Chef Lee's Mandarin House李家中餐
An imperial-palace destination for the finest Northern Chinese cuisine on the Monterey Bay — served sizzling, family style, for over four decades.
Established 1981
A family tradition, four decades in the making.
For over thirty years, Chef Lee's Mandarin House has served guests the finest Chinese cuisine in the Monterey Bay area. Specializing in Northern Chinese fare, our sizzling hot creations arrive family style — large platters passed between guests — in an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere.
Located off Highway 1, Chef Lee's has become a well-known landmark, recognized by locals and visitors alike for its architecture and history across the decades.
Our StoryImperial Setting
Manicured gardens, koi ponds, and fountains surround a palace-like exterior. Inside, hand-blown glass art glows between every booth.
Northern Chinese
Sizzling platters, Peking-style dishes, and traditional family favorites — every dish cooked fresh to order, MSG optional on request.
Award Winning
Consistently voted “Best Chinese Restaurant” in Monterey County, with international acclaim for its décor and design.
“Best Chinese Restaurant in Monterey County”
Honored year after year — a destination restaurant winning international acclaim for decor and design.
Come Dine With Us
Open 364 days a year, 11am–10pm, for dine-in or takeout. Elegant seating for up to 300 guests, a full-service bar, and banquet rooms for private events.
Our Story
Established 1981 · Monterey, California
For over thirty years, Chef Lee's Mandarin House has been a family tradition, serving guests the finest Chinese cuisine in the Monterey Bay area. Specializing in Northern Chinese fare, our sizzling hot creations are served family style — large platters passed between guests at the table — in an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere. Located off Hwy 1, Chef Lee's has consistently been awarded “Best Chinese Restaurant” in Monterey County.
Established in 1981, Chef Lee's has become a well-known landmark, recognized by locals and visitors for its architecture and history throughout the decades. The beautiful exterior — surrounded by manicured gardens, fountains, flowers, and koi ponds — resembles an imperial palace, while the interior displays colorful works of glass art between each booth and across the ceiling. Chef Lee's is a destination restaurant, winning international acclaim for decor and design by media outside the U.S.
We use only the finest quality ingredients, delivered daily, and every dish is prepared fresh and cooked to order. An extensive selection of traditional family favorites is offered alongside a variety of vegetarian dishes, with the option to eat in or take out. Guests may also request no MSG per order.
Open 364 days a year, 11am–10pm, Chef Lee's offers an elegant and spacious dining area seating up to 300 guests and a full-service bar with specialty cocktails. Banquet rooms accommodating both private and large parties are available upon request.
We welcome you and your family to join us for an unforgettable dining experience.
Fresh Daily
The finest ingredients delivered to the restaurant every day — every dish cooked to order.
Full Bar
A full-service bar with specialty cocktails and guest creations to accompany your meal.
Banquets
Private and large-party banquet rooms available upon request — perfect for celebrations.
Visit Us
Monterey, CA 93940
Lunch menu: Mon–Fri, 11:30am – 2:30pm
Up to 300 guests
Private banquets available