at Amada, his first restaurant, to the exciting flavors of Mexico City at Distrito, Chef Garces welcomes you to dine with him. His newest restaurant, Hook & Master, is now open in Kensington.
Amada
The flagship brand in his culinary exploration, Amada is named for Chef Garces’ grandmother and primary culinary inspiration. Located in the historic and lively neighborhood of Old City, Amada embraces the rich traditions of Spanish cuisine in an energetic, rustic-chic setting, with signature offerings including tapas, an award-winning wine selection, and crafted cocktails including a dedicated Gin & Tonic offering and house-made sangria.
Buena Onda
Buena Onda, meaning “Good Vibes” in Baja, is inspired by the fresh, tranquilo, do-it-your-way spirit of Mexico’s Bajapeninsula. Guests enjoy a casual and relaxed atmosphere featuring taqueria classics like tacos, quesadillas, house made guacamole, nachos, and a growing selection of margaritas. Beyond delicious food is a mission to source sustainable seafood and be proactive in keeping our oceans healthy.
Distrito
Taco lovers rejoice! Chef Jose Garces’ vibrant and lively taqueria in University City features Mexican street food-style tacos in handmade tortillas, nachos, and a variety of tequila for refreshing margaritas. For the best seats in the house, reserve the table in the VW Bug, position yourself at the illuminated bar with a 128-ounce beer tower under green and pink lights, make it a party in the colorful karaoke lounge, or enjoy our brand new 80-seat patio! Distrito makes every day a fiesta!
JG Domestic
A celebration of contemporary American fare, Chef Jose Garces introduced the farm-to-table inspired restaurant, offering Philadelphians a bright atmosphere, great for large parties, where modern design meets charming rustic features, including live greenery throughout the dining area. Inspired by his own green-thumb, JG Domestic’s menu is ever-changing, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients as they come into season.
*currently closed due to COVID-19
The Olde Bar
The Olde Bar is one of the city’s coziest spots, nestled in the Old City landmark Old Original Bookbinder’s Paying homage to the location’s beloved origins as a central setting for fresh, decadent seafood platters, The Olde Bar takes guests on a journey as they walk through the signature red doors, offering a mouth-watering menu of indulgent seafood-centric dishes and comprehensive spirits list, and expertly crafted cocktails.
Tinto
Located in Philadelphia’s iconic Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, the wine bar was inspired by Chef Jose Garces’ travels to the Basque region of Spain and merges the flavors of French and Spanish cuisine enjoyed throughout the region. A celebration of these flavors, the menu is an exploration of traditional culinary concepts and elevates dining creating an unforgettable cultural experience.
Village Whiskey
One of the most coveted tables in Rittenhouse Square, Jose Garces envisioned Village Whiskey as a moody yet refined intimate space reminiscent of a prohibition-era speakeasy. Guests can post up at the bar or alongside a banquette to enjoy a straightforward, approachable menu which includes Seasonal Pickles, Deviled Eggs, the famous Village Burger, Veggie Burger, BBQ Pork Sammy and more. the ‘Best Burger in America’ coupled with the option of more than 200 whiskeys.
Volvér
Chef Garces is proud to announce the Chefs In Residency at Volvér. This season, Chef Jose Garces hosts emerging, minority chefs from around the Philadelphia region for six-week residencies.
Philadelphia's only Forbes Five Star restaurant, Volvér, features an evolving selection of dishes inspired by Chef Garces' culinary travels around the world. Driven by the finest available ingredients and prepared with modern techniques, Volvér's menu offerings include 8-course chef's tasting menus, pre-theater tasting menus, and a la carte options. Signature Dishes include Milk & Cereal, Wagyu Tartare, Ricotta Gnudi, Ibérico Ramen.