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Lotus Cuisine of India is a family-owned Indian eatery in downtown San Rafael with a vision to create contemporary Indian cuisine for Marin County and the San Francisco North Bay. Voted BEST OF MARIN since 1999, we are serving North Indian Cuisine from a generous menu specializing in Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free dishes and delicacies.
Casual spot for organic Indian eats plus gluten-free options, lunch specials, wine & beer.
Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–2 PM, 4:30–9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–2 PM, 4:30–9 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–2 PM, 4:30–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–2 PM, 4:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–2 PM, 4:30–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–2 PM, 4:30–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 812 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: (415) 456-5808
Website: https://www.lotusrestaurant.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
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Reviews
Geronimo C Ramos
Lotus Cuisine of India nails it with a pristine space, attentive service, and tandoori chicken that’ll make you order seconds. The open kitchen and attached market (spices, rice, rugs) add a nice touch.
The tandoori chicken stole the show. Perfect char on the outside, juicy bone-in meat inside. Paired beautifully with the garlic naan and paratha. The pani puri was solid though a bit sweet, and my wife’s coconut chicken curry and our aloo gobi were well-executed. Her gluten-free samosa hit the mark too.
When my wife mentioned her allergies, the manager personally came out to confirm they could accommodate everything. Water stayed filled, timing was smooth, and the staff genuinely cared.
Everything could use a touch more salt, likely keeping it mild for the local crowd. At over $100 for two, it’s pricier than expected, but the quality mostly justifies it.
Great spot if you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or have food allergies. Perfect for date night or family dinners. Order the tandoori chicken and don’t skip the breads.
… moreThe tandoori chicken stole the show. Perfect char on the outside, juicy bone-in meat inside. Paired beautifully with the garlic naan and paratha. The pani puri was solid though a bit sweet, and my wife’s coconut chicken curry and our aloo gobi were well-executed. Her gluten-free samosa hit the mark too.
When my wife mentioned her allergies, the manager personally came out to confirm they could accommodate everything. Water stayed filled, timing was smooth, and the staff genuinely cared.
Everything could use a touch more salt, likely keeping it mild for the local crowd. At over $100 for two, it’s pricier than expected, but the quality mostly justifies it.
Great spot if you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or have food allergies. Perfect for date night or family dinners. Order the tandoori chicken and don’t skip the breads.
Kiki Squid
We really felt welcomed when we entered Lotus Cuisine of India on Sunday for a late-afternoon lunch. The restaurant is full of color and we could hear sitar music playing when we went through the door. The gentleman seating us was friendly and welcoming. We looked over the menu and decided to start with a variety pack of Naan (Garlic & Cilantro, Keema, and Paneer) and a Taj Mahal Beer. The naan came with some sauces. We shared Lamb Biriyani and Saag Paneer. My favorite was the Saag Paneer. Food was delicious and hit every spot just right.
I used the women’s restroom and was surprised that it was so clean. Surprised because it was not just clean but immaculate. It looked as if it was newly constructed. We appreciated the team work and how they all joined in to help at the table. Though we noticed the contrast between the younger gentlemen and the older man. The younger men seemed so serious and perhaps not pleased to be there. All in all, the pride this family restaurant has is transparent and the steps they take to make us have a positive dining experience is appreciated. Oh and if you think of it – head to the back of the restaurant because you will find a market. I will be back to shop there. We were very glad to have chosen Lotus Cuisine. Thank you, happy feasting, and namaste.
… moreI used the women’s restroom and was surprised that it was so clean. Surprised because it was not just clean but immaculate. It looked as if it was newly constructed. We appreciated the team work and how they all joined in to help at the table. Though we noticed the contrast between the younger gentlemen and the older man. The younger men seemed so serious and perhaps not pleased to be there. All in all, the pride this family restaurant has is transparent and the steps they take to make us have a positive dining experience is appreciated. Oh and if you think of it – head to the back of the restaurant because you will find a market. I will be back to shop there. We were very glad to have chosen Lotus Cuisine. Thank you, happy feasting, and namaste.
No Name
This is absolutely delicious! Rich and flavorful food variety, naan is “perfectly fluffy and soft”, all dishes are balanced combination of ingredients and spices.
… moreAngela Sum
The offering of GF naan and NO SEED OILS drew me to try the Lotus Cuisine. It did not disappoint. It’s the first samosa I’ve enjoyed in over 2 decades without any guilt about SEED OILS to top it off! The chicken mulligatawny soup was delicious. GF garlic naan was good, wish it were more garlicky. My husband enjoyed the chicken curry, sauce was delicious, chicken could have been more tender. (Note to chef.. use the Chinese velveting method!) The dining room was well appointed as were the service ware. Enjoyed all of it. Highly recommend.
… moreDavid Karvasales
As someone who’s always on the lookout for standout local spots that combine exceptional food with genuine community spirit, Lotus Cuisine of India at 812 4th Street in downtown San Rafael consistently rises to the top of my recommendations. This certified green business has been delighting Marin County diners for years with its focus on organic, high-quality ingredients and authentic North Indian flavors. Whether you’re grabbing the famous lunch buffet or settling in for dinner, Lotus delivers an experience that truly transports you—San Rafaelites aren’t exaggerating when they say it feels like a trip to India.
The menu shines across the board, but a few dishes keep me coming back time and again. The saag paneer is creamy, perfectly spiced, and packed with that rich, comforting spinach flavor that makes it a vegetarian standout. The vegetable samosas are crispy on the outside, fluffy and flavorful within—ideal as a starter or anytime snack. For mains, the chicken tikka masala is a classic done right: tender chicken in a velvety, tomato-based sauce that’s balanced and never overly sweet. The lamb curry brings deep, aromatic layers that showcase the chef’s skill with spices, and don’t skip the garlic naan—it’s warm, fluffy, garlicky perfection that pairs beautifully with everything.
What truly sets Lotus apart, though, is the family behind it. The owners and their team are absolutely wonderful, upstanding people who pour heart into every aspect of the restaurant. They’re pillars in the community—always warm, welcoming, and genuinely invested in making sure every guest leaves happy. That kind of hospitality is rare these days, and it turns a great meal into something memorable and meaningful.
If you’re in San Rafael or Marin and craving outstanding Indian food in a welcoming atmosphere, make Lotus your go-to. The lunch buffet is a steal for sampling a wide variety, and the dinner options never disappoint.
… moreThe menu shines across the board, but a few dishes keep me coming back time and again. The saag paneer is creamy, perfectly spiced, and packed with that rich, comforting spinach flavor that makes it a vegetarian standout. The vegetable samosas are crispy on the outside, fluffy and flavorful within—ideal as a starter or anytime snack. For mains, the chicken tikka masala is a classic done right: tender chicken in a velvety, tomato-based sauce that’s balanced and never overly sweet. The lamb curry brings deep, aromatic layers that showcase the chef’s skill with spices, and don’t skip the garlic naan—it’s warm, fluffy, garlicky perfection that pairs beautifully with everything.
What truly sets Lotus apart, though, is the family behind it. The owners and their team are absolutely wonderful, upstanding people who pour heart into every aspect of the restaurant. They’re pillars in the community—always warm, welcoming, and genuinely invested in making sure every guest leaves happy. That kind of hospitality is rare these days, and it turns a great meal into something memorable and meaningful.
If you’re in San Rafael or Marin and craving outstanding Indian food in a welcoming atmosphere, make Lotus your go-to. The lunch buffet is a steal for sampling a wide variety, and the dinner options never disappoint.
N. R.
I’ve been eating here for years since before they remodeled a while back, I recently ordered take out for the first time, so I’m overdue a review. Their lunch buffet is incredible, good food and nice atmosphere. Friendly service! I tried vegetable briyani it was the most affordable bang for your buck. It was very filling and packed with flavor, I was blown away. Thank you lotus I really hope they are around for very long time
… moreAnya Alara
Absolutely love Lotus Cuisine. They are incredibly accommodating with dietary needs and truly make you feel cared for. The service is warm, attentive, and genuinely personable — you never feel like an inconvenience for having sensitivities. As someone with a lot of food sensitivities, I felt completely at ease here, and the food was outstanding. Everything tasted fresh, clean, and thoughtfully prepared. The space itself is beautiful. It’s clean, upscale & at a very fair price point. High-quality ingredients, amazing energy, and such a hidden gem in Marin. I’ll definitely be back
… moreDavid Post
I don’t normally post mediocre reviews. Everything looked great, there was fine variety. But the flavors were bland. It just didn’t seem like really high-quality food either. Just OK. Anyway, many people may really enjoy it, but I was not thrilled. No offense. I know it’s incredibly hard to put out a great product consistently. But I think this place can do better.
… moreN S
Overall, the place was pretty good. The tandoori chicken, chicken tikka kabab, and tandoori roti slapped — super tasty. And the Balushahi dessert? So good, like actually amazing.
But the veggie biryani… yeah, no. It was basically masala rice with zero flavor. Definitely skip the biryani here, they clearly don’t know how to make it. The chicken pakora was kinda dry too, felt over-fried or just not marinated right.
Parking is kinda annoying since there aren’t many street spots, but they do have a back lot. The staff were really nice though, so that helped the vibe.
… moreBut the veggie biryani… yeah, no. It was basically masala rice with zero flavor. Definitely skip the biryani here, they clearly don’t know how to make it. The chicken pakora was kinda dry too, felt over-fried or just not marinated right.
Parking is kinda annoying since there aren’t many street spots, but they do have a back lot. The staff were really nice though, so that helped the vibe.
Keenan Goldin
My new favorite place. Idk if I was living under a rock or something but it’s actually such an amazing restaurant and as a Marin native I’m so happy to have found such great authentic Indian food in San Rafael. Kudos to the whole team they are so attentive and wonderful. Esp Winter. I’m quickly becoming a regular.
… more