Little Mandarin

Chinese Restaurant $ 4.3 (376)


Little Mandarin is a well-regarded eatery known for its authentic Chinese cuisine, particularly praised for its Mongolian beef and comfort dishes. The restaurant is family-operated, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Customers appreciate the generous portions and relatively fair pricing, although some have noted inconsistencies in service quality.

Overall:

4.5

(312 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

4.1

Service:

4.0


Phone number: (415) 485-0888

Address: 538 3rd St, San Rafael, CA 94901, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Cash Only

Parking options

  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" Honestly, never going back. The food was just average, and the service was anything but friendly—it felt rushed! I didn’t get a chance to pick my meal properly as it was a bit chaotic inside. The atmosphere isn't all that appealing either. Seems like they are riding on past glory. Hope this isn't a sign of the restaurant's decline. " (*Curated Review*)

" I recently tried Little Mandarin after hearing so many positive reviews, and I must say it did not disappoint! The Mongolian beef was hands down the best I've ever had, bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked. The service staff were friendly and made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. The atmosphere is cozy but bustling, which added to the charm. Pricing is reasonable for the portion sizes. Definitely a place I'll keep coming back to! " (*Curated Review*)

" This place is a gem! You know you're in for a treat when a local spot has that genuine feel. The double portion of Mongolian beef I ordered was incredibly generous, and the flavor was authentic—definitely not your standard Americanized Chinese food. I didn't mind the cash-only policy, but be prepared to wait during peak hours. Worth every penny! " (*Curated Review*)

" The food is decent but the restaurant is a bit cramped and dark. I feel like the place is mostly meant for quick takeout. The atmosphere didn’t quite fit what I want from a sit-down meal. The prices are fair, but I think the portion sizes could be a little larger. I guess it’s fine for a quick meal, but I wouldn’t make a special trip. " (*Curated Review*)

" What a hidden gem! My family and I stumbled upon Little Mandarin recently and we're so glad we did. The restaurant has an authentic feel, with dishes that taste homemade. The place was buzzing with activity, but we managed to find a table. We each ordered something different and shared - the flavors blew us away! The portions are massive, making it great for sharing. Only downside? Cash only payment, so come prepared! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (302)

" Little Mandarin is everything I want in a local Chinese restaurant. It has a homey feel and the service is speedy! They have this incredible Mongolian beef dish that is rich and delicious. I appreciate the generous portions for the prices, and even the wait staff treated us like family. It's a must-visit if you're in the area! " (*Curated Review*)

" The ambiance is casual, making it a great spot for relaxation. The prices might seem a little high, but the quantity you get makes up for it. The chow mein and egg drop soup had fantastic flavors, lending credibility to the restaurant's charming history. Just make sure to come with cash; I find that quirky and quaint. Overall a solid place for a meal! " (*Curated Review*)

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