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!**

" It’s a solid experience at Little Mandarin—nothing too fancy! It's a small spot meant for quick meals, and the food usually comes out piping hot. The portions won't leave you hungry, but the cash-only aspect can be a bit annoying. Still, if you're looking for something quick yet satisfying, I recommend it! " (*Curated Review*)

" I don’t usually do reviews, but I was compelled after my recent experience. Little Mandarin brought me back to my childhood with bold flavors and hearty portions. The staff is friendly and accommodating, significantly enhancing the experience. Don't be deterred by the cash-only policy; just go and enjoy the fantastic food! The flavors will transport you. " (*Curated Review*)

" I love Little Mandarin! It has that true family-run feel. They cater to a regular crowd, and it’s easy to see why. The Mongolian beef and fried rice are to die for! I also appreciate the effort they put into making everything from scratch rather than relying on pre-packaged junk. As mentioned, it’s cash only, which I think keeps the prices fair. Highly recommend! " (*Curated Review*)

" What a delightful discovery! I was blown away by how delicious the Mongolian beef was! Fast service and warm ambiance made it a pleasant lunch spot. The prices are reasonable, and they do not skimp on portion sizes - you'll definitely leave full. Keep in mind to bring cash as they don’t accept cards, but that's okay for the quality you receive. I’ll definitely be back! " (*Curated Review*)

" I would give this place a higher rating if the service matched the food quality. The Mongolian beef was rich and wonderful! However, the staff seemed overwhelmed and unorganized during my visit. Even so, I would consider trying it again since the flavors were on point. Remember to bring cash as they don’t accept cards! " (*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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