Mandarin House Chinese Buffet

Welcome to Mandarin House Chinese Buffet, a spacious dining establishment located at 3501 Severn Ave, Metairie, LA 70002. As a prominent member of the Chinese Restaurant category, Mandarin House distinguishes itself by offering an extensive all-you-can-eat buffet experience that goes beyond traditional Chinese cuisine to include a significant selection of seafood. For inquiries, you can contact them at (504) 779-0888 or their mobile number +1 504-779-0888.

Chinese buffets are a popular dining format, providing customers with a wide array of dishes ready for immediate consumption. Typically, these buffets feature numerous stations offering appetizers, soups, various meat, poultry, and seafood entrees prepared with Chinese sauces and cooking techniques, noodle and rice dishes, and desserts. The "all-you-can-eat" nature of a buffet allows diners to sample a variety of foods and eat as much as they like for a fixed price, making it an attractive option for groups and individuals with diverse tastes or large appetites.

Based on the available customer reviews, Mandarin House Chinese Buffet is recognized for its large size and the extensive variety of food it offers. One reviewer, who visited with a large group, noted that the buffet had "a good enough variety that everyone could find something they liked," even accommodating different preferences and levels of adventurousness with the food. This broad appeal makes it a suitable choice for gatherings where individual tastes may vary.

A standout feature of Mandarin House, particularly on Sundays according to one reviewer's observation, is its significant seafood selection. This includes popular items like boiled crawfish, boiled crabs, sautéed crabs, fried crabs, and raw oysters, as highlighted by another long-time customer. This impressive array of seafood elevates Mandarin House beyond a typical Chinese buffet, offering a substantial draw for seafood enthusiasts in the Metairie area. The absence of snow crab on one occasion was a minor disappointment, suggesting that while the seafood selection is generally extensive, specific items might vary.

However, one area of concern raised by a reviewer was the restocking of the sushi station. It was noted that after the initial amount of sushi was quickly consumed, there was a significant delay in replenishment, even after 30 minutes. This could be a point of frustration for customers specifically interested in the sushi offerings, especially during busy periods.

On the positive side, the reviewer who mentioned the sushi issue also noted that "everything else was rotated or freshly cooked," indicating a commitment to maintaining the quality and freshness of the majority of the buffet items. They specifically praised the "salt and pepper head on shrimp" as being particularly good. The fact that Mandarin House has been open for over 10 years suggests a level of consistent quality and customer satisfaction that has allowed them to remain a fixture in the local dining scene.

Another long-term customer, who revisited Mandarin House after 15 years, corroborated the robust selection of standard Chinese buffet fare, including familiar favorites like General Tso's Chicken and Beef with Broccoli. They further emphasized the "impressive seafood selection," listing the various crab preparations, crawfish, and raw oysters as key differentiators. This reinforces the idea that the seafood offerings are a major draw for this buffet.

A significant positive aspect highlighted in the reviews is the attentive management. The presence of a floor manager in the food area, ensuring that the warmers are consistently stocked with fresh dishes, indicates a commitment to maintaining food availability and quality throughout service. The reviewer who noted this also confirmed that all the food was hot and fresh during their 5 PM visit, suggesting that dining during peak hours might be beneficial.

In terms of the environment, one reviewer mentioned that the restaurant's ambiance "could use some improvement," noting that the tables and chairs are old and the place feels "a bit outdated." This suggests that while the food and service might be commendable, the decor and overall atmosphere might not be as modern or aesthetically pleasing as some other dining establishments. However, this reviewer also stated that Mandarin House provides "excellent value for its price," suggesting that the quality and variety of the food outweigh any shortcomings in the ambiance.

A valuable piece of advice from one reviewer is to visit during peak meal times to ensure the freshest food. They cautioned that visiting after meal times might result in encountering food that has been sitting for a while, which is a common consideration for any buffet. This suggests that the restaurant focuses on high turnover during busy hours to maintain food quality.

For local users in Metairie looking for a Chinese buffet with an extensive selection, particularly of seafood, Mandarin House appears to be a strong contender. Its long history and positive feedback regarding variety, food quality (especially during peak hours), and attentive management suggest a reliable dining option. While the ambiance might be dated, the value for money, especially for those who appreciate an all-you-can-eat format and a wide range of choices, seems to be a significant draw. Potential customers interested in sushi should be mindful of the reported issues with restocking and might want to inquire about its availability during their visit.

In conclusion, Mandarin House Chinese Buffet on Severn Ave in Metairie offers a large and varied buffet experience, notable for its impressive seafood selection in addition to standard Chinese dishes. While the ambiance might be somewhat outdated, the restaurant is praised for its extensive food options, attentive management focused on freshness, and excellent value. Local diners seeking a substantial all-you-can-eat meal with a strong seafood component should consider visiting Mandarin House, ideally during peak hours for the best experience. However, those primarily interested in sushi might want to inquire about its availability and restocking practices.