Mandarin Gourmet - Brookline

The prices have gone up, and they've drastically reduced the menu, losing many of their previous offerings. I recently picked up their slimmed-down menu to place an order, hoping to cater to a family member who has historically loved this place. I tried to save money by ordering just two shareable items. However, I was shocked at the total cost when I picked it up. I had to ask for my receipt, which they don't normally provide, from the consistently unfriendly staff member processing my payment. To my surprise, the price for the item I had chosen had increased by $3.00 since my last visit. I asked if I could substitute the two beef teriyaki skewer for chicken teriyaki, and they charged me an extra $2.00 for that. The rude employee, who is never pleasant, informed me that any substitutions come with a fee. This policy was indeed listed on the updated menu, but I felt it should have been communicated when I placed my order. I understand that restaurants are going through tough times, and I genuinely want to support them and their staff. However, the blatant disregard for customer service in this establishment is unacceptable. While this restaurant is unlikely to fail, given its long-standing presence in the neighborhood, the overall quality of their food has declined significantly. I cannot recommend this place.

The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner and boasts a fantastic location with ample parking available. The menu offers a variety of options, and the waitstaff is friendly and efficient.

When I called to express my disappointment and inquire about the ingredients, the manager confirmed that it was spicy but was unable to provide a complete list of contents. I pointed out that the menu didn’t mention that it was spicy, but she insisted it was as shown. As you can see from the online menu, there was no indication of it being spicy. If the manager had offered an apology or a refund, we would have considered returning.

The staff here are always friendly, and the food is absolutely delicious!

The Chinese food here is exceptional and always made fresh. I have never had a bad meal at this restaurant—it's consistently excellent!