Winner: Wang’s Mandarin House

Wang’s extensive menu of Hunan, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Szechuan entrees is a hit with readers; owner Shelly Ansley says she and her brother modeled the homey atmosphere and friendly service at their two locations after the restaurants they visited as children.

“When we were kids, we loved to go out and eat, so we try to treat the people like we like to be received.” Ansley credits the longevity of the staff to the restaurants’ continued success; most of her waiters have been with her five years, and the Chinese-born chef has been in the Wang’s kitchen 10 years.

Wang’s Downtown, 113 South Court, 523-2065; East Memphis, 1183 Park Place Mall, 763-0676. Open 11 a.m-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Finalists: A-Tan, Formosa