Vida Rica Restaurant — Restaurant in Sé

Vida Rica at Mandarin Oriental Macau is one of those rare restaurants that impresses on every level—food, service, atmosphere, and that unmistakable sense of quiet refinement. I came for their Dim Sum Spring Delights set lunch, and what followed was an experience that blended tradition with elegance, all framed by sweeping views of Macau’s waterfront and skyline.

The restaurant itself is serene and polished, dressed in soft lighting, luxe textures, and panoramic windows that overlook the sea, bridges, and Macau Tower. There’s a sense of space and calm here that feels surprisingly rare in a city built on spectacle.

The meal began with a trio of exquisitely made dim sum: a scallop dumpling enriched with shrimp and tobiko, a delicate har kau reimagined with fresh asparagus and water chestnut, and a comforting xiao long bao filled with minced pork and rich chicken broth. Each bite was balanced and intentional—traditional flavors given a precise and elegant presentation.

Next came a seasonal soup that was far more layered than it appeared: fava bean crème, Yunnan ham, bamboo shoots, and silky eggs. It had a velvety texture and a savory depth that made it quietly addictive.

The main course featured slow-cooked tiger prawn wrapped in vegetable cheong fun with asparagus and generous truffle shavings—a luxurious, almost decadent dish that managed to stay light and well-proportioned. And for dessert, a nourishing soup of loquat, snow lotus seeds, white fungus, and peach blossom closed the meal on a floral, almost medicinal note—sweet in the softest way.

What truly set this lunch apart was the wine pairing: a 2019 Jad Dove Italian Riesling Ugni Blanc, a Chinese-produced wine that’s part of the country’s exciting new generation of viticulture. Bright, floral, and slightly mineral, it paired beautifully with both the freshness of the seafood and the depth of the broth. The fact that it’s made locally—while rooted in European varietals—made it a thoughtful and relevant complement to the menu.

Service was faultless throughout: subtle, observant, and intuitive. Dishes were introduced with warmth and just enough detail, tea refills arrived unprompted, and the entire meal flowed with a rhythm that made the hours melt away.

Vida Rica isn’t just a hotel restaurant—it’s a destination in itself. If you’re looking for a dining experience that balances Chinese tradition with modern luxury, and if you want to discover how nuanced and personal service can truly feel, this is...

Visit here for lunch in December 2016 because trust the brand name of Mandarin Oriental. The atmosphere is good and the service is even better delivered by Carmen who is one of the lady staff in the restaurant. However the food is not served in a proper way because several dishes are served at one time while the guests have not finished the first plate . The food will become cold very quickly especially in winter . Moreover some of the dishes are served warm only instead of serving it hot in winter . Furthermore, the tea pot are full of chips around it ( refer to photos) , how can this happen in a five stars hotel like Mandarin Oriental. The chipped tea pot will cut the hand or fingers of those using it . It's unbelievable!! A 3 Stars review should be given to this restaurant but the excellent service provided by the waitress deserve an extra star . Looking forward the Macau Mandarin Oriental rectifying these errors soon and align themselves with the normal excellent standard of the other...

Visited to experience their special chef collaboration. While the food was ok, I found the restaurant service lacking in comparison to the renowned Mandarin Oriental standard. Whether it was the operating procedures, handling of customer requests, or service protocols, there seemed to be a noticeable gap.

In Macau, the choices are somewhat limited compared to Hong Kong. It is regrettable that even a prestigious brand like this struggles to maintain consistent quality. There are numerous superior dining establishments in town, both within hotels and along...