Mandarette

From the folks at The Mandarin, Beverly Hills' posh temple of Chinese gastronomy, comes this endearing Chinese cafe that specializes in inexpensive home-style dishes. The room, filled with intricate cherry wood accents, is decorated with Chinese kul drums and other exquisite art, including a framed ceremonial costume. Lanterns hang from a high ceiling and polished wood tables display decorative Chinese currency through inlaid glass panels.

An exceedingly gracious staff delivers starters such as bon bon chicken (chilled shredded chicken salad with julienne cucumbers in a fabulous spicy peanut dressing), onion pancakes, curry chicken turnovers and fried squid. Larger dishes include orange peel chicken, crispy sesame beef, kung pao scallops and sautéed vegetables.