If restaurants were judged by looks alone, Mandarin Garden would have closed in the 1970s, and when you get there, don't be confused by the closed door. it is closed during the business hours.
But since good cooking always stays in style, Mandarin Garden remains near the top of the Asian heap. The cold appetizer plate usually includes jellyfish and a one-of-a-kind vegetable roll, both items that take some getting used to but are ultimately delicious.
Everything is cooked with care and seems more authentic than at most San Diego restaurants, and even such old standbys as hot-sour soup and orange flavored beef taste much, much better here. The vegetable dishes are beautiful expressions of the Chinese skill at cooking Nature’s green bounty.
and they take reservation too
more