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Mandarin Lotus

4.3 (623 reviews)
Closed 4:30 pm - 10:00 PM

Mandarin Lotus Photos

MANDARIN LOTUS ATMOSPHERE

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

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Recommended Reviews - Mandarin Lotus

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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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!!

Sara R.

I haven't had Chinese food in 2 years since finding out I had a gluten allergy and had to go gluten free. I found Mandarin Lotus on the find me gluten free app and this place did not disappoint. The owner recommended Belgium chocolate chicken and my first thought was no way, however, I decided to try it and it was DELICIOUS! The owner is very friendly, knowledgeable about gluten free and there are many options to choose from. I will be back and highly recommend this place!!

OMG Beef

Wherever you are planning to eat... cancel those plans and come to Mandarin Lotus. The food is so unique and so fresh tasting it will blow you away. Kim has never failed us on the recommendations. Very personable people who work here. I would come and eat here everyday if I didn't live so far. The crispy beef selections on the menu are so flavorful and so unique. My girlfriend never finishes her food, but every time we eat here the plate is clean.

beef noodles

Kim is the most amazing host every single time me and my boyfriend pop in. Eveything on their menue is delicious. The omg chicken is soooo good. She is such a nice thoughtful lady. The argentinian dumplings are amazing to with the springs rolls also!!! 10/10 favorite chinese food. The tables and art and people are all amazing, great vibe always. and open late!

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!

Gluten free orange chicken

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23 days ago

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

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4 months ago

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25 days ago

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

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6 months ago

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

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3 years ago

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3 months ago

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

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6 months ago

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9 months 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

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4 months ago

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5 months ago

Service is great very hospitable. enjoyed the food, a little pricey but overall good food worth the price.

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5 months ago

Food was amazing and they are very nice, i got the orange chicken and also tried some tea which all was great

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Mandarin Lotus Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Mandarin Lotus

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 !!

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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.

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The food and coffee here is amazing. The portions are large and the prices are very reasonable for…read morethe amount of food recieved. This was my third time here and I had the 'El Dorado' - Sea Bass, which was fantastic. I live about 30 minutes away (...depending on 101 traffic....) and the food is easily worth the trip. Cafecito offers a very original take on a Cuban-Chicago style restaurant with a dash of California style. My wife had the Milenasa pressed sandwich which was made to perfection. Be aware of the cooler with the assorted pieces of dessert... it gets me everytime... I tried the Tres Leches and ended up eating the whole thing.. During our visit, there was a customer that came in with a 'to-go' order that she had placed and wasn't happy with it. She stormed in and interrupted two guests that were in the middle of placing an order at the counter. The manager stayed professional and kindly asked her to lower her voice and that he would address her once the couple finished placing their order. Once the couple left, the angry customer (gen z/young adult) started berating him about the meal and lack of customer service. The manager stayed calm and collective offered her a full refund as well as a re-cooked meal that she ordered earlier. However, this wasn't enough for her, she wanted blood. The manager kept composure, realized he was in a lose-lose situation, and calmly told her she needed to leave, which she complied. The manager was being rage baited and he handled it like a pro! This is a small 'mom and pop' shop pushing to make it in the tough climate of Calabasas. They are unique and treasure quality. This place is a true gem and I look forward to their growing ambitions!

Amazing food and very friendly staff at Cafecito. I also enjoyed the decor it made me feel at home.read more

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Moody Rooster - What's in season

Moody Rooster

4.6(1.2k reviews)
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There's alway that nice factor of trying someplace new. This was a find from one of our friend…read more Which was also a hit from another friend who's dined before. We had a dinner reservation last Saturday which we showed up a little early to have a cocktail before hand. It's located inside of a strip mall with loads of parking. A decent size patio seating. When you walk in, you're greeted with the hostess who were amazing. Right infront of you is the bar area. That itself isn't big at all. There's a few seat along the bar area and that's about it. Also inside dining isn't big as well. Restaurants wasn't massive but nice and quaint and very busy. We were told that if we wanted to grab a drink and take it outside to a spot while we wait for our table it would be fine. They would come get us once it's ready. Cocktails and wine menu was quite nice. They do allow you to bring up to two bottles for a corkage fee. Which we did take advantage of. But beforehand, started off with their smoke and sour cocktails. Mezcal, lime, hibiscus juice, farm egg whites and cherry bitters. It was quite delicious and that smoked mezcal, wow. If you like mezcal, it's worth trying. Bar area isn't big so we had to stand there and wait for our drink. Maybe a 10 to 15 minutes later, we were informed our table was ready. We were seated right behind the bar area for a table for four. I believe Jonathan was our waiter. Very sweet and friendly. Also, it did seemed like a lot of regulars. All the staff members seem to know everyone that was dining. Menu is limited but quite impressive. We started off with a few shared plates before the entrees. -Ember roasted red beets with preserved lemon crèma, spiced pumpkin seeds, pickled Fresno chilis and mint. Wow, it was delicious. The flavors with the beets, kiss kiss. -Smoke trout toast- blisters cherry tomatoes, candy beets, wild arugula, crème fraiche and lemon. This was top dish for starters from all of us. The flavor of the trout was the star of the dish. Highly recommend. -Mushrooms flatbread- shiitake, buna shimeji and oyster mushrooms, tarragon, fiore di Latte mozzarella and crème fraiche. Mushrooms lovers with amazing variety all combined together for a delicious bite. -Spicy scampi flatbread- rock shrimp, parsley, garlic, Calabrian chilis and parmigiano reggiano. It's literally having a seafood scampi but on a flatbread. Wow wow, favorite out of the two flatbread. Definitely recommend. Entrees, Manila clams and salt spring mussels tossed in spaghetti with Calabrian chilis and parsley. The flavors were excellent. Simple but very tasty. -Crispy gnocchi with cherry tomatoes, basil in a Parmesan fondue. It's alway a hit or miss for me but this was a hit. And the elk which was maybe a special. Not quite sure the whole description but it was very tasty. Plus it was very tender and cooked perfectly and mixed with a sauce and topped with crispy onions. Another hit. Lastly we actually had room left for dessert which was the bread pudding. Hot with a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream. Perfect way to end an amazing meal. The service was great. Food was excellent and highly recommended. Each dish had its unique taste that was delicious. Everything ordered was outstanding and no crumbs were left. We would definitely be back.

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

Sauteed octopus with shishito peppers. Probably my favorite dish there

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Mandarin Lotus - chinese - Updated May 2026

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