Mandarin King

I have been taking a staycation in Laguna Beach twice a year for many years, and invariably my first meal here after my drive down is at Mandarin King. I usually do take-out, hence no photos, but the restaurant has been around for over 30 years and is family run and owned. I usually see the same staff there every visit: a man who usually handles the bills and take-out orders, plus 2-3 women who are servers and much more, and a non-Asian man who is a backwaiter. The staff converse in Mandarin with each other, and write down your order in Chinese characters. All are very friendly, due in no small part to the clientele being +99% non-Asian. A special shout out to Priscilla, who always remembers me each visit and stops to chat. Should you choose to dine here, the place is medium-sized with 2 dining rooms. One mostly has booths, the other all tables. It's been awhile since I've had lunch here, but their complete lunches are a good value; they come with an entrée, soup, rice(fried or steamed), a chicken wingette, fried wonton and a small salad. For dinner, I usually order the Family Dinner, which is priced per person (for 2 or more) and includes an entrée, sizzling rice soup, egg roll, fried wonton, pot sticker and paper-wrapped chicken. There are suggested dishes, but you can change them and the cost is adjusted. One can also order a Complete Dinner, which costs less than the Family Dinner because it offers a simpler soup and less appetizers in addition to the entree.I always always order the Chef's Special Chicken Salad, because I absolutely love their dressing, which looks and pours just like light corn syrup, but is sweet and tangy. I've asked many times what's in it, and they've given me a few hints, but I've yet to replicate it. It's the dressing that's also on the lunch salad. Worth a stop for pretty authentic Chinese in Laguna Beach.

Just got off the plane, found this Chinese restaurant on the main road leading to our hotel. So hungry...forgot to take pics.Ordered Fish filet with vegetables, Mandarin beef and Honey walnut shrimps. Each entree comes with complimentary rice.Everything tasted good, typical American style as was stated on menu, we devoured it all.I expected smaller portions since prices are all under$20. Walnut shrimp is the best of the 3. Staff is friendly and efficient, comfortable seating, clean tables and floors. Will visit again.

Mandarin King Chinese Food is for when you havr a craving Chinese food in Laguna Beach. Located on N Pacific Coast Hwy, I find the parking kind of hard.I guess I'm unimaginitive when it comes to chinese food.I just wanted some beef chow mein. A little greasy.I enjoyed the noodles.I greatly enjoy the small serving of rice they included.Atmosphere: 3 stars.Crowded.So is, in and out hamburger, most good places are.The ambiance is cozy and small.Service: 4 stars.They are busy and the wait is long. If you are looking for fast food it's not here.Recommend calling ahead if you want to save 20 or 30 minutes.Value: 5 stars.I paid $15 for the chow main.For the quality I felt I got my money's worth considering it is Laguna Beach.Quality: 3 Stars. I got my money's worth for the quality and quantity of food.The service was friendly, though it did take a little longer for the food to arrive during peak hours. This slight delay is the only one reason I'm not giving a full five stars.The other is the box leaked.Fortunately they put it in a bag.Overall, Mandarin King is the best value for local Chinese food.

I have been coming here for over 15 years with my family, and the food is always DELICIOUS! The noodles are fresh and flavorful, my favorite. Definitely the best Chinese food in OC. Oh, and the service is impeccable.

One of my favorite places to get Chinese takeout. I usually get it doordashed or uber eats so I can only talk about their delivery. The packaging is really good and I bet if I had the food there it would've been better, but I love the food here. My favorite is the honey walnut shrimp!

Get anything house special or walnut shrimp. Everything is delicious and is even better when you wrap it up in a warm flour tortilla (the day after of course).

If you're looking for an East Coast style Chinese restaurant in town this is the one for you! My family has been coming here since they first opened, great food, very friendly staff and perfect for pick up, delivery or dine in!!! Their soups are my favorite!

My family and I ate dinner here for my mom's birthday and the waiter was nice at first and then after a while it felt like she got upset when we would ask her for things. We were still eating and she went ahead and tried clearing the table. Towards the end we were opening my mom's gifts and she came and reached her arm across us where it would literally touch us to get the water glasses. My brother got up to use the rest room and she even removed his chair to put it away. There was another table still eating and she didn't even put anything away from them. Don't get me wrong, the food is absolutely amazing and we have been going here for YEARS however they need to work on their customer service and wait to clean up.

10/10, great portions, so bomb. Great and friendly service, this is our new favorite spot.

I love this place so, so much. Anytime I want Chinese food, it is always my top choice!! Very much worth the drive. The takeout is great but if you want to eat there too it's very relaxed and cozy. Everyone there is so sweet and they do an amazing job. My favorite is the black mushrooms and bean curd :)