Reviews | Indian Restaurant | San Rafael

One of the best Indian restaurants in the Bay Area
“Prepare your palate for a sensuous journey through the flavors of India at Lotus Restaurant. It’s a great place for a date and for families, as well as business. Lotus is a soothing sanctuary for the sustenance of body and soul, where you can exhale deeply, leave the West behind and savor exceptional Indian cuisine. ” – Yogi Times

“Lotus is full of warmth and welcoming hospitality… Lotus’ lengthy menu offers more than three dozen curries…Tandoori selections – meats and seafood cooked in a clay pit oven – come to the table sizzling and steaming on hot cast-iron platters…delectable deserts…the sort of thing that is so good, I find myself thinking about it in the middle of the night.” – San Francisco Chronicle

“San Rafaelites rave they’re ‘transported to India’ after tucking into the “superb curries’, ‘great flavored naans’ and other Delicious items meted out by a ‘delightful staff’; bargain hunters should head here for the ‘awesome lunch buffet.'” – Zagat Survey

“Dishes notable for their careful preparation and expertly balanced seasoning… in tune with Northern California palates, thanks to the careful execution of the chef… what really gets my taste buds going is the wealth of vegetarian dishes that, to my mind, are the glory of Indian cuisine… blends sweet, savory and hauntingly smoky flavors and is absolutely impossible to stop eating… I’ve certainly acquired a taste for Lotus!” – San Francisco Examiner

“The food at Lotus is simply wonderful. It shines with clean, bright flavors… a generous selection of sauces and condiments that add layers of flavor and/or heat to any of the dishes…How can something as humble and unassuming as a lentil taste so good? …Kashimi pilau was light, tender, and seductively aromatic… Vegetable curry that practically made us swoon… Service was very attentive throughout our meal.” – Pacific Sun

“A superb addition to the Marin County dining scene… Everything is thought through fresh ingredients, carefully trimmed to present only the most tasty elements… offered in sauces that have rich and complex tastes. Service: Excellent.” – Marin Independent Journal

L is for Lamb Rack, Tandoori-Style

Meat chewed off a bone — it sends me. I have a weakness for it; my inner Cro-Magnon goes nuts when I have an opportunity to gnaw on any kind of rib, chop, shank or knuckle. – Patch

Testimonials

Our customers rave about our Marin County restaurant

“Dear Lotus Family,

Just want to say big thanks for a beautiful, much-needed dining experience on Monday. Intending to pick up a to-go meal for our family on our 30th wedding anniversary since we haven’t been dining out the last few years, our plans changed when our truck broke down about a mile north of your restaurant. After walking in the heat for a couple of miles to resolve the issues my husband and I were dealing with, we decided to dine-in and are so grateful we did. Really appreciate the Lotus generous hearts and yummy cuisine I have come to know and love over the years, and though I miss the pink womb-like space of your previous location, the new place is just filled with so much soothing, nourishing Shakti that we so needed – and a beautiful affirmation for my Shakti-inspired homestead/garden project I’ve been healing and growing.

Thank you so much for all the love and care you offered us wearied travelers who left much more equipped with full bellies and bags of food to face the madness of the evening with AAA. Truly a day resonating the spirit of the lotus…”

With much warmth, kindness, and gratitude,
– Melanie Nasson-Kurgpold

“Best Indian Restaurant in the Bay Area!

Visited Lotus Restaurant in downtown San Rafael yesterday on our way back from Point Reyes. The owners Jyoti and Alisha have paid a lot of attention to details from the ambiance/interior decor to the food. The couple have carefully given a lot of thought to every fine detail within the restaurant from arched doorway to wall colors & paintings to chandeliers and wall hangings. Not just that, the restaurant is kept very clean, waiters are courteous and food is served quickly. Coming to food, each item is carefully crafted and very tasty. Don’t forget to try their navratan korma, malai kofta, and more importantly Surinder’s mango fudge.

One of the best Indian restaurant in the bay area – hands down. Highly recommend it.”

– Rakesh

“Whenever I can find an excuse to go towards San Rafael for supplies or materials, I tend to do so around lunchtime (Monday to Saturday) to take advantage of the incredible buffet at Lotus Cuisine of India, on 4th St. They are consistently voted ‘Best of Marin’ by the local newspaper, and with good reason: they have been the best for 14 years, and just keep improving.

Having grown up in England, I have been a huge fan of Indian food for many years. Most such restaurants in California have been a bit disappointing, but not Lotus! They use only the freshest ingredients, and the food is not overly hot or spicy, but instead has rich flavor, with a complex blend of spices, and loads of garlic & ginger in certain dishes. The menu is different each day for the buffet, but never less than excellent, with a vast array of complementary dishes, homemade chutneys, & delicious desserts. My only (minor) complaint was that they didn’t bring fresh, hot naan (bread) to the table, but instead piled it up on the buffet, where after a few minutes it tends to become rubbery. The owner has made a point of bringing me fresh naan ever since I mentioned it, and the difference is huge. If you are a new customer, you only have to ask.

As a vegetarian, I cannot vouch for their meat dishes, but from the compliments, I overhear every time from other satisfied customers, I am pretty confident they get those right too. The decor & cleanliness of the restaurant also sets it apart from the…I was going to say ‘competition’, but there is none!”
– Andrew H.

“I feel extremely nourished and filled with healing food energy. Outside of eating in India, this is the best Indian food I have ever eaten.
Thank you so much for such a fantastic meal. I feel sustained and energized!
Also, it is calm in your restaurant and the servers are so friendly.
I love it here!”
– Sarah

“I love you guys! I can’t imagine how you could possibly make Lotus better!”
Namaste,
Gabriela

“Lotus is the best!” – George

“Hi, We are coming to attend the Bioneers conference & see that you are again a sponsor. Thanks! One year you offered a discount for attendees. Will you do this again? I hope so. Thanks again We love your restaurant & that it’s mostly organic & no GMO is your goal!” – Jan

“I miss you ALL soooo much!!!
I won’t even try another Indian restaurant here in LA!
Hope to be back to visit you soon!
Take care and give my best to the Lotus family!!” – Angie!

Surinder,
I have a connection with Bioneers in Santa Fe and congratulate you on your involvement with such an important organization working towards world progress! Good for you!
Wish now that I had volunteered so I could enjoy your excellent cuisine but know those who are doing so will benefit with your help.
Continued success.
– Michael

We think what you do every year is so generous, particularly in a difficult economy. We wish you and your staff a wonderful holiday season. – Donna, Cole, Adam, Wendy, Nate and Ella

“Just want to tell you how wonderful we think it is that you do the free Thanksgiving Dinner!! It is very kind and generous of you. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.” – Monique and Jeff

“Awesome that you are feeding the community this week for Thanksgiving! See you soon”. – George

“What a wonderful thing to do for those in need. I hope your Thanksgiving Dinner is a huge success.” – Marney

“You guys are great. I love your food and also your commitment to the community. Thank you!” – Heather

“Giving back to the community for Thanksgiving… What a wonderful thing to do. Thank you!” – Kurt

“Great Service. Great food. The flavor is unique. Thank you for the experience.” – Rahamses Aviles

“The food continues to be better and better! And it was excellent the first time I had the pleasure of eating here!”
– Carny Mali

“Please don’t change a thing. You rock! I love the food. I could have it every day and not be bored.” – Malaika Kirkwood

“Can’t wait to come back. Going away but see you in February. The Christmas Dinner we ordered from you was scrumptious!” – Adrienne Karp.

Lotus Cuisine welcomes your comments and reviews. Please tell your waiter what you thought of your food and service or you may contact us at 415 456 5808. You can also leave your reviews on Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Facebook too!

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