Lotus Restaurant

This is my first time going to a Pho restaurant but waited for AN HOUR to get just three bowls of Pho served!! We got into the restaurant without seeing any waiters for the first 10min and we had to take the menus on one table on our own. Then it took another 10min to order. When we were having the starters, the waiter asked us to use some napkins because he thought we spilled a little crispy spring rolls on the table. We sat next to the window and it was afternoon so the sun shined on our face directly. At first it was warm and comfortable but after an hour of sitting with the sun shined on our faces?? I even felt a little dizzy because of the sunshine so we moved to another table. Then the waiter came and asked why did we change our seats very impolitely. This place was only serving three groups of people including us at that time but let the first group wait for like 40 minutes and the left two groups wait for over an hour. Let alone the second two groups just ordered pho and some starters. We complained about the waiting, but the waiter blamed the first group for ordering too much food. Bro you kidding me? I highly doubt their ability to serve people efficiently during rush hour. The food was fine but after all of the waiting and the bad serving of the waiter, I don’t think anyone could enjoy the food as how it was.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

They sold out of what I wanted, gave a terrible for short ribs that cost almost the same as a combo plate. I would have spent the extra three dollars if he would have told me. Then had the nerve to wait till after I was done eating to tell me what I should have ordered. I asked the manager about it and he copped an attitude, telling me it’s all my fault even tho I couldn’t order what I wanted in the first place. Never going back.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Hands down best Bahn Mi with garlic fries mmm chef’s kiss! Brisket or meatball pho so comforting and or go Hawaiian with ckn katsu. Love some spicy tofu chef special and pretty much everything!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent food and staff is friendly. Recommended!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lotus Restaurant in Menlo Park is such a gem! I had the Hawaiian BBQ chicken plate and it was absolutely delicious. Generous portions, flavorful and so satisfying. Can’t wait to come back and explore more of their Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. Definitely a great go-to lunch spot in Menlo Park!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love this place!! Hands down one of my favorites around. Been coming year for a few years, food is always great and the owner Phil is super friendly. Every time I've come in he's going table to table and chatting with customers, he's always able to strike up conversation with anyone. I always feel taken care of!

Some of my favorite spam musubi in the area, and the Beijing crispy beef is soo good. Honestly everything I've tried has been great. The space itself is well kept and clean, with a big parking lot conveniently right next to the restaurant. IMO a hidden gem for Menlo Park, and definitely one of my favorite spots in the area

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing food. The quality and quantity of food you are getting for this money is unmatched.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great restaurant, great service, amazing food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The management was very attentive and made it fun for our kids who are uber picky

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Save Lotus! One of the few remaining affordable lunch spots in Menlo Park.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Banh MI, Spam Musubi, Roast Duck Wonton Noodle Soup

Very inclusive place that accommodate to different dietary restrictions, with vegan items on the menu! Phill served us and he is fun and very kind, social, and we very much enjoyed our time! Food was delicious, portions are generous — attaching pictures of our vegan dishes: tofu kungpao and tofu with eggplants in garlic sauce, yum!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing place the service is great such kind employees

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely the best banh mi in the Bay!
Lotus in Menlo Park is an absolute gem, and their short rib banh mi has truly stolen my heart. The short rib is cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth good. Pair that with their perfectly crisp and chewy bread, and you’ve got a banh mi that’s in a league of its own. I’ve tried many across the Bay Area, and this one remains my favorite, hands down.

What makes Lotus even more special is the heart behind the counter. Phil is a character in the best way—his warmth, humor, and top-notch customer service always make each visit feel personal and welcoming.

With all the changes happening in downtown Menlo Park, small local spots like Lotus are feeling the impact. If you’re a fan of incredible food and want to support a local treasure, please stop by and show them some love. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Lotus won’t disappoint.

Good roast duck

Sadly my colleagues were not tempted by one of the vegan options in the area so we ended up here. Several things clearly marked vegan on the menu. Setting was functional. Service friendly. I’d definitely go back again under similar circmstances