incredible food! stopped by for the lunch buffet and it did not disappoint. great service as well.
Burstock
Buffet lunch is always good value and has a varied selection of dishes.
lee
I’ve been coming to Lotus Cuisine of India since 2013, and after more than a decade, I can confidently say this place is more than just a restaurant — it’s part of my heart.
From the moment I first walked through the doors, I felt something special. The food? Always divine — rich, aromatic, and cooked with soul. But it’s the people who make this place unforgettable. Paul, the owner, has been like another dad to me over the years. His warmth, generosity, and kindness are rare in this world, and I’ve carried that with me no matter where I go.
Now living in Los Angeles, I’ve tried endless restaurants, but none feel like Lotus. It’s not just about the cuisine — it’s the connection. Whenever I return home to Marin, it’s not just to see my mom and dad — it’s also to see my Lotus family. Paul and his team have built something so much deeper than a place to eat. They’ve built a sanctuary of love, tradition, and community.
Thank you for everything you’ve given me since 2013. I can’t wait to come home and sit at the table again.
Beata Skonecki
I’m visiting San Rafael for the first time. I love Indian food, so I had to try this place. It’s some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had — delicious and full of flavor. I ordered extra to take home. The only downsides: the vegetarian options are more limited than what I’m used to for this type of cuisine, and rice costs extra. Typically rice is included in the price of the meal. Still, incredible food and great atmosphere too.
Christina Marie
This place made the tastiest veggie curry dish - I asked for the Channa Masala extra spicy and they did such a great job! Their garlic naan is very good too. I am not an expert or Indian food aficionado. However, I love the taste of their food and the girl I spoke with over the phone was very sweet!
Sylvie Artlight
The food portions for dinner is extremely small, and not cheap. I ordered shrimp curry with nan for dinner and it was blah boring. I make better curry. I bought curry spices on Amazon with all the ingredients to make it, and mine is so good my fiend loved it. Their curry was not layered in flavors, like mine. I had and Indian family invite me over years ago who grinded their own spices to make curry and inspired me to cook and make it in this very yummy authentic way. Anyways I hear the buffet is good maybe try it to see if the other dishes are better, but not going to drive over only if I am in the area an maybe try it. PS i had to ask for salt and more spice sauce barely had any, just bland curry like you would expect. Just disappointing.
Rudra Dutta
Food is good and portions are nice. Ambience is great.
J K (SFJoe)
A good friend who was Indian always said to me avoid Indian restaurants who serve the buffet for lunch. It is always the leftovers from the previous evening dishes. Lotus was just that true to form serving leftovers but I liked it enough to give it three stars. The butter chicken way way over cooked as were the tandoori pieces. The goat stew was actually the best meat dish in the offerings. The various vegetable dishes were borderline cold so the restaurant needs to figure out how keep the dishes warm to hot. The breads were poor quality and chewy. But the price was right at $20 a person and you can definitely fill up on the food. Spotless restaurant and bathrooms were very clean. Large space for patrons. I would go back for dinner just not the buffet for the reasons stated.
Rory
DO NOT GO FOR THE BUFFET. went for the lunch buffet with my wife, we were excited as we both havent been to a buffet in a few years and looove them. im a big person, 6'2 240 pounds. i have NEVER not gone back for a second plate of food at a buffet, and i was starving when i arived. my wife dident touch her plate past the first two or three bites as her food was all tasteless and bland. one out of THREE options for entrées was inedible (filled with more bones than veg and meat. and the other two were chicken tikki masala and tandori chicken, both of witch somehow tasted the same, tough, underseasoned (if they were at all), and dry.
if you are going to have a "buffet" with only three options, (especially in a town with 4+ other indian buffets) at least make one of them worth eating.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Asher Lehrer
A long time staple, Lotus is the best Indian restaurant in Marin! Their lunch buffet is unreal and seriously GOATed.
Great food overall. Portions are small for the prices
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Onion Naan and Garlic Naan
Vlad Sokalsky
If you're local, you know. This is the best place in the area known for its fresh, delicious almost like the homemade Indian food ! We've been coming for lunch here for the past 4 years now
Nan Den
First time here after a hike at the Mt.Tam. Got Lunch buffet. I have tried Lamb curry, veg biryani, dal, and chicken tandoori. All very tasty. I am gluten free and dairy free but there are enough options for the buffet. It would be great if there were some plain white rice. I enjoyed the ambiance and art inside the restaurant too. Will come back again.
Recommended dishes: Veggie Biryani
YuvRaaj Madra
Lotus Indian Restaurant is nothing short of a culinary gem! As someone who is extremely particular about Indian food—especially dishes that transport me back to the vibrant flavors of Punjab—I can confidently say this place is OUTSTANDING. Every bite bursts with authenticity, reminding me of the meals I grew up cherishing.
The service is absolutely SENSATIONAL! From the moment you walk in, the staff treats you like family, ensuring every detail is perfect. The ambiance is warm and inviting, but the true magic lies in the food. Each dish is expertly crafted, full of rich, bold flavors that stay true to Indian tradition.
I’m the pickiest eater when it comes to Indian cuisine, but at Lotus, I forget where I am—it feels like dining in the heart of Punjab. This place has set a new standard for Indian dining, and I can’t wait to return. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience!
Devi's grace
Simply amazing and magnificent ! Lotus is a rare gem! The food is always so fresh, and so delicious. Pal, Jyotis , Alysia and their team have created a splendid mini palace on earth for all us to celebrate life. I have been a client of Lotus for almost 20 years now, and have known Pal the owner all these years. Pal is such a great man, and loves his community. So grateful for all you are and do ! We also loves Lotus ‘ s market and often go shopping there. My husband Prashant comes from India, and loves cooking Indian food. Truly beautiful, precious and memorable experience each we go to Lotus !! Namaste , Devi Mayi Ma ( Vivianne Nantel ) and Prashant .
incredible food! stopped by for the lunch buffet and it did not disappoint. great service as well.
Buffet lunch is always good value and has a varied selection of dishes.
I’ve been coming to Lotus Cuisine of India since 2013, and after more than a decade, I can confidently say this place is more than just a restaurant — it’s part of my heart.
From the moment I first walked through the doors, I felt something special. The food? Always divine — rich, aromatic, and cooked with soul. But it’s the people who make this place unforgettable. Paul, the owner, has been like another dad to me over the years. His warmth, generosity, and kindness are rare in this world, and I’ve carried that with me no matter where I go.
Now living in Los Angeles, I’ve tried endless restaurants, but none feel like Lotus. It’s not just about the cuisine — it’s the connection. Whenever I return home to Marin, it’s not just to see my mom and dad — it’s also to see my Lotus family. Paul and his team have built something so much deeper than a place to eat. They’ve built a sanctuary of love, tradition, and community.
Thank you for everything you’ve given me since 2013. I can’t wait to come home and sit at the table again.
I’m visiting San Rafael for the first time. I love Indian food, so I had to try this place. It’s some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had — delicious and full of flavor. I ordered extra to take home. The only downsides: the vegetarian options are more limited than what I’m used to for this type of cuisine, and rice costs extra. Typically rice is included in the price of the meal. Still, incredible food and great atmosphere too.
This place made the tastiest veggie curry dish - I asked for the Channa Masala extra spicy and they did such a great job! Their garlic naan is very good too. I am not an expert or Indian food aficionado. However, I love the taste of their food and the girl I spoke with over the phone was very sweet!
The food portions for dinner is extremely small, and not cheap. I ordered shrimp curry with nan for dinner and it was blah boring. I make better curry. I bought curry spices on Amazon with all the ingredients to make it, and mine is so good my fiend loved it. Their curry was not layered in flavors, like mine. I had and Indian family invite me over years ago who grinded their own spices to make curry and inspired me to cook and make it in this very yummy authentic way. Anyways I hear the buffet is good maybe try it to see if the other dishes are better, but not going to drive over only if I am in the area an maybe try it. PS i had to ask for salt and more spice sauce barely had any, just bland curry like you would expect. Just disappointing.
Food is good and portions are nice. Ambience is great.
A good friend who was Indian always said to me avoid Indian restaurants who serve the buffet for lunch. It is always the leftovers from the previous evening dishes. Lotus was just that true to form serving leftovers but I liked it enough to give it three stars. The butter chicken way way over cooked as were the tandoori pieces. The goat stew was actually the best meat dish in the offerings. The various vegetable dishes were borderline cold so the restaurant needs to figure out how keep the dishes warm to hot. The breads were poor quality and chewy. But the price was right at $20 a person and you can definitely fill up on the food. Spotless restaurant and bathrooms were very clean. Large space for patrons. I would go back for dinner just not the buffet for the reasons stated.
DO NOT GO FOR THE BUFFET.
went for the lunch buffet with my wife, we were excited as we both havent been to a buffet in a few years and looove them.
im a big person, 6'2 240 pounds. i have NEVER not gone back for a second plate of food at a buffet, and i was starving when i arived. my wife dident touch her plate past the first two or three bites as her food was all tasteless and bland. one out of THREE options for entrées was inedible (filled with more bones than veg and meat. and the other two were chicken tikki masala and tandori chicken, both of witch somehow tasted the same, tough, underseasoned (if they were at all), and dry.
if you are going to have a "buffet" with only three options, (especially in a town with 4+ other indian buffets) at least make one of them worth eating.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
A long time staple, Lotus is the best Indian restaurant in Marin! Their lunch buffet is unreal and seriously GOATed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food overall. Portions are small for the prices
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Onion Naan and Garlic Naan
If you're local, you know. This is the best place in the area known for its fresh, delicious almost like the homemade Indian food ! We've been coming for lunch here for the past 4 years now
First time here after a hike at the Mt.Tam. Got Lunch buffet. I have tried Lamb curry, veg biryani, dal, and chicken tandoori. All very tasty. I am gluten free and dairy free but there are enough options for the buffet. It would be great if there were some plain white rice. I enjoyed the ambiance and art inside the restaurant too. Will come back again.
Recommended dishes: Veggie Biryani
Lotus Indian Restaurant is nothing short of a culinary gem! As someone who is extremely particular about Indian food—especially dishes that transport me back to the vibrant flavors of Punjab—I can confidently say this place is OUTSTANDING. Every bite bursts with authenticity, reminding me of the meals I grew up cherishing.
The service is absolutely SENSATIONAL! From the moment you walk in, the staff treats you like family, ensuring every detail is perfect. The ambiance is warm and inviting, but the true magic lies in the food. Each dish is expertly crafted, full of rich, bold flavors that stay true to Indian tradition.
I’m the pickiest eater when it comes to Indian cuisine, but at Lotus, I forget where I am—it feels like dining in the heart of Punjab. This place has set a new standard for Indian dining, and I can’t wait to return. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience!
Simply amazing and magnificent ! Lotus is a rare gem! The food is always so fresh, and so delicious. Pal, Jyotis , Alysia and their team have created a splendid mini palace on earth for all us to celebrate life. I have been a client of Lotus for almost 20 years now, and have known Pal the owner all these years. Pal is such a great man, and loves his community. So grateful for all you are and do ! We also loves Lotus ‘ s market and often go shopping there. My husband Prashant comes from India, and loves cooking Indian food. Truly beautiful, precious and memorable experience each we go to Lotus !! Namaste , Devi Mayi Ma ( Vivianne Nantel ) and Prashant .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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