12/28/07

just disappointed

by kevinchiu

my friends and I ordered four lunches, only one was edible, The food came out quick but the service was terrible. I don't think I'll be going back

• Pros: comfortable ambience in dining room
• Cons: food quality, service, bathroom

Editorial Review by Christy Buena

by Contributor

Restaurant features traditional Chinese cuisine served in a family-friendly restaurant that offers private rooms.

12/20/06

Avoid Take Out

by ipstuff

My wife and I have always liked this resturant, but since our son was borned we have been regulated to eat take out. Since his birth 3 years ago, we have seen decrease in quality, quantity, and kindness. We have tried out many items off the menu thinking it might be off day, but each time it was same bad experience with the taste. I know, it is take out, it might be bad because it might be cold, but I assure you that another Chinese resturant down the highway 5 miles further is much better quality and quantity but not great customer care. Therefore, I think this resturant is not good for take out.

• Pros: Easy parking
• Cons: Take out food is bad in terms of taste and quantity.

07/17/06

We'll be back

by uclagirl

This weekend marked my first visit to Mandarin Gourmet, and we'll be back--even though we don't live in the San Jose area.

The food was served very quickly, in spite of the large crowd at tables and waiting to be seated. Each dish was wonderful, even the ones that normally leave me cold. Cashew chicken generally seems a bit bland, but not at Mandarin Gourmet! There it is delicious, with rich flavors in the sauce. The sesame chicken was just spicy enough, and the prawns with honey walnuts were fantastic.

Being "Americanized" or "inauthentic" doesn't mean something isn't good. It just means it's different from its origins. Mandarin Gourmet proves this point.

• Pros: speedy service
• Cons: crowded

06/22/06

Fast and Delicious food

by gottatryit

People have been telling me about this place for years, but I never got around to going. The outside of the resturant doesn't looking like much, but get inside and it's clean and roomy. The food comes so quickly and it is amazingly addictive. The Chicken Walnut is a must try, infact I doubt you can go wrong with anything you choose. Even a simple salad is delicious. I think the flavors our perfect. You gotta try it. If you have to wait for a table just notice all the people getting take out. All these people can't be wrong.

• Pros: Fast service, good lunch time values
• Cons: Food comes quickly and little pricey

02/18/06

A disappointment. Unimaginative ingredients.

by foodfiends

Of 4 dishes we ordered, 2 were appalling, 2 mediocre. The Chicken with Vegetables had 6 snow peas, the equivalent of 2 cans of slimy water chestnuts, and a lack of chicken. The Szechaun Beef should be called Szechuan Water Chestnuts. This dish had at least one cup of soggy water chestnuts swimming in a somewhat tasty gravy, and a modicum of beef strips. To our relief, the Mu Shu Shrimp had no water chestnuts, but it was primarily shredded, over-cooked cabbage, and we had to hunt for the shrimp. Thank goodness we had also ordered the Honeyed Walnut Prawns. Even so, this generic dish was not up to the standard we expected from its inflated price; we've eaten better versions at fast-food style Chinese restaurants. Our recommendation: Go elsewhere---unless you just love soggy water chestnuts!

• Pros: good parking, convenient location, okay decor
• Cons: crowded, slow service, expensive $$$

12/15/05

best ever had

by oinkoink2

love the food, crab cheese puffs and peking chicken are the best!!!

09/16/05

DELICIOUS

by baygirl99

I love this place; unfortunately, like other reviews... it is quite pricy for the amount. Love their spicy prawns and peking chicken; the fast service is awesome. I would definitely recommend this place to family and friends.

• Pros: Great food, Great Service
• Cons: Pricy

07/05/05

Pretty good.

by lalamonkey

This place is a little nicer than most Chinese restaurants and the quality is usually reasonable. The food tastes good and it is inexpensive. I like the eggrolls, sesame beef, fried rice, and honey walnut prawns. Service is mediocre, but most Asian places are like that.

• Pros: food, value

02/09/05

Love the food!

by nessa24

If you are looking for great Chinese food, this is the place to go! The servers are really nice too.