Mandarin Restaurant

I was told by several people that the Mandarin was THE best Chinese restaurant around, but the wait would take forever. My husband and I decided to go for our 11 year anniversary. It was on the Saturday of the big BYU/University of Utah game. All of the servers were dressed in black pants and various t-shirts in either red or blue, depending on who they supported. The casual attire seemed to lend to a casualness in their serving as well. I wouldn't have minded all of that if the food had any flavor. Unfortunately all the hype was just that....hype. We ordered the chicken skewers with peanut sauce. The chicken didn't even have a grilled flavor, it was completely tasteless. The peanut sauce seemed watery, not thick like other "true" Chinese restaurants, and it didn't even taste like peanut sauce...it was also flavorless. I ordered the Mu Shu Chicken. If it hadn't been for the hoison sauce, it also would have had NO flavor. My husband ordered the Curry Chicken. He asked for it hot/spicy. I tried it and my lips didn't even tingle. It was also flavorless. What do the chefs there have against spices??? I honestly don't understand how people can find this to be "such an amazing restaurant"!!!! I would take Panda Express over The Mandarin ANY day of the week!!!!! more

The Mandarin restaurant is amazing, absolutely the best Chinese food in Utah. It's always bustling with people, weekdays or weekends, due largely to the fact that their food is amazing. The pricing is relatively inexpensive and the environment is great. Parking can be a bit tough at times, but the food will definitely not disappoint. Highly recommended. more

Chinese food never tasted so good. This place is famous, and not just because I am telling the world about it. You must plan on a wait, to be able to eat here and it is really worth the wait. My favorite Chinese restaurant, hand (and chopsticks) down! If you have a chance, give them a try. And you can send me a thank you note. Takeout available (call ahead) more