The Bottom Line
[Restaurant closed its doors in November 2006.].
The Mandarin offers an elegant dining experience for all. The dress code is casual - perfect for tourists who want to stop by for lunch or dinner after a day spent exploring. The menu, though it does tilt toward seafood, has enough of a variety to likely satisfy everyone in your party.
Pros
- The view of the San Francisco Bay
- Fine selection of Northern Chinese cuisine; lovely presentation
- Friendly and attentive staff, with more than one waitperson per table
- The dress code: casual for a rather fine-dining experience
Cons
- Some tables were a bit too close; conversations could overlap
- Didn't seem to have vegan dishes, though we were advised of a few options
Description
- Located at 900 North Point St. / Sun-Mon, 11:30am to 10pm
- Open for weddings and other special occasions and events.
- Peking Duck needs to be ordered one day in advance ($38, serves two to three people).
- Reservations: 415.673.8812 or at Open Table.
Guide Review - An elegant but casual dining experience overlooking the San Francisco Bay
Though it is located on the fourth floor of Woolen Mill Mall, The Mandarin has an open feel, and the dining room overlooking the Bay is quite airy. When we last visited, we fortunately got a window table.
When you visit, first try to get a window seat, and then get things started with an appetizer, such as lettuce wraps ($4.50) or crispy spring rolls ($6.50). Choose a soup to follow or move directly to the entrees of seafood, beef, pork, poultry, or veggies ($14.95-$18.95). Most entrees can be shared between two people and steamed rice can be ordered separately ($1.50/person). Noodle and rice plates are available, including Hong Kong Crispy Noodles ($12.95-$14.95). For vegans, we inquired if any of the dishes would work, and our waitperson kindly pointed out some vegetable options. I’d still ask about preparation before ordering though. Special requests are also considered.
Our meal for two, of spring rolls, wonton soup, beef and asparagus, pork chow mein, and steamed rice came to just over $40 (including tax/tip), and considering the view, the ambiance, and staff, it was quite reasonable. I would definitely recommend a visit, especially if you’re already at Ghirardelli Square. Note: If you drive, be sure to park in the Ghirardelli Garage on Larkin - The Mandarin validates parking up to 1 1/2 hours, so there's no need to rush and you actually save!
* Photo reprinted with permission of Shu-Hwei Alpeche.
When you visit, first try to get a window seat, and then get things started with an appetizer, such as lettuce wraps ($4.50) or crispy spring rolls ($6.50). Choose a soup to follow or move directly to the entrees of seafood, beef, pork, poultry, or veggies ($14.95-$18.95). Most entrees can be shared between two people and steamed rice can be ordered separately ($1.50/person). Noodle and rice plates are available, including Hong Kong Crispy Noodles ($12.95-$14.95). For vegans, we inquired if any of the dishes would work, and our waitperson kindly pointed out some vegetable options. I’d still ask about preparation before ordering though. Special requests are also considered.
Our meal for two, of spring rolls, wonton soup, beef and asparagus, pork chow mein, and steamed rice came to just over $40 (including tax/tip), and considering the view, the ambiance, and staff, it was quite reasonable. I would definitely recommend a visit, especially if you’re already at Ghirardelli Square. Note: If you drive, be sure to park in the Ghirardelli Garage on Larkin - The Mandarin validates parking up to 1 1/2 hours, so there's no need to rush and you actually save!
* Photo reprinted with permission of Shu-Hwei Alpeche.
