For me ambiance is really important so if you go here...I strongly suggest getting a window seat. We sat at a corner where windows came together and we overlooked Mandalay beach...it was very tropical and totally relaxing! Just like the hotel that serves as both the inspiration and the namesake for this restaurant.
YET - Be prepared to have 2 hours on your hands!
First, let's get some general protocols out of the way. 1. The hostess only writes down your name if you are a large party (my party of 3 didn't qualify) - so go back and stand in line...and then when it is your turn while standing in line - you get seated. 2. Being me, I was friendly with the hostess...but the one that worked the day I visited just stared back at me like a zombie...thus made me felt so sad for her...why can't she smile? What horrible things must be going on in her life?
Second, as soon as we were seated, we were provided with water - very fast water service. Thank you! However...our waiter took 10-15 minutes to stop by. The place was not busy...so I have no idea why it took so long.
Third, be prepared so that as soon as the waiter comes...get all your questions answered while he is standing there and order your food...else...he will go away to give you more time and then before you know it...30 minutes will have passed...and you still haven't ordered your food.
I ordered the Nicoise Salad with the dressing on the side. It was a nice cold poached piece of salmon on good greens. My husband ordered coconut pancakes. The waiter said that given the change in chefs...sometimes 2 pancakes arrive - or maybe 3...he couldn't guarantee it...so we asked him to PLEASE make sure it was 3. Three came out and they were HUGE. My husband liked it for the sheer quantity however he felt the pancakes were pretty good not excellent. He's a picky pancake eater.
Our friend ordered the chicken salad and he said it was very good.
We had time on our hands so the wait - at first was very irritating then we decided to accept it and it turned out to be really fun. Our waiter was quite nice...he knew so much about the history of the restaurant. And he was fun to talk to. We all liked him and forgave him for being a complete slow-poke.
Truly, the food is okay hence I would give it 3 stars...however we had such a good time so 4 stars it is! It is really the location of the table that affects the experience at this restaurant. I really liked it and loved where we sat, I finally appreciated the relaxed service, and I will definitely return again!
I would say this is a casual restaurant (by Vegas standards) that has a slight upscale current...like there's potential to be upscale if...they wanted to improve their service from the way patrons are seated to the pace of getting their order.
Enjoy it!!!