It is good - but overpriced and can get very crowded.
Large parties (8-10 people) have been led to tables that can honestly seat no more than 6-8.

Only the Best
I have lived in Reading for many years and, even though I am moving to Waltham, I will travel north to eat Chinese and sushi at Mandarin Reading. Just the best ever in food, quantity, service and ambience.
Recommended: kung pao anything, terrified buffet, crazy maki sushi
Food: 10
Service: 10
Ambiance: 10
Overall: 10
- Only the Best

Had the Best Time
I recently reserved the Mandarin for my godson's First Holy Communion Party. First of all, I was so surprised by the new apperance; it looks great. Second, we where so happy with all the attention we received. Then I also brought a cake with us and the waiter was more than happy to cut and serve the cake. Everyone raved about the food; Danny loved the General Gau's chicken. We would recommend a function of any kind; they are great. Thank you, Mandarin, for such a good time and a great memory for my godson.
Recommended: General Gau's chicken
Food: 10
Service: 10
Ambiance: 10
Overall: 10

Best Food and Buffet on the North Shore
The Mandarin is by far the best buffet on the North Shore. We travel 30 minutes to get there for lunch from work, and I know many other people who travel from their jobs as well. They have more choices including chicken fingers, chicken teriyaki, boneless spare ribs - plenty of dishes. The only negative is they don't deliver.
Recommended: appetizers, chicken dishes
Food: 10
Service: 8
Ambiance: 8
Overall: 10

Don't Go, so I Can
I would prefer if you don't go to the buffet lunch. There are already plenty of people enjoying the food. Go somewhere else; this is my spot.
Recommended: raw fish
Food: 8
Service: 8
Ambiance: 6
Overall: 8

Awesome Chinese
Our family loves this place. Food is wonderful, staff couldn't be friendlier, and the price is right.
Food: 10
Service: 10
Ambiance: 10
Overall: 10

Ambience
The food is excellent at the Mandarin; the lunch time buffet is wonderful. But, I felt like I was under surveillance. The waitstaff was wonderful, but there were far too many for my comfort. For every three tables, one waiter would stand by, to take your plate, and fold your napkin, if you left your seat. I just felt uncomfortable with so many of the staff around. I know in most places, you can never find the waitstaff, but this was a little overbearing, and very intrusive.
Recommended: General Gao's chicken
Service: 6
Ambiance: 8
Overall: 4

Excellent Buffet
Went to the Mandarin in Reading for lunch - it was wonderful. I have been to several of the premier Chinese restaurants for buffets and this was simply the best. Appetizers were great, General Gau's was fantastic. There were more sauces than I have ever seen. I am not a sushi fan, but it also looked great. Ginger ice cream was a nice touch and even the fortune cookies were tasty. It was croweded at lunch, so go early.
Food: 10
Service: 10
Ambiance: 8
Overall: 10

Very Good for Sushi and Chinese Food
The best part about Mandarin is that it has a full Chinese menu and a full Japanese menu. It's almost hard to believe that they are both so well done. Japanese - Tempura and a the best sushi bar on the North Shore. Chinese - An unbelievable buffet every day, including weekends.
Recommended: Malaysian curry rice noodles, sushi boat
Food: 10
Service: 8
Ambiance: 8
Overall: 10