Lotus Cafe & Restaurant — Restaurant in Fredericton

A hidden gem - it's easy to miss as their current sign isn't very assertive, and you can only access it going northbound on Hanwell (but it's worth turning around down the road).

The interior is bright and cheerful, with lots of windows, natural light, and cute knick-knacks, although i wouldn't characterize it as cluttered, and it seemed clean and tidy. The server (I think she may have been the owner?) was prompt and friendly, and the food came impressively quickly, not always a guarantee at a small restaurant that's only cooking for three other customers (you'd be surprised how much that would overwhelm some places...)

Enjoyed the "Seafood Fried Noodles" for lunch - no photos as I'd forgotten my phone at the office - but the noodles were pleasantly plump and toothsome, the seafood relatively generous, and the (homemade!) sauce was tasty. The complimentary water had quite a bit of lemon squeezed in and some shredded mint leaves floating on top, so you may have to specify if you want straight water if you need to avoid either. The rest of the menu looked good, with a nice range of different dishes, mostly northern Chinese style.

They have a take-out menu (full of typos, but I'm sure they'll iron those kinks out eventually), as well as a menu that lists all of the different cakes you can order, as the owner is evidently also a pasty chef - there was a display case by the door but it was empty when I was there. They do hot and cold coffee drinks - both typical western lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffees - as well as eastern treats like "Hong Kong milk tea" and "Yuonyong milk tea". So it really is both a Chinese restaurant and a café. One might say "that's a weird combination, pick one!", but if places like Chesspiece and the Happy Baker can serve breakfast, soups and sandwiches, why can't this lady serve sweet and savory things too?

Verdict - I'll definitely be back, and will probably order food in for the office at least once.

(Edited on my return trip to...

My friend and I went for the all you can eat, price was expected of 40+tax on Saturday.

Everything ordered was ironically of better quality than any stand alone sushi restaurant in Fredericton. I'm not saying that it was the best sushi I've ever had, just that quality was decent and flavor was quite good.

The only thing is that I come from the major cities in ON so I'm used to sub par cleanliness. I've often been told that it's considered good luck to find uncleaned dishes. But if you are very particular about clean, just a heads up, found a fossilized chunk of what looked like a carrot on my plate which I originally mistaken as part of the dish and also the washroom looks like casper has been squatting in sub par secrecy.

Oh also forgot to mention how limited selections are, the only real sashimi you can order is salmon. If you are ok with all of the aforementioned this place is a must try

Update

I've updated their rating to a full 5 which I haven't done in what feels like a lifetime. These folks have really earned it as they are not only open to criticism but also very attentive. They have made massive improvements from my last visit, the whole place was just spotless and shining. The food was somehow much better as well, like you could really taste the effort.

My opinion at the end is just mine, but if it's worth anything, this place is officially at my top list of to go when I am in town and highly recommend any sushi or AYCE fans to check...

I chose this place because of a mention on Reddit. Then I looked at the reviews and it appeared to be well received. I love sushi and cannot get enough, however, I was very disappointed in the Lotus Cafe. As soon as I entered I was given a seat and a menu, there was one small sign saying “All you can eat sushi”. I asked for the all you can eat and the attitude of the person working changed. They went from being indifferent to annoyed. I was the hastily explained that I had 2 hours to eat and any waste was charged a full price. No problem, that’s pretty typical. I ordered the spicy miso soup and it was ice cold. The sushi came out pretty quick. Their salmon nigiri was ok but the fish appeared to be glossy. Smell and texture were fine. Their fire salmon nigiri was excellent! Then I ordered two maki rolls. They were both disgusting. Strong fishy flavour (like cheap and old fish sticks). Their Japanese green tea was awful. I have eaten sushi in many places across Canada and the world and hands down this is one of the worst sushi experiences I’ve ever had. I would also like to caveat my review with the fact that I went there mid afternoon & mid week so it may be better at peak but, keep in mind that they seem to be using old...