Mandarin Restaurant — Restaurant in Ottawa

We had a large group for dinner. They seated promptly at our reservation time. First off, our server was great. She asked for drink orders and cleared our plates promptly. She didn't rush us and was friendly. The food here is typical Mandarin. I wish that since it was dinner, and a holiday (NYE), they had offered something special/different. We thought there may be some extra dishes like crab legs but it was just all the standard fare. Most of the food was fresh but a little boring. Same fried foods, same salmon, same stir fry's. Having said that they were fresh and staff constantly replenished items so nothing ever looked empty. One exception, maybe I have forgotten since it's been awhile since I was here last, but there looks like less items on the dessert table side. And they didn't have creme anglaise anymore for the dry bread pudding! :( Overall food was decent but nothing special especially for the holiday and the pricing. Update: went again for a birthday. Be aware to register for the coupon first. Also remember to present the coupon when you first sit down at the table. We forgot, but the waitress, though not too happy, took it in the end after giving us a stern warning. Overall service was just ok. They cleared the plates a little too fast. Sometimes you are still trying to eat that last bite and they come. Also they asked if we wanted our bill even though we were still eating (and no, with two kids we weren't eating a lot). Anyhow, as you know you are paying for variety here. Prices. Have gone up obviously. I am finding the food kind of boring now. Kind of same old same old. On the holiday weekend the only extra they had was turkey. Not too exciting really. Anyway, on the plus food quality is still good. I can't really say anything bad, but I also really can't say anything stood out as great. It's a good place for groups and for birthdays as the birthday person eats free with 3 other paying adults. I don't think I would come...

My favourite all-you-can-eat restaurant in Ottawa. It has a good variety of dishes, with something for every taste. We leave happy every time we visit the place.

I love their breaded shrimp, Kung Pao Chicken, beef with green peppers, and Peking Style Pork. They also have a very decent salad bar, and their Thai Mango Salad and Red Onion Salad are absolutely delicious. They also have a good variety of desserts options, from ice cream and fresh fruit to must-try bread pudding crème brûlée. My daughter loves their sushi bar, and my wife is fond of their soups.

Prices are very affordable for an all-you-can-eat restaurant. As of March 2023, lunch (11:30am to 3pm) is $26.99 Monday to Friday, and $28.99 during weekend. Dinner (4:30pm to 10pm) is $36.99 Monday to Thursday, and $38.99 Friday to Sunday. Drinks are extra, but prices are low compared to most other restaurants in the area.

What I really like about this location is that their staff is very helpful and friendly. They come to your table often to ask if anything is needed. They also go the extra mile. My daughter wanted to throw a coin into a little pond with fish that they have at the entrance, but I didn’t have a single coin. A manager who overheard us talking about this took several Chinese coins from the pond, wiped them clean, and handed them to my daughter to throw into the pond. They also ask for feedback after each visit, which I think is good.

A minor issue to improve: it would be great if you offered custard to go with the...

I'm stating the facts, not commenting. If you're experiencing the same situation, please contact me.

Yesterday, 60 of us, along with a Chinese tour group from New York, visited this restaurant. Our tour guide described the Chinese buffet as excellent, boasting a quality and quality level significantly superior to other Chinese buffets in New York. We were told the price was $40 per person plus a $5 tip. They also explained that it was Senior Day at the restaurant, offering a 50% discount for those over 65, bringing the buffet price to $20 with a $5 tip. We initially thought this was significantly higher than other Chinese buffets in New York, assuming it was simply because of its high-end quality. However, when we finished our meal and left, we were surprised to see a price list posted on the restaurant's door. The dinner buffet cost 36.99 Canadian dollars for adults, with a 50% discount for seniors that day. Our group didn't order any additional dishes or meals, so why were we charged so much more?

We were required to dine in a separate area. During our meal, the waiter demanded a cash payment of $45 per person; no credit cards were accepted.

The restaurant's ambiance, the variety, and the quality of the dishes were truly mediocre. The waiters were also indifferent and refused to answer any questions.

We've lived in North America for many years and have been to numerous Chinese buffets in the Midwest, but we've never encountered anything like this. Why is...