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Lotus Cuisine of India
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Sat 5 pm - 9:30 pm
Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
188 reviews for Lotus Cuisine of India
Review Highlights
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"so so so wonderful for lunch buffet." In 42 reviews -
"I got the chicken tikka masala medium." In 11 reviews -
"This is some of the best Indian food I have ever eaten." In 18 reviews
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188 reviews in English
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Review from Paolo S.
Las Vegas, NV
3/12/2012
I stopped by during my vacation for the lunch buffet. For 8 bucks, couldn't go wrong. The food was hot and fresh. My water was refilled as soon as it emptied. The restaurant was very quiet. I have no complaints at all. I will defintely come back here.
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Review from Laura B.
Rohnert Park, CA
4/23/2012 4 photos
I loved the service! They were so nice! I went with my family and my little one year old nephew. The hosts at this restaurant were so nice to my nephew. They gave him a little sippy cup of juice and they were so hospitable!
The food tasted amazing! I loved their yogurt lassi drinks! You need to try them!
I got the coconut chicken curry. SO flavorful and the perfect amount of spicy!
yum yum yum! I would definitely go here again! -
Review from Novalina N.
San Francisco, CA
2/11/2012 ROTD 3/8/2012
Great service, nice ambiance for an Indian restaurant. The servers are really attentive.
We ordered:
- Pesto naan. Delish, it's like an indian pizza!
- Chicken tikka masala. Pretty good, very creamy.
- Onion pakora. Totally hit the spot.
- Chicken biryani. Terrible! Rice is soggy, tasteless, and they use carrots and green peppers.
Nevertheless, a good place for an affordable white tablecloth Indian restaurant. -
Review from Joe M.
I grew up in San Rafael and had passed Lotus countless times, but had never gone in before. My girlfriend noticed that they had a buffet special for about $10 and it was well reviewed, so we pledged to give it a try for lunch.
The selection was limited to about 6 main dishes and curries and my favorites were definitely the chicken curry, saag, and the paneer curry. The tandoori chicken was extremely tender as well, though the naan was a little wimpy. The mushroom soup was also extremely flavorful, and was probably the dish I had the most of.
Service is kind of spotty here and my half full glass of water was occasionally refilled before my girlfriend's empty one, and the busser would leave before filling her glass. I like the intimate environment here and food is always being replenished here. Their desserts are excellent too and I had an extra large helping before starting my new year's resolution. I'll be back, but I'll insist they fill my girlfriend's glass first.
Food: 8/10
Service: 5/10
Price: $$
Atmosphere: 7/10 -
Review from Gregg C.
San Francisco, CA
5/13/2012
Regarding my recent dinner dining experience at Lotus Cuisine of India:
1. Food - four stars. Fine quality and portion size is adequate - a little on the salty side but no real complaints here. Not excellent but good.
2. Service - two-and-a-half stars. The waiter took our order at the appropriate time and served the food without undue waiting. Not really friendly service just straight-faced lackluster OK service.
3. Business practices - one star. Printed a coupon received by email. Was told "not good on holidays." Exact language of coupon:
"This coupon entitles (name) to a one-time discount for Dinner at Lotus Cuisine of India (San Rafael location only). 15% Off. Must print and present entire email when ordering. Applicable for Dinner on Sundays through Thursdays only. Limit one per person and per table. Coupon valid for party of up to six persons. Maximum total discount offered is $12.95. Offer expires: Please enjoy within 2 weeks from 05/11/12."
Being able to read, I do not find any exclusion for "holidays." If holidays are to be excluded then put it in writing along with all of the other carefully written rules on your coupon. -
Review from Lei I.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2011 3 photos
I LOVE this place. The ambiance and service is great! The moment you step in, you can tell that you're in a great place. The restaurant is decorated wonderfully. Their teacups and plates are very cute and adds a nice touch to the elegance of the place. And the roof opens! So if it's nice out, you can probably get both an indoor and outdoor dining experience. If you want to avoid eating exposed to the sun, there are seats on the side that are always under a roof.
The servers are extremely attentive and nice. I left the restaurant feeling quite happy and taken care of. I had accidentally dropped something on the table when I left and was already on my way to my car but one of the waiters came running out of the restaurant just to give it to me.
I want to give it a five-star just for the ambiance and service but sadly, I wasn't too impressed with the food. Don't get me wrong though; the food is good, just nothing extraordinary. Their samosas, lamb curries, and chicken tikki masala with naan are good. Their lamb tandoori is a little bland though.
But if you want to eat at a welcoming and cozy Indian restaurant with a great, accommodating staff, I highly recommend this place. -
Review from Roger M.
San Rafael, CA
3/13/2012 2 Check-ins Here
we LOVE this place. The food is amazing. The Garlic Nan is addictive and the prices are a little high. I always order my dish extra spicy and it's GREAT.
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Review from Delya S.
10/11/2011
I strongly recommend this cozy and elegant Indian food restaurant. I've only been here for dinner. If you are used to Indian food, order your dish spicy. It makes all the difference. Their menu is extremely friendly to dietary restrictions. Ordering gluten free or vegan? No problem!
As a special treat, go there during fair weather to enjoy their open ceiling. It's a lovely experience to dine inside and outside at the same time.
The servers are extremely attentive and friendly. The spiced seeds Indian restaurants serve after dinner are very good here.
Compared to the Indian food of my local Tri-City area, it's a bit more spendy. However, I'm sure their rent is more as well. -
Review from Tanya P.
Novato, CA
4/12/2011
I give this rating because I am soooooooo picky about Indian restaurants! We make alot of Indian at home and I have never found it as good when we eat out. This spot is the lone exception. I love, love, LOVE their food! Been there three times and it has never disappointed.
Bonterra Viognier. Perfect for this meal--light and fruity!
Spinach Pakora was light and fluffy, spicy and fried just brown enough to bring out the nutty warmth of the garbanzo flour.
Tikka Masala was so soft and velvety. Buttery sauce with white meat.
Rice was steamed with cumin seed and was so aromatic and fresh!
Rogan Josh was so decadent. Unbelievably flavorful. Forceful and assertive but not beating you about the head. This lamb stew in a thick and spicy-sweet sauce is amazing. I would never return without having it and I think about it when I am not there.
Matter Paneer. Now, this is a dish I have perfected at home. I make my own cheese, because I feel the cheese should be a fresh and springy counterbalance to the fresh peas and the spicy garam masala. This version came in a thick curry sauce which was unexpected, but not entirely unpleasant. The cheese was p-e-r-f-e-c-t.
Onion Naan was a little wet from the onions baked between the layers but none the less tasty.
Fresh coriander on everything! LOVE THIS PLACE!!! -
Review from Juan L.
San Ramon, CA
8/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Can't go wrong with this place! I've only ever been here for dinner but everything from the waiters, menu, and even atmosphere makes you feel right at home.
Definitely start with the onion pakaras and samosas...and if you are into curries they have at least 20 on the menu...I personally go for the chicken tikki masala with a side of garlic na`an bread...
You will not be disappointed! -
Review from Kate M.
Point Richmond, CA
4/7/2011
I'm a fan because the lunch buffet is fresh and varied and delish. AND because it's someplace I can bring my vegan and veggie friends and family and know they'll have plenty of great choices.
The staff is very attentive and friendly.
The tables are not terribly fancy and the decor is a little funky, but that doesn't matter much to me. -
Review from Carrie G.
San Rafael, CA
3/4/2011
Lunch buffet here is a great deal. Endless naan, yes please! Fill my water up after I take a sip, yes please! Take my plate away when I'm done, yes please! All for $8.95 plus tax. Awesome!
I have never had a bad experience here. Great flavor and really nice staff.
The best part is when the weather is nice, they will open up the sun roof. yeah, that's right, a sun roof! It's great. -
Review from Lily K.
Sausalito, CA
6/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Had the lunch buffet. There were several curry dishes, chicken, naan, and lots of sauces. Also a small salad construction area, rice pudding, and another dessert.
All of it tasted really good. The waiters were very attentive when it came to refilling water glasses. Also, what you get for the price, definitely right in my book! -
Review from Tracey A.
San Anselmo, CA
12/22/2010
I'm quickly developing a chick-pea layer around my arteries and wishing well-meaning people would stop treating me to Indian food.
Lotus is a perfectly nice Indian restaurant if you find yourself in the suburbs and desirous of a quiet, low-key evening. You'll leave well-satisfied. The restaurant is pleasant, if unexciting, and the food is good but not oh-my-god-you-have-to-try-this-good. My favorite thing about the place was the serve-yourself mixture near the front door as you exit: fresh, minty, full of unique texture and flavors, and it danced a little on my tongue.
Servers are efficient and unobtrusive. The restaurant is quiet, making it a good choice if you actually want to have a conversation with your dining companions.
I've heard that the lunch buffet isn't so great, (but I don't care for buffets anyhow); dinner is solid though. As long as you understand that this is no urban hot-spot you'll be fine. Lotus provides a good meal in pleasant enough surroundings, which sometimes is all you need.Listed in: Live Large!: North Bay Eats
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Review from Daniel L.
Mill Valley, CA
12/20/2011
New to the area, I've had fun searching for and dining at the amazing variety of restaurants close by. I found Lotus Cuisine and am glad I did. Being vegan, it was great to discover this place (they have both vegan and non-vegan dishes). Elvis, one of the employees (perhaps owner?), was very kind and provided a hot herbal tea 'on the house' the last time I ate there. The staff is professional and friendly and the restaurant is very clean and well laid out. There is also a small market that sells Indian foods and other products. The food was very good and I'll be back!
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Review from J B.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA
12/18/2010
I think there must be some days when the chefs here are better than the other days. I honestly cannot reconcile the rave reviews this place gets from some folks. Everytime I've gone, usually on the weekends, the food here is barely passable.
I've gotten cold-nan and the buffet always seems like it's been picked over. Nothing has ever stood out as terrifically good either. Just kind of decent, westernized standard buffet fair. -
Review from Angela S.
San Francisco, CA
4/5/2011
This place has a REALLY good lunch buffet for a pretty good price. I like to go here for lunch rather than dinner because of this, and also because I love it when it's a nice day, and they put the top down!
I kinda liked Bombay Garden a little bit better, but I think they closed that place, so this place will have to suffice. Why did they close that place????
Lotus still has a lot of good curry dishes, and back when I ate meat, I remember really liking their tandoori. -
Review from Brendan W.
San Anselmo, CA
9/24/2010 2 photos
After a long wait to try this place for the $9 lunch buffet, I finally had a chance.
When I arrived, there was what appeared to be a 4th grade class, probably studying India or something. So of course the whole group of kids were in front of me for the buffet line. I decided to sit back down, and of course when I got back up there were other people on the line. The people kindly offered to let me go ahead and join my friends, but I declined, wondering how somebody can't tell the difference between and eight year old and a fourteen year old. Well, that doesn't have anything to do with the restaurant, so I will get back on topic.
Most of the food in the buffet is pretty good, especially the knish type things and goup that looks like eggplant. The desserts on the other hand, were crazy. One was a very sweet rice pudding, but the other is just so far ahead. Basically, it is fried sugar. Yes, you heard me right. They had fried sugar! It was gross. I even saw the 4th graders puckering up! Picture: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
As another reviewer has noted, the rice is undercooked, but maybe that is just how they have it in India.
I do see a slight problem about this place. The waiters do not create a presence. Even though it is a lunch buffet, I feel like I snuck in a restaurant after it closed to eat. They are not bad people or anything, but they just don't have the "way of the waiter." Maybe that is how you are supposed to act in India or something. How would I know?Listed in: So You Need Somewhere to Eat…
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Review from James E.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2011
Best Indian food i've ever had. My wife and I went here the day before the 2011 rapture, just in case, and were not disappointed. Nice service, gluten free naan options... Try the maharaja chicken and pesto naan (what?!? wait? I love it...), even their brown rice is special.
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Review from Elsa E.
San Rafael, CA
2/7/2011
This place always smells so good outside! It felt a little more upscale than your average mom and pop indian place, like they were trying to be classy.
Food: I loved the cilantro/mint naan and the bartha. We also had the paneer tika masala (ok, not amazing), veg biryani and spinach.
Chai was good. It was my birthday and they brought out some ice cream with a candle. That was sweet. -
Review from Jessica d.
Sausalito, CA
Updated - 9/19/2011
Had the tandoori chicken takeout the other night and it was a win! Seems their substitute chef has left the building and their badass Tandoori Trembler is back! Yeah!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/12/2011
I am so sad. I went here 2 nights ago and couldn't eat more than a few spoonfuls of my chicken… Read more »
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Review from Christie L.
Richmond, CA
1/1/2011
Popped in for lunch New Years Eve - buffet was very good! Food fresh, hot. Price very reasonable. Variety on buffet limited. Great dessert!
Here's my bad news: wait staff so uncharming as to be, well, no other word but surly. I had to flag someone down to order tea - and this place is small. I feel only slightly sad to bring this up - I hope someone on their staff/ownership reads it and works on this, if it is representative. Maybe our first time here just happened to be a bad day.
Back to good - the Tandoori Chicken was fresh, hot, tender! -
Review from Traci M.
San Anselmo, CA
11/27/2010 11 Check-ins Here
All around, Lotus is a great Indian restaurant. We have enjoyed the lunch buffet, dinner ala carte and lots and lots of take out.
The food is always great. It is the best Indian food I have had other than a home cooked meal from a friend's mom who was visiting from Bangalore.
Their lentil soup changes slightly on a regular basis and is my favorite comfort food. I love trying a variety of items from their menu and really enjoy the buffet as it offers the chance to try so many different flavors.
The service is very attentive and conscientious.
What a great value too! -
Review from Henry M.
Sonoma, CA
6/8/2011
Food: A++
Service: B
Pricing: a little high, but the quality makes up for it!
Ambience: they tried to sit us at a very tiny table when lots of four tops were empty. Noise was only OK
We will be back. -
Review from Hornheadicus M.
Santa Rosa, CA
9/5/2010
My wife is NOT the biggest fan of Indian food BUT she loved this place, as did I!
Great clay pot chicken and their nan bread was awesome!
LOTS of variety (more than the typical all-you-can-eat Indian buffet has) and we both left feeling more than satisfied!
We'll be going back! -
Review from Sahara G.
San Francisco, CA
2/24/2011
I've only been for the lunch time buffet. As Indian buffets go this one is really quite good. I have some dietary restrictions ( gluten free for one ) and the owner (I think he's the owner) showed me what not to get. I'm not quite sure if they understand that even if the breading is in chickpea flour if its fried along with wheat we got cross contamination. But I'll address that the next time I go to Lotus.
When you go to the buffet be sure to scope out everything on the table before you start serving yourself. I can easily skip the rice for the chickpea/garbanzo thing at the end of the table. The beans soak up the yummy sauces well without carbs.
Usually I hate dal but I liked it here. The chicken was tender (which surprised me, I never expect that)
Its very pretty inside and that's a big plus for me. The lunch time crowd is mellow which I also like.
Lotus is worth pulling off the freeway for. -
Review from P H.
Mill Valley, CA
2/23/2012
A lack of any real competition in the area has allowed this place to serve mediocre and poor quality Indian food for years.
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Review from Tiffany S.
San Geronimo, CA
10/23/2011
AMAZING food! Great service. They have brown rice and gluten free naan too. The two things that keep them from a 5 star review is the atmosphere - it's stark white and it's tiny so there's no privacy or ambiance. Also, prices aren't bad, but not the best I've seen. But food wise it is some of the best I've had. Topped only by Marsala Jacks in Cotati, which is a long way from Fairfax.
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Review from Alessandra N.
Greenbrae, CA
9/26/2011
Was pleasantly surprised with everything!
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Review from Nils E.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2009 ROTD 7/31/2009
To appreciate Lotus, you have to look at the whole package.
First off, it's practically a San Rafael landmark. I doubt there's anyone who has lived in San Rafael longer than a month that hasn't been to Lotus. The "gotcha" moment when the roof is rolled back to let in the sun is always a crowd pleaser. And as you soak up the rays, the sounds of raga music coupled with the smells emanating from the kitchen will make you give pause and wonder if they didn't actually chip Lotus off the map in Delhi and ship it whole to San Rafael.
Second, this is one of the most kid-friendly and kid-tolerant establishments I've ever experienced. The servers go out of their way to greet children, and they dole out special kid meals, sippy cups, and all manner of things to keep the ankle biters tame. Our party of eight had four kids, all of whom carpet bombed the floor with jasmine rice - it was a mess of epic proportions. I swear the rice was taking root by the time we left, and after our 3 ft high demolition artists were finished with the floor, they made sure to spill mango lassi and vindaloo...on the walls. All the while, the servers smiled and practically cheered them on while I sat there dumbstruck and tried to make it look like I wasn't even part of the party.
Third, the food is quality North Indian cuisine. Their lamb vindaloo, saag aloo, lotus naan and tikka masala are staples in our household. This is authentic cooking, and it is consistently good. The buffet at lunchtime is plentiful and probably the best bargain, but the options are more limited. The a la carte menu at dinner will be pricier, but worth the effort (every time).
There are excellent Indian restaurants in San Francisco that would give Lotus a run for its money had they been located in Marin, but thankfully...they're not, so we'll keep this reliable neighborhood Indian oasis to ourselves.Listed in: My Neighborhood's Eateries
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Review from Ankur S.
San Rafael, CA
7/22/2011
Though I didn't had the dinner here, the lunch buffet is good. A couple of vegetarian options and not that bland either. The perfect spice to suite every taste-bud. The service varies depending upon the time of the day. With $8.95 per person , the buffet is not bad. I wouldn;t say its the best value for money but definitely a good one!
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Review from Sammy S.
Alameda, CA
1/16/2008
The waitstaff is totally all over the water, which is essential when you're slowly burning the taste buds off your tongue with the savory seasoning of Indian food, but what concerns me is that they're not so much all over the fire.
Literally, as our server was clearing our plates he moved the Naan basket just in reach of the flickering candle. As one of my dining mates began to to make ape noises and point frantically at the burning basket of bread, I saved the day and threw her water on it (because I still needed MY water).
Our server then naanchalantly (GA!) asked if we would like to take our water-logged bread, that was still floating, home with us.
"uh, no, we're good, thanks though."
The tikka masala, saag paneer and eggplant surprise (blanking on the name, and surprise makes everything sound like a treat. "Meat surprise!!!!" "Poop surprise!!!" "Hair surprise!!!") were delectable, filling and actually pretty reasonable for Marin dining fare.
I usually have to force my Dad to take my buddies to dinner in Marin because I'd like to see them be able to afford their own furniture and put some veggies in their ramen, some day.
The naan trio was naanaughty. Garlic naan, to assure the hotties at the Pop Inn would keep their distance, pesto naan, to make sure I had a nice layer of grease coating my lips to impress all my fans with, and regular naan, just to go with convention.
Lotus is delicious and makes you forget about grown men pooping in public in the streets of India.Listed in: Fatty's Big Day
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Review from C. C.
San Anselmo, CA
1/8/2011
This place is great; wonderful food, aroma, atmosphere, all the trappings! My problem is the arrogant attitude the waiters and entire staff exemplify, and worse (as in the native culture) they display a certain subordinate attitude toward the females at the table. They consider the 'male figure' as if he is the superior; the leader'. Additionally, when I call in to place an order to go, the phone staff is short and pompous; they make you feel like you're screwing up if you have any menu questions. I just picked up an order this moment (which spurred me to finally write) and when the OWNER said '$54.54; 10% off.' I quietly counted my money and repeated the figure. She then said, 'That's right. $54.54 dollars''.
You've heard of Seinfeld's 'Soup Nazi'? Lotus is the equivalent in Indian Cuisine right here on the 'Other Coast'; get it right or get out. Too bad. They could be the top-rated Zagat restaurant in Marin with a change of attitude. -
Review from Umesh T.
El Sobrante, CA
This is one of the better Indian restaurants in the Marin County. And when it comes to their fresh Naan, they probably beat most of the Indian restaurants in San Francisco too. Just make sure you ask the server for a fresh batch of naans instead of picking them up from the buffet spread.
I have had only the lunch buffets here, and the flavors are usually spot on. But I have to add their "Chicken Tandoori" is a poor excuse like that in most establishments all over the Bay Area. I particularly enjoy their vegetarian fare and might sample a little of the chicken, sometimes even giving it a total miss not because it is bad but because I, for the most part, enjoy their vegetarian spread a lot.
Today, I had one of my favorite dish --- the channa masala --- which is rarely seen (it's like an Elvis sighting) as part of the spread. Their chicken soup is so-so and the aloo-tikki possessing the flavor but not quite the texture as the batter looks like it could do a little more time in the fryer. I enjoy the "Chicken Curry" more than any other chicken dished they dish out. I am not a fan of their spinach dish and instead opt for the cabbage or cauliflower with potatoes, and daal.
Of late, I have not seen the samosas but if you do happen across them, I would recommend it; don't forget the sweet chutneys with the samosa.
Lastly, I love their Gulab Jamoon (or "donut ball" as a colleague so brusquely put it) buried in the Kheer (rice pudding) for dessert. The kheer is very much unlike the excuse they serve in the neighboring "Bombay Garden".
Ergo, in conclusion, ipso facto, I would wholeheartedly recommend their lunch buffet. At least they don't hike up their lunch-buffet price from $9 to $11 on Fridays for the very same spread, like Bombay Garden does. -
Review from Charles B.
Belvedere, CA
I am developing a new love for San Rafael in large part due to the excellent restaurants like Lotus that line 4th street. I was very impressed with the classy interior and attentive service. Skip the take-out and sit down! The dining experience is worth the time. I simply had to take a picture of the intricately decorated front door!
I ordered the veggie Biryani, basil-naan and a Lassi. The Biryani was large enough for 3 servings and included a plethora of all the veggies I was craving. The naan was a little on the dry side for my palate, but not bad. The Lassi cooled the burning in my mouth that always accompanies good Indian food!
Definitely check this place out for dinner! -
Review from Gary E.
7/10/2008 1 Check-in Here
Good place to hit up for lunch if you're a hungry little boy like me. Great buffet with plenty of tasty options for both vegetarian and carnivores alike. Good soups, several curries, tandoori chicken, and the ubiquitous butter chicken (I don't know if this there EVERY day, but it seems to be whenever I show up!)
But see beyond the array of all-u-can-eat goodness, my little Yelper, and check out their menu too. The vindaloo is excellent - hot and spicy, with tons of flavour (and the guys are extremely happy to make it for you "Indian Hot", mwahahahaha). The saag is creamy and... um, spinachy (c'mon, it's saag!), the jasmine rice is fragrant and perfectly done. As some folks have pointed out, their naan isn't the greatest, but it does the job, letting me mop up every drop of ghee infused yumminess.
It's beaten out by Om, further down 4th, but if you're at that end of San Rafael, and are craving some spice, Lotus is a good bet.Listed in: Chowing Locally
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Review from Cindy B.
Kentfield, CA
9/28/2010
Holy Moly - this was the best Indian food I have ever had. The mushroom Marsala was amazing. No let me rephrase that... F-ING AMAZING.
We all know that even if the food is fantastic service is a major part in the rating - I don't think my water glass was ever more than half full - they refilled it over and over again. The (amazing) food came out hot and prompt and all at the same time.
Atmosphere - the rood opens. What more do you need? You can sit outside while being inside. Now if only I could get my apartment to do the same thing.
Menu - I'm a horrible decision maker - but being a vegetarian it limits my choices so I usually get two or three things to pick from. Not the case here - they have at least 20 different vegetarian options/variations. They also have a ton of vegan stuff. Another big trend going on right now is gluten free (two people from my office are gluten free) and there's a ton of stuff available for that. There's even gluten free naan! I will be coming back over and over for dinner and can't wait to try their lunch buffet.
A+ for great food, excellent service, fantastic atmosphere, and a diverse menu (even for people who like meat - there's chicken and lamb). -
Review from Katie W.
4/24/2008
Oh Man, I love Lotus.
Ok, it seems that everything in San Rafael is named Lotus this or that, but I will overlook this petty detail.
We would come to Lotus for every outing at the place I used to work - and no one, no one on the whole marketing team ever had a problem with that. This food is hot, fresh and good.
We always got the buffet and gorged on curries, pakoras, tandooris, naan (oh the naan) and everything you could hope for in your Indian palatte.
It is tasty, hot and fresh - 3 things I look for in any Guy. I mean restaurant. -
Review from William G.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2008 2 photos
Lotus Cuisine of India has been our favorite for a more than 5 years now and we know why. Every Indian restaurant we have been to in the US, Europe and Asia doesn't have the touch that Lotus has, quality ingredients, great sauces and great service.
We have tried many dishes, but time and again, we love Saag Paneer, Chicken Tikka Masala, Bengan Bartha and their onion Naan.
To finish the meal, a Chai is always a welcome addition to great tastes. -
Review from Kate M.
San Francisco, CA
11/4/2009
I am the luckiest girl in the world to be in walking distance to this haven of Indian deliciousness.
I know I mentioned my experience with Indian food having lived on the stuff in the UK ( and going to India helped)...but I never found a place that lives up to, and then essentially exceeds my fastidious standards for a brilliant curry.
ROGAN JOSH...a must!
The selection of Naan styles is exhilarating! I wasn't a fan of their new Lotus Naan. Stuffed with chicken, raisins and cashews...and bell pepper it looked like. It was a little too oily and too crunchy for me. I love the Keema or Garlic Naan...keeping it fluffy and simple to sop up all the curry goodness.
Also, I think the most important aspect for me, when you say you want your Jalfrezi "traditionally" hot...they will knock your socks off.
My boy and I have made it a point to become new regulars here. Next visit...Vindaloo, Tikka Marsala, and of course the sizzling hot plates of Tandoori chicken that kept passing our table all night, teasing us.
The wine list is small, but we found a gem that went perfectly with dinner. Gold medal winner Navarro Vineyards Pinot Noir "Ancienne"...it was gorgeous.
They whole experience made me warm and fuzzy on the inside. I have a feeling that I will be walking a whole lot more to eat my dinner from now on.
