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Master Critic Review
Firstborn
7.8
Chef Anthony Wang's French bistronomy lens on Chinese American cooking produces technically ambitious plates—chili-crisp fried chicken, mapo-inflected steak tartare—inside a green-tiled Chinatown dining room at Mandarin Plaza. The polarized review pattern suggests diners who connect with the boundary-crossing approach leave thrilled, while others find the fusion concept uneven. Best on a quieter midweek evening when the noise drops and you can focus on the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Legs with Morita Chili Crisp, Steak Tartare with Broad Bean Paste and Silken Tofu, BBQ Cabbage with Aged Pork and Leeks Vinaigrette
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Chef Anthony Wang applies French bistronomy techniques to Chinese American cooking, finishing dishes like chili-crisp fried chicken and mapo-style steak tartare in a green-tiled Chinatown dining room.
Who should go: Date-night couples and adventurous eaters drawn to boundary-crossing cooking
When to visit: Weeknight dinner (Wed-Thu) for a relaxed, unhurried pace
What to order: Go with the four-course prix fixe and add the fried chicken legs as a supplement — start lighter with the steak tartare or custard, then build toward the short rib.
Insider tip: Grab a seat at the bar and order from the cocktail program — the Mandarin Negroni and Sichuan peppercorn paloma are as inventive as the food.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on N Broadway; the restaurant is inside Mandarin Plaza which has its own parking structure. Midweek evenings street spots are easier to find.
Dress code: Smart casual — the dining style is casual elegant, so jeans and a nice top work fine but you'll feel more at home slightly polished than in flip-flops and gym shorts.
Noise level: Can get quite loud on busy weekend nights — midweek visits (Wednesday/Thursday) are noticeably more relaxed and conversation-friendly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but present — the prix fixe menu includes Stuffed Morels with tofu and mushroom parfait, and supplements like Mapo Tofu. Not a vegetarian-forward menu overall.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished, intimate space with jade-tiled archways and a Shanghai Bund-inspired design sets a sophisticated tone without feeling stuffy. The four-course prix fixe format naturally paces conversation. It does get loud with chatter when full on weekends, so book a midweek evening (Wednesday or Thursday) for the best vibe. Request a banquette seat for extra coziness.
Can I get a table without a reservation? The dining room requires reservations, available up to 30 days ahead on Resy or OpenTable. Friday and Saturday evenings fill up fastest. If you show up without one, the bar is first-come, first-served with an a la carte menu — a solid fallback. Note: cancellations within 24 hours incur a $15 per person fee.
Is it kid-friendly? No — the dining room is a $68 four-course prix fixe with dishes like wagyu beef tongue carpaccio and stuffed morels with tofu parfait. There is no kids menu and no mentions of high chairs or family accommodations. Better suited for teens who can appreciate a multi-course tasting experience.
Is it good for groups? Manageable for groups up to 6, which can be booked online. For parties larger than 6, you must email the restaurant directly. Banquette seating and the family-style sharing format work well for group dining. Private event inquiries are handled separately — contact the restaurant for availability and details.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a string-lit patio in the Mandarin Plaza courtyard. Be aware: the courtyard is surrounded by storefronts that close in the evening, so the atmosphere can feel quiet rather than lively after dark. Heaters and covering are not confirmed — call ahead in cooler months. For the best experience, request indoor seating when booking.
Best For
Better for: An under-the-radar date night in a polished, green-tiled dining room — ambitious food without the stuffiness. Also works as a casual bar drop-in after a Dodger game.
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday5pm - 9pm
Thursday5pm - 9:30pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday5pm - 9pm