+1 949-492-7432
Nestled in the heart of San Clemente, New Mandarin Garden offers a delightful journey through authentic Chinese and Asian fusion cuisine. This beloved restaurant, located at 111 W Avenida Palizada suite 370, invites diners to savor a carefully crafted menu where traditional flavors meet fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Whether you’re craving the crisp, tangy satisfaction of their Sweet and Sour Shrimp or the bold, savory layers of the Kung Pao Three Delights, each dish bursts with balanced seasoning and generous portions. Their House Special Fried Rice 招饭 is a comforting staple—fluffy rice mingling with diced vegetables, scrambled eggs, and assorted meats, delivering a perfect harmony of texture and taste. For noodle lovers, the flavorful House Special Chow Mein, stir-fried tenderly with shrimp, beef, chicken, and crisp vegetables, never fails to impress.
The menu also showcases classics like Hot Garlic Chicken and the silky richness of Honey Walnut Shrimp 核桃虾, along with lighter, refreshing options such as Broccoli with Bean Curd or the soothing Hot & Sour Soup 酸辣汤—each bite inviting you to experience the depth of Chinese culinary tradition.
Beyond the flattering array of dishes, New Mandarin Garden is praised for its inviting and well-lit atmosphere, recently renovated to create a fresh and welcoming environment that perfectly complements the bright flavors on every plate. Customers repeatedly note the courteous and attentive service that makes every visit comfortable and enjoyable. The attention to detail extends beyond taste, embracing quality ingredients without compromising authenticity—no "mystery meat," just genuine, thoughtfully prepared food.
Returning patrons and newcomers alike appreciate not only the flavorful dishes but also the consistent improvements in food quality and preparation under new management. The textures of the vegetables are precisely tender-crisp, and the spice level in dishes like the spicy chicken/pork wontons hits just the right note, especially when paired with the house chili oil for those seeking an extra kick.
One longtime customer fondly shared how this restaurant has been part of their dining rotation for over two decades, acknowledging the evolving ownership but always discovering the unbeatable generosity of the portions and refreshing taste of the dishes. Another highlighted the honest and hearty experience, emphasizing that you can trust the quality and care put into every meal.
Whether you opt for a cozy dine-in experience or prefer their seamless delivery and takeaway options, New Mandarin Garden stands as a culinary gem in San Clemente’s vibrant food scene. It is a destination for those who crave authentic Chinese flavors executed with fresh ingredients and passionate skill—a place where every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and warmth.
For reservations or orders, call +1 949-492-7432 and prepare to embark on a flavorful adventure that will keep you coming back time and again.
The Google listing is incorrect it reads that the establishment is a buffet. This is no longer the case. I'm not saying I'm disappointed with the food it was great. Although I was looking forward to a buffet if I'm ever in the area I would definitely come back
Excellent food served by courteous staff! We haven't been here in a long time but decided to try it again and we're glad we did. This is our new favorite Chinese restaurant in San Clemente!
We have been dining at New Mandarin Garden for the last twenty years through the two changes of ownership. It is on our rotation for meals. We felt that a couple of our favorite dishes were not as good under the recent new ownership. However, we dined there last week and the food was great and better than ever!! Their portions were very generous also. Our favorite dishes to order are: -Pan fried dumplings -Honey Walnut Shrimp -Cilantro Chicken -House Special Chicken -Moo Goo Gai Pan (Chicken with mushrooms) -Beef and Broccoli -Sizzling beef -Moo Shu Pork -String beans with meat sauce -Baby Bok Choy -Chicken Fried Rice -Singapore Rice Noodles (curry flavored)
The New Mandarin Garden has been consistently prepared with high-quality ingredients, and no mystery meat is present. The ownership has undergone a significant transformation, resulting in a significant improvement in the quality of the food. You won't be disappointed. Delicious and generous sized portions.
The new management of this restaurant a Have made dramatic improvements! The food is now fresh and flavorful, without being salty. Vegetables are just perfect - tender crisp. And the new spicy chicken/pork wontons did not disappoint either. Ask for the house chili oil if you like spicy. Interior is renovated to be very bright and clean. Perhaps the brightness could come down just a touch, but overall, I think dining in will be a much better experience, now. So happy there is a great local Chinese place in my neighborhood again!
Combination fried rice is my usual go-to. It's really good here. I took a flyer and ordered from here. I took two bites in the car and immediately went back in and ordered one more for the road. I can't speak for anything else, but if the fried rice is this good, everything has to be good. Also, good, prices. Combination fried rice was $13, whereas you're likely paying $15+ anywhere else.
We had dinner here tonight after kids requested Panda Express. Lol. We told them we have much better option and boy they're glad we came here. The sweet and sour chicken is really good. I love the Beef with string beans. They're both flavorful. The guy server is nice and our food came in quick. I wish the parking situation is better but the food makes up for it.