I have heard about Mandarin for quite some time and was so excited to finally try it on Thursday night. Our party of 5 was seated right away and the host was very welcoming and informative. The restaurant is beautiful - so much detail! The service was great - attentive, friendly and very helpful. Our party enjoyed the crab wontons, egg rolls (enormous!), beef with green beans, general tso's chicken, beef and broccoli and orange chicken. Everything was so tasty and the portions were huge - we took 1/2 home for lunch the next day. I highly recommend Mandarin for anyone in the SLC area looking for quality Chinese food.
(4)
Stacey W.
Upon entering the restaurant our 4 crew enjoyed the ambiance and decor. We were seated within 5 min. There is a separate gluten free menu but you must request it. The waitress was accommodating to modify my plate and serving it soy free too! I had the Thai curry shrimp with green bean- excellent. My fellow mates ordered as well and enjoyed their plates too! Only negative was that it was kinda noisy. We came in on a Wednesday eve, and the place was pretty full. Lots of worker-bees hustling about. Not a calming environment. Lastly the playing of the food was messy looking. Nothing attractive about the plating. Therefore I give this overall rating 3.5 stars... Even tho it shows 4 above. I can't give it a 3 because the food tasted great.
(4)
Pete S.
Let's title this "Everyone deserves a second chance" My first visit to Mandarin resulted in only a score of 2. Within a day or two of this low score I received a (very polite) message from them which pointed out that the items we had ordered were deep fried and that they really pride themselves on their stir fried dishes. They even provided a list of suggestions to pick from and asked if we might give them another try. Boy am I glad we did! From their list of suggestions we picked the Mongolian Pork Noodles and Chicken with Garlic Sauce along with some Chicken Fried Rice. All deliciously prepared and fresh tasting, even the fried rice which on our first visit seemed to be bland was excellent. I'll chalk that first time up to maybe not being crazy about the other dishes and having a less than stellar mindset... Our server was also very knowledgeable and pleasant, just the right amount of attentiveness without being over the top. Where we were seated we had a partial view of the kitchen area and it was amazing to see the staff cranking out so many platters of food (it was a very busy Saturday night). The place was humming! I'm not sure how many restaurants take the time to read their Yelp reviews let alone respond to them but it's very obvious to me that the staff at Mandarin takes great pride in the food they serve. I'm thankful for the response I received to my first visit, had I not received that response I might not have ever gone back. Now I can't wait to return again...
(5)
Em L.
Almond chicken and 5 taste shrimp....my oh my, delicious! Get there early as well! Even though it's crowded, the food is always worth the wait!
Holy crap wake up people what the crap is wrong with you? Have any of you ever eaten at a Chinese restaurant before? The heck was all the fuss about? This place is barf. Their best menu item was nasty almond, sugar free jam covered chicken and when I order, "roasted" why do I get deep fried? The fuh?
(1)
Jacob S.
Almond Sweet & Sour or Strawberry chicken will be the most tender sweet love of your life. Crispy rice noodles are roasty authentic goodness. Should've called 2 days ahead of time for the pan-fried Catfish.
(4)
Kathryn B.
Best Chinese food in the state in my opinion. It's often a wait to be seated because they're busy, but truly worth it. I love their curry dishes, the lettuce wraps, and the Spice Girl Chicken (an off-menu item, just try it, it's delicious). I've never had a problem with the staff, they're always friendly and helpful. And try their frozen fruit drinks!
(5)
Ryan D.
Best Chinese food in Bountiful and possibly the state. I would say it's more of a 4 1/2 than a five though.
Best Chinese food ever! The service is great, the food is amazing.... eat here! Ordered the crab wonton and general tsao and orange peel chicken. There were no left overs. All of the food was amazing. The lemon sauce for the wontons was perfect. I never would have thought to have a sweet lemon sauce, great great great. We will be coming back and bringing friends
(5)
Liv E.
Yummy!!!!!!! Must try!! Better try getting there early before waiting. This place is amazing!!!!
(5)
Randi V.
Such a disappointing night! Full disclosure, it was a Friday night and we were a party of six. Taking that into account, we tried to go early and utilized the call ahead seating hoping to expedite the wait. We arrived at the restaurant at 6:15 and checked in. We were told it would be a 20 minute wait. As we had children in our party we discussed and decided that 20 minutes would be an acceptable wait time with them. For the next 45 minutes we waited, and waited, and waited. When we were at our breaking point and about to leave, they finally had our table ready. We got seated and then waited another 10 minutes for our server to arrive. When she finally got to our table, we were ready to place our order. As we are ordering our food she questions whether we were going to get anything with vegetables. Trying to defuse the situation I joked it off to which she responded, "oh... You just don't like vegetables." Feeling a little annoyed at being judged on our food choices, we placed our order and began to wait for our drinks. Another 10 minutes passed and with children at their breaking point, we left. I am certain the food is great. But I feel as if all of the awards and commendations this restaurant has received has left him with a gaping hole in their customer service. Update; I emailed the company and received a prompt response. I feel as if the responses I received contain helpful information for others visiting. I do feel this restaurant has a gaping hole in customer service for parties larger than three but not up to the standard of 8 for a reservation. From Angel; "This is certainly an upsetting email to receive. It is too bad people don't take time to send an email when they have had a good experience, which most do. We have often thought call ahead seating for 6 or 7 is pointless, and have considered not allowing it for the very reason you are complaining about. 80% of the time, calling ahead for that many people doesn't work. Especially when the entire valley decides to arrive between 6:00-7:00 pm. I think a better trained front employee quoting times would help, but I've been quoting times and running the list for 20 plus years and I still don't do it perfect. I stopped in tonight and know where you were sitting and who your server was. I too was there at the same time. I noticed while I was there between 6:00 and 7:15 it was an extremely S L O W start to a Friday night, so I'm not sure why you waited so long and why everything was so backwards. I really apologize for everything that happened and want you to know that our staff is trained to treat people well. We are not perfect, but we certainly aim high. I'm sorry your only and first review on YELP was your Mandarin experience. I can tell you are upset and want to get back at us for ruining your night. Well done. I know you drive a significant distance to dine at Mandarin, I actually know you. So returning is not on your radar, I understand." Angel offered to make the situation right and while I have no interest in returning, it was a nice gesture.
(2)
MJ C.
Ya know, I'll admit up front, I am very picky when it comes to Asian food. I've heard people rave for years that the food is easily the best in state and worth making the drive for. I disagree. I could daily name a handful of restaurants that are better. The noodles could not have been more bland. The fried rice had a processes ham instead of legitimate ham or pork. The General Tso's was covered in tasteless crispy noodles which I really dislike. The pros: The Salmon egg roll was great. Big CON: you have to pay for regular steamed rice. I'm surprised they didn't charge me for the fortune cookie. I wish I could have my $60 back.
(2)
Britt H.
We don't live in Bountiful, but whenever we're passing by or through, we stop at the Mandarin so that we can pick up an order (or three) of General Tso's. That's the best thing on the menu--the sauce is garlicky and flavorful, and the chicken is moist and cooked perfectly. Get it, you won't regret it. The fried rice is pretty good, the egg rolls are ENORMOUS (honestly, two people could very easily share one), and we really like the almond chicken, as well. I've dined in a handful of times, and the service is generally pretty good, but wait is generally pretty long. So it's not usually worth it for us to eat there. But the takeout is pretty seamless and I love eating General Tso's in the comfort of my own home. We'll keep going back!
(4)
Charisse P.
Everyone raves about the Mandarin and I feel after 3 visits, I'm still wondering what all the hype is about. The food was good (not great), but the prices are very high and unreasonable in my opinion. I feel like they nickel and dime you - I've never had a Chinese place charge me for a scoop of steamed rice. The atmosphere is fun, but a little squished. I've never been wowed by the service, I actually felt like I was being pushed out the door (the waiter brought the check with the food 2 out of the 3 times I ate there...on a week day). I would go back to the Mandarin, but I would not suggest it by any means.
(2)
Valerie B.
Came very highly recommended for several people. The decor was impressive. Ordered the five taste shrimp, Malaysian fried rice, and sweet and sour almond chicken. The food was ok. Portions were very small. The owner and their friends were seated in general seating next to us and other tables. They were very very loud and rude. It was hard to talk to other people at my table because they were so loud.
(1)
Travis M.
My wife and I went to the Mandarin for date night and loved the food! It was a Saturday evening (~6:30 PM) and we only had to wait 15 minutes, or so. Our server was very pleasant, but the business of the evening required her to be away more than we would have liked. Bus-persons kept our drinks refilled and made sure all was well. The Mandarin isn't getting the 5th star because of our seating arrangement. We were tucked in the corner right outside the bussing and drink retrieving area. It was clanky and noisy with servers constantly walking passed, and we didn't care to see how the sausage was made, as it were. There shouldn't be a table in that location. Otherwise, wonderful!
(4)
Ryan L.
Great food, great service, nice restaurant. I was surprised they made me pay an extra $1.50 to get a bowl of rice with my $13 Five Taste Shrimp dish, but I guess a place with this type of reputation can demand that. Everything is a-la-carte, as the server explains ... maybe the Mandarin is supposed to be the Ruth's Chris of Chinese food? Anyway, we had a nice dinner, and though it's definitely pricey for Chinese, it's a great meal. My wife got the Mu Shu Pork, which is basically a Chinese taco or burrito (they call them "Chinese pancakes" but they're more like tortillas). It's very tasty, as were the chicken & pine nut eggrolls we started with.
(4)
Tatiana G.
I have heard a lot of good things about this place and I was excited to give it a try. This place was packed, and I'm pretty sure it always is so it was a maze to get to our table. We had a large group of 10 people so we ordered and did family style so I got to try a lot of different dishes. Orange peel chicken - the name's not lying. It tastes very strongly of orange peel. I thought it was pretty good, but you can only eat so much before the flavor may never go away. General Tsao's chicken - the chicken is breaded and has good flavor. This was my favorite thing that I tried. Beef with green beans or asparagus - the green beans were what was available. They were fresh, but didn't get cooked very well so they were quite crunchy. The flavor was good though, but I would have liked it with asparagus better. Broccoli chicken noodles - The broccoli was cooked well and there was lots of noodles and chicken. The chicken is not breaded and sliced thin which I liked. Strawberry chicken - This is not on the menu, but if you ask for it they'll make it. The chicken as lightly breaded and then covered in a strawberry sauce. It's not too sweet and it's different than anything I had tried before. Ham fried rice - really good. Simple as that. It is a little expensive, and I don't think it has too many things that I couldn't get somewhere else, but I would like to go back and try more dishes.
(4)
Alec T.
I don't need to write a good review of this place, because the lines out the door at all times proves people know. If you say it's too "Americanized" you are missing the whole point. The Mandarin decided what style dish they want to serve, then go about making it the best, the best ingredients, sauces, everything. The things they do well, they do REALLY well.. Char Shu is great, the egg rolls are perfect. The 5 taste shrimp is to die for, but the top secret amazing thing that Mandarin does is the duck. The Peking Duck. This duck is a religious experience. Skin so crispy and delicious, it's perfect. Last year I had Peking duck in Beijing, at THE place for duck... the Mandarin's duck does take at least 2 days advance notice to order it, but man.. it's worth it. I think this is a seriously overlooked delicacy, and an amazing thing to have in the Utah food scene..
(5)
Chloe L.
This place is pretty good. The food tasted freshly cooked, not incredibly greasy, and not saturated in sugar. Each item had its own individual flavor. The menu options were interesting too. My boyfriend got the orange chicken, and that was good. I got a beef dish, and it was good. We got the cream cheese wontons for an appetizer--I was a bit disappointed with these. They had an odd flavor. Overall, an enjoyable experience! I would recommend. A bit pricey, so watch out for that.
(4)
Jonathan B.
Don't get me wrong, the food is good, the service is good, the atmosphere is awesome. I just don't understand the cult following that this place has garnered. They are a step above the normal neighborhood Chinese place, but only a small step. I didn't realized this when I got some to go & ate it at home - away from the atmosphere and the patrons raving about how awesome the food was. That's when it hit me: it's like every other Chinese place - just a bit more fancy seating area (the price is a bit more 'fancy' as well.) Eat here, just don't be one of the people that incessantly raves about how this is the only place to get good Chinese and all others are inferior.
(3)
Danielle C.
When you go to a Chinese restaurant and do not see a single Asian person, you know something is not right, trust that instinct. Pretty bland. Decor is kind of tacky cool. Chicken satay tasted like nothing. And texture of chicken was strange. Pepper beef noodles was also bland and didn't have enough noodles. Sweet and sour almond chicken was the best entree we ordered, but nothing special. Overall, steamed rice (which is extra) was the best part of the meal. $40 was too much for such mediocre food. Service was prompt and polite.
To start off, if I could give it zero I would. This place was terrible, I have no idea what people see in this place. I had a egg roll, mediocre at best, orange chicken, which was terrible, and got the most flavorless beef fried rice I've ever had in my entire life, honestly tasted like they washed it of its flavor before they brought it out to me, was bland. Not to sound like a racist but when you see only white people back in the kitchen at a Chinese restaurant you shouldn't expect much I've came to realize. Won't be coming back ever.
(1)
Diego E.
Food: Really good Chinese food. Fresh food, deliciously made, good portions as well. The Garlic Chicken was our favorite dish. Service: Great service, Toni was our waitress and she was great. Price: Prices are good for the great food and service. Overall a good experience, we will be coming back to the Mandarin!
(4)
K T.
Good food! Been coming here since I was a kid. Live out of state or I would be here more often. Last night we had the Tropical Thai Chicken. REALLY GOOD and REALLY different. Fruit, veggies and spicy red curry coconut sauce. Good heat.
(5)
Mike M.
The location is abysmal and the spacing inside leaves you hoping for the elbow room in a Miada. Yet, the owner is a delight and the food is on point in all the traditional dishes. You won't see much innovation, but the Five Taste Shrimp will cause most people with a sweet toothe and a love for shellfish to return for second helpings. That being said the savory dishes are richer and more fulfilling than the sweet. It is popular. There is always a crowd on the weekend, consisting primarily of local Davis County folks. After thirty years in business they have narrowed in on what they do best and cater to the local pallet. Try the egg rolls, Kung Pow Chicken, Beef and beans, and sweet and sour pork. Soups need work. You can never go wrong with lettuce wraps.
(3)
Jessie M.
People of Bountiful, unfortunately I'm not sure you know what Chinese food should taste like, cause this ain't it. Mediterranean lamb should not be on a Chinese take out menu. But it's ok.. it's just fine, lower end Chinese if you need to satisfy a craving. Personally it's always disconcerting walking into a place and seeing all white people working there, you usually know what you're getting yourself into. I'm sure they're all lovely people though. Eesh.
(2)
John S.
Phenomenal service and great good! Tried the Yelpers-recommended Almond Chicken, and it did not disappoint! The Hot and Sour Soup was great, and today's Chicken Sausage Glass Noodle Special was fantastic! Definitely glad we hit the best Chinese restaurant in Utah! One of the best I've had nationwide!
(5)
Oscar O.
I drove up from Salt Lake cause I have heard good things and the reviews are very good. I think the reviews are good because this is the only Chinese restaurant in bountiful, and Chinese food is delicious. This one is very mediocre or slightly below that. It is not worth driving to this place and it is not worth waiting to eat here either. The rest of my party agreed that it was only ok.
(2)
Heather P.
Best Chinese you'll ever have get egg rolls spring rolls beef and green beans Singapore noodles it's all great
(5)
Sierra S.
Normally my family loves the Mandarin, but our (lack of) experience today was terrible. We called the restaurant before going in for dinner and got an automated message telling us the restaurant was open for business. My family, who is from out of state, and I drove 40 minutes to Mandarin only to find a note on the entrance saying they are closed until October 5th. The fact they failed to make note of this when we called in was ridiculous. Letting customers know that the restaurant is CLOSED FOR WEEKS should be a pretty standard procedure. We will not be coming back to Mandarin.
(1)
Angie B.
Very nice and clean restaurant. It was busy but we got seated right away. Our waiter was really professional and got our drinks right away. We had the chicken lettuce appetizer that was delicious and almost a meal on its own, Im not a big chicken fan but the Almond Chicken was to die for. The curry chicken wasnt to hot or too spicy but just right. The service was fantastic our waiter was very attentive, courtous and timely. YUM YUM YUM, dont get fooled by this hole in the wall its a diamond in the ruff.
(5)
Makenzie L.
This place is amazing. If you ever want quality Chinese, go here! It's really busy on the weekends but it's so worth it. Everything here is good. Especially the honey walnut shrimp. I also really like the beef and broccoli. The food comes out fast and it's great for groups. The place is very charming and unique.
(5)
Buddy C.
Really good chinese food here. The five taste shrimp is so good also the Malaysian fried rice is good. Family friendly. Great service.
(4)
Tyson G.
Best Americanized Chinese food around.
(4)
Sarah R.
Best Chinese anywhere! Except maybe in china! Get the char shu fried rice, General Tsaos chicken or cashew chicken. It is very busy. Secret is: call it in, pick it up, take it home and you'll avoid the crowd and waiting.
(5)
Spencer M.
Excellent food, great atmosphere. The egg rolls just may be the best in Utah! They have several dishes seasoned with curry that were to die for. The only dish that wasn't phenomenal was the Omperial Noodles, but even those were better than any take out place. I will be back here for sure.
(5)
Steve F.
Food is OK but over priced and not much space. Food is bland but typical for the area. Ample parking but really not worth it, other places in the area with better food and prices.
(2)
Sarah C.
Mandarin serves Americanized Chinese food with a twist in a fun interior. Don't expect authentic Chinese (it ain't) but do expect updated versions of American-Chinese standards. Orange-Peel Chicken, for instance, actually taste like oranges, not orange corn syrup! The soups also include a real broth with fresh veggies, not the thickened stuff with canned veggies at hole-in-the-wall places. I like junky Chinese food (see my review of Little World, haha), but this place is a nice refresh from that. Additionally, this place is owned by a Greek family and has some Greek-influenced dishes on the menu. I've never ordered these dishes, but it's interesting and I appreciate that the Mediterranean influence means more fresh veggies and less weird soupiness to the sauces. Also, it's a place that serves alcohol and coffee in Bountiful. Praises be! The plum wine spritzer is lovely, by the way. Downside: the espresso is decaf, but at least it's there if you want decaf? (I think decaf misses the point of after-dinner coffee) Other downside: the service is once in a while a bit clueless (I was told all the coffee was decaf, only to find many visits later it's just the espresso is, and some general things like that), but very friendly. However, that is kind of a problem across Bountiful - the local teenage population is a bit odd and can be awkward in that way that teenagers are (and Bountiful isn't big on coffee or alcohol so not knowing those menus well is something I should expect), but it's kinda become part of the entertainment for me how they will sometimes pop out of nowhere to fill your water. On a similar note, the Mandarin is great for people-watching, and has a great overall vibe. It's just an entertaining spot.
(4)
Jessica S.
This place has been around for years and we're going on four generations of our family loving it. We haven't had a bad thing here. We love the service and the family! There are so many good things. Just a few of our favorites would be five taste shrimp, catfish, egg foo yung, spicy scallops and the beef and broccoli. By far our fav in town!
(5)
Clarence P.
I only rated it this high due to the area this restaurant is in. It's a good, Americanized Chinese restaurant. The dishes are much better than any regular, cheap, local Chinese restaurant but they are all similar in the sense that the dishes are very sweet. There is a reason that no Asians (or more specifically, Chinese) are dining here. Everyone is white. But you can't expect much more here in Utah. For what it is, it's pretty dang good. For good Chinese food, it's alright, but no one in Utah is looking for real Chinese food, which is a shame. For just about every dish, no matter how anyone describes it, whether it be garlicky, savory, etc. it is above all, sweet. But they do have very soft toilet paper. Best experience I've had at a restaurant bathroom. It's nice to have a restaurant that considers when food both enters AND exits the body.
(4)
Jason K.
This is by far the best Chinese food in Utah. This isn't some strip mall, cheap takeout place. The owner is serious about his food. He goes to China once a year and finds new dishes and recipes. His chefs are all Chinese as far as I know. There is just a feeling and taste of authenticity when you eat the food there. You can really order anything here and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Dave N.
I know I'm the oddball here, but for the second time in a row, the takeout meal we bought here was just simply bad food. The honey walnut shrimp we have eaten here and loved so many times in the past, just was not good. Gross parts of the shrimp were being pulled out of everyone's mouth while eating--not a pretty sight. The mongolian beef was all onions and peppers--practically no beef. The general Tshao's chicken was at least edible. But in the end, just a whole evening of wishing it had come with a bottle of TUMS instead of a fortune cookie. I think the food was much better in the past, and the staff is so-so on the friendly scale. As far as price goes, our takeout meal was $58 for a family of four--acceptable if the food is spectacular, but alas the food is mediocre at best. I'll admit, if it were my restaurant, I wouldn't worry too much about this review I'm writing; after all, they are packed to capacity most evenings, and everyone else seems to love them. Go figure. Maybe everyone in Bountiful just loves it because they have ALWAYS loved it, and there isn't much else in town.
(1)
Kevin P.
Verdict from two non-utah residents: Basically higher priced Panda Express quality food. Or maybe a step up from panda express if we're talking baby steps. They had service down and a decent ambiance, so we'll give it 2 stars We had pepper tofu, and the imperial vegetarian dish, plus the cream corn soup. Heavily salted and gelatinous sauces, bland (basically cannned) ingredients, McDonald's pepper, and plenty of oil, accompanied by a salty, snot-like soup. Generally speaking America never really strays far from this when it comes to Chinese tho, so most people will enjoy it. Disappointed based on high ratings and awards, but It's all relative.
(2)
Gracie V.
The Mandarin. It has some definite highlights worth exploring for a foodie but one specific lowlight that cannot be ignored. My friend and I ordered the sweet and sour almond chicken, the Mongolian pork noodle, and white rice. The almond chicken was so delicious. The sauce is sweet but delicate. It compliments not overpowers the dish, which in my book is the true winner. On the downside, I prefer thinner sliced chicken because I like a good coating of fried batter. Other than that, I'd recommend ordering it. Now onto the Mongolian pork. The veggies that come in the dish were spot on. Crisp but well cooked. The hoisin sauce covering everything is very savory. The meat is also delicious. My biggest complaint is the noodles!!! Maybe it's because I love Chinese food or perhaps because I lived in China for some time but having fettuccine noodles instead of actual Chinese noodles was the biggest let down of all! And for that reason alone, I couldn't let myself give this place four stars much less five.
(3)
Na S.
This restaurant would have received 5 stars if the portions were bigger and if they didn't charge $1.5 for the rice. usually Asian restaurants give you big portions but don't expect having food left for leftovers, it just won't happen! I also think it's a bit pathetic to charge for rice when you a e paying an average of $12 for the main dish. pros: The food is indeed delicious. We usually order the lemon chicken and pequin beed. I really like the mongolian beef as well. My husband has ordered a curry chicken and was surprisingly good. The Imperial vegetarian noodles were disappointing. Nowhere in the description says the noodles are dry, so I won't be ordering it again. For dessert we usually get the fallen angel cake. The food is delicious and service is attentive., yes it is busy and you have to wait a bit but it's worth it. Just stop being cheap with the portions and with the rice and I will give you 5 stars!
(4)
Seymour P.
After going to this restaurant several more times, I can say that this place is amazing. I even received a personalized yelp message addressing all of my complaints. I love the mandarin!
(5)
Brian B.
Best Chinese in Utah hands down. Chicken soong imperial is good, Mongolian beef as well and their homemade cinnamon ice cream is great. Go early cuz it's busy!
(5)
Kacee P.
For sure best Chinese food in Bountiful!!
(4)
Nathan A.
Wow they re a very good restaurant. They are pricey. They have fine dining here and are fancy. They have a very big selection of food to eat and it is all cooked very well. I would recommend their honey walnut shrimp it is to die for and very good.
(5)
Tyler S.
This place is the best Chinese in Utah. It has a great atmosphere. Fantastic flavors, large portions. Super popular place big crowds long wait. I had scallops they were fantastic as well. We also shared sizzling rice soup which was a good start. They take reservations for 8 so round up some friends
(5)
Gabriel T.
My family and I have been eating here for years now. Tonight I came in with some friends for dinner. We had the special of the evening, the salmon spring rolls which were popular amongst my friends. We had a couple beers from their tap. Our second course was a whole Peking Duck. It was very good. Rich duck with a perfectly cooked crispy skin. Following the duck we had something I've never tried, the Whole Fish. In tonights case the owners fish of choice for us was two Sea Bass. They were prepared in a very traditional way. It reminded me of my time in the Philippines. The Sea Bass were steamed and came in a soy ginger broth with fresh ginger and cilantro. I grew up in the Bay Area in California and this fish was fresh. Needless to say my favorite. By the time dinner arrived we were just about full. Quite unfortunate really because we'd ordered some of our favorites but still were great. In my choice of foods I prefer "the road less traveled." This is very true for the Mandarin. Some complain of generic food but they get what they order. Exploring really pays off. Overall, good company, good food, good times.
(4)
Abigail B.
Yummy
(5)
Steve K.
Heard for years that the Mandarin was the best chinese in Utah. Well if finally made it there. I live in SLC so the commute to Bountiful was, and is a deterrent. I concur that this is the best chinese in Utah. Everything I have tried on the menu has been excellent. I am not a big walnut shrimp fan but my friend ordered it. I tried it out and it was exceptional. I will always stop in there when in the Bountiful area from now on.
(5)
Mike L.
I would give it 6 stars if it was offered. Easily the very best Chinese food in Utah!!! Unusual and delicious dishes, friendly, quick waiters and waitresses. Always fresh, flavorful and hot. We go as a family and we each order one entree then share so we get a taste of everything. If you want to give it a try just one word of warning - get there early - 4:30 p.m. or earlier.
(5)
Joseph P.
Wanted to surprise my wife on her birthday and take her to her favorite Chinese place. Got all the way to bountiful to find out they had closed early. Nothing on their website or posted at the restaurant. We went to little world Chinese restaurant about 10 miles south and had a blast.
(2)
Rich F.
I have been dining at the Mandarin for years. They have so many great choices and we have so many favorites. A request to Mandarin...is it possible to have a nightly special without salmon? Had two of our favorites...Spiced Shrimp and Orange Beef. Spiced shrimp is always so good and full of flavor. While we always order Orange Beef, it can be a hit and miss. Last night was a miss...the beef was like deep fried jerky versus the normal tender. My family ordered the Salmon special. Funny, they kept teasing me that I would have to try it and that I don't know what I am missing. However...none of them liked it...called Coconut Thai Curry Salmon. It was served in a very spicy hot curry. Most was left at the end of dinner. Tried their flight of ice cream with my wife at the end. Five different flavors of truly homemade ice cream (ginger, mango, pomegranate, cinnamon, double chocolate) and an oatmeal crisp cookie...a new favorite! Be prepared to wait for a while to be seated as it is always busy. There is always a line when they open too...at 4:30! Don't expect a warm welcome...definitely an area for improvement. And if you don't have every single person in your party present when your name is called you WILL NOT be seated. This one has always been silly to me...isn't that why you have appetizers on the menu? While I have listed some criticisms, will still drive 40 minutes and wait in line when I want some good quality and great tasting Chinese food.
(4)
Allison M.
Great restaurant! The hype is a bit much though. Trying to actually eat at the Mandarin is tricky. Plan on getting there early to be seated bt dinner. We get take out fairly often, and havent had a bad choice yet. We do prefer to dine in, as opposed to getting take out. The food is much better!
(3)
Melissa W.
I hadn't been here in years, and finally got to go back. I wait was extremely long. But the food was great! And I'd come back!
(3)
Sandra L.
This place is really good! If my husband was rating it he would have given it 5 stars but being that the majority of there food options are very spicy I could only give it 4. Pricing is high but the ambiance is very nice. We have eaten there about 4 times now and when I received a dish that was absurdly spice but not labeled so, they returned my dish without any questions and replaced it at no cost. We will definitely be visiting Mandarin Restaurant for many years to come!
(4)
Miles B.
We go, or get take out from here every get together family event. Love the food. This is a hometown classic for all that enter bountiful
(5)
Douglas S.
Orange beef was fantastic and the rest was good but not exceptional. You get to pay for rice here which is not something I approve of, but it is all good especially for Utah Chinese.
(4)
Dan C.
Even if you've never been to China or had Chinese food this still wouldn't be best of Utah... And for a Chinese-Mediterranean fusion I was super disappointed. The walk up to the restaurant is exciting, it's quiet neighborhood setting and the gardens and wood carvings give the place a great ambiance. Honestly I was underwhelmed. My first clue should have been all the bountiful teens working, and the menu completely in English. It is like pf changs or similarly flavored "Chinese" food. Only a few dishes retain their heritage. Meats were actually tender nice cuts and well prepared but the honey, soy sauce and ketchup glazes were bland or over sweetened versions. The Sichuan shrimp was an offensive mix of ketchup onions and peas with lots of sugar. And they somehow messed up black bean sauce in the Hunan beef. (These were the recommendations of our server.) Over priced for the amount of food you get. Even the fried rice was just mediocre, it was dry and flavorless. Potstickers had a nice crispy bottom but inside it was just a dry dense sausage ball. Real potstickers are juicy and tender and the consistency is based on the proper ratio of meat to vegetables. If you want real potstickers head to four seasons hot pot. I tried it based on super good yelp reviews and critic awards, but I won't be going back. There are too many better options in the price range, that give you more, and taste more authentic.
(2)
Erica D.
My absolute cannot-be-topped favorite chinese restaurant ever... right in Bountiful, Utah! I've lived in Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, and New York, and have yet to find a decent competitor to Mandarin. It's honestly perfect to me. I think I just salivated all over my keyboard. Every dish is beyond my wildest chinese food fantasies, so try them all. My personal favorites are the pot stickers, the wonton soup, and the mongolian beef. You also must get a pomegranate spritzer to drink with your meal - it's a concoction of the Gods! I noticed people are complaining about the wait, but I have never waited more than twenty-five minutes with out a reservation (you're going to wait over an hour at an Olive Garden on a Saturday night). That's right, people, RESERVATION. Make one if time is that important to you. You'll get in within five minutes or so of your reservation time. If you are in Utah, make Mandarin your numero uno dinner reservation. Your only regret will be never fully loving any other chinese restaurant again.
(5)
Lindsay S.
Everything I have ever tried here is delicious. I have been probably 50+ times? The eggrolls are so good, larger than normal with this extra crispy exterior and comes with this delicious duck sauce. Five taste shrimp is my favorite I think. The soups and desserts are great too. I can't wait to move back to the area so I can eat here all the time!
(5)
Tye B.
Noisy. Good quick service. Chasing tail on tap. Bad- Menu is a bit too large and busy. Good- menu is a bit too large and busy. Peking duck. Mmmm. Old creepy guy wandering. A bit of a detraction. Seaweed soup tastes like a Japanese food delivery truck crashed into a canal full of dead carp. Really? Nori paper? Duck jerky.... Errr BBQ duck is noooo good.
(3)
Rachel W.
For all the hype, it wasn't all I had hoped. Perhaps I didn't get the right dish, but it was mediocre. I would rather drive to West Valley and eat at Red Maple.
(3)
J. B.
The Mandarin restaurant is a family favorite and one that we find any excuse to celebrate so we can get together here for a delicious meal. The service is always attentive - both from the main servers and from those making sure your drinks are always full. Owners, Angel and her dad, Greg, are often present making sure that things are running smoothly - which is nice. Angel also makes the desserts and a favorite is cinnamon ice cream. Food is served family style so you can easily share. We switch up a few things in our order, but the dishes we always get are the potsticker appetizer; Five Taste shrimp which is sweet and comes with walnuts, Cashew Chicken; Mediterranean Shrimp - with delicious veggies, tomatoes and Feta cheese; Salmon in Brown Bean Sauce is always perfectly steamed; and Shrimp Fried Rice. Other favorites are Coconut Thai Curry and Orange Peel Beef. Everything is good here and if you do have any leftovers, they hold up well for the next day. We like the option of getting 1 1/2 size order for our favorite dishes we want a larger portion of. We also like that they use local produce in their food. This is one of the few restaurants where it's worth the wait to get in as it is consistently good.
(5)
Nate J.
I see a lot of comments about this being "Americanized" food and I agree that just might be true. I've heard of what real authentic Chinese dishes can be like and I'll tell you I'll lean towards the American version. This is great food whatever you want to call it! The best "American" Chinese food in the state in my opinion. The Mandarin has been in the national spotlight for its food. And if you take the time to learn of The Mandarin's history you will learn that this is not your average Chinese restaurant. The place is often crowded, but my experience has always been pleasant. Great setting, clean, presentation of food is above average, and the service exceeds many of the other restaurants and the food has always been delicious!
(5)
Daryl B.
I liked the place and thought it was worth the money. Many people call this the best Chinese in Utah. It may be. It didn't blow me out of the water though. My wife and I ordered appetizers and three entrees and it was right at about $50. I feel like I got my money's worth.
(3)
Ryan J.
No trip to visit Family in Utah is complete without the expected gathering at the Mandarin. It is a chaotic yet sublime scene and one that we have been recreating for many, many years. This place is the gold standard for Chinese and with each travel to new cities and new cuisine this standard is only further polished. Their superior craft is shown in the attention to detail and each dish is rich in flavor and quality. We have explored the menu with the zeal of Magellan and have yet to find a dish that has failed to reach the bar that this restaurant has set. This is truly one of those few restaurants that is above reproach. Its long history and very long lines bear witness to that claim.
(5)
Travis W.
Food tasted great. However, for me the actual highlight of the meal wasn't my main course but the egg roll I ordered and the sauce it came with (wish I could recall what kind of sauce it was).
(4)
Leigh S.
Just tried this place tonight, we got take-out. While the person who answered the call was very helpful, I had a question about one of their dishes. That's about all the good I can say about this place!! Our order: Hot & Sour soup = meh, hubby said he's had better Corn & Chicken soup = meh, it was sweet!! (both of the serving was for 1 person, but it was so small!!!) Wonton soup = son said the wontons were good Kung Pao Beef = asked for x-tra spicy & it didn't come as requested. It was ok Five Flavor Shrimp = meh, it was also a sweet dish Sweet & Sour Shrimp = meh, son got sick from eating this I'm still amazed that that people give this place such a great review!! We've tried many Chinese places around us & I have to say that Boba World is going to be our regular Chinese place when we're in the mood.
(2)
Felix B.
The best Asian food I've ever eaten. Literally every dish is great. It gets extremely busy though, so make sure you have a reservation or are ready to wait 30 or so minutes for a table.
(5)
M O.
A unique, exquisite experience. Rated one of the top 100 Chinese restaurants in the nation, and absolutely deserving of the distinction. This is the restaurant that everyone brings out of town visitors to. It's the top restaurant in Bountiful. The line starts forming half an hour before they open. On weekends the wait is over an hour. Weeknights you get seated pretty quickly. The staff are attentive, and generally excellent. The owners / operators are actually a Greek family. They're extremely personable and make an effort to make the rounds of the very large restaurant so that you have a chance to let them know how your experience is and even to get to know them. The dishes are not really authentic Chinese, but more authentic than the general American fare, albeit always with a twist. Every experience here is a quality experience. My brother loves it so much that he had the habit of dropping in alone and ordering a family size serving of either their Shark Fin or Sizzling Rice soup. Because it tends to be so busy, we don't usually go here unless we have company. Joy Luck is much quieter and more relaxed so that tends to be our go to Chinese restaurant when we just want to eat out.
(5)
Doug M.
Americanized Chinese food for the masses. Bland food is extremely popular in Utah and the Mandarin delivers. You get faux Chinese food fried nice and greasy unencumbered by all those strong spices and flavors like garlic and peppers :). I had to go there two or three times as a guest and everything tasted the same but other than being crispy and oily had very little flavor so I can readily understand why you have to stand in line to get in there. Someone compared it to P.F. Chang's but I think Chang's actually has more flavor.
(2)
Dotty N.
I have been going here since I was in the womb! If you haven't had the Mandarin, you don't know good Chinese! Seriously, I thought I hated Chinese food because they spoiled me. But don't take my word for it, these guys habitually rate among the top Chinese restaurants in the country, for decades now. Their food is always prepared expertly and consistently. I tend to stick with my comforts and order Imperial Noodles, Almond Chicken, Oyster Sauce anything, Yang Chow Fried Rice, Szechuan Shrimp, Moo Shoo, and I always throw in something new for good measure. I honestly don't think you'll disappointed with anything you order, I never have been!
(5)
Ekaterina P.
What?! Not "real" Chinese food (as 7/1/14 person from Los Angeles suggests)?! Don't know where you've been eating (nor does it matter what State you've been eating it in), but if you're a regular at the Mandarin, you will quickly realize it is one of a kind! And, if you take a few more steps to look through the takeout out window to the kitchen, you will see "real" Chinese cooks working to prepare "high end" food. I am not new to Chinese food, or at dining only in Utah. We travel, and love to eat and prepare good food. This place rocks when it comes to quality ingredients, great sauces (with more taste variety than you will savor anywhere), and authentic dishes from several regions of China. (Note: The owner is Greek - and, YES, with a genuine Chinese kitchen staff - and he told us that he decided to let the cooks play with some "Greek" ingredients to make a delicious dish "made in a wok.") It has every right to be on the menu, and Chinese food connoisseurs know it's not traditional Chinese, and if they wish, they can try something with a fun twist... ethnic fusion. It's ONE entree out of a bountiful array of Chinese menu options, all worth exploring!
(5)
Karli P.
Everyone knows that I hate Chinese food, but my friends insisted that we go here anyways. I ordered the Kung Pao noodles with no tofu, and the portion size was great! I had enough to take home for the next day. The place is clean and always crowded. The crowd is always a good sign! The noodles had little peppers mixed in, and I thought I was going to die! I can't handle spice, and this was incredibly spicy. I thought I was going to cough so hard my eyes would fall out! The noodles were delicious once you got past the spice. I gave my left overs to my brother because I didn't think my digestive track could take that much spice again! Spice lovers must try this dish.
(3)
Zacharey J.
This has been a family favorite sense before I was born. The food is not authentic Chinese but do not be fooled it is not PF Chang's or Panda Express at all! The restaurant is very popular so expect it to be busy and to have to have a little wait but it is worth it. The Mandarin has been voted in the top rankings of best Chinese food in the United States. Expect: Good Food Good Service Great Experience I recommend Five Taste Shrimp and a Frozen Guava Lemonade.
(5)
Shawn W.
There are not a lot of places we can go that have gluten free food. The pepper halibut and honey walnut shrimp are/were amazing!!!
(5)
Jim W.
Never been to China, but i've been to TONS of chinese places. May be American version of Chinese. If so - it's what I use to judge other Chinese - and few compare. I have never had a bad meal. The wait can be horrible - but so it goes with great restaurants. Go to Panda Express if you want buffet type food quickly. I can't wait to get back to SLC and eat here. The Mandarin has served me dozens of times - and never a complaint!
(5)
Dale D.
I lived in the Bay area (south bay in silicon valley) for years and the best Chinese on the planet is there, they all moved from San Francisco south and opened restaurants. The Mandarin would have been considered top 5 if it were there. This place is tops. Quality and consistent. The only downfall is they have two levels of heat setting on their food. Bland no heat at all (for newbies) and Blow off the roof (lots of chilis, tounge deadening heat). I wish they could control their heat more. Give a third setting, called... "Some heat okay and leave me some taste buds". Regardless best Chinese in Utah. Top 10 Chinese west of Denver to San Francisco. And found in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Go figure.
(5)
Brad R.
Been going here for years. Love the food. The owner of the restaurant still shops every day for the food at local grocery stores to get fresh food. Great service. The Almond Chicken is delicious.
(5)
C F.
I'm glad to see that other people are beginning to see the light on this place. Don't get me wrong, the story of the success of this place is heartwarming and it was one of the first Chinese food options in the state. It's been here so long that people have an emotional attachment because they go when there is a special event in their life so all the good memories come back when they visit again. From an outsiders point of view though it doesn't have more to offer than most Chinese food restaurants. I forgot how huge the menu was the first time I went. There is no way with the amount of logistics in running a place this busy that all of the options are that much different. Of course I haven't sampled everything but the biggest problem is that it all tastes typical. I think because it's so established that it would be a financial mistake to change how they do things but there lies the problem. They aren't inventive or original in any way. It's the equivalent of an upscale Walmart. Everyone knows what you are going to get but it's done in a fancy way. Your money is better spent trying something new than paying for a "community treasure" and a nice atmosphere.
(2)
Rob W.
Quickest way to summarize this place: It's a PF Chang clone. This is heavily Americanized Chinese food and while it's competently executed, you'll be disappointed if you come here looking for authentic flavors and deftly prepared dishes. This is a high-volume turnover sort of place, not a place that's really about interesting food. If you like PF Chang, you'll like this place. If you're seeking truly good food, there are better choices.
(3)
Dan T.
I like this place. She's not cheap and almost always full, but worth the discomfort. For the location (Bountiful) it is top end dinning. Try the duck (order a day before you go) if you like quacker. It was a culinary experience. Also, I had some crazy wonton/dim sum things that ruled.
(4)
Ameilia Q.
This place is an institution in Bountiful and I'm not sure why. It is not particularly good Chinese food but I suppose it was one of the few games in town for quite a while. There is better Chinese available but you will probably have to drive outside of Bountiful to get it.
(2)
Monica T.
After hearing so much about this place, I finally made it up here and was not disappointed. We showed up at about 5pm on a Saturday and had to wait about five minutes for a table, but it was no big deal. Service was slow at first because the waiter didn't realize our table was in his section. Once they got that figured out, the service was just about perfect. We started with the sizzling rice soup, which was a major treat. Not a lot of places have it and before this, I didn't know a place in Utah that served it. It was delicious. I got the crispy duck, which was a bit different than I was expecting. It was basically like fried chicken, except with duck, and I had it in my head that this one would be a little more sauce based. It wasn't bad, but I don't think I'd order it again. My boyfriend got the lamb curry which was perfectly spiced and absolutely delicious. I'm getting that next time!
(4)
Jason K.
I've got to admit, I came here with tempered expectations. This place is, after all, owned by a Greek family, notwithstanding their claim that they import their chefs from Hong Kong and San Francisco. My expectations did not change on seeing the clientele...not an Asian face to be found (a usually reliable litmus test for Chinese Restaurants). Interestingly, it was 5pm on a Tuesday afternoon, and there was a line of six other parties waiting for the place to open! Wtf? For a Chinese restaurant, prices were rather high. Service from a fully Caucasian waitstaff was efficient if not overly friendly. The hot and sour soup did nothing for me...it was bland with little spice or vinegary tang. But surprisingly, the dishes were delicious and, dare I say, verging on authentic. The shrimp with lobster sauce was especially tasty with a healthy dose of garlic, crunchy water chestnuts, tender strips of pork (instead of the usual ground pork, a nice touch) and perfectly plump large shrimp. Yum. The crispy Peking Beef was perhaps battered a bit too thickly, but the flavor was spot-on and the sauce was subtly sweet without being cloying. The pork and eggplant with garlic sauce would have been a nice dish as well but was served without the....pork! This oversight was pointed out to the waitress and was promptly corrected (would have been nice to get an apology, though). Overall, we were surprised to have gotten a very credible Chinese meal in Bountiful, of all places. If we're ever in the area again, we will be sure to return.
(4)
Amy O.
One of my favorite places to eat! We used to live up the street & could smell the food from a block away! You can choose anything on the menu & be happy! Very friendly family owned business!
(5)
Alex D.
This is by no leans an "authentic" Chinese food restaurant. It's more American Chinese food. The food is really good. The vegitables are locally grown and VERY fresh. But I think that it's quite overpriced in my opinion. The decor is kind of ancient Chinese knock-off that's kind of over done, but it does add to the atmosphere. What I find quite funny is how the local youth come here for prom. Classy!
(4)
Steven C.
This is our go-to place when we want Chinese. My favorite entree is the Tropical Thai Tofu. It has the perfect amount of hot and sweet. The food is really what brings us back. The restaurant from the outside is interesting but the inside is kinda dated. The servers are decent. They always seem a bit confused when items from the alcohol menu are ordered. I rarely see other patrons order alcohol/beer, so maybe that's why. We did take-out once, but unfortunately our order was incorrect (I received the Tropical Thai CHICKEN instead of the TOFU). The manager was very apologetic and kind in responding to my email. They have kept me as a loyal customer.
(5)
Missy H.
I hate going out to eat with my food restrictions, until the mandarin. They have a big gluten free menu. And soy and dairy free! And they were even super nice about it. And above all the food was YUMMY! I am now their biggest fan.
(5)
Jim G.
Excellent Chinese, good variety, very good ingredients. You won't have a bad experience here, they have very high standards. Busy but there is a good reason for it.
(5)
Ashley F.
Best Asian food I've had in Utah! Large variety of vegetarian dishes that are totally delish! I recommend the vegetarian cashew! My only complaint is tht it's far away, they need to branch out to the south valley!
(5)
Brooke B.
I never give Chinese restaurants 5 stars, but I had too with the Mandarin. The other Yelpers are right, this place is hard to beat. I noticed they are very busy, looks like there's a wait but the waiting room is pretty cool. I was alone, so I just ordered the Chicken Broccoli Noodles for take-out and they were excellent. I can image how they are for sit down. They take reservations for parties of 8 or more. Check their website for more details and a menu. A must try!
(5)
Joseph S.
OUTSTANDING!! it took Greeks to prepare delicious Chinese food try the combo & the kung pao shrimp is killer good! (if you dont like spicy order it mild) if you have any room left get the macadamia nut caramel sundae
(5)
Tristan A.
"American" Chinese food. Overpriced and over-rated. WHAT is the fuss?? I just can't see it.
(2)
T G.
Don't believe them when they tell you under an hour. We've been sitting for an hour and a half. Don't ask them after an hour either. 10 more min and we are out. We finally got to sit and eat so I up'ed my experience from 1 star to 2 stars. I wanted it to be great because the hype was definitely there. But it was not worth the wait. I will not be going back to dine in. I could order some togo but my wife's food was microwave dinner at best.
(2)
Jason F.
We visited this restaurant on a Friday night after deciding not to wait for another restaurant to have an open table. It is a bit out of the way if you live in Salt Lake City. It is in Bountiful. We only went here because some of our friends were familiar with it. The Mandarin restaurant serves traditional Chinese food. From the outside it definitely lacks any curb appeal. In fact it is quite out of place in the middle of a residential neighborhood. You've got love the lack of zoning laws in Utah. The inside manages a little better. It is decorated with faux Chinese wood paneling and lots silk covered lanterns. On a primitive design level it mostly works. They had some sort of green onion pancake starter they wanted us to try so we did. It was just okay. Based on the hype from the host and wait staff it should have been much better. Maybe they got a good deal on pancake batter and needed to use it up. The lettuce wraps are not as good a PF Chang's or Pei Wei Diner. The entree's proved to be much better. All the dishes we tried had good flavor and were well prepared. The almond chicken was very tasty. All of the food has MSG on it, without a doubt. The noodles were not the best, but they did satisfy. I think this restaurant may have become popularized with the local denizens and therefore seeped into the local restaurant consciousness. They also have nightly specials which might make return visits easier. The restaurant is owned by Greek-Americans, and there is nothing wrong with that. I know some people feel that having a Chinese owned Chinese restaurant somehow makes it better. Not in this case. I was feeling generous and gave it four stars. It is not easy to find if you have not been here before. Be prepared to wait if you visit on a weekend evening. Their web site has annoying music playing on it that you can't turn off. Seriously, 1997 is over, get a better web site.
(4)
L C.
Disappointing experience. The food was just okay. I dined in the restaurant but also ordered something to-go, and they didn't include any rice with the to-go order. Had to cook my own rice for the next day.
(2)
Rick H.
I've been making the trek from Utah county to Bountiful since I moved to Utah several years ago. The Mandarin is the best Chinese in Utah, period! I have yet to introduce this restaurant to anyone who hasn't fallen in love with the food. It's almost an obsession. I've never had anything at the Mandarin that I haven't loved--and I've tried just about everything. Love the egg rolls, almond chicken, Mongolian pork, five taste shrimp, beef and asparagus..... The staff is always friendly, the food always excellent. If I remember correctly, the kitchen staff are mostly from Taiwan, or maybe it was Hong Kong. I can't remember. "Americanized" Chinese? I'm not sure. But, It tastes a lot like the food from my favorite Chinese restaurant in Singapore.
(5)
K M.
By far the best Chinese food I have had. My family loves when I bring this food home for dinner. Dining in is also a great experience that I can share with my loved ones.
(5)
Erin Q.
Birthday dinner #3! I love me some good Chinese food, and this place does it right. Our bill last night consisted of the following items: Peaches and cream smoothie 2 Strawberry Daquiris Pina Colada Lettuce wraps with a peanut sauce Crab and Cream Cheese Wontons Kung Pao Chicken Mongolian Beef Almond Chicken Lo Mein Macadamia Nut Ice Cream The drinks were really good, and the size of the glass was pleasing. Usually I expect restaurants to serve you a specialty drink in the tiniest, pansiest glasses around. But at Mandarin, they actually give you about an 18 oz glass...not bad. The appetizers were really good as well. I hate crab, but the crab and cream cheese wontons were actually tasty, especially with this lemon sauce that you put on them...yum. Oh, and the Lettuce wraps were WAY better than anything I've had at PF Changs. Instead of using iceberg lettuce, they use romaine, which tastes so much better and is much easier to eat the meat on...the leaves don't crack apart or anything. As far as our entrees go, they were good. I don't think that I'm a fanatic for Mandarin, unlike the guys I was with, who are borderline obsessed. My kungpao was really good and spicy, but the lo mein, I'm sorry to say it, but it was very reminiscent of the chow mein that you order at Panda Express...not really what I was expecting. But the vegetables in it were really fresh and very tasty. The atmosphere is pretty sweet. The entire place is completely decked out, and it seems as though it would always be busy. It looks to be one of those restaurants that your family loves to go to on the nights you don't want to cook, or you had a track meet and that's where you head after. There seem to be a lot of people who frequent the restaurant, which makes sense given that it's located essentially in a residential neighborhood. It's not really a hole in the wall, but more like a relatively hidden gem. If I lived in Bountiful, I'd definitely hit this place up more often. Given that I live almost an hour away, I think I'll have to settle for coming here when I'm already up this far. But as the caption for 4 stars reads - Yay! I AM a fan.
(4)
Blue B.
The food here was ok. Service is very good. I wouldn't say anything we tried was any better than your run of the mill strip mall chinese joint.... It's just dressed up with white table cloths and glass dishes. There are much better choices, even in bountiful.
(2)
C. Spencer R.
A classic Bountiful icon, in the middle of NOWHERE! Sizzling Soup is wonderful, but almost every appetizer is worth getting; you could do a full meal of just appetizers and be so pleased! Their sweet and sour sauce on the Almond Chicken is liquid heaven.
(5)
Alan M.
Very popular, very busy, and overrated. Notwithstanding, the food is good if you're looking for greasy American-Chinese fare.
(3)
Cyrus M.
The best Chinese food that we've found north of Salt Lake. The cashew chicken, chow mein, and General Tso's chicken are all recommended. We've had a couple less-than-stellar take-out experiences, which is what dropped my rating to 4 stars.
(4)
Chad L.
The food here is only mediocre and it is overly popular making the wait too long. It is over priced for the quality.
(2)
Jill P.
Terrible! I'm not sure why Mandarin gets good reviews. While it is very big and it was busy on a Wednesday, everyone in the place was older than 60. Maybe it's just popular for the local Bountiful seniors. I sent 2 plates back because they had food bits on them. The second time, the server asked me "is this one clean?" If she can't tell by looking at it herself, there is a problem with your service. Even without food bits, the dishes seemed to be covered in a light greasy film. I think they need to use hotter water in the dishwasher or a better detergent. The vegetable spring rolls were filled with what looked like a "frozen vegetable medley" you'd find in your grocer's freezer: carrots, mushrooms, and inexplicably, green beans. The crab and cream cheese wontons had an off flavor that was so bad we left several uneaten on the plate. They came with a side of what seemed to be lemon pie filling. The schezuan sauce seemed to be a sweet and sour sauce. There was nothing resembling schezuan about it. Apparently, ordering "hot" instead of "medium" means that you get red peppers thrown on top. The sauce itself seems to come from the same bucket. The halibut was cooked perfectly. But the sauce ruined the dish. In short, this is not only not good Chinese food, it's not good food period. Do not be fooled by these bizarre positive reviews. I can only imagine these reviewers don't eat out much or maybe don't leave the confines of Bountiful?
(1)
Austin J.
It was a fun night out to the Mandarin. I really enjoyed my time here. The orange peel chicken was the best I have had in any Chinese restaurant in town. This place does get very busy on the weekends with parties of 5 or more and can seem a little cluttered; the service though is good as well but I felt a little bugged by our waitress coming back every 3 to 5 minutes. This certainly doesn't take away from the quality of food and the exciting ambiance this place has, especially with their Christmas decorations. My new favorite Chinese place.
(4)
Groundresonance C.
Not impressed. Got a cup of hot and sour soup to start which was mediocre. My kung pao chicken was totally uninspired as well. At least Panda Express's kung pao has some color to it. This was just a brown pile. Young kids running the restaurant. I was seated right next to the kitchen and frantically waved my arms back and forth while they talked with their backs turned to me. I was trying to get someone to bring me some hot sauce. I really am confused about all the hype. I noticed they won Best Chinese in the City Weekly over Little World, which totally blows me away. Little World is real Chinese Food. This isn't even good American Chinese Food. Part of me thinks I need to go again because I must've had a bad night there, but I just can't do it.
(2)
Sarah P.
The best Chinese restaurant in the Salt Lake area! Not only does it have fabulous classic dishes but they do fantastic twists such as the Mediterranean Lamb, my favorite dish at the restaurant. Other favorites are the lettuce wraps, pot stickers and the almond chicken. Also all desserts (including ice creams!) are home made by the owner and are amazing as well! All in all one of the best restaurants and only a few minute drive out of the city!
(5)
Steve B.
This is the best "Americanized" Chinese in the area, but the last time I checked I don't live in Ethiopia. I refuse to wait in a line as long as required by the Mandarin to sit down and have a meal. Take out may be a better option for most.
(4)
Kurt J.
Excellent Chinese food. This is by far best in the state, why else would I drive from Orem just to eat here. The food is exceptional. The egg rolls are the greatest. Also, be sure to get the General Tsos chicken plate. Really all the dishes are GREAT!!! This place has nice atmosphere and excellent service. I've been in the kitchen several times and it is clean, clean, clean. What higher praise could I give a Chinese place....
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
Jennifer S.
I have heard about Mandarin for quite some time and was so excited to finally try it on Thursday night. Our party of 5 was seated right away and the host was very welcoming and informative. The restaurant is beautiful - so much detail! The service was great - attentive, friendly and very helpful. Our party enjoyed the crab wontons, egg rolls (enormous!), beef with green beans, general tso's chicken, beef and broccoli and orange chicken. Everything was so tasty and the portions were huge - we took 1/2 home for lunch the next day. I highly recommend Mandarin for anyone in the SLC area looking for quality Chinese food.
(4)Stacey W.
Upon entering the restaurant our 4 crew enjoyed the ambiance and decor. We were seated within 5 min. There is a separate gluten free menu but you must request it. The waitress was accommodating to modify my plate and serving it soy free too! I had the Thai curry shrimp with green bean- excellent. My fellow mates ordered as well and enjoyed their plates too! Only negative was that it was kinda noisy. We came in on a Wednesday eve, and the place was pretty full. Lots of worker-bees hustling about. Not a calming environment. Lastly the playing of the food was messy looking. Nothing attractive about the plating. Therefore I give this overall rating 3.5 stars... Even tho it shows 4 above. I can't give it a 3 because the food tasted great.
(4)Pete S.
Let's title this "Everyone deserves a second chance" My first visit to Mandarin resulted in only a score of 2. Within a day or two of this low score I received a (very polite) message from them which pointed out that the items we had ordered were deep fried and that they really pride themselves on their stir fried dishes. They even provided a list of suggestions to pick from and asked if we might give them another try. Boy am I glad we did! From their list of suggestions we picked the Mongolian Pork Noodles and Chicken with Garlic Sauce along with some Chicken Fried Rice. All deliciously prepared and fresh tasting, even the fried rice which on our first visit seemed to be bland was excellent. I'll chalk that first time up to maybe not being crazy about the other dishes and having a less than stellar mindset... Our server was also very knowledgeable and pleasant, just the right amount of attentiveness without being over the top. Where we were seated we had a partial view of the kitchen area and it was amazing to see the staff cranking out so many platters of food (it was a very busy Saturday night). The place was humming! I'm not sure how many restaurants take the time to read their Yelp reviews let alone respond to them but it's very obvious to me that the staff at Mandarin takes great pride in the food they serve. I'm thankful for the response I received to my first visit, had I not received that response I might not have ever gone back. Now I can't wait to return again...
(5)Em L.
Almond chicken and 5 taste shrimp....my oh my, delicious! Get there early as well! Even though it's crowded, the food is always worth the wait!
(5)Trevor J.
Hands down the best Chinese restaurant that I have ever been to! I have been a huge fan of The Mandarin since I was first introduced in about 2006. At that time it was widely considered the best or one of the best Chinese places on the west coast by a couple of travel shows, and I would still consider it that at least according to anywhere that I have tried. Once I moved back to Utah from Alaska we settled in the Bountiful area, and I am serious when I say that the Mandarin did play a small part (or at least a motivation/ pro) in our decision process. It is almost always busy, but they do take reservations and call ahead, but I will say that the process for that seems a bit broken, and im not sure how they work their wait list but it seems to be prioritized intricately/strangely. That being said we have never waited long with or without reservations, and the place is literally ALWAYS packed. If you do have a reservation though, they still expect you to show up 10 min before to check in, and if you don't they will still push you back at least the 10 minutes (which is sort of annoying & pointless). I have tried many things on their menu, and while I am typically the sort of person that likes to stick to one or two things I make it a point to order at least 1 new thing every time I go to Mandarin. Everything we have tried has been just awesome, I have never... seriously, never had a single thing here that I did not love. Some of my favorites are: Strawberry Chicken- this item is no longer on the menu, but you can still ask for it and it is seriously awesome! we went with some friends who live right next to the place and they had never heard of it, and it is now their favorite thing. My only issue is that in the past it was individually fried pieces of chicken, whereas now they fry up a full chicken breast then slice it and pour the sauce on top, the only real issue there is that it is much smaller of a portion. Their Egg Rolls- They are just awesome, they put in a few different meats including their amazing char-su and the dipping sauce is out-of-this-world! And probably my most consistent favorite that I must get every time is their Malaysian Fried Rice- it is insane that is the only was I can describe it, its god Char-su, bean sprouts, corn, pine nuts, carrots, raisins, and I don't even remember what else. It has a sort of light curry flavor to it and a nice buttery and smokiness. The décor and atmosphere it very nice, and though it would be cheap and cheesy in smaller quantity or in another setting they pull of the old Chinese gold and red ornate accents perfectly. The service has always been excellent and prompt even despite how busy it always is. If you have not been to Mandarin it is worth the trip from just about anywhere in Utah, I was surprised when I realized I hadn't already reviewed it, and again as I have been here many times my experience is not just based on one bad visit or an unexpected wait time. This really is the best Chinese in Utah, id also place Asian Star (in Midvale/Sandy) as a close second. The restaurant literally closes for 1-2 months per year because they send their chefs to China to learn new techniques, who does that? only somewhere that really cares about their product.
(5)Paylish P.
Holy crap wake up people what the crap is wrong with you? Have any of you ever eaten at a Chinese restaurant before? The heck was all the fuss about? This place is barf. Their best menu item was nasty almond, sugar free jam covered chicken and when I order, "roasted" why do I get deep fried? The fuh?
(1)Jacob S.
Almond Sweet & Sour or Strawberry chicken will be the most tender sweet love of your life. Crispy rice noodles are roasty authentic goodness. Should've called 2 days ahead of time for the pan-fried Catfish.
(4)Kathryn B.
Best Chinese food in the state in my opinion. It's often a wait to be seated because they're busy, but truly worth it. I love their curry dishes, the lettuce wraps, and the Spice Girl Chicken (an off-menu item, just try it, it's delicious). I've never had a problem with the staff, they're always friendly and helpful. And try their frozen fruit drinks!
(5)Ryan D.
Best Chinese food in Bountiful and possibly the state. I would say it's more of a 4 1/2 than a five though.
(5)Brooke S.
As a teenager, I would always get so excited when my parents would take us to the Mandarin for dinner. I tried creme brûlée for the first time at the mandarin. It instantly became my favorite dessert. Obviously, it was a memorable experience. Fast-forward 20+ years and I still feel that same excitement, when faced with prospect of dining there. I have been wracking my brain, & I'm certain that the Mandarin is the only restaurant that's been one of my favorite places to eat, for that long. Maintaining a classy establishment for that long is no small feat. Especially in a place like Utah. Five taste shrimp. Try it. We always get at least two orders of it & there are never any leftovers. Another favorite dish is the asparagus (or green beans, depending on what is in season) with black bean sauce. The Mandarin is not your typical Chinese joint. It is a top-notch restaurant. There is a reason for the perpetual line-out-the-door. I don't think it will be difficult for the Mandarin to remain relevant (and a contender for one of the consistently best restaurants in Utah) for another 20 years, at least!
(5)Emily H.
Best Chinese food ever! The service is great, the food is amazing.... eat here! Ordered the crab wonton and general tsao and orange peel chicken. There were no left overs. All of the food was amazing. The lemon sauce for the wontons was perfect. I never would have thought to have a sweet lemon sauce, great great great. We will be coming back and bringing friends
(5)Liv E.
Yummy!!!!!!! Must try!! Better try getting there early before waiting. This place is amazing!!!!
(5)Randi V.
Such a disappointing night! Full disclosure, it was a Friday night and we were a party of six. Taking that into account, we tried to go early and utilized the call ahead seating hoping to expedite the wait. We arrived at the restaurant at 6:15 and checked in. We were told it would be a 20 minute wait. As we had children in our party we discussed and decided that 20 minutes would be an acceptable wait time with them. For the next 45 minutes we waited, and waited, and waited. When we were at our breaking point and about to leave, they finally had our table ready. We got seated and then waited another 10 minutes for our server to arrive. When she finally got to our table, we were ready to place our order. As we are ordering our food she questions whether we were going to get anything with vegetables. Trying to defuse the situation I joked it off to which she responded, "oh... You just don't like vegetables." Feeling a little annoyed at being judged on our food choices, we placed our order and began to wait for our drinks. Another 10 minutes passed and with children at their breaking point, we left. I am certain the food is great. But I feel as if all of the awards and commendations this restaurant has received has left him with a gaping hole in their customer service. Update; I emailed the company and received a prompt response. I feel as if the responses I received contain helpful information for others visiting. I do feel this restaurant has a gaping hole in customer service for parties larger than three but not up to the standard of 8 for a reservation. From Angel; "This is certainly an upsetting email to receive. It is too bad people don't take time to send an email when they have had a good experience, which most do. We have often thought call ahead seating for 6 or 7 is pointless, and have considered not allowing it for the very reason you are complaining about. 80% of the time, calling ahead for that many people doesn't work. Especially when the entire valley decides to arrive between 6:00-7:00 pm. I think a better trained front employee quoting times would help, but I've been quoting times and running the list for 20 plus years and I still don't do it perfect. I stopped in tonight and know where you were sitting and who your server was. I too was there at the same time. I noticed while I was there between 6:00 and 7:15 it was an extremely S L O W start to a Friday night, so I'm not sure why you waited so long and why everything was so backwards. I really apologize for everything that happened and want you to know that our staff is trained to treat people well. We are not perfect, but we certainly aim high. I'm sorry your only and first review on YELP was your Mandarin experience. I can tell you are upset and want to get back at us for ruining your night. Well done. I know you drive a significant distance to dine at Mandarin, I actually know you. So returning is not on your radar, I understand." Angel offered to make the situation right and while I have no interest in returning, it was a nice gesture.
(2)MJ C.
Ya know, I'll admit up front, I am very picky when it comes to Asian food. I've heard people rave for years that the food is easily the best in state and worth making the drive for. I disagree. I could daily name a handful of restaurants that are better. The noodles could not have been more bland. The fried rice had a processes ham instead of legitimate ham or pork. The General Tso's was covered in tasteless crispy noodles which I really dislike. The pros: The Salmon egg roll was great. Big CON: you have to pay for regular steamed rice. I'm surprised they didn't charge me for the fortune cookie. I wish I could have my $60 back.
(2)Britt H.
We don't live in Bountiful, but whenever we're passing by or through, we stop at the Mandarin so that we can pick up an order (or three) of General Tso's. That's the best thing on the menu--the sauce is garlicky and flavorful, and the chicken is moist and cooked perfectly. Get it, you won't regret it. The fried rice is pretty good, the egg rolls are ENORMOUS (honestly, two people could very easily share one), and we really like the almond chicken, as well. I've dined in a handful of times, and the service is generally pretty good, but wait is generally pretty long. So it's not usually worth it for us to eat there. But the takeout is pretty seamless and I love eating General Tso's in the comfort of my own home. We'll keep going back!
(4)Charisse P.
Everyone raves about the Mandarin and I feel after 3 visits, I'm still wondering what all the hype is about. The food was good (not great), but the prices are very high and unreasonable in my opinion. I feel like they nickel and dime you - I've never had a Chinese place charge me for a scoop of steamed rice. The atmosphere is fun, but a little squished. I've never been wowed by the service, I actually felt like I was being pushed out the door (the waiter brought the check with the food 2 out of the 3 times I ate there...on a week day). I would go back to the Mandarin, but I would not suggest it by any means.
(2)Valerie B.
Came very highly recommended for several people. The decor was impressive. Ordered the five taste shrimp, Malaysian fried rice, and sweet and sour almond chicken. The food was ok. Portions were very small. The owner and their friends were seated in general seating next to us and other tables. They were very very loud and rude. It was hard to talk to other people at my table because they were so loud.
(1)Travis M.
My wife and I went to the Mandarin for date night and loved the food! It was a Saturday evening (~6:30 PM) and we only had to wait 15 minutes, or so. Our server was very pleasant, but the business of the evening required her to be away more than we would have liked. Bus-persons kept our drinks refilled and made sure all was well. The Mandarin isn't getting the 5th star because of our seating arrangement. We were tucked in the corner right outside the bussing and drink retrieving area. It was clanky and noisy with servers constantly walking passed, and we didn't care to see how the sausage was made, as it were. There shouldn't be a table in that location. Otherwise, wonderful!
(4)Ryan L.
Great food, great service, nice restaurant. I was surprised they made me pay an extra $1.50 to get a bowl of rice with my $13 Five Taste Shrimp dish, but I guess a place with this type of reputation can demand that. Everything is a-la-carte, as the server explains ... maybe the Mandarin is supposed to be the Ruth's Chris of Chinese food? Anyway, we had a nice dinner, and though it's definitely pricey for Chinese, it's a great meal. My wife got the Mu Shu Pork, which is basically a Chinese taco or burrito (they call them "Chinese pancakes" but they're more like tortillas). It's very tasty, as were the chicken & pine nut eggrolls we started with.
(4)Tatiana G.
I have heard a lot of good things about this place and I was excited to give it a try. This place was packed, and I'm pretty sure it always is so it was a maze to get to our table. We had a large group of 10 people so we ordered and did family style so I got to try a lot of different dishes. Orange peel chicken - the name's not lying. It tastes very strongly of orange peel. I thought it was pretty good, but you can only eat so much before the flavor may never go away. General Tsao's chicken - the chicken is breaded and has good flavor. This was my favorite thing that I tried. Beef with green beans or asparagus - the green beans were what was available. They were fresh, but didn't get cooked very well so they were quite crunchy. The flavor was good though, but I would have liked it with asparagus better. Broccoli chicken noodles - The broccoli was cooked well and there was lots of noodles and chicken. The chicken is not breaded and sliced thin which I liked. Strawberry chicken - This is not on the menu, but if you ask for it they'll make it. The chicken as lightly breaded and then covered in a strawberry sauce. It's not too sweet and it's different than anything I had tried before. Ham fried rice - really good. Simple as that. It is a little expensive, and I don't think it has too many things that I couldn't get somewhere else, but I would like to go back and try more dishes.
(4)Alec T.
I don't need to write a good review of this place, because the lines out the door at all times proves people know. If you say it's too "Americanized" you are missing the whole point. The Mandarin decided what style dish they want to serve, then go about making it the best, the best ingredients, sauces, everything. The things they do well, they do REALLY well.. Char Shu is great, the egg rolls are perfect. The 5 taste shrimp is to die for, but the top secret amazing thing that Mandarin does is the duck. The Peking Duck. This duck is a religious experience. Skin so crispy and delicious, it's perfect. Last year I had Peking duck in Beijing, at THE place for duck... the Mandarin's duck does take at least 2 days advance notice to order it, but man.. it's worth it. I think this is a seriously overlooked delicacy, and an amazing thing to have in the Utah food scene..
(5)Chloe L.
This place is pretty good. The food tasted freshly cooked, not incredibly greasy, and not saturated in sugar. Each item had its own individual flavor. The menu options were interesting too. My boyfriend got the orange chicken, and that was good. I got a beef dish, and it was good. We got the cream cheese wontons for an appetizer--I was a bit disappointed with these. They had an odd flavor. Overall, an enjoyable experience! I would recommend. A bit pricey, so watch out for that.
(4)Jonathan B.
Don't get me wrong, the food is good, the service is good, the atmosphere is awesome. I just don't understand the cult following that this place has garnered. They are a step above the normal neighborhood Chinese place, but only a small step. I didn't realized this when I got some to go & ate it at home - away from the atmosphere and the patrons raving about how awesome the food was. That's when it hit me: it's like every other Chinese place - just a bit more fancy seating area (the price is a bit more 'fancy' as well.) Eat here, just don't be one of the people that incessantly raves about how this is the only place to get good Chinese and all others are inferior.
(3)Danielle C.
When you go to a Chinese restaurant and do not see a single Asian person, you know something is not right, trust that instinct. Pretty bland. Decor is kind of tacky cool. Chicken satay tasted like nothing. And texture of chicken was strange. Pepper beef noodles was also bland and didn't have enough noodles. Sweet and sour almond chicken was the best entree we ordered, but nothing special. Overall, steamed rice (which is extra) was the best part of the meal. $40 was too much for such mediocre food. Service was prompt and polite.
(2)Alicia G.
I don't know how long the Mandarin has been in existence, but my family has been eating there for 30+ years. It's such a family favorite that we often choose it for birthday dinner. We used to get the Mandarin Dinner for 4. They've since done away with that choice, but we just order the individual components: Char Shu Pork appetizer...with mustard so spicy your sinuses will tingle with pleasure; crispy wonton skins with a yummy dollop of pork filling and sweet/sour sauce for dipping; Char Shu Wonton Soup!...spectacular pork wontons, char shu pork, pea pods, water chestnuts, cabbage in a rich broth...the stuff dreams are made of; Pork Fried Rice (more Char Shu!!!); Almond Chicken with sweet/sour sauce...very delicately deep fried, not greasy at all; and, the pièce de résistance...Szechwan Shrimp with peas, onions, garlic, and more garlic in a spicy sauce. Even after stuffing ourselves into food-pleasure comas, there is usually some left over to take home. It's a little pricey, the wait can be for-stinking-ever, the décor is over-the-top tacky, the place gets filled to overflowing...but you won't find better mandarin Chinese food anywhere in Utah.
(5)Brad B.
To start off, if I could give it zero I would. This place was terrible, I have no idea what people see in this place. I had a egg roll, mediocre at best, orange chicken, which was terrible, and got the most flavorless beef fried rice I've ever had in my entire life, honestly tasted like they washed it of its flavor before they brought it out to me, was bland. Not to sound like a racist but when you see only white people back in the kitchen at a Chinese restaurant you shouldn't expect much I've came to realize. Won't be coming back ever.
(1)Diego E.
Food: Really good Chinese food. Fresh food, deliciously made, good portions as well. The Garlic Chicken was our favorite dish. Service: Great service, Toni was our waitress and she was great. Price: Prices are good for the great food and service. Overall a good experience, we will be coming back to the Mandarin!
(4)K T.
Good food! Been coming here since I was a kid. Live out of state or I would be here more often. Last night we had the Tropical Thai Chicken. REALLY GOOD and REALLY different. Fruit, veggies and spicy red curry coconut sauce. Good heat.
(5)Mike M.
The location is abysmal and the spacing inside leaves you hoping for the elbow room in a Miada. Yet, the owner is a delight and the food is on point in all the traditional dishes. You won't see much innovation, but the Five Taste Shrimp will cause most people with a sweet toothe and a love for shellfish to return for second helpings. That being said the savory dishes are richer and more fulfilling than the sweet. It is popular. There is always a crowd on the weekend, consisting primarily of local Davis County folks. After thirty years in business they have narrowed in on what they do best and cater to the local pallet. Try the egg rolls, Kung Pow Chicken, Beef and beans, and sweet and sour pork. Soups need work. You can never go wrong with lettuce wraps.
(3)Jessie M.
People of Bountiful, unfortunately I'm not sure you know what Chinese food should taste like, cause this ain't it. Mediterranean lamb should not be on a Chinese take out menu. But it's ok.. it's just fine, lower end Chinese if you need to satisfy a craving. Personally it's always disconcerting walking into a place and seeing all white people working there, you usually know what you're getting yourself into. I'm sure they're all lovely people though. Eesh.
(2)John S.
Phenomenal service and great good! Tried the Yelpers-recommended Almond Chicken, and it did not disappoint! The Hot and Sour Soup was great, and today's Chicken Sausage Glass Noodle Special was fantastic! Definitely glad we hit the best Chinese restaurant in Utah! One of the best I've had nationwide!
(5)Oscar O.
I drove up from Salt Lake cause I have heard good things and the reviews are very good. I think the reviews are good because this is the only Chinese restaurant in bountiful, and Chinese food is delicious. This one is very mediocre or slightly below that. It is not worth driving to this place and it is not worth waiting to eat here either. The rest of my party agreed that it was only ok.
(2)Heather P.
Best Chinese you'll ever have get egg rolls spring rolls beef and green beans Singapore noodles it's all great
(5)Sierra S.
Normally my family loves the Mandarin, but our (lack of) experience today was terrible. We called the restaurant before going in for dinner and got an automated message telling us the restaurant was open for business. My family, who is from out of state, and I drove 40 minutes to Mandarin only to find a note on the entrance saying they are closed until October 5th. The fact they failed to make note of this when we called in was ridiculous. Letting customers know that the restaurant is CLOSED FOR WEEKS should be a pretty standard procedure. We will not be coming back to Mandarin.
(1)Angie B.
Very nice and clean restaurant. It was busy but we got seated right away. Our waiter was really professional and got our drinks right away. We had the chicken lettuce appetizer that was delicious and almost a meal on its own, Im not a big chicken fan but the Almond Chicken was to die for. The curry chicken wasnt to hot or too spicy but just right. The service was fantastic our waiter was very attentive, courtous and timely. YUM YUM YUM, dont get fooled by this hole in the wall its a diamond in the ruff.
(5)Makenzie L.
This place is amazing. If you ever want quality Chinese, go here! It's really busy on the weekends but it's so worth it. Everything here is good. Especially the honey walnut shrimp. I also really like the beef and broccoli. The food comes out fast and it's great for groups. The place is very charming and unique.
(5)Buddy C.
Really good chinese food here. The five taste shrimp is so good also the Malaysian fried rice is good. Family friendly. Great service.
(4)Tyson G.
Best Americanized Chinese food around.
(4)Sarah R.
Best Chinese anywhere! Except maybe in china! Get the char shu fried rice, General Tsaos chicken or cashew chicken. It is very busy. Secret is: call it in, pick it up, take it home and you'll avoid the crowd and waiting.
(5)Spencer M.
Excellent food, great atmosphere. The egg rolls just may be the best in Utah! They have several dishes seasoned with curry that were to die for. The only dish that wasn't phenomenal was the Omperial Noodles, but even those were better than any take out place. I will be back here for sure.
(5)Steve F.
Food is OK but over priced and not much space. Food is bland but typical for the area. Ample parking but really not worth it, other places in the area with better food and prices.
(2)Sarah C.
Mandarin serves Americanized Chinese food with a twist in a fun interior. Don't expect authentic Chinese (it ain't) but do expect updated versions of American-Chinese standards. Orange-Peel Chicken, for instance, actually taste like oranges, not orange corn syrup! The soups also include a real broth with fresh veggies, not the thickened stuff with canned veggies at hole-in-the-wall places. I like junky Chinese food (see my review of Little World, haha), but this place is a nice refresh from that. Additionally, this place is owned by a Greek family and has some Greek-influenced dishes on the menu. I've never ordered these dishes, but it's interesting and I appreciate that the Mediterranean influence means more fresh veggies and less weird soupiness to the sauces. Also, it's a place that serves alcohol and coffee in Bountiful. Praises be! The plum wine spritzer is lovely, by the way. Downside: the espresso is decaf, but at least it's there if you want decaf? (I think decaf misses the point of after-dinner coffee) Other downside: the service is once in a while a bit clueless (I was told all the coffee was decaf, only to find many visits later it's just the espresso is, and some general things like that), but very friendly. However, that is kind of a problem across Bountiful - the local teenage population is a bit odd and can be awkward in that way that teenagers are (and Bountiful isn't big on coffee or alcohol so not knowing those menus well is something I should expect), but it's kinda become part of the entertainment for me how they will sometimes pop out of nowhere to fill your water. On a similar note, the Mandarin is great for people-watching, and has a great overall vibe. It's just an entertaining spot.
(4)Jessica S.
This place has been around for years and we're going on four generations of our family loving it. We haven't had a bad thing here. We love the service and the family! There are so many good things. Just a few of our favorites would be five taste shrimp, catfish, egg foo yung, spicy scallops and the beef and broccoli. By far our fav in town!
(5)Clarence P.
I only rated it this high due to the area this restaurant is in. It's a good, Americanized Chinese restaurant. The dishes are much better than any regular, cheap, local Chinese restaurant but they are all similar in the sense that the dishes are very sweet. There is a reason that no Asians (or more specifically, Chinese) are dining here. Everyone is white. But you can't expect much more here in Utah. For what it is, it's pretty dang good. For good Chinese food, it's alright, but no one in Utah is looking for real Chinese food, which is a shame. For just about every dish, no matter how anyone describes it, whether it be garlicky, savory, etc. it is above all, sweet. But they do have very soft toilet paper. Best experience I've had at a restaurant bathroom. It's nice to have a restaurant that considers when food both enters AND exits the body.
(4)Jason K.
This is by far the best Chinese food in Utah. This isn't some strip mall, cheap takeout place. The owner is serious about his food. He goes to China once a year and finds new dishes and recipes. His chefs are all Chinese as far as I know. There is just a feeling and taste of authenticity when you eat the food there. You can really order anything here and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Dave N.
I know I'm the oddball here, but for the second time in a row, the takeout meal we bought here was just simply bad food. The honey walnut shrimp we have eaten here and loved so many times in the past, just was not good. Gross parts of the shrimp were being pulled out of everyone's mouth while eating--not a pretty sight. The mongolian beef was all onions and peppers--practically no beef. The general Tshao's chicken was at least edible. But in the end, just a whole evening of wishing it had come with a bottle of TUMS instead of a fortune cookie. I think the food was much better in the past, and the staff is so-so on the friendly scale. As far as price goes, our takeout meal was $58 for a family of four--acceptable if the food is spectacular, but alas the food is mediocre at best. I'll admit, if it were my restaurant, I wouldn't worry too much about this review I'm writing; after all, they are packed to capacity most evenings, and everyone else seems to love them. Go figure. Maybe everyone in Bountiful just loves it because they have ALWAYS loved it, and there isn't much else in town.
(1)Kevin P.
Verdict from two non-utah residents: Basically higher priced Panda Express quality food. Or maybe a step up from panda express if we're talking baby steps. They had service down and a decent ambiance, so we'll give it 2 stars We had pepper tofu, and the imperial vegetarian dish, plus the cream corn soup. Heavily salted and gelatinous sauces, bland (basically cannned) ingredients, McDonald's pepper, and plenty of oil, accompanied by a salty, snot-like soup. Generally speaking America never really strays far from this when it comes to Chinese tho, so most people will enjoy it. Disappointed based on high ratings and awards, but It's all relative.
(2)Gracie V.
The Mandarin. It has some definite highlights worth exploring for a foodie but one specific lowlight that cannot be ignored. My friend and I ordered the sweet and sour almond chicken, the Mongolian pork noodle, and white rice. The almond chicken was so delicious. The sauce is sweet but delicate. It compliments not overpowers the dish, which in my book is the true winner. On the downside, I prefer thinner sliced chicken because I like a good coating of fried batter. Other than that, I'd recommend ordering it. Now onto the Mongolian pork. The veggies that come in the dish were spot on. Crisp but well cooked. The hoisin sauce covering everything is very savory. The meat is also delicious. My biggest complaint is the noodles!!! Maybe it's because I love Chinese food or perhaps because I lived in China for some time but having fettuccine noodles instead of actual Chinese noodles was the biggest let down of all! And for that reason alone, I couldn't let myself give this place four stars much less five.
(3)Na S.
This restaurant would have received 5 stars if the portions were bigger and if they didn't charge $1.5 for the rice. usually Asian restaurants give you big portions but don't expect having food left for leftovers, it just won't happen! I also think it's a bit pathetic to charge for rice when you a e paying an average of $12 for the main dish. pros: The food is indeed delicious. We usually order the lemon chicken and pequin beed. I really like the mongolian beef as well. My husband has ordered a curry chicken and was surprisingly good. The Imperial vegetarian noodles were disappointing. Nowhere in the description says the noodles are dry, so I won't be ordering it again. For dessert we usually get the fallen angel cake. The food is delicious and service is attentive., yes it is busy and you have to wait a bit but it's worth it. Just stop being cheap with the portions and with the rice and I will give you 5 stars!
(4)Seymour P.
After going to this restaurant several more times, I can say that this place is amazing. I even received a personalized yelp message addressing all of my complaints. I love the mandarin!
(5)Brian B.
Best Chinese in Utah hands down. Chicken soong imperial is good, Mongolian beef as well and their homemade cinnamon ice cream is great. Go early cuz it's busy!
(5)Kacee P.
For sure best Chinese food in Bountiful!!
(4)Nathan A.
Wow they re a very good restaurant. They are pricey. They have fine dining here and are fancy. They have a very big selection of food to eat and it is all cooked very well. I would recommend their honey walnut shrimp it is to die for and very good.
(5)Tyler S.
This place is the best Chinese in Utah. It has a great atmosphere. Fantastic flavors, large portions. Super popular place big crowds long wait. I had scallops they were fantastic as well. We also shared sizzling rice soup which was a good start. They take reservations for 8 so round up some friends
(5)Gabriel T.
My family and I have been eating here for years now. Tonight I came in with some friends for dinner. We had the special of the evening, the salmon spring rolls which were popular amongst my friends. We had a couple beers from their tap. Our second course was a whole Peking Duck. It was very good. Rich duck with a perfectly cooked crispy skin. Following the duck we had something I've never tried, the Whole Fish. In tonights case the owners fish of choice for us was two Sea Bass. They were prepared in a very traditional way. It reminded me of my time in the Philippines. The Sea Bass were steamed and came in a soy ginger broth with fresh ginger and cilantro. I grew up in the Bay Area in California and this fish was fresh. Needless to say my favorite. By the time dinner arrived we were just about full. Quite unfortunate really because we'd ordered some of our favorites but still were great. In my choice of foods I prefer "the road less traveled." This is very true for the Mandarin. Some complain of generic food but they get what they order. Exploring really pays off. Overall, good company, good food, good times.
(4)Abigail B.
Yummy
(5)Steve K.
Heard for years that the Mandarin was the best chinese in Utah. Well if finally made it there. I live in SLC so the commute to Bountiful was, and is a deterrent. I concur that this is the best chinese in Utah. Everything I have tried on the menu has been excellent. I am not a big walnut shrimp fan but my friend ordered it. I tried it out and it was exceptional. I will always stop in there when in the Bountiful area from now on.
(5)Mike L.
I would give it 6 stars if it was offered. Easily the very best Chinese food in Utah!!! Unusual and delicious dishes, friendly, quick waiters and waitresses. Always fresh, flavorful and hot. We go as a family and we each order one entree then share so we get a taste of everything. If you want to give it a try just one word of warning - get there early - 4:30 p.m. or earlier.
(5)Joseph P.
Wanted to surprise my wife on her birthday and take her to her favorite Chinese place. Got all the way to bountiful to find out they had closed early. Nothing on their website or posted at the restaurant. We went to little world Chinese restaurant about 10 miles south and had a blast.
(2)Rich F.
I have been dining at the Mandarin for years. They have so many great choices and we have so many favorites. A request to Mandarin...is it possible to have a nightly special without salmon? Had two of our favorites...Spiced Shrimp and Orange Beef. Spiced shrimp is always so good and full of flavor. While we always order Orange Beef, it can be a hit and miss. Last night was a miss...the beef was like deep fried jerky versus the normal tender. My family ordered the Salmon special. Funny, they kept teasing me that I would have to try it and that I don't know what I am missing. However...none of them liked it...called Coconut Thai Curry Salmon. It was served in a very spicy hot curry. Most was left at the end of dinner. Tried their flight of ice cream with my wife at the end. Five different flavors of truly homemade ice cream (ginger, mango, pomegranate, cinnamon, double chocolate) and an oatmeal crisp cookie...a new favorite! Be prepared to wait for a while to be seated as it is always busy. There is always a line when they open too...at 4:30! Don't expect a warm welcome...definitely an area for improvement. And if you don't have every single person in your party present when your name is called you WILL NOT be seated. This one has always been silly to me...isn't that why you have appetizers on the menu? While I have listed some criticisms, will still drive 40 minutes and wait in line when I want some good quality and great tasting Chinese food.
(4)Allison M.
Great restaurant! The hype is a bit much though. Trying to actually eat at the Mandarin is tricky. Plan on getting there early to be seated bt dinner. We get take out fairly often, and havent had a bad choice yet. We do prefer to dine in, as opposed to getting take out. The food is much better!
(3)Melissa W.
I hadn't been here in years, and finally got to go back. I wait was extremely long. But the food was great! And I'd come back!
(3)Sandra L.
This place is really good! If my husband was rating it he would have given it 5 stars but being that the majority of there food options are very spicy I could only give it 4. Pricing is high but the ambiance is very nice. We have eaten there about 4 times now and when I received a dish that was absurdly spice but not labeled so, they returned my dish without any questions and replaced it at no cost. We will definitely be visiting Mandarin Restaurant for many years to come!
(4)Miles B.
We go, or get take out from here every get together family event. Love the food. This is a hometown classic for all that enter bountiful
(5)Douglas S.
Orange beef was fantastic and the rest was good but not exceptional. You get to pay for rice here which is not something I approve of, but it is all good especially for Utah Chinese.
(4)Dan C.
Even if you've never been to China or had Chinese food this still wouldn't be best of Utah... And for a Chinese-Mediterranean fusion I was super disappointed. The walk up to the restaurant is exciting, it's quiet neighborhood setting and the gardens and wood carvings give the place a great ambiance. Honestly I was underwhelmed. My first clue should have been all the bountiful teens working, and the menu completely in English. It is like pf changs or similarly flavored "Chinese" food. Only a few dishes retain their heritage. Meats were actually tender nice cuts and well prepared but the honey, soy sauce and ketchup glazes were bland or over sweetened versions. The Sichuan shrimp was an offensive mix of ketchup onions and peas with lots of sugar. And they somehow messed up black bean sauce in the Hunan beef. (These were the recommendations of our server.) Over priced for the amount of food you get. Even the fried rice was just mediocre, it was dry and flavorless. Potstickers had a nice crispy bottom but inside it was just a dry dense sausage ball. Real potstickers are juicy and tender and the consistency is based on the proper ratio of meat to vegetables. If you want real potstickers head to four seasons hot pot. I tried it based on super good yelp reviews and critic awards, but I won't be going back. There are too many better options in the price range, that give you more, and taste more authentic.
(2)Erica D.
My absolute cannot-be-topped favorite chinese restaurant ever... right in Bountiful, Utah! I've lived in Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, and New York, and have yet to find a decent competitor to Mandarin. It's honestly perfect to me. I think I just salivated all over my keyboard. Every dish is beyond my wildest chinese food fantasies, so try them all. My personal favorites are the pot stickers, the wonton soup, and the mongolian beef. You also must get a pomegranate spritzer to drink with your meal - it's a concoction of the Gods! I noticed people are complaining about the wait, but I have never waited more than twenty-five minutes with out a reservation (you're going to wait over an hour at an Olive Garden on a Saturday night). That's right, people, RESERVATION. Make one if time is that important to you. You'll get in within five minutes or so of your reservation time. If you are in Utah, make Mandarin your numero uno dinner reservation. Your only regret will be never fully loving any other chinese restaurant again.
(5)Lindsay S.
Everything I have ever tried here is delicious. I have been probably 50+ times? The eggrolls are so good, larger than normal with this extra crispy exterior and comes with this delicious duck sauce. Five taste shrimp is my favorite I think. The soups and desserts are great too. I can't wait to move back to the area so I can eat here all the time!
(5)Tye B.
Noisy. Good quick service. Chasing tail on tap. Bad- Menu is a bit too large and busy. Good- menu is a bit too large and busy. Peking duck. Mmmm. Old creepy guy wandering. A bit of a detraction. Seaweed soup tastes like a Japanese food delivery truck crashed into a canal full of dead carp. Really? Nori paper? Duck jerky.... Errr BBQ duck is noooo good.
(3)Rachel W.
For all the hype, it wasn't all I had hoped. Perhaps I didn't get the right dish, but it was mediocre. I would rather drive to West Valley and eat at Red Maple.
(3)J. B.
The Mandarin restaurant is a family favorite and one that we find any excuse to celebrate so we can get together here for a delicious meal. The service is always attentive - both from the main servers and from those making sure your drinks are always full. Owners, Angel and her dad, Greg, are often present making sure that things are running smoothly - which is nice. Angel also makes the desserts and a favorite is cinnamon ice cream. Food is served family style so you can easily share. We switch up a few things in our order, but the dishes we always get are the potsticker appetizer; Five Taste shrimp which is sweet and comes with walnuts, Cashew Chicken; Mediterranean Shrimp - with delicious veggies, tomatoes and Feta cheese; Salmon in Brown Bean Sauce is always perfectly steamed; and Shrimp Fried Rice. Other favorites are Coconut Thai Curry and Orange Peel Beef. Everything is good here and if you do have any leftovers, they hold up well for the next day. We like the option of getting 1 1/2 size order for our favorite dishes we want a larger portion of. We also like that they use local produce in their food. This is one of the few restaurants where it's worth the wait to get in as it is consistently good.
(5)Nate J.
I see a lot of comments about this being "Americanized" food and I agree that just might be true. I've heard of what real authentic Chinese dishes can be like and I'll tell you I'll lean towards the American version. This is great food whatever you want to call it! The best "American" Chinese food in the state in my opinion. The Mandarin has been in the national spotlight for its food. And if you take the time to learn of The Mandarin's history you will learn that this is not your average Chinese restaurant. The place is often crowded, but my experience has always been pleasant. Great setting, clean, presentation of food is above average, and the service exceeds many of the other restaurants and the food has always been delicious!
(5)Daryl B.
I liked the place and thought it was worth the money. Many people call this the best Chinese in Utah. It may be. It didn't blow me out of the water though. My wife and I ordered appetizers and three entrees and it was right at about $50. I feel like I got my money's worth.
(3)Ryan J.
No trip to visit Family in Utah is complete without the expected gathering at the Mandarin. It is a chaotic yet sublime scene and one that we have been recreating for many, many years. This place is the gold standard for Chinese and with each travel to new cities and new cuisine this standard is only further polished. Their superior craft is shown in the attention to detail and each dish is rich in flavor and quality. We have explored the menu with the zeal of Magellan and have yet to find a dish that has failed to reach the bar that this restaurant has set. This is truly one of those few restaurants that is above reproach. Its long history and very long lines bear witness to that claim.
(5)Travis W.
Food tasted great. However, for me the actual highlight of the meal wasn't my main course but the egg roll I ordered and the sauce it came with (wish I could recall what kind of sauce it was).
(4)Leigh S.
Just tried this place tonight, we got take-out. While the person who answered the call was very helpful, I had a question about one of their dishes. That's about all the good I can say about this place!! Our order: Hot & Sour soup = meh, hubby said he's had better Corn & Chicken soup = meh, it was sweet!! (both of the serving was for 1 person, but it was so small!!!) Wonton soup = son said the wontons were good Kung Pao Beef = asked for x-tra spicy & it didn't come as requested. It was ok Five Flavor Shrimp = meh, it was also a sweet dish Sweet & Sour Shrimp = meh, son got sick from eating this I'm still amazed that that people give this place such a great review!! We've tried many Chinese places around us & I have to say that Boba World is going to be our regular Chinese place when we're in the mood.
(2)Felix B.
The best Asian food I've ever eaten. Literally every dish is great. It gets extremely busy though, so make sure you have a reservation or are ready to wait 30 or so minutes for a table.
(5)M O.
A unique, exquisite experience. Rated one of the top 100 Chinese restaurants in the nation, and absolutely deserving of the distinction. This is the restaurant that everyone brings out of town visitors to. It's the top restaurant in Bountiful. The line starts forming half an hour before they open. On weekends the wait is over an hour. Weeknights you get seated pretty quickly. The staff are attentive, and generally excellent. The owners / operators are actually a Greek family. They're extremely personable and make an effort to make the rounds of the very large restaurant so that you have a chance to let them know how your experience is and even to get to know them. The dishes are not really authentic Chinese, but more authentic than the general American fare, albeit always with a twist. Every experience here is a quality experience. My brother loves it so much that he had the habit of dropping in alone and ordering a family size serving of either their Shark Fin or Sizzling Rice soup. Because it tends to be so busy, we don't usually go here unless we have company. Joy Luck is much quieter and more relaxed so that tends to be our go to Chinese restaurant when we just want to eat out.
(5)Doug M.
Americanized Chinese food for the masses. Bland food is extremely popular in Utah and the Mandarin delivers. You get faux Chinese food fried nice and greasy unencumbered by all those strong spices and flavors like garlic and peppers :). I had to go there two or three times as a guest and everything tasted the same but other than being crispy and oily had very little flavor so I can readily understand why you have to stand in line to get in there. Someone compared it to P.F. Chang's but I think Chang's actually has more flavor.
(2)Dotty N.
I have been going here since I was in the womb! If you haven't had the Mandarin, you don't know good Chinese! Seriously, I thought I hated Chinese food because they spoiled me. But don't take my word for it, these guys habitually rate among the top Chinese restaurants in the country, for decades now. Their food is always prepared expertly and consistently. I tend to stick with my comforts and order Imperial Noodles, Almond Chicken, Oyster Sauce anything, Yang Chow Fried Rice, Szechuan Shrimp, Moo Shoo, and I always throw in something new for good measure. I honestly don't think you'll disappointed with anything you order, I never have been!
(5)Ekaterina P.
What?! Not "real" Chinese food (as 7/1/14 person from Los Angeles suggests)?! Don't know where you've been eating (nor does it matter what State you've been eating it in), but if you're a regular at the Mandarin, you will quickly realize it is one of a kind! And, if you take a few more steps to look through the takeout out window to the kitchen, you will see "real" Chinese cooks working to prepare "high end" food. I am not new to Chinese food, or at dining only in Utah. We travel, and love to eat and prepare good food. This place rocks when it comes to quality ingredients, great sauces (with more taste variety than you will savor anywhere), and authentic dishes from several regions of China. (Note: The owner is Greek - and, YES, with a genuine Chinese kitchen staff - and he told us that he decided to let the cooks play with some "Greek" ingredients to make a delicious dish "made in a wok.") It has every right to be on the menu, and Chinese food connoisseurs know it's not traditional Chinese, and if they wish, they can try something with a fun twist... ethnic fusion. It's ONE entree out of a bountiful array of Chinese menu options, all worth exploring!
(5)Karli P.
Everyone knows that I hate Chinese food, but my friends insisted that we go here anyways. I ordered the Kung Pao noodles with no tofu, and the portion size was great! I had enough to take home for the next day. The place is clean and always crowded. The crowd is always a good sign! The noodles had little peppers mixed in, and I thought I was going to die! I can't handle spice, and this was incredibly spicy. I thought I was going to cough so hard my eyes would fall out! The noodles were delicious once you got past the spice. I gave my left overs to my brother because I didn't think my digestive track could take that much spice again! Spice lovers must try this dish.
(3)Zacharey J.
This has been a family favorite sense before I was born. The food is not authentic Chinese but do not be fooled it is not PF Chang's or Panda Express at all! The restaurant is very popular so expect it to be busy and to have to have a little wait but it is worth it. The Mandarin has been voted in the top rankings of best Chinese food in the United States. Expect: Good Food Good Service Great Experience I recommend Five Taste Shrimp and a Frozen Guava Lemonade.
(5)Shawn W.
There are not a lot of places we can go that have gluten free food. The pepper halibut and honey walnut shrimp are/were amazing!!!
(5)Jim W.
Never been to China, but i've been to TONS of chinese places. May be American version of Chinese. If so - it's what I use to judge other Chinese - and few compare. I have never had a bad meal. The wait can be horrible - but so it goes with great restaurants. Go to Panda Express if you want buffet type food quickly. I can't wait to get back to SLC and eat here. The Mandarin has served me dozens of times - and never a complaint!
(5)Dale D.
I lived in the Bay area (south bay in silicon valley) for years and the best Chinese on the planet is there, they all moved from San Francisco south and opened restaurants. The Mandarin would have been considered top 5 if it were there. This place is tops. Quality and consistent. The only downfall is they have two levels of heat setting on their food. Bland no heat at all (for newbies) and Blow off the roof (lots of chilis, tounge deadening heat). I wish they could control their heat more. Give a third setting, called... "Some heat okay and leave me some taste buds". Regardless best Chinese in Utah. Top 10 Chinese west of Denver to San Francisco. And found in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Go figure.
(5)Brad R.
Been going here for years. Love the food. The owner of the restaurant still shops every day for the food at local grocery stores to get fresh food. Great service. The Almond Chicken is delicious.
(5)C F.
I'm glad to see that other people are beginning to see the light on this place. Don't get me wrong, the story of the success of this place is heartwarming and it was one of the first Chinese food options in the state. It's been here so long that people have an emotional attachment because they go when there is a special event in their life so all the good memories come back when they visit again. From an outsiders point of view though it doesn't have more to offer than most Chinese food restaurants. I forgot how huge the menu was the first time I went. There is no way with the amount of logistics in running a place this busy that all of the options are that much different. Of course I haven't sampled everything but the biggest problem is that it all tastes typical. I think because it's so established that it would be a financial mistake to change how they do things but there lies the problem. They aren't inventive or original in any way. It's the equivalent of an upscale Walmart. Everyone knows what you are going to get but it's done in a fancy way. Your money is better spent trying something new than paying for a "community treasure" and a nice atmosphere.
(2)Rob W.
Quickest way to summarize this place: It's a PF Chang clone. This is heavily Americanized Chinese food and while it's competently executed, you'll be disappointed if you come here looking for authentic flavors and deftly prepared dishes. This is a high-volume turnover sort of place, not a place that's really about interesting food. If you like PF Chang, you'll like this place. If you're seeking truly good food, there are better choices.
(3)Dan T.
I like this place. She's not cheap and almost always full, but worth the discomfort. For the location (Bountiful) it is top end dinning. Try the duck (order a day before you go) if you like quacker. It was a culinary experience. Also, I had some crazy wonton/dim sum things that ruled.
(4)Ameilia Q.
This place is an institution in Bountiful and I'm not sure why. It is not particularly good Chinese food but I suppose it was one of the few games in town for quite a while. There is better Chinese available but you will probably have to drive outside of Bountiful to get it.
(2)Monica T.
After hearing so much about this place, I finally made it up here and was not disappointed. We showed up at about 5pm on a Saturday and had to wait about five minutes for a table, but it was no big deal. Service was slow at first because the waiter didn't realize our table was in his section. Once they got that figured out, the service was just about perfect. We started with the sizzling rice soup, which was a major treat. Not a lot of places have it and before this, I didn't know a place in Utah that served it. It was delicious. I got the crispy duck, which was a bit different than I was expecting. It was basically like fried chicken, except with duck, and I had it in my head that this one would be a little more sauce based. It wasn't bad, but I don't think I'd order it again. My boyfriend got the lamb curry which was perfectly spiced and absolutely delicious. I'm getting that next time!
(4)Jason K.
I've got to admit, I came here with tempered expectations. This place is, after all, owned by a Greek family, notwithstanding their claim that they import their chefs from Hong Kong and San Francisco. My expectations did not change on seeing the clientele...not an Asian face to be found (a usually reliable litmus test for Chinese Restaurants). Interestingly, it was 5pm on a Tuesday afternoon, and there was a line of six other parties waiting for the place to open! Wtf? For a Chinese restaurant, prices were rather high. Service from a fully Caucasian waitstaff was efficient if not overly friendly. The hot and sour soup did nothing for me...it was bland with little spice or vinegary tang. But surprisingly, the dishes were delicious and, dare I say, verging on authentic. The shrimp with lobster sauce was especially tasty with a healthy dose of garlic, crunchy water chestnuts, tender strips of pork (instead of the usual ground pork, a nice touch) and perfectly plump large shrimp. Yum. The crispy Peking Beef was perhaps battered a bit too thickly, but the flavor was spot-on and the sauce was subtly sweet without being cloying. The pork and eggplant with garlic sauce would have been a nice dish as well but was served without the....pork! This oversight was pointed out to the waitress and was promptly corrected (would have been nice to get an apology, though). Overall, we were surprised to have gotten a very credible Chinese meal in Bountiful, of all places. If we're ever in the area again, we will be sure to return.
(4)Amy O.
One of my favorite places to eat! We used to live up the street & could smell the food from a block away! You can choose anything on the menu & be happy! Very friendly family owned business!
(5)Alex D.
This is by no leans an "authentic" Chinese food restaurant. It's more American Chinese food. The food is really good. The vegitables are locally grown and VERY fresh. But I think that it's quite overpriced in my opinion. The decor is kind of ancient Chinese knock-off that's kind of over done, but it does add to the atmosphere. What I find quite funny is how the local youth come here for prom. Classy!
(4)Steven C.
This is our go-to place when we want Chinese. My favorite entree is the Tropical Thai Tofu. It has the perfect amount of hot and sweet. The food is really what brings us back. The restaurant from the outside is interesting but the inside is kinda dated. The servers are decent. They always seem a bit confused when items from the alcohol menu are ordered. I rarely see other patrons order alcohol/beer, so maybe that's why. We did take-out once, but unfortunately our order was incorrect (I received the Tropical Thai CHICKEN instead of the TOFU). The manager was very apologetic and kind in responding to my email. They have kept me as a loyal customer.
(5)Missy H.
I hate going out to eat with my food restrictions, until the mandarin. They have a big gluten free menu. And soy and dairy free! And they were even super nice about it. And above all the food was YUMMY! I am now their biggest fan.
(5)Jim G.
Excellent Chinese, good variety, very good ingredients. You won't have a bad experience here, they have very high standards. Busy but there is a good reason for it.
(5)Ashley F.
Best Asian food I've had in Utah! Large variety of vegetarian dishes that are totally delish! I recommend the vegetarian cashew! My only complaint is tht it's far away, they need to branch out to the south valley!
(5)Brooke B.
I never give Chinese restaurants 5 stars, but I had too with the Mandarin. The other Yelpers are right, this place is hard to beat. I noticed they are very busy, looks like there's a wait but the waiting room is pretty cool. I was alone, so I just ordered the Chicken Broccoli Noodles for take-out and they were excellent. I can image how they are for sit down. They take reservations for parties of 8 or more. Check their website for more details and a menu. A must try!
(5)Joseph S.
OUTSTANDING!! it took Greeks to prepare delicious Chinese food try the combo & the kung pao shrimp is killer good! (if you dont like spicy order it mild) if you have any room left get the macadamia nut caramel sundae
(5)Tristan A.
"American" Chinese food. Overpriced and over-rated. WHAT is the fuss?? I just can't see it.
(2)T G.
Don't believe them when they tell you under an hour. We've been sitting for an hour and a half. Don't ask them after an hour either. 10 more min and we are out. We finally got to sit and eat so I up'ed my experience from 1 star to 2 stars. I wanted it to be great because the hype was definitely there. But it was not worth the wait. I will not be going back to dine in. I could order some togo but my wife's food was microwave dinner at best.
(2)Jason F.
We visited this restaurant on a Friday night after deciding not to wait for another restaurant to have an open table. It is a bit out of the way if you live in Salt Lake City. It is in Bountiful. We only went here because some of our friends were familiar with it. The Mandarin restaurant serves traditional Chinese food. From the outside it definitely lacks any curb appeal. In fact it is quite out of place in the middle of a residential neighborhood. You've got love the lack of zoning laws in Utah. The inside manages a little better. It is decorated with faux Chinese wood paneling and lots silk covered lanterns. On a primitive design level it mostly works. They had some sort of green onion pancake starter they wanted us to try so we did. It was just okay. Based on the hype from the host and wait staff it should have been much better. Maybe they got a good deal on pancake batter and needed to use it up. The lettuce wraps are not as good a PF Chang's or Pei Wei Diner. The entree's proved to be much better. All the dishes we tried had good flavor and were well prepared. The almond chicken was very tasty. All of the food has MSG on it, without a doubt. The noodles were not the best, but they did satisfy. I think this restaurant may have become popularized with the local denizens and therefore seeped into the local restaurant consciousness. They also have nightly specials which might make return visits easier. The restaurant is owned by Greek-Americans, and there is nothing wrong with that. I know some people feel that having a Chinese owned Chinese restaurant somehow makes it better. Not in this case. I was feeling generous and gave it four stars. It is not easy to find if you have not been here before. Be prepared to wait if you visit on a weekend evening. Their web site has annoying music playing on it that you can't turn off. Seriously, 1997 is over, get a better web site.
(4)L C.
Disappointing experience. The food was just okay. I dined in the restaurant but also ordered something to-go, and they didn't include any rice with the to-go order. Had to cook my own rice for the next day.
(2)Rick H.
I've been making the trek from Utah county to Bountiful since I moved to Utah several years ago. The Mandarin is the best Chinese in Utah, period! I have yet to introduce this restaurant to anyone who hasn't fallen in love with the food. It's almost an obsession. I've never had anything at the Mandarin that I haven't loved--and I've tried just about everything. Love the egg rolls, almond chicken, Mongolian pork, five taste shrimp, beef and asparagus..... The staff is always friendly, the food always excellent. If I remember correctly, the kitchen staff are mostly from Taiwan, or maybe it was Hong Kong. I can't remember. "Americanized" Chinese? I'm not sure. But, It tastes a lot like the food from my favorite Chinese restaurant in Singapore.
(5)K M.
By far the best Chinese food I have had. My family loves when I bring this food home for dinner. Dining in is also a great experience that I can share with my loved ones.
(5)Erin Q.
Birthday dinner #3! I love me some good Chinese food, and this place does it right. Our bill last night consisted of the following items: Peaches and cream smoothie 2 Strawberry Daquiris Pina Colada Lettuce wraps with a peanut sauce Crab and Cream Cheese Wontons Kung Pao Chicken Mongolian Beef Almond Chicken Lo Mein Macadamia Nut Ice Cream The drinks were really good, and the size of the glass was pleasing. Usually I expect restaurants to serve you a specialty drink in the tiniest, pansiest glasses around. But at Mandarin, they actually give you about an 18 oz glass...not bad. The appetizers were really good as well. I hate crab, but the crab and cream cheese wontons were actually tasty, especially with this lemon sauce that you put on them...yum. Oh, and the Lettuce wraps were WAY better than anything I've had at PF Changs. Instead of using iceberg lettuce, they use romaine, which tastes so much better and is much easier to eat the meat on...the leaves don't crack apart or anything. As far as our entrees go, they were good. I don't think that I'm a fanatic for Mandarin, unlike the guys I was with, who are borderline obsessed. My kungpao was really good and spicy, but the lo mein, I'm sorry to say it, but it was very reminiscent of the chow mein that you order at Panda Express...not really what I was expecting. But the vegetables in it were really fresh and very tasty. The atmosphere is pretty sweet. The entire place is completely decked out, and it seems as though it would always be busy. It looks to be one of those restaurants that your family loves to go to on the nights you don't want to cook, or you had a track meet and that's where you head after. There seem to be a lot of people who frequent the restaurant, which makes sense given that it's located essentially in a residential neighborhood. It's not really a hole in the wall, but more like a relatively hidden gem. If I lived in Bountiful, I'd definitely hit this place up more often. Given that I live almost an hour away, I think I'll have to settle for coming here when I'm already up this far. But as the caption for 4 stars reads - Yay! I AM a fan.
(4)Blue B.
The food here was ok. Service is very good. I wouldn't say anything we tried was any better than your run of the mill strip mall chinese joint.... It's just dressed up with white table cloths and glass dishes. There are much better choices, even in bountiful.
(2)C. Spencer R.
A classic Bountiful icon, in the middle of NOWHERE! Sizzling Soup is wonderful, but almost every appetizer is worth getting; you could do a full meal of just appetizers and be so pleased! Their sweet and sour sauce on the Almond Chicken is liquid heaven.
(5)Alan M.
Very popular, very busy, and overrated. Notwithstanding, the food is good if you're looking for greasy American-Chinese fare.
(3)Cyrus M.
The best Chinese food that we've found north of Salt Lake. The cashew chicken, chow mein, and General Tso's chicken are all recommended. We've had a couple less-than-stellar take-out experiences, which is what dropped my rating to 4 stars.
(4)Chad L.
The food here is only mediocre and it is overly popular making the wait too long. It is over priced for the quality.
(2)Jill P.
Terrible! I'm not sure why Mandarin gets good reviews. While it is very big and it was busy on a Wednesday, everyone in the place was older than 60. Maybe it's just popular for the local Bountiful seniors. I sent 2 plates back because they had food bits on them. The second time, the server asked me "is this one clean?" If she can't tell by looking at it herself, there is a problem with your service. Even without food bits, the dishes seemed to be covered in a light greasy film. I think they need to use hotter water in the dishwasher or a better detergent. The vegetable spring rolls were filled with what looked like a "frozen vegetable medley" you'd find in your grocer's freezer: carrots, mushrooms, and inexplicably, green beans. The crab and cream cheese wontons had an off flavor that was so bad we left several uneaten on the plate. They came with a side of what seemed to be lemon pie filling. The schezuan sauce seemed to be a sweet and sour sauce. There was nothing resembling schezuan about it. Apparently, ordering "hot" instead of "medium" means that you get red peppers thrown on top. The sauce itself seems to come from the same bucket. The halibut was cooked perfectly. But the sauce ruined the dish. In short, this is not only not good Chinese food, it's not good food period. Do not be fooled by these bizarre positive reviews. I can only imagine these reviewers don't eat out much or maybe don't leave the confines of Bountiful?
(1)Austin J.
It was a fun night out to the Mandarin. I really enjoyed my time here. The orange peel chicken was the best I have had in any Chinese restaurant in town. This place does get very busy on the weekends with parties of 5 or more and can seem a little cluttered; the service though is good as well but I felt a little bugged by our waitress coming back every 3 to 5 minutes. This certainly doesn't take away from the quality of food and the exciting ambiance this place has, especially with their Christmas decorations. My new favorite Chinese place.
(4)Groundresonance C.
Not impressed. Got a cup of hot and sour soup to start which was mediocre. My kung pao chicken was totally uninspired as well. At least Panda Express's kung pao has some color to it. This was just a brown pile. Young kids running the restaurant. I was seated right next to the kitchen and frantically waved my arms back and forth while they talked with their backs turned to me. I was trying to get someone to bring me some hot sauce. I really am confused about all the hype. I noticed they won Best Chinese in the City Weekly over Little World, which totally blows me away. Little World is real Chinese Food. This isn't even good American Chinese Food. Part of me thinks I need to go again because I must've had a bad night there, but I just can't do it.
(2)Sarah P.
The best Chinese restaurant in the Salt Lake area! Not only does it have fabulous classic dishes but they do fantastic twists such as the Mediterranean Lamb, my favorite dish at the restaurant. Other favorites are the lettuce wraps, pot stickers and the almond chicken. Also all desserts (including ice creams!) are home made by the owner and are amazing as well! All in all one of the best restaurants and only a few minute drive out of the city!
(5)Steve B.
This is the best "Americanized" Chinese in the area, but the last time I checked I don't live in Ethiopia. I refuse to wait in a line as long as required by the Mandarin to sit down and have a meal. Take out may be a better option for most.
(4)Kurt J.
Excellent Chinese food. This is by far best in the state, why else would I drive from Orem just to eat here. The food is exceptional. The egg rolls are the greatest. Also, be sure to get the General Tsos chicken plate. Really all the dishes are GREAT!!! This place has nice atmosphere and excellent service. I've been in the kitchen several times and it is clean, clean, clean. What higher praise could I give a Chinese place....
(5)