Cancel

Open app

Search

Mandarin Lotus

4.3 (626 reviews)
Closed 4:30 pm - 10:00 PM

Mandarin Lotus Photos

MANDARIN LOTUS ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Quiet
Casual
Dogs allowed
Good for groups

You might also consider

More like Mandarin Lotus

Recommended Reviews - Mandarin Lotus

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Kelsey Grammer Orange Chicken, gluten-free
Christian B.

Great food and service. I have very high standards for the quality of food and service I get because of my celiac disease. This place does not disappoint. I always get the Kelsey Grammer orange chicken and have never gotten sick. They said anything on the menu can be done gluten-free. The music in the background creates a nice ambiance.

A wall full of signed photos from so many celebrities
Joe G.

If there is ever a Chinese restaurant analog of The Beef/The Bear restaurant from the hit Hulu show, The Bear, this humble mom and pop restaurant can certainly play that role. It is also surprisingly a must-stop pilgrimage for celebrities (just look at their wall of famous visitors!). From Kelsey Grammer (who requested to add his name on his favorite dish here, the Orange Chicken) to Kobe Bryant to Jack Nicholson, the who's who list who has been here is pretty extensive and astounding, especially since this restaurant is way out in Agoura Hills. To call the menu jam-packed is an understatement with 324 food items + 2 desserts, but take a good look at the entries and you can see some of the most exotic and creative dishes made with ingredients that you just don't associate with Chinese cuisine. I am just amazed to find so many dishes that are just not your ordinary dishes. Here a sampling of menu entries that caught my eyes (all can be added with chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork): - Honey Mustard Wine Reduction Sh/Bf/Ch/Pk - Maple Pecan Matcha Sh/Bf/Ch/Pk - Kaffir Lime Leaves Oil Sh/Bf/Ch/Pk - Lavender Honey Blueberry Sh/Bf/Ch/Pk - Raspberry Captain Rum Sh/Bf/Ch/Pk - Tibetan Goji Mango Pistachio Sh/Bf/Ch/Pk I asked Kim (half of the Dan+Kim whose names you see in majority of the reviews here) for her recommendation, and she said "Southwest Sh/Bf/Ch/Pk Argentinian Sauce." Now this dish is not a Southwestern American dish, but it is one of Chef Dan Chang's Signature Creations that started from Southwestern China stir fry chicken and green beans. He then added his secret concoction of spices that would make Colonel Sanders jealous and elevate the dish to a fantastic fine dining culinary flavor and presentation. There are layers of taste here that work together harmoniously but are also distinct. This is not a one-note dish overpowered by a single flavor. There is a lot going on but it all works so well. Unfortunately, I tried to pry a bit more information on what went in into the dish, but Kim was rather coy about the magical spices and herbs formula that makes this dish so delicious. I do prefer the red sauce over the green because it complements the taste more but the green is certainly more unique. Long story short, you have to try the Southwest chicken with Argentinian sauce! For dessert, I had the Red Bean Sesame Ball. Once again, this is a classic staple Chinese dish but with a unique spin that is not just another desert slathered with sugar or some overly sweet syrup. Their red bean sesame ball is delicate, delicious, layered, and not overly sweet. There is a drizzle of chocolate, a sprinkle of concoction sugar, and what Kim calls "sandy almond". Very distinct sets of flavors that works well to complement the red bean sesame ball. The Lychee nuts, cherries, strawberries, and baby melon add a refreshing counterpoint to the sesame ball and adds variety in between eating each of the 6 sesame balls. Lastly, Kim is such a darling as a waitresses and hostess and she completes the experience of dining at Mandarin Lotus! Her stories are entertaining. All in all, you may have to spend a lot of multiple visits when you come here but the giant menu is worth the exploration!

Angel N.

First timer to the Lotus. I had the most amazing GF pecan honey prawn. Wow. I went on a limb and let Kim choose our dinner and it was delicious and worth it. She provided a delicious five garlic stir fried rice to go with it and a large coconut water. The dinner was topped off with an amazing pork chop. One of a kind. The ambiance was perfect. It was calm and quaint, romantic. The best part is almost everything is GF Thank you Dan and Kim for the great food and amazing hospitality.

We got Mapo tofu with truffle oil (on the right) and some crispy New York strip steak.
Ashley J.

The cutest mom and pop restaurant with very kind staff and a lovely ambiance. If you don't know what to get, the waitress will definitely help you find some amazing recommendations. We got Mapo tofu with truffle oil (on the right) and some crispy New York strip steak. It was delicious! Go check it out!

Orange Chicken, Hot and sour soup, Shrimp fried rice, and Argentinian Beef
Pari N.

First time here and my expectations were exceeded through the roof! The owners are extremely friendly, loving, and visibly passionate about what they do. They went above and beyond and took customer service to another level. Don't even get me started on the food. It was incredible. It was flavorful, the presentation was wonderful. 100/10 we're definitely coming back!

Black velvet Belgian chocolate shrimp with apple wood smoked bacon confit garnished with strawberries

A foodie's paradise! (Especially foodie vegetarians). Light, complex, and fresh flavors with artistic presentation--thin sliced, bite-sized horseradish maple glazed crispy beef with flawless green beans? Black velvet Belgian chocolate shrimp with applewood smoked bacon confit?!! The menu says "sesame ball" and what arrives are half a dozen perfectly textured red bean paste sesame balls, with a dab of almond-caramel sauce melting over the top of each, fresh fruit, and a gorgeous citrus sorbet to sip from a frozen liqueur glass The vegetarian menu could be its own restaurant with extensive and expertly made options including crispy tofu with peanut sauce; lemon grass turmeric tofu; French basil Taiwanese monk duck; Asian pesto tofu with garlic noodles; blueberry lavender agave tofu.... This is Michelin dining (high quality ingredients in traditional as well as innovative cuisine expertly prepared and presented artfully by a kind and unpretentious server in a humble and sweet shop.

100000000/10 on all aspects. Food was amazing. Service was incredibly sweet Ambiance was awesome. The menu is huge, including a whole tofu section and an incredible selection of vegan options. Incredible selection of quality tea, food came fast and HOT! I could hear them cooking in the back. Not to mention I had the best wonton soup I've had in a really long time. The owner is very hospitable. My boyfriend and I devoured almost all of the food we got, and we got a lot of stuff. We were so hungry and it totally hit the spot!! Dare I say, mandarin lotus is the best in LA!

T ..

Best Chinese Food in LA hands down. Authentic experience, eat there or order to go. Very healthy options and a wide range of general options to select from. All great ingredients, home cooked feel. Please treat yourself to this wonderful little Chinese Food spot. This has become a regular for my family and I.

Margi P.

1 Star - Terrible Experience We came here based on the 4.3 rating but had a really bad experience. They don't offer regular water--only bottled. When we asked to make our food spicy, the waitress (Kim) said there'd be an extra charge. We ordered Mongolian Beef and Kung Pao Chicken--both had barely any meat and were loaded with onions. It felt like we were just eating onions and rice. I asked for hot sauce, and after I used some, Kim rudely told me I took too much and took the bottle away. There was no service, no courtesy, and the attitude was awful. After reading more reviews at home, we noticed others also mentioned fake-looking positive reviews. Definitely not going back.

Where is the shrimp and/or pork fillings? It's more of a wonton skin than anything else.
Linda H.

I don't know who eats at this restaurant--maybe people who have no idea what real Chinese food is. We stopped here on the way home from the airport since it was the only place open, and I ordered a wonton soup to go. It was hands down the worst wonton soup I've had in my 61 years. They stuffed a couple of dry scallop strips in a wonton and called it a day--it tasted terrible. And for $20 a bowl! I wouldn't mind paying that if it were good, but this was the worst of the worst. Glad I don't live in that town, because people there are really missing out on what proper Chinese food tastes like. This is just one of those restaurants that I won't step in again. Fancy and expensive food never means they are good. I am truly amazed as to how many stars they have received. Some people really have no idea about Chinese food. Sad!

Vegetable Fried Rice, Kelsey Grammer's Orange Chicken, and Mango Tango Egg Rolls - DELIGHTFUL!
Jessica P.

Located in a nondescript shopping center of Agoura Hills, CA (Hwy 101 & Kanan Rd), is a Chinese restaurant: Mandarin Lotus. They've been here since 1988! The food was delightful, the owners were welcoming, and we are already looking forward to our next visit! Dinner hours only. First visit? This is what our party of two tried and we didn't leave a morsel behind: -Mango Tango Rolls -Kelsey Grammer's Orange Chicken -Vegetable Fried Rice -Red Bean Sesame Balls (dessert) The plating of each dish was thoughtful and lovely. The combination of fresh ingredients, sweet & savory flavors, and non-greasy entrees, piqued our tastebuds and had our appetites yearning to try more. For our next visit, we have our eyes set on ordering a tofu dish, wonton soup, and the spicy tequila shrimp. I would consider this a gourmet Chinese fusion restaurant which should appeal to a diverse set of tastebuds. The menu is pretty extensive, which also includes a full page of vegan options and unique spice combinations we are not familiar with, but open to try. The average price per entree is ~$25. Customer service was wonderful! Thank you to the most welcoming host and owner, Kim, and to Chef Chang, for the delightful dinner!

Jennifer B.

Hands down the best gluten free Chinese food I've ever had!! They are so friendly and accommodating of gluten allergies. We got the orange chicken, beef chow fun and green beans. It was all delicious, we can't wait to come back!!

See all

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

18 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Joe G.
1522
329
1356

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 1

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

29 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of T ..
0
5
2

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 2

3 months ago

This little place that has been around for decades makes fabulous soup created special when you're feeling sick.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Linda H.
33
106
69

11 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jessica P.
274
1017
10035

2 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 1
Love this 4
Oh no 3

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sara R.
106
7
5

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Great food and a huge selection! Definitely would return to eat. Great service and tasty dishes!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Cami F.
0
15
12

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ed C.
32
208
1156

3 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 4
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jay R.
44
3
0

8 months ago

Wow!! The menu at this place is exceptional! Every dish is so unique and flavorful. Must try!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

such kind owners delicious food and most notably it's such healthy chinese food, not the typical greasy salty chinese american slop.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

The food was good and they have some very unusual dishes that I would've liked to try. However, I think it's very pricey for a takeout place

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Taty A.
46
19
10

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 16

Mandarin Lotus Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Mandarin Lotus

Do they use MSG in the food?

What options are gluten-free?

You can order anything and everything on the menu vegan or gluten free! Have something you wanna eat that's not on the menu? Tell them and they will happily make it for you !!

View All 4 Questions

You might also consider

JOi Cafe

JOi Cafe

4.1
(878 reviews)
3.5 mi
$$
Vegan friendly
Gluten-free friendly

Came here for breakfast on a busy Saturday morning and was assisted by the friendly employees. I…read moreordered a lavender latte with oat milk and French toast. So many menu options sounded so enticing so it was a struggle deciding what to order! The ambiance was very bright and eclectic yet warm and cozy all at the same time. I managed to score a table despite the crowd, but there is ample seating available inside and outside, including a communal table and some counter seating by the windows. My food came out fairly quickly but didn't feel rushed. They make it easy to order additional menu items at the table so you don't have to hop back in line if you don't want to. The lavender latte was sweet and earthy and very well balanced. It was creamy and well frothed and the espresso tasted very fresh. I absolutely loved the French toast. The bread was crunchy on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside and was very sweet and flavorful. I really loved the fresh berries, real maple syrup and coconut whipped cream. Everything worked so well together and it was such a decadent and filling meal. I also felt great after eating it and was easy to digest. Parking is super easy in their giant lot with lots of other businesses. They are located at the center of the shopping plaza and are easy to locate! I wish I lived closer so I could come all the time but I will definitely return the next time I am in the area!

VEGAN REVIEW Stayed…read morenearby for a work trip, came here both days for breakfast, picked up lunch & took some treats home! This is an amazing little vegan & mostly gluten free cafe. I LOVE brunch & that is hard as a vegan, I was so grateful that this place had options to satisfy both sweet & savory cravings. Good coffee & tea drinks. The salads are HUGE & so tasty. Small but mighty selection of vegan cheese, salami & other tasty vittles. Really good desserts & baked goods. Lovely space& friendly staff. Very eco-friendly, as well.

Photos
Taco Trio
Taco Trio
Tinga Chicken Burrito
Tinga Chicken Burrito
The Beast Burger

See all

The Beast Burger
Moody Rooster

Moody Rooster

4.6
(1.2k reviews)
3.5 mi
$$$

Wonderful service. Excellently prepared drinks and eats, with expert care and familiarity to even…read morethe more exotic choices. A tip. - Ask for Antonio's Purple Haze :)

I think this place may be my new favorite restaurant…read more My friend and I walked in on a Friday night at 6:30 PM, with no reservations. The place was packed, but I have to assume we got really lucky because we got seated right away at an open table near the front. Our server greeted us immediately and brought us waters for the table. We were overwhelmed initially by the menu options because everything sounded incredible. We asked our waitress what she recommended, and she said literally everything on the menu is amazing - nothing is bad and every dish is popular. So I was quite impressed to hear that. My friend and I decided to get the steak tartare, woodfire grilled octopus, fried gnocchi, and chicken liver pate. Every single dish was actually incredible. The chicken liver pate came with four slices of toast, some pickled vegetables and ground mustard. The pate was creamy, rich, slightly on the sweeter side, so it paired perfectly with the tang from the ground mustard & pickled vegetables. The woodfire grilled octopus was cooked perfectly. Seriously the best, freshest octopus I've ever had! It wasn't chewy or fishy at all. The texture was absolutely perfect. It was very easy to cut into and juicy. It was paired perfectly with the aïoli as well. The steak tartare was extremely fresh. One of the things that I hate about steak tartare at restaurants sometimes is it will start to look brown from the meat oxidizing so it doesn't always look as appetizing, but this tartare was still had that vibrant red color as if they had just cut the meat. Lastly, the fried gnocchi was amazing. It's the first time I've ever had a dish with fried gnocchi. They paired it with a cream sauce that was absolutely delicious. I wish I remembered what was in it, but it was so good. I wanted to drink that sauce lol. Love how the gnocchi was also perfectly seared, had no lumps, and basically melts in your mouth. Overall, loved the ambience of this place as well. It's very hip. trendy. Definitely a louder environment but perfect for a weekend night out to enjoy great food. I would recommend making reservations. I think my friend and I probably just got lucky because we went a little bit earlier on a Friday night. Also wanna mention all of the wait staff was amazing. Food was served very quickly and we had no issues with any of our orders. I seriously cannot wait to come back here and try every single thing on the menu!

Photos
Moody Rooster
Sauteed octopus with shishito peppers. Probably my favorite dish there
Sauteed octopus with shishito peppers. Probably my favorite dish there
Moody Rooster

See all

Mandarin Lotus - chinese - Updated July 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...