Yu's Mandarin (Wheeling) — Restaurant in Wheeling Township

I recently dined at Yu's Mandarin, drawn in by the promise of delectable Chinese cuisine. My meal comprised Crab Rangoon and veg spring rolls for appetizers, followed by sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, and mapo tofu for the main course. Here's a detailed account of my visit.

Appetizers: Let's start with the appetizers. The Crab Rangoon was delightful, offering a crispy exterior that gave way to a creamy, crab-infused center. Each bite was a burst of flavor, and I found it hard to resist devouring the whole plate.

However, the same cannot be said for the veg spring rolls. These lacked the wow factor. They were a standard rendition of the dish, with no unique flavors or textures that set them apart. They were not bad by any means, just not special.

Main Course: Moving on to the main course, things improved significantly. The sweet and sour chicken was a hit. The chicken was tender, coated in a tangy yet sweet sauce that perfectly balanced flavors. The accompanying fried rice was a delightful companion, with a medley of vegetables and that unmistakable wok hei (wok's breath) flavor.

The mapo tofu, a dish known for its spiciness and bold flavors, was a pleasant surprise. The tofu was cooked to perfection, with a silky texture that absorbed the rich, spicy sauce. It had just the right level of heat to tantalize my taste buds without overwhelming them. This dish was a true standout.

The Substitution Conundrum: Now, let's address an issue that's become all too common in restaurants like Yu's Mandarin - the extra charges for substitutions. I share the sentiment of many diners who find it frustrating when they are billed extra for making simple substitutions, especially when it involves vegetables. In an age where dietary preferences and restrictions are diverse, it's disappointing to see this policy in place.

During my visit, I inquired about replacing one vegetable in a dish with another due to a dietary restriction, and I was met with an additional charge. While I understand that some substitutions may require different ingredients and incur additional costs, this particular substitution seemed straightforward and hardly merited an extra fee.

Such policies can detract from the overall dining experience and leave customers feeling nickel-and-dimed. It would be more customer-friendly if Yu's Mandarin considered a more flexible approach to substitutions, at least for common requests that don't significantly impact the dish's preparation or cost.

In Conclusion: In summary, my visit to Yu's Mandarin was a mixed bag. The appetizers started strong with the delectable Crab Rangoon but fell short with the unremarkable veg spring rolls. The main course, however, was a highlight, with the sweet and sour chicken and mapo tofu showcasing the kitchen's culinary prowess.

While the food quality overall was good, I couldn't help but feel irked by the extra charges for substitutions. It's a practice that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, detracting from the otherwise enjoyable dining experience.

Despite these concerns, I would still recommend Yu's Mandarin for its tasty Chinese cuisine, but with the caveat that patrons should be prepared for potential additional charges if they have specific...

If you’re looking for authentic Chinese cuisine in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, Yu’s Mandarin in Wheeling is an excellent choice. The restaurant’s décor is charming, with traditional Chinese elements and elegant touches that create a warm and inviting dining space. The red lanterns and thoughtful wall art add to the cultural ambiance, making it a great spot for family gatherings or special occasions.

Highlights of the Meal:

Lobster Dish: The lobster, served with aromatic onions and a flavorful sauce, was fresh and perfectly cooked. The meat was tender, succulent, and seasoned to perfection—a luxurious treat that felt worth every bite. Steamed Whole Fish: This classic Chinese delicacy was a standout. The fish was steamed to maintain its natural flavor, topped with a generous amount of julienned green onions and light soy sauce. It was beautifully presented and tasted as good as it looked—delicate and melt-in-your-mouth. Broccoli with Sea Cucumber and Mushrooms: A unique dish with an earthy and rich sauce that paired beautifully with tender broccoli. The sea cucumber and mushrooms added depth and texture, making this dish both nourishing and satisfying. Dumplings: While not the centerpiece, the dumplings were a comforting addition to the table. Soft, flavorful, and well-seasoned, they rounded out the meal perfectly.

Overall Impression:

The quality of the food at Yu’s Mandarin is outstanding, with a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic preparation. The service was attentive, ensuring plates were cleared promptly and drinks refilled without interruption. Whether you’re indulging in a special seafood dish or exploring other classic menu items, Yu’s Mandarin delivers an experience that stands out in the Chicagoland area.

I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone craving a memorable and delicious Chinese...

Upon arriving to the place it’s very clean and nice on the outside. There is plenty of parking on the outside. The inside is very clean and the environment is very welcoming. The staff are very helpful and kind. We went as a bigger group and got a ton of food.

The food was very authentic and delicious. We had the mango chicken, general Tso chicken, lemon chicken, beef with flat noodle, chicken with flat noodle (we requested chicken as one person wasn’t a fan of beef), sweet and sour chicken, vegetable egg roll and crab Rangoon. The entrees were very good. Honestly some of the best mandarin food I’ve had anywhere.

The crab Rangoons had a lot of Philadelphia cream in them making them a bit too salty for my taste and I couldn’t taste the crab in them. The egg rolls had a peppery taste to them I didn’t enjoy too much. But otherwise the meats were very juicy and cooked well and the sauces had a lot of flavor.

All the food in the photo is pictured minus the lemon chicken which the crab rangoon are covering.

As for portion size, we honestly didn’t know we were going to get that much food in one plate. One plate will definitely be enough for 1-2 people. We honestly shared among each other and still had food we brought home in boxes.

Lastly, pricing. Pricing I would say is fair for what you are getting. On average I would say we paid about $14 per plate. There is a lot of food on the plate, it is authentic...