Mandarin Restaurant - Kitchener

Reviews

• Steve S.

  star star star star star_border 10 October 2026

  Not there slightly before 4:30 p.m. we're seated almost immediately. My wife and I both ordered just water is the beverage. And both went with the all-you-can-eat buffet. My wife started off with a salad bar and I joined her. The salad bar is absolutely outstanding so many items to choose from and everything so fresh and tasty. I then moved on to the wonton soup with dumpling with lots and lots of green onion in it. The soup was hot very tasty outstanding. We then both moved on to the hot Buffet literally hundreds of items to choose from. My wife for the shrimp. I went in Heather prime rib of beef which is possibly the most tender succulent tasty prime rib of beef I've had anywhere in Kitchener Waterloo. I have the roasted potatoes mixed vegetables and tried a little bit of the Chinese food. We were both very impressed the food was hot it had good flavour and taste have a service was outstanding. I would highly recommend this place for somebody with fussy appetites if you can't find something here to eat and enjoy and there's definitely something wrong with you because it goes beyond just Chinese food you can get prime rib of beef Pizza you name it they have every type of food in this establishment you do not even need to eat Chinese food to enjoy a meal here the salad bar is outstanding the soup bar is outstanding the deserts are out of this world and dozens upon dozens to choose from. So if you do not mind spending $35 a person for an all-you-can-eat experience this is definitely the place to go.

• Darryl M.

  star star star star_border star_border 6 October 2026

  We stopped here for lunch today. I  have never  shown up to a buffet when it first opens and I don't think I will ever again.
     We were seated in the very back of one of the sections and noticed it was freezing. My Kid said he was fine so we stayed at the table they sat us at. But from the time we sat down until we left, 4 other tables complained about how cold it was and asked to be moved.
  
   Once they had our drink order we went up to the buffet. Now if you advertise you open at a certain time and you seat people you would think the food would be ready! Over half the stations were empty and the foods that were ready were cold?!? I'm really loosing my love for Chinese buffets.. kids usually love this stuff but even my kids was like sorry Dad I feel bad because for you paying and me not eating much.

• Ashley F.

  star star star star star_border 25 September 2026

  Heard of this chain buffet from my cousin- and being first time Canada visitors, they took us here for dinner tonight.
  
  First impression: Wow this place is so cute with its fountain/wishing well entrance. They have a blue sky with clouds type of wallpaper that reminds me of the skies in the buildings of some Vegas casinos, sort of tacky but sort of aesthetically pleasing. You walk down to an abundance of red lanterns (not sure if it's just for the Chinese New Year event coming up or if it's always there) but it was cool. The location has plentiful seating- and can surely accompany bigger groups of 16 or so if needed.  Not sure if you need a reservation for bigger groups but it's always nice to call ahead for those type of things anyways.
  
  Got seated right away and noticed their aquariums that contained real fish! It was so nice and lively in there and it's even nicer knowing the aquarium is maintained and clean.
  
  Mandarin has a good variety of Asian food. Anything ranging from sushi, baked salmon, prime rib, dumplings, dim sum, salads and even French fries and pizza. They had four different soups out today- but none stood out to me. Hot and sour soup was not note worthy, my brother didn't like the wonton and my aunt didn't care for her chicken and corn flower soup.
  
  They had two dessert tables out- one which contained a variety of pies and fruit and the other one containing tarts, chocolate dipped marshmallows, sesame crisps and chocolate chip cookies.
  
  They also had a frozen yogurt soft serve machine that contained either strawberry, vanilla or both in a swirl. And lastly they had about 8 different tubs of ice cream that you can serve yourself. Flavors include vanilla, cappuccino or even a spicy chocolate firecracker (which I believe is limited edition due to Chinese New Year)
  
  Not going to lie- I think it's overpriced for the simplicity of the food. Especially if it's a chain restaurant- but I'm glad I tried it and can add an experience on my list. Service was good and the fact that they kept refilling food even towards closing made me feel like they really want their customers to eat. The hot towels they provide you before and after your meal is a nice touch too!

• Tessa D.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 25 September 2026

  Went in last week. The food was stale and the worst part was that the workers couldn't wait until the restaurant was closed  before taking down the Canadian flag banners. Almost tripped and none of the staff cared. I was trying to get food and the flags were blocking everyone. Unacceptable.

• Samantha Y.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 25 September 2026

  Honestly my first and last time going to any Mandarin. We've ordered food from them before for work events and the food was so bad. I was hoping for something a tiny bit better at the restaurant but honestly only like a tad bit more fresh.
  
  We reserved a room for 50 guests for a work event and they only prepared enough for 20-30. Throughout the dinner we kept having to ask them for more tables and chairs.
  
  The presentation of the dishes itself was unappetizing. I picked out a few things to try. The noodles were cold, oily, soft, and tasteless. The chicken was like chicken jerky - dry and tough.
  
  The dessert selection was quite impressive compared to everything else though. From crême brulées to dipped strawberries to cottan candy. I basically had dessert for dinner.