Ana Mandara is definitely reserved for Special Occasions. Keep in mind that you go largely for the ambience, the food being important but secondary. I've been there 5 times now, with large and small groups. Yes, the prices are exorbitant and the portions are a bit small but the food is presented beautifully enough and tastes adequate enough to justify the visits. Compared to Tamarine in Palo Alto (the only other true, upscale Vietnamese restaurant), AMandara probably wins by a small margin because their interpretation of Vietnamese cuisine is more unique and their restaurant decor is more sleek and inviting.
Pros: Ambience, Cool Presentation
Cons: Expensive, Taste OK only
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