Mandarin Garden is located in the heart of downtown Issaquah, a few doors down from Shanghai Garden. While Shanghai Garden specializes in cuisine from the Shanghai region, Mandarin Garden serves dishes from all regions of China. Actually, I think for the most part it serves Americanized versions of dishes such as kung pao chicken and sweet and sour pork. I saw a sweet and sour dish being served at another table, and it looked as red and as candy-like as any I have seen at a multitude of Chinese restaurants around the country.

In saying the food is Americanized, this is not to imply that the food is not good. Mandarin Garden seems to be considered one of the best Chinese restaurants in town by local residents, and it is probably comparable in quality to the Americanized menu at Shanghai Garden that makes up the bulk of the lunch menu.

I rather liked the Hunan Bean Curd made with fried tofu and a spicy Hunan sauce. On my first visit I had Ginger Tofu which is not on the menu, and which I am not sure can be special ordered any more. At least for the tofu dishes, I think Mandarin Garden is a good choice.

The menu is quite large and includes items such as duck (you have to order one day ahead), sizzling platters, and an extensive seafood menu. I am sure that quite a few very good choices are available.