Go dine review
Situated near the Ice Arena and 2 minutes walk from the centre of the Lace Market, is the authentic Mandarin Cantonese restaurant. Mandarin has been reborn phoenix-like, after a tragic fire at their old location meant lovers of proper Chinese cuisine were reduced to the sugary offerings of buffet restaurants, but now Mandarin is back in true style.
Alan the restaurant manager and owner is proud of his restaurant and it is easy to see why. A 120 capacity restaurant is spread over 2 floors, complete with round tables for up to 8 people with revolving centre pieces appealing to group diners, and is the perfect scene to enjoy a Chinese Banquet chosen from a generous selection of dishes.
The Mandarin specialises in authentic fresh Chinese and Cantonese cuisine using only the finest of ingredients. The chefs at Mandarin have years of experience under their belt and focus on recipes and methods that have been passed down through generations of family.
There are a fabulous number of special set dinners ranging from £13 to £18 that tend to include the more recognisable dishes and offer a leisurely meal to tickle the taste buds. Mixed Hors d’oeurvres including Salt and Pepper Ribs, Pancake Roll, Crispy Wan Ton served with grated Scallops is a great introduction. Aromatic Duck then sits next to Fried crispy shredded Beef in Szechuan style sauce, Fried King Prawns in Spicy sauce and Monk Fish with ginger and spring onions. For the more adventurous, Shark’s Fin soup with crab meat or shredded Chicken is tempting to start, with the Fillet Steak Cantonese Style in Bird’s nest a house main special. There is a large selection of vegetarian dishes which ensure no-one is left out, making the restaurant accessible to all.
Ashley Branson – 31/01/2012
Leon Jacob – 19/12/2011
Great food, very good service and an absolute great experience with superb value for money. Will definitely be here again!
TINA PEARL – 18/12/2011
As always when we have been to mandarin we had a wonderful night! Well looked after with superb food and good service. Which is why we'll be back again.
Michael Welsh – 13/10/2011
Fast but very friendly service and the food and drink was good.
Linda Abbott – 17/09/2011
Having had this restuarant recommended by a Chinese friend we visited for the first time on a Saturday evening with family. Food excellent, service excellent and all in all a lovely evening - will definately return.
Lester Meyers – 28/11/2010
Great place to eat.
Jane Young – 20/11/2010
Great evening the service was second to none. I will definately be returning soon.
Rachel Coles – 14/11/2010
A real surprise - better than what I had anticipated.
Went for the set menu, which worked out to be great. LOads of food and it was really good quality, paced out throughout the night.
The service was great and we had a lovely waitress.
Would recommend!!
SA – 19/10/2010
From the moment we entered your restaurant, we were made to feel amazingly welcome by every member of staff we came into contact with, in particular Wendy, our server for the evening. The food was exceptional, without a doubt the finest Chinese food either of us have ever had in a restaurant in the UK, and my wife (who is of Chinese extraction) felt that it tasted of real Chinese home cooking.
We will, without a doubt, be returning!