Holly's Mandarin

Located at 4080 Piedmont Ave in Oakland, California, Holly's Mandarin serves as a local Chinese restaurant offering a variety of dishes for both dine-in and takeout customers. As part of the Chinese Restaurant category, Holly's Mandarin aims to provide a selection of familiar and flavorful Chinese cuisine to the Oakland community. While specific details about the restaurant's ambiance and décor are not provided in the available information, customer feedback offers insights into the quality and value of their food.

Based on recent customer reviews, Holly's Mandarin is generally perceived as a restaurant that offers good-tasting food at reasonable prices. This suggests that it could be a viable option for those seeking an affordable and satisfying Chinese meal in the Piedmont Avenue area. The convenience of ordering food for takeout is also highlighted, making it a practical choice for individuals and families looking to enjoy Chinese cuisine in the comfort of their own homes.

In terms of specific dishes, the crab cream cheese wontons received a rating of 8 out of 10. Customers noted their crispy texture and the blended filling of crab and cream cheese, indicating a satisfactory flavor profile for this popular appetizer. This could be a tempting starter for those who enjoy the combination of creamy and savory flavors in a crispy shell.

The chow mein and chow fun dishes were particularly well-received, earning a 9 out of 10 rating. Reviewers praised the great flavor, the generous amount of vegetables, and the tenderness of the meat. Importantly, these noodle dishes were described as not being oily, which is a significant positive for many diners. The positive feedback suggests that Holly's Mandarin excels in preparing these classic noodle dishes, making them a worthwhile order for those craving this type of Chinese fare.

Another dish that garnered positive feedback was the honey walnut shrimp, which received an 8 out of 10 rating. Customers appreciated the good flavor and the crunchy texture of the shrimp. The reviewer also noted the freshness of the shrimp, indicating that it did not have a strong "shrimpy" taste. However, a point of feedback was the insufficient amount of sauce, which allowed the taste and texture of the rice flour coating to be more noticeable. This suggests that while the core elements of the dish are well-executed, a more generous portion of the signature honey walnut sauce could further enhance the overall experience.

Conversely, some dishes received less favorable reviews. The crispy duck was rated poorly at 3 out of 10. The customer found it to be not crispy, with tough and dry meat. Additionally, the accompanying buns were reported to split easily, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the dish. This feedback indicates that the crispy duck may not be a consistently strong offering at Holly's Mandarin.

The sweet and sour pork also received a low rating of 4 out of 10. While the flavor of the sauce was deemed good, the dish was criticized for not being crispy and containing too much fat, which reportedly led to an unpleasant feeling after eating it. This suggests that the preparation of the sweet and sour pork may need improvement to meet customer expectations regarding texture and fat content.

Based on this information, Holly's Mandarin appears to be a Chinese restaurant that offers a mix of well-received and less successful dishes. The positive reviews for the chow mein, chow fun, and honey walnut shrimp suggest that these might be among their stronger offerings. The crab cream cheese wontons also seem to be a decent appetizer choice. However, the negative feedback on the crispy duck and sweet and sour pork indicates potential areas for improvement in their preparation.

For local users in Oakland seeking a Chinese restaurant on Piedmont Avenue, Holly's Mandarin presents itself as an option with generally good prices and some highly-rated dishes. If you are looking for flavorful chow mein or chow fun with plenty of vegetables and tender meat, or if you enjoy crispy honey walnut shrimp (perhaps with a note to request extra sauce), Holly's Mandarin might be worth considering. The positive feedback on these items suggests a level of competence in preparing these popular Chinese staples.

However, based on the available reviews, it might be prudent to approach dishes like the crispy duck and sweet and sour pork with caution, as recent experiences indicate potential issues with texture and execution. As with any restaurant, individual experiences can vary, and further exploration of their menu might reveal other well-prepared dishes. For those in the neighborhood looking for a convenient takeout option or a reasonably priced Chinese meal, Holly's Mandarin offers a range of choices. To place an order or inquire further, you can contact them at (510) 652-9678 or +1 510-652-9678. Visiting their location at 4080 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611, USA, would also allow you to experience their service and potentially discover other dishes that meet your preferences.