Lotus Restaurant — Restaurant in Menlo Park

Lotus Asian Restaurant: Menlo Park's Vibrant Hub for Pan-Asian Culinary Delights!

Lotus Asian Restaurant at 625 Oak Grove Ave in Menlo Park is not just another eatery; it's a dynamic culinary destination that truly lives up to its billing as a "one-stop shop for Asian culinary delight." From the moment you step through its doors, you're greeted by an impressive modern aesthetic that promises a contemporary yet deeply authentic dining experience.

What sets Lotus apart is its astonishingly diverse menu, expertly curated to satisfy virtually any craving across the Asian continent. Whether you're seeking the hearty, comforting, and warming embrace of a traditional Vietnamese Pho, or yearning for the bold, zesty flavors of Szechuan and Cantonese-style stir-fries, Lotus delivers with undeniable authenticity and flair. The culinary journey doesn't stop there; they brilliantly venture into specialized regional tastes, offering succulent Hawaiian BBQ and the much-loved, perfectly grilled LA Kalbi short ribs. This incredible breadth of choice ensures that there is genuinely something for everyone – making it an ideal spot for families with diverse palates or any group looking to please all members.

Beyond the exquisite food, the atmosphere at Lotus Asian Restaurant is notably vibrant and welcoming. The "modern touch" of the restaurant is very impressive, creating a sleek and comfortable environment that still manages to convey a strong sense of culture and authenticity. It's a lively space where you can feel the energy, setting the stage for a truly engaging dining experience.

A significant part of Lotus's undeniable charm and success stems from its hands-on owner-operator, Phil. His presence is a masterclass in hospitality – genuine, charismatic, and wonderfully entertaining. Phil doesn't just manage a restaurant; he imbues it with personality and passion, bringing to life the "livelihood" and authentic cultural representation that truly defines a great Asian fare establishment. His dedication and engaging demeanor undoubtedly enhance the overall experience, making every visit feel personal and memorable.

In conclusion, Lotus Asian Restaurant in Menlo Park is a standout culinary gem. It perfectly blends a modern aesthetic with an impressively authentic and diverse menu that caters to all tastes. Coupled with the charismatic and hands-on leadership of Phil, it delivers a delightful, culturally rich, and genuinely entertaining dining experience. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a comprehensive and delicious tour through Asian cuisine in a single,...

UPDATE: changed to 3 stars. I come here pretty frequently because I love supporting local businesses; however, I feel compelled to update my review after my last visit.

My rice cooker broke at home at the last minute and I needed to find a quick source of steamed rice to go with dinner. I purchased 3 little to-go paper containers of steamed rice and was charged $11+ dollars. The lady (can't remember her name) recognizes me and tried to convince me about how they use really special rice... Anyways, I felt a little ripped off since fried rice and noodles were the same price as this steamed rice.

I was in a rush so I just bit the bullet and bought the rice but next time I'll go down a little farther down the street to Fey and pay 1 dollar per rice container instead of $3.75. Anyways, I probably won't be coming back for awhile. 4 stars Great local place to visit when you are craving some Asian food. It's very casual and reasonably priced. There is a good selection of Hawaiian, Chinese, and Vietnamese (Pho) options. There is a hot bar (which I usually don't order from) but I love that the rest of the food is cooked to order and that the owners are very friendly. They are quite fast and I've never waited more than 5-10 minutes for my food. I do notice that many people call ahead to get take out.

My favorites: -Hawaiian bbq chicken... this chicken is hard to beat. probably my favorite dish here. L&L and J&J Hawaiian bbq have a similar dish but Phils is by far the best. (I will confess that I am a J&J convert).

-Kalua Pig & Pork LauLau combo

-Spam Musubi. if you love spam you just try one of these. It looks like a fat sushi roll and is a piece of spam over rice wrapped with seaweed. It's not the healthiest but I do treat myself to one of these once in a while if I plan to work out later that day!

-spicy eggplant & tofu -spicy string beans -hong kong fried egg noodles - huge portion size!

-Beef Pho is probably what I order the most often. Perfect for a cold day or for when you are craving some Vietnamese soup! traditional beef broth, noodles with your choice of brisket, tendon, and/or tripe! Comes with a plate of bean sprouts, thai basil, and lime on the side and they have sriracha and hoisin sauce to eat with it. If you do get this to go they will pack the broth and noodles separately so your pho doesn't get soggy on your way home. I do hope they introduce some more pho options (like chicken or seafood).

Parking: very easy, there is a big lot on Maloney Street with lots of parking...

Summary: Owner has issues, he told me I wasn't welcome in his restaurant after being rude to me for no reason.

I've been here at least 4 times, and I had a good experience except for today. The first few times I went I chatted with the owner Phil, who was a great host, and asked me questions about what I studied, etc.

About a month ago I went here, Phil wasn't there. I asked where Phil was, hoping to catch up, and they said I could catch him another day.

Today I went and Phil was very rude to me. It started off subtle but got a lot more clear.

He told me to sit anywhere, so I sat at a booth. Then he told me to move, and let bigger groups have the bigger table.

I ordered the Crispy Beef, and asked if it came with rice. He read the menu description out loud to me, and said "doesn't look like it comes with rice." Then I tried to order rice, I said "I'll have the 8 oz white rice. Actually - " Then, he left mid-sentence, telling me he'd give me more time to decide.

The next time he came around, I continued to try to order. One of the options on the menu was "Egg Fried or Plain Chow Mein". So I ordered the "Egg Fried Chow Mein". He told me that wasn't an option on the menu.

He said "Or means or the other. Which one is it?"

I was really confused since it seemed like he was asking me to choose between "Egg Fried" or "Plain Chow Mein".

He said that I was a smart guy, there was a typo on the menu, but I knew what he meant.

I did not actually know what he meant. It turns out he meant "egg fried rice or plain chow mein", which is what it says on the online menu. But I was confused and I think he thinks I was acting dumb.

At that point, I made an excuse that I had to go do something, and said sorry, but I had to leave. He said "I know". I came back and asked him If I did something wrong, since I had always seen Phil as being friendly.

He told me I wasn't welcome here anymore, since I was rude the last time I came. I had no idea what he was talking about. He told me that he knows I graduated from Stanford, but that doesn't mean I can look down on people. Then he dismissed me.

It's possible he mistook me for someone else, as he told me that I hadn't been here in 3 years, when the last time I saw Phil was last year. Either that or he is unstable or has some...