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    Otay Mandarin

    3.9 (702 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Otay Mandarin Photos

    Business Info

    OTAY MANDARIN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Otay Mandarin

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    Reviews With Photos

    Nachelle M.

    This place is a Chula Vista staple!! Been going here since high school. It was the third time my friends and I spent Friendsgiving here. They are very accommodating and fast. Place is always bustling Food comes out hot and quickly. Maybe it's the nostalgia, but everything comes out delicious- no notes! Highlights: - salt and pepper chicken/tofu: super crispy and piping hot. "Salt and pepper" seasoning is so garlicy and flavorful - honey walnut shrimp: Even though it's drenched in sauce, it's still very crispy.

    Orange chicken, shrimp honey walnut, shrimp Chow mein, fried rice
    Sofia P.

    First time trying this place and we ordered to go. The food was delicious. The service was fast. The place looked descent. Since we didn't dine in and it was to go, the quality of food was still excellent. It is a little pricey since just these 4 items were almost $100. However, the food did last us a few days and there's 2 of us. The orange chicken pieces were big. There was a good amount of shrimp too. For the quality and quantity, you get what you pay for. I highly recommend this place specially if you don't feel like dining in. I called and ordered ahead of time.

    Suite front
    Emmett T.

    The Chula Vista community is the home to several "Mandarin" restaurants. Each of them specializes in Americanized Chinese food in large servings and relative cheap prices. Our group had a recent dinner at Otay Mandarin in the College Plaza of the Otay Lakes neighborhood. Parking was very easy, and the inside of the suite had about ten booths along the walls and several four-top tables in the middle for seating. Plenty of to-go orders were being processed during our visit while the dining area was about half full. While deciding what to order, a complimentary dish of fried wonton strips with a plum dipping sauce were provided. We selected the following dishes to share... * Beef Chow Fun with Black Bean Sauce * Hot Spicy Eggplant with Pork * Roast Duck (half) * Salted Pepper Chicken Wings (12) The chow fun noodles had a deep brown color from the black bean sauce. There was good caramelization to this dish. The eggplant was stir-fried with pieces of pork that created a mildly spicy mixture. The duck was butchered into smaller pieces and served with au jus on the side. I normally see au jus with crispy roasted pork and not duck which was unusual. The duck meat was fine. The best of the bunch was the chicken wings. The batter was lightly coated and had a nice crispiness. For these four items, we spent less than $30 per person including tax and gratuity. The portion sizes were solid, and the food came out very quickly from the kitchen. The quality of what we tried at Otay Mandarin was between a three and four star level.

    Complimentary won ton strips
    Ryan M.

    Came on a Sunday for dinner it wasn't too crowded. There was lots of parking as it shares the parking lot with isushi, jack in the box, and pho convoy noodle house. We ordered a few things, the meal came with complimentary wonton strips and sweet sour sauce. That was a nice touch as you don't see many complimentary items anymore. Salt and pepper chicken wings were very crispy but were a little bland. They are actually tasty but you have to make sure you put the salty bits on the wing when you eat them. So be sure to pick a piece that has the fried bits on top or take some from the bottom of the plate and put the on the wing before you take a bite. Beef chow fun was tasty. The noodles were soft and had good texture. The beef was soft, they used baking soda to tenderize the meat but also changes the texture a little, most places do this but I wish a little less baking soda or a harder sear on the meat so that the texture isn't so obvious. The noodles had a nice soy flavor and dark color. The spicy eggplant with pork was good. The eggplant was cooked nicely and had a nice soft but not mushy texture. It was a little bland and not spicy at all. I wish it was more spicy. Half roasted duck had a good flavor but the texture was off. I think maybe held in the refrigerator and reheated upon ordering. Not really sure but the texture of the meat and skin were off. The chili oil on the table also lacked spice. Do they just keep adding oil to the container as it gets used? Just like how my mom keeps adding water to the liquid soap, so eventually it's just mostly water. I'm not really sure but it didn't add any heat or flavor. The food here is pretty good and you definitely get your moneys worth with large portions. Service was great as they came around multiple times to offer water refills. I don't recall seeing large round tables for large parties but I think they can push the smaller tables together for large parties.

    Salt and pepper wings
    Anna C.

    Part 1 of trying all the wings of Mandarin in Chula Vista. This was my first stop given its proximity to Eastlake where I used to get wings catered at work. I don't recall where they were from other than it had Mandarin in its name. Well, these weren't it. They were a good texture, but lacked flavor. Search continues...

    $56 party tray of fried rice.
    Edwin B.

    Expensive for the portion. Royal mandarin is at least reasonable for their price. I paid 56 dollars for a small party tray. The rice was flavorless. This place is a robbery. I guess people pay for convenience. Never again. I hope this place gets shut down

    Menu
    Becky G.

    I've been coming to Otay Mandarin for many, many years and can't believe I've never written a review! You can place a telephone order or walk in. This place does get pretty busy so make sure you call ahead of time (especially during the holidays!) They have a small dine in area and their servers are very kind Everything is freshly prepared and consistently delicious. Their salt and pepper chicken wings, Easily some of the best, crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive. Love the house noodles and sweet and sour shrimp. Definitely A neighborhood favorite for a reason!

    Storefront
    Roger P.

    We heard that Otay Mandarin was one of the top contenders for Asian Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings and had to try it out! Looking at the restaurant, you wouldn't really expect much and honestly, I had some low expectations. The restaurant looks a little dinky but I guess it's always the unassuming places where you'll find delicious food! When we walked in, we were immediately seated. The restaurant isn't too large and they never had a full house but customers were constantly coming in. We were given the menu and some free wonton chips. The menus have party tray prices so I'm thinking people usually order for catering. Food comes out really fast! Egg Flower Soup (Cup): Perfect for a cold day and a cup is a good serving size for two people to share. It comes with carrots and corn. I didn't really care for the carrots and wish the corn was sweeter. Overall, a decent cup of soup but I've had better. Orange Flavored Chicken: The pieces are pretty large for orange chicken and I was impressed that, even with all the sauce, the pieces were still crunchy. Of course, as time went on, the pieces got soggy but that's understandable. What was unique about their orange chicken was the orange flavor. I thought this was one of the most noticeable orange flavor that I've ever had in orange chicken. Salted Pepper Chicken Wings: Our order came with 15 wings. It's kind of pricey but one order also comes with a large bowl of rice (which you could ask for fried rice too). The wings were very crispy and the aromatics were especially flavorful. The garlic and green onions really stood out. Some dry areas but overall, very good. Sauteed Snow Pea: Very generous with the portion but I think it needed some more flavor. Overall, I was impressed with the food here and would recommend the wings. I think it's comparable to the chicken wing staples like Golden Chopsticks or Royal Mandarin but I just wish I lived closer.

    Stephanie N.

    I honestly only came here for the popular salt & pepper chicken wings. I had to compare to the most popular contender. In my opinion? I liked the wings here more. The breading imo is lighter but super crispy. And I feel like the wings here are more flavorful. Service was good even tho I only did a quick wing pick up order. But it only took 10 minutes for my order to be ready. I'll definitely be back for the wings. Yum, yum!

    7/12/2024. Right off the bat, they gave complimentary fried wontons with sweet & sour sauce!
    Jeff F.

    One of the best spots to get salted pepper chicken wings. The breading here is extra crispy compared to the competitors. 7/12/2024. Right off the bat, they gave complimentary fried wontons with sweet & sour sauce! Steamed white rice or fried rice comes with the entrées here! The infamous salted pepper chicken wings, 5/5 stars! Lo mein noodles with beef: standard, 3.5/5 stars. Honey walnut shrimp was fire! The batter was light and crispy with the creamy and slightly sweet sauce, 5/5 stars! Egg foo young was ok but a heaping portion, 3/5 stars. A friend ordered this as it is her fave dish.

    Honey Walnut Chicken
    Allan A.

    You simply cannot leave without ordering the Honey Walnut Chicken. Calling it their "best dish" is an understatement; it is, without a doubt, one of the most perfect plates of food you'll find in San Diego. The chicken is impossibly tender, coated in a light, crispy batter, and smothered in a sweet, creamy glaze that is pure magic. The candied walnuts add the perfect crunch. It's a masterpiece. A very close second are their Salt and Pepper Wings. Listen to me carefully: you MUST eat these fresh in the restaurant. Do not get them to-go. The reason? The skin. When it arrives at your table, it is shatteringly crisp, crackling with each bite, and seasoned with a masterful blend of salt, pepper, and aromatic spices. They are, without hyperbole, among the very best wings in the entire county. On our latest visit, we also tried the Kung Pao Chicken, and it was a delightful surprise that brought back memories. It has a slightly different, familiar flavor profile that reminded me of the fantastic Chinese food I had on the East Coast. It's packed with flavor, has a great kick, and is loaded with crunchy peanuts and peppers. Beyond the great food, what truly makes Otay Mandarin special is the people. The owner and staff are exceptionally friendly and welcoming. I get the sense that they truly care about their customers and are proud of the food they serve. This has made me and my family loyal patrons for years.

    Salt n pepper chicken
    Latasha H.

    After passing by this restaurant several times, I finally decided to give it a try. We ordered the salt and pepper chicken, beef fun chow, sweet and sour pork, and fried rice. Everything was freshly prepared, and while a bit on the pricier side, the portion sizes were generous. The salt and pepper chicken was extra crispy, with a well-seasoned coating and just the right amount of spice. The sweet and sour pork was also great, with a perfect balance of pork and breading. Overall, it was a very positive experience, and they also offer reasonably priced lunch plates.

    Reassembled wonton soup (at home). 1/3 of the "to go" serving.

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    3 months ago

    All foods are real delicious and we keep on going back and eat there. One of our favorite restaurants in southbay.

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    3 months ago

    My husband ordered salt and pepper chicken for to go , we're so disappointed coz it's not fresh no more . It's look like old .

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    4 months ago

    Great food and large shareable family sized portions. Called in my order and it was ready in 15 minutes.

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    Page 1 of 18

    Ask the Community - Otay Mandarin

    Is this place open? I drove there 2 weeks ago on a Monday it was closed. Help! Thanks.

    Yes it's open for dine in now as well as take out

    What are your hours?

    hours on yelp are incorrect. i just called and apparently they close at 730!! ruined our dinner plans

    How many people does a party tray feed?

    Large party tray of $100 feeds about 25 people with side dishes, and about 17 without sides.

    Does anyone know if Otay Mandarin Chinese Restaurant is open right now? I saw a review saying they are, but no answer when I call. If they are open, how do we go about ordering and what are their hours of operation right now? Thanks in advance!

    Yes they are, I had to call a few times as they were busy. They close a 7:45 on Saturday. Not sure the other days.

    Does anyone have their 2019 menu? The prices on their "website" is not up to date.

    I don't have togo menu with me - sorry

    I keep trying to call, but get the sound of the phone off the hook. Is there a different number than the one ending in 8080?

    Friday and the weekends I never get through. I usually show up order then shop at the dollar tree and my order is ready in 10 minutes.

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    Buffalo Wing Star - Chula Vista - Atomic and teriyaki

    Buffalo Wing Star - Chula Vista

    4.4(112 reviews)
    4.9 mi

    Oooh a close competitor to Epic Wings, but a better value in my opinion! The 5-pc tenderloin combo…read moreis $15.99 with 8 veggie sticks, 3 breads, dipping sauce and drink! versus at other places a combo might only have 3 or 4 pieces in a combo. Buffalo Wing Star gives you a lot of food! And it really hits the spot for wings, well cooked tenders with yummy sauces. They have a ton of sauces to choose from, I got the medium which was a bit more toned down for buffalo sauce. I also tried the original hot, which has a nice vinegar kick. The bread is very doughy and soft and it's nice you get three pieces. The location is inside the building of the car wash, which is kinda funny, and parking is available in any of the vacuum spots. The inside is quite small with only a few tables. Not busy at all when I went on a thursday night and many people taking it to go. Overall an awesome choice for wings! A very close competitor to other wing spots

    Wow. Had 3 piece tender meal, bread, and Mac and cheese. It was really good…read more I wasn't in the mood for fries, but the bread was soft, fresh, and hot. The Mac and cheese was simply good. The meal came with carrot sticks and celery, and I chose blue cheese. I'd definitely come here again. It's a small place next to a car wash, it you can park in any open stall. Staff here is super chill and friendly. This place is a gem in Chula Vista.

    Photos
    Buffalo Wing Star - Chula Vista - Menu 9/10/23

    Menu 9/10/23

    Buffalo Wing Star - Chula Vista
    Buffalo Wing Star - Chula Vista - Menu 9/10/23

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    Bonchon National City

    Bonchon National City

    4.0(287 reviews)
    6.2 mi
    $$

    Favorite place to eat Korean fried chicken in San Diego on Mondays and Tuesdays for their $1 wings…read moredine in deal. The deal is up to 12 wings per person which is great because after 6 wings - dipped heavily in ranch sauce - I'm full. Deal doesn't come with any sides like radish or rice and costs extra. My go to spicy wing sauce is yangnyeom. The Littles (who normally don't like very seasoned or saucy things) surprisingly liked the 3 non spicy flavors. Bulgolgi fries is overall crispy and tasty but has little Bulgolgi in it. Japchae was underwhelming. Parking sucks but it never takes me more than 2 minutes to find parking. I've never had to wait for seating but I've seen that wait times can be from 30 minutes - 1 hour at peak times or with large parties.

    Located in a shopping center with lots of other good foods but plenty of parking. We came for their…read more$1 wing specials which are only held Mondays and Tuesdays for dine in only and a maximum of 15 wings per person. You are also able to take it home if you don't finish but it is way more than enough. There was a small wait and the servers Annika and Kyla were attentive and responsive. We tried all flavors of the wings. All 3 of us had different favorites but I'd say all the flavors were pretty good and there wasn't a flavor I disliked. Their tteokboki was sooo good. I really enjoyed the flavor and so far my best I've tried. Other places are too sweet or has too much overpowering gochuchang. This place is by far my favorite for tteokboki. I really didn't like their takoyaki though. Too much flour/dough and they were not mindful making it since some pieces only had 1 piece of octopus while some piece had none and was just straight up flour. I'd come back for their wings and tteokboki though.

    Photos
    Bonchon National City
    Bonchon National City - Half Soy Garlic & Yangnyeam Wings.

    Half Soy Garlic & Yangnyeam Wings.

    Bonchon National City - Mixed 6 PC 4Wings 2 Drums

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    Wingstop

    Wingstop

    2.0(300 reviews)
    6.6 mi
    $

    First time trying wing stop, Itzel helped me and provided awesome customer service, explained the…read moremenu and was patient. The food was out on time and was delicious. I will come back thank you for a great experience.

    I want to be clear that this review reflects our recent to-go order, which may have been a…read moredifferent experience if we had dined in. I doubt the outcome would have been much different, but I want readers--especially those considering takeout or ordering through Uber Eats, GrubHub, or DoorDash--to have that context. What we ordered: 30-piece Mix & Match Crew Pack (10 Cajun wings, 10 Hot Honey wings, 10 Lemon Pepper boneless), all requested extra crispy/well done, carrot and celery sticks, three ranch dressings, a large seasoned fries, and a 5-piece fried corn add-on. The issues: Unfortunately, none of the food arrived hot, and none of the 30 wings or boneless pieces were cooked extra crispy as requested. The fries were placed loosely in the large to-go bag in an uncovered paper tray, which could have easily spilled during transport. The carrot and celery sticks were simply wrapped in a napkin and placed in the bag in the same open tray as the fries. The fried corn also didn't taste fresh. I'm not suggesting it wasn't freshly made--only that it didn't taste like it had just been fried. The main reason for this review is the value for the price. The total came to $68, and the overall quality and packaging didn't feel close to worth that amount. For comparison, we could have ordered a similar quantity of food from Panda Express for around $52, or from Epic Wings or Buffalo Wild Wings. They might be similarly priced--or even slightly more--but I would have gladly paid $70-$80 if the food tasted fresh and the order had been packaged with more care. Those dining in may have a somewhat better experience than we did with takeout. However, based on the average Yelp rating for this location, we're not convinced that would be the case.

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    Wingstop
    Wingstop
    Wingstop

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    Otay Mandarin - chinese - Updated May 2026

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