Serves meat, vegan options available. North Indian menu of curries and different dishes including vegetarian ones. Open Mon-Sun 11:00am-2:00pm, 4:30pm-9:00pm.
This is the best Indian food in the bay area. Period. They can create many of their dishes as vegan. Just ask them. The vegan eggplant is to die for. Ask for their vegan naan with pesto sauce. And there are other dishes. This family cares about the environment. They will put your carry out order in a gorgeous stainless steel tiffin. Beautiful!!!
Although advertised as vegan friendly I found the options limited. We ordered vegan samosas and were given a cilantro chutney which I was told was dairy free but after eating it the waiter came back to casually tell me it actually had yogurt in it 😝. I was not confident in other dishes after that. Nice atmosphere but felt a bit rushed.
Only one vegan curry option-and it is cooked with high fat coco - Edit
When I ate everything, I loved this restaurant. However, going WFPB, there’s nothing on the menu here for me other than the rice and maybe plain naan. Big disappointment! But I can always make my own vegan, low oil dahls, etc. at home. Indians have such an amazing culinary tradition. I wish they could adjust to nutrition -based low or no fat items. According to science-based Dr. Neal Barnard, the cause for diabetes is excessive lipids in our cells which inhibit proper functions of insulin and glucose. Currently, Indian is known as the diabetes capital of the world. I so wish they’d embrace the current nutritional research (not what is funded by big dairy, meat, and Pharm) and start offering at least a few WFPB options.
The ambiance is nice for a casual date and wait staff are friendly and attentive. The menu has not changed in a decade and there is only one vegetarian curry. There are a couple of vegan rice dishes but they are very simple and not exciting, for example rice and peas. When I eat out, I want something I can't make myself easily or quickly. The naan is great, really where this place shines. I'd love to see them add some new menu items and have more organic food. Also a vegan mango lassi would be a nice addition or a vegan dessert, which they don't have.
What a cute place! The ambiance was really nice with the all pink walls and the beautiful Indian artwork. The food was great, though the curries come in pretty small servings. That was no biggie though since we ordered 3 curries (for 3 people). Their outdoor patio was open, but the heating lamps aren't working and it was a little too cold to sit outside. All in all, a great experience.
Tried to rate this place 5 stars but there seems to be a glitch in the system.
This place is amazing for vegans and vegetarian. Plenty of meatless and non dairy options! All delicious and flavorful. My go to for eating out and ordering delivery.
This is my go to place, I probably eat here once a week. They have so many vegan options and they label it on the menu and the staff is very knowledgable. The food is AMAZING I could eat it every day. I can't say enough good things about Lotus!!
9 Reviews
First Review by marzcpj
threepotters
Points +33
Best Indian food in the bay area - Edit
This is the best Indian food in the bay area. Period. They can create many of their dishes as vegan. Just ask them. The vegan eggplant is to die for. Ask for their vegan naan with pesto sauce. And there are other dishes. This family cares about the environment. They will put your carry out order in a gorgeous stainless steel tiffin. Beautiful!!!
Read morePros: organic food!, vegan eggplant dish!, Stainless steel carry out food tiffins!
Cons: Super nice family owns Lotus, Never had a bad dish
Guest
Momyls
Points +62
Vegans beware! - Edit
Although advertised as vegan friendly I found the options limited. We ordered vegan samosas and were given a cilantro chutney which I was told was dairy free but after eating it the waiter came back to casually tell me it actually had yogurt in it 😝. I was not confident in other dishes after that. Nice atmosphere but felt a bit rushed.
Read morePros: Nice market for staples., Dedicated parking lot, Clean, attractive environment
Cons: Limited vegan options, Unreliable vegan options, Rushed service. Closes between lunch/dinner.
Guest
ACav
Points +85
Only one vegan curry option-and it is cooked with high fat coco - Edit
When I ate everything, I loved this restaurant. However, going WFPB, there’s nothing on the menu here for me other than the rice and maybe plain naan. Big disappointment! But I can always make my own vegan, low oil dahls, etc. at home. Indians have such an amazing culinary tradition. I wish they could adjust to nutrition -based low or no fat items. According to science-based Dr. Neal Barnard, the cause for diabetes is excessive lipids in our cells which inhibit proper functions of insulin and glucose. Currently, Indian is known as the diabetes capital of the world. I so wish they’d embrace the current nutritional research (not what is funded by big dairy, meat, and Pharm) and start offering at least a few WFPB options.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-07-11
Pros: Friendly staff and atmosphere , Solid local restaurant
Cons: No WFPB options other than rice and plain naan
Guest
VeganMuffin
Points +409
Love the naan but little else - Edit
The ambiance is nice for a casual date and wait staff are friendly and attentive. The menu has not changed in a decade and there is only one vegetarian curry. There are a couple of vegan rice dishes but they are very simple and not exciting, for example rice and peas. When I eat out, I want something I can't make myself easily or quickly. The naan is great, really where this place shines. I'd love to see them add some new menu items and have more organic food. Also a vegan mango lassi would be a nice addition or a vegan dessert, which they don't have.
Read morePros: Nice ambiance , Food served quickly, Great naan bread
Cons: Only one vegetarian curry, Limited menu has not changed in a decade
Guest
#savingtheplanet
Points +200
Pink Walls and Great Curries - Edit
What a cute place! The ambiance was really nice with the all pink walls and the beautiful Indian artwork. The food was great, though the curries come in pretty small servings. That was no biggie though since we ordered 3 curries (for 3 people). Their outdoor patio was open, but the heating lamps aren't working and it was a little too cold to sit outside. All in all, a great experience.
Read morePros: great ambiance, delicious food, clearly marked vegan items
Guest
Natalio
Points +48
Great vegan options - Edit
Delicious and staff is knowledgeable about which items can be made vegan.
Read moreGuest
bavegan
Points +494
Best Indian in Marin - Edit
This is our go to spot for Indian. There are quite a few choices on Fourth St. in San Rafael, but this one is the best!
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options, Fresh ingredients , Gluten-free options as well
Guest
3cats
Points +18
Should be 5 stars - Edit
Tried to rate this place 5 stars but there seems to be a glitch in the system.
Read moreThis place is amazing for vegans and vegetarian. Plenty of meatless and non dairy options! All delicious and flavorful. My go to for eating out and ordering delivery.
Pros: Lots of vegan options, Great staff
Cons: None!!
Guest
marzcpj
Points +120
Best Indian Very Vegan Friendly!! - Edit
This is my go to place, I probably eat here once a week. They have so many vegan options and they label it on the menu and the staff is very knowledgable. The food is AMAZING I could eat it every day. I can't say enough good things about Lotus!!
Read morePros: awesome food, tons of options, very friendly peopl
Cons: literally none
Guest
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