Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Old Mandarin Islamic – San Francisco
Old Mandarin Islamic - San Francisco
Photo from Old Mandarin Islamic
Old Mandarin Islamic at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 73 of the guests
#2164 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#246 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Average
6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
479
Reviews
54.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Cuisine
- Historic Charm
- Quick Service
Frequently criticized
- High Cost
- Forced Gratuity
- Poor Basics
The restaurant Old Mandarin Islamic is a welcoming Chinese Restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant Sunset District. At Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant, you can enjoy a casual dining experience with a variety of delicious offerings.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch or a satisfying dinner, this spot provides a comfortable setting for everyone. You’ll find convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
Overview: Introducting Old Mandarin Islamic
Old Mandarin Islamic offers a distinctive dining experience, primarily celebrated for its authentic cuisine. Many appreciate the delicious and consistent food quality, often highlighting the traditional flavors.
However, some aspects of the visit, particularly regarding value and certain service interactions, leave room for improvement, impacting the overall impression. The restaurant’s long-standing presence contributes to a unique, historic atmosphere that many find inviting.
While the food often arrives swiftly, some guests have noted inconsistencies in the overall service approach, which can detract from an otherwise pleasant meal.
Average
6
out of 10
479
Reviews
54.1%
Satisfaction
189
negative
31
neutral
259
positive
Old Mandarin Islamic achieves an overall Restaurant Score of 6, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer Satisfaction stands at 54.1%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This balance is drawn from 479 customer opinions, with 259 positive and 189 negative sentiments contributing to the feedback. Looking closer, Food is a clear highlight with a score of (7.3), consistently praised for its quality.
The Ambience also fares reasonably well at (6.3), suggesting a generally pleasant setting. However, Service scores an average (4.4), and Value is notably lower at (2.9), pointing to significant areas where the restaurant struggles to meet expectations.
What people like
- Authentic Chinese Food
- Historic, Inviting Atmosphere
- Swift Food Arrival
What people don't like
- Poor Value for Money
- Mandatory, Unconsented Tips
- Lack of Basic Service
If authentic Chinese-Muslim cuisine is your priority, Old Mandarin Islamic is worth considering, especially given its strong performance in Food (7.3). The historic atmosphere also adds a unique charm.
However, be prepared for a potentially mixed experience regarding service and value. With a Recommendation Score of 6.1, it suggests a visit might be rewarding for the food alone, but it’s wise to manage expectations concerning pricing and service practices, particularly the mandatory tipping.
It’s a place for those who prioritize taste over a flawless dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Old Mandarin Islamic
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 72%, many diners rave about the authentic Chinese food, especially the fully halal menu. Positive comments, totaling 188 out of 261, frequently highlight the delicious cumin lamb and the fresh and tasty quality of the dishes, offering a wide variety.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied. Around 60 comments point to some areas for improvement, with concerns about small portions and dishes sometimes lacking taste or being too salty. A few diners also noted that some items, like the lamb, weren't always fresh, and there were occasional questions regarding the halal status.
Food
261
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
60
negative
13
neutral
188
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chinese food
- Fully halal menu
- Fresh and tasty
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent taste
- Not always fresh
Often praised
- foodThe fact that it was explicitly advertised as Halal gave us peace of mind to visit. First, I must say that all the food was very delicious; we really enjoyed it. Despite the small print on the table stating the sauce for the manti clearly contained alcohol, when we asked, they claimed it wasn't at a level that would prevent it from being Halal.
- Mongolian beefA huge plus is that the entire menu is halal. Some standout dishes include the 3 flavored dumplings, scallion pancake, chicken corn soup, cumin lamb, crack fish, green beans and tofu, sesame chicken, and Mongolian beef.
- FoodFood:5
- cumin lambMy family and I had another solid meal here. We really enjoyed our experience and I recommend trying the crackling fish, spicy eggplants, sweet and sour pork, and cumin lamb. The mixed cucumber salad was particularly refreshing.
- food qualityThis restaurant is our top choice of dining whenever we visit Bay Area. The food quality is very consistent, offering very fresh and yummy authentic Chinese food. However, lately, they have increased the prices tremendously, almost doubling the price of every item on their menu.
- lemon chickenlemon chicken, which falls apart the moment you touch it
- portionsI was pretty satisfied with the portions
- Chinese foodsome of the best Chinese food I’ve had
- beef pancakesbeef pancakes are all worth trying
- dumplingsmy friends enjoyed their dumplings
Frequently criticized
- foodThey charge their tip of their own choice without even asking me, almost charging me $46 without asking. For the price, it’s not worth it and the food doesn’t even taste good. My experience was extremely negative due to the unexpected charges and the poor quality of the meal.
- chickenThe chicken is soggy, has no taste, and for some reason watery.
- dishesIf there are bugs on the beef noodles, an 18% tip will be automatically deducted. There are few dishes and they are recommended randomly!
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The prices were overpriced for the food quality. We encountered confusion over extra charges and hidden tip fees that were not disclosed upfront.
- portion sizesMy experience at this restaurant was terrible. The food was below average, with limited portion sizes. Most dishes tasted flat and the same.
- riceThe young man with long hair working there was stern and rude, which really set the tone. Prices were unreasonably high for the quality and portion size, even rice had to be purchased separately. Overall, it was not a pleasant experience.
- Beijing hotpottastes less delicious than before
- General Tso chickensee either orange chicken or General tso chicken which are very traditional options
- Halal optionWe were the only family there, and our server didn't even ask if we needed water. I strongly advise against falling for the Halal option, as it is not worth it.
- Halal statusThe dishes had barely any meat, and the portions were small. I also don't trust the 'Islamic' in the name and believe the Halal status needs to be verified.
If you're seeking authentic, halal Chinese cuisine with a good variety of flavorful dishes like cumin lamb, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention smaller portions or occasional inconsistencies in taste and freshness.
Service (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.4, placing it in the average range. Many customers have praised the staff for being friendly and helpful, offering quick and efficient service, and even providing a VIP experience. Out of 96 total customer comments, 35 were positive, highlighting the welcoming staff and good customer service.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a poor 36.5%, largely due to significant issues. A substantial 57 negative comments point to problems like staff charging tips without consent, a refusal to provide basic tap water, rude staff interactions, and feeling pressured to order more or leave quickly. This suggests a need for serious improvement in consistency and customer care.
Service
96
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
57
negative
4
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Good customer service
What people don't like
- Forced tipping practices
- Rude, unprofessional staff
- Refusal to provide water
Often praised
- serviceThe food here is absolutely delicious, and I especially recommend trying the tripe – it's amazing. The people working here are beyond welcoming, making the service exceptional. I can't think of anything to dislike, and I'll definitely be coming back here over and over again.
- ServiceService:4
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was for halal Chinese food. The service was super swift and the staff friendly. However, the prices are a bit on the higher side.
- Wait timeWait time: Up to 10 min
- VIP experiencehe gave us vip experience
- customer servicealong with excellent customer service
- excellent servicewe appreciate there excellent service
- food arrivaldid not have to wait very long before our food came
- friendly and helpfulthe staff is very friendly and helpful
- good customer servicegood customer service
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe prices were extremely high and the food was tasteless. For a party of 5, they automatically added an 18% gratuity, and the service was super bad. We were the only family there, and our server didn't even ask if we needed water.
- staffThere was a mandatory tip included—what was that for, given the lack of service? I understand we had a big group, but the staff didn’t provide much service. My mother and aunt couldn’t even finish their meals because of the smell.
- tipMy experience at this restaurant was terrible. They charged us a tip without even asking our consent, which was a major issue. The food was average with low quality ingredients.
- waterService: There was essentially no service. No water was provided (only bottled water for purchase), and when we asked for extra bowls, staff were too busy — we ended up using teacups as dipping bowls. Overall, the value just isn’t there anymore.
- consentMy experience at this restaurant was completely unacceptable. The staff charged my card for a tip without even asking for my consent, adding over $40 to my bill without permission. I thought I was going to have a great experience, but it turned out to be the opposite.
- customer servicethe customer service was terrible
- tipsThey refuse to provide water even when asked, which is illegal. Furthermore, they force tips without informing customers, which is also against the law. Given that the restaurant breaks the law, I do not wish to comment on the price or taste.
- add another dishshe still tried to stealthily add another dish to our order
- added extra tipadded extra tip without consent
- cleaning the tablethe lady was pushing me while cleaning the table
If youre lucky, you might experience friendly and efficient service, but be aware that many customers have reported serious issues with forced tipping and rude staff. Its a gamble, so consider if you're willing to risk a potentially frustrating experience for the food.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The ambience here offers a mixed bag, with a score of 6.3 putting it squarely in the average category, and customer satisfaction at 55.8%, indicating a mixed reception. Many appreciate the old restaurant charm, decorations and artwork, and the lively atmosphere, often noting its kid-friendly and very clean. With 29 positive remarks out of 52 total, theres a definite appreciation for its unique character and easy parking options.
However, some diners found the atmosphere lacking, citing limited seating and a small place that can feel cramped. Concerns were raised about dirty carpets and even a rancid smell at times, suggesting areas for improvement. These 18 negative comments highlight that while some find it cozy, others feel the environment could be more attentive and less not fancy.
Ambience
52
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
18
negative
5
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic experience
- Unique decorations
- Easy parking
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Dirty carpets
- Rancid smell
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant was wonderful. The restaurant offers delicious and authentic Chinese-Muslim cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Parking optionsParking options:Free street parking
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
- 30-year historyThis old restaurant has a 30-year history
- Chinese historyHe also has many pictures with very famous people. If you like Chinese history and traditional Chinese tastes, try here. You will not be disappointed.
- Chinese traditional culture museumit really more likes a Chinese traditional culture museum
- ParkingEasy parking on the street.
- authentic experiencemore of an authentic experience
- clean placeClean place
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere and decor were not up to par
- placeThe service was not great at all, and the food was oily and had a funky smell. We ate there because our group was large (15+), but the place felt underwhelming. There was a mandatory tip included—what was that for, given the lack of service?
- seatingonly 2 tables with 5+ seating options
- ParkingDifficult to find parking
- carpetsThe environment could be more attentive. The carpets looked excessively old and very dirty. When the bill arrived, I found it very high.
- dine innot a place for dine in
- environmentWe did not like this attitude. The environment could be more attentive. The carpets looked excessively old and very dirty.
- limited seatingThe place was clean and the customer service was good. It's advisable to plan ahead as the restaurant gets busy and has limited seating.
- limited spacelimited space
- nice date spotThe Beijing style beef pancakes were a definite highlight! While the food is exceptional and well-priced, it's important to note that it's not fancy and not really a nice date spot. However, for those seeking genuine, flavorful dishes, it's a great find.
If youre seeking an authentic, unpretentious experience with unique decor and dont mind a potentially cozy or bustling space, this spot could be for you. However, if cleanliness concerns or limited seating are deal-breakers, you might want to consider other options.
Value (2.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
While the overall picture for value isnt sparkling, a small number of guests did find some bright spots. A few folks mentioned the price was excellent or offered good value for money, with some items being well priced. These 7 positive remarks, out of 70 total, show that a reasonable experience is possible, even if its not the norm.
However, the overwhelming sentiment points to significant disappointment, with 54 negative comments. The value score sits at a poor 2.9, and customer satisfaction is also quite low at 10%. Many felt items were simply pricey or expensive, often citing unexpected extra charges and mandatory gratuity that led to considerable bill shock.
Value
70
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
54
negative
9
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Mandatory gratuity
- Overpriced and expensive
- Hidden fees
Often praised
- pricePrice is reasonable in respect of area, quality and current economy
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- per-person costthe per-person cost was ~$30, hardly the worst for an occasional dine-in meal
- pricesWith excellent prices, too.
- value for moneyit is good value for money
- well pricedWell priced
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While the food was good, it was also very expensive. The service was particularly bad, with staff described as rude and uninterested.
- pricesThe food quality is very consistent, offering very fresh and yummy authentic Chinese food. However, lately, they have increased the prices tremendously, almost doubling the price of every item on their menu.
- tipListen everyone, please don’t go here at any cost. They charge their tip of their own choice without even asking me, almost charging me $46 without asking. For the price, it’s not worth it and the food doesn’t even taste good.
- billThe carpets looked excessively old and very dirty. When the bill arrived, I found it very high. A 18% tip was added to the $82 bill (including tax), making it $97, without asking us.
- expensivewas very expensive
- mandatory tipa mandatory 16% tip already added to the bill, leaving no option to reduce or adjust it
- priceyIt’s in a neighborhoods location, and the surroundings make this place feel more of an authentic experience. Overall, the food is great, but it can be pricey.
- valuethe value just isn’t there anymore
- $24 platterssee $24 platters where I was told I was forced to eat a large portion of one meat
- 18% gratuitythey add 18% gratuity to the prices
If you're looking for a place with consistent value, this might not be your top choice, as many found it to be quite expensive with unexpected fees. While a few had positive experiences with pricing, the general consensus suggests you should proceed with caution and double-check your bill.
How are the prices at Old Mandarin Islamic?
Youre looking at roughly 49 per person, based on 73 diners. That places it in the $41–$50 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, thats comfortably mid-range – not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Whats cool is that while the average sits here, many guests spend less, often in the $21–$30 range. But hey, there are also plenty of folks enjoying more premium options above 101 $. So, youve got choices!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 73 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the range of options available, from more budget-friendly to higher-end experiences, we feel the pricing is quite fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers flexibility for different budgets, which is always a good sign.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Old Mandarin Islamic
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Chinese Food, Fast Service!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing. The service was super fast, and they served some of the best Chinese food I've ever had. We make it a point to eat here every time we take our daughter to the zoo.
It's definitely kid-friendly, with high chairs and a casual atmosphere. Parking is easy with free street parking and plenty of spaces. The price per person is around $20–30, and they have a vegetarian menu or section that I highly recommend.
There was no wait time. The atmosphere was rated a 3, service a 5, and food a 5.
- Chinese food10
- service10
- kid-friendly9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food and Welcoming Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food here is absolutely delicious, and I especially recommend trying the tripe – it's amazing. The people working here are beyond welcoming, making the service exceptional.
I can't think of anything to dislike, and I'll definitely be coming back here over and over again.
- food10
- tripe10
- people working here10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Declining Quality, Rising Prices
I rarely leave negative reviews, but I want to share my most recent experience here. I’ve been to this restaurant at least five times since moving from China a couple of years ago, and unfortunately, the quality has noticeably declined while the prices have gone up. Our recent meal for two came out to almost $200, with a mandatory 16% tip already added to the bill, leaving no option to reduce or adjust it.
Food: • The lamb was not fresh — a big disappointment, especially for a halal restaurant where freshness should be a priority. • The hotpot broth was very bland, and since I don’t use dipping sauces, the lack of flavor in the meat was obvious. • The mushu beef had far too many vegetables and very little meat.
• The seafood bun was just okay, but at $20+ each, I expected more filling compared to the thick bun. Service: There was essentially no service. No water was provided (only bottled water for purchase), and when we asked for extra bowls, staff were too busy — we ended up using teacups as dipping bowls.
Overall, the value just isn’t there anymore. With declining food quality, high prices, and poor service, I don’t think I’ll be returning.
- seafood bun5
- lamb2
- hotpot broth3
- mushu beef3
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Disappointing Takeout Experience
I've been coming here for years, man, and today I ordered food to go, and it was not good. I'm so disappointed. The food was always so good, but today was not it.
Not cool. The Shrimp fried rice was not good, nor was the beef and broccoli.
- Shrimp fried rice2
- beef and broccoli2
- food2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Authentic Halal Chinese Cuisine Experience
It’s a great spot to try halal Chinese cuisine. My favorite food was cumin lamb and beef soup. It’s in a neighborhoods location, and the surroundings make this place feel more of an authentic experience.
Overall, the food is great, but it can be pricey.
- halal Chinese cuisine8
- cumin lamb9
- beef soup9
- pricey4
What Old Mandarin Islamic offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant?
You’ll find free street parking, and usually plenty of it, when you visit Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant in San Francisco. The restaurant also ensures a comfortable experience for all guests with a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating.
Does Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant offer options for families and various dining times?
Yes, Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant is good for kids, providing high chairs for younger guests. You can enjoy lunch or dinner, with dessert options available, all served with comfortable table seating. Small plates and vegetarian options are also offered.
How does Old Mandarin Islamic generally perform?
Old Mandarin Islamic receives an overall score of 6, indicating an average experience. While Food (7.3) is a strong point, Ambience (6.3) is moderate, and Service (4.4) and Value (2.9) significantly impact the overall impression.
What kind of food can I expect at Old Mandarin Islamic?
You can expect delicious and authentic Chinese-Muslim cuisine. Many customers praise the consistent food quality and fresh ingredients, with dishes like cumin lamb, crack fish, and lemon chicken often highlighted as favorites.
What are the main concerns customers have about Old Mandarin Islamic?
The primary concerns revolve around Value, with many finding prices very high and feeling it’s not worth it. Additionally, issues with Service, particularly mandatory tips and a lack of basic amenities like water, are frequently mentioned.