Top Asian Fusion Restaurant in Agoura Hills
Mandarin Lotus Fine Chinese Fusion Cuisine
5015 Kanan Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, United States
Decided to try Mandarin Lotus after driving by and then reading about it. Given the write up and the prices ($25 to $45 per entree), I was expecting an upscale experience, at least from a culinary point of view. Not even close. First, other than the wall of celebrity photos, it is pretty much a typical hole-in-the-wall dive of a Chinese restaurant. That ambiance is brought down to a new low by the food being served in styrofoam to-go boxes, and the tea being served in a styrofoam cup. I understand Covid changed the way people do things, but no restaurant I have been to pre- or post-Covid (including Chinese restaurants) has served sit-down food in a to-go box. I dont think the idea of serving on real dinnerware is asking too much. All that, however, would be tolerable if the food was up to the owners obvious high opinion of it. The dumplings were average. The spring rolls were 1/2 the size of a typical spring roll and straight from the Cisco truck. The beef in the Maple Glazed Beef was obviously reheated. The Argentinian Chicken was terribly overcooked. The flavors were good but nothing special, and the preparation was less than mediocre.And then theres the price: Spring rolls, dumplings, 2 dishes for a total bill of $115. Last time I checked thats real restaurant pricing where at the minimum they serve your food on actual dinnerware and you drink out of actual glasses. Even in LA I cannot believe more people dont comment on how outrageous the prices are for the quality of the food as well as the dining experience. Maybe this place was special once upon a time, but last night it was a just a ridiculously overpriced mediocre meal in a dreadfully pedestrian setting.Like others who have posted less than favorable reviews, I do not know what restaurant the people who love this place ate in. If someone can tell me where that restaurant is, I would love to go there.
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Tavern Tomoko & Ladyface Brewery
29281 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, United States
When we looked this place up online on google maps, and looked at the menu and reviews, we were looking forward to come. When we got here, it turned out that the original restaurant that is reviewed in google maps is not the current one. It is in the same place, but a totally different menu. It is now a sort of an Asian fusion tapas bar. (very) small portions, not that good, and overall poor experience. Would not recommend.