Blossoming Lotus was the first Vegan restaurant that I checked out during my Portland adventures. I have to say, I was not disappointed at all with the quality, taste, and presentation of the food. The almond ricotta bruschetta was otherworldly!! Simply amazing. You might want to share this appetizer, as it is very large and filling. For my entree, I ordered the green bowl with super greens dressed with sweet scallion dressing, with choice of brown rice or quinoa, topped with steamed kale, cucumber, asparagus, avocado, and sesames seeds. Not only are the meals here delicious, they're really healthy, so you don't have to feel a bit of regret! My meal was also gluten and soy free. The menu is clearly labeled so you know which items are or aren't free of certain ingredients. I found this to be very helpful, especially for those with dietary restrictions. Most of the dishes are also raw. They have a full bar menu along with smoothies, fresh juices, shots, and "mocktails." So you really can't go wrong here. The service was great and the atmosphere is very tranquil and inviting. We sat outside because it was a warm summer day and it wasn't too noisy or busy. There was even salsa lessons being taught at the latin restaurant across the street! So you can grab some yummy green eats at Blossoming Lotus and then shake a tail feather and burn it off afterwards! Enjoy!
(4)
Chris T.
This place was a real treat. Epic food and great service. Happy slot say they got it right! Our server was very knowledgeable, a lout the food and beverage list. It was very refreshing! We even made a last minute change on our order and it didn't cause any hiccups. The food came out insanely fast. That was very unexpected. Quite happy on all levels. The food was really flavorful. My wife got the Thai salad, which was fantastic! Perfectly spiced and harmonized w/ herbs. I got the green waffle and chick peas. It was great. The chick peas had a very Indian curry flavor and the waffle was interesting while still being crispy. One complaint would have to be the cauliflower, it was cooked perfectly. But I might do something different than tempura for Flavors. We also got live chips to take home-a quick nibble indicated supreme deliciousness, with a little nutty spice flavor. The beer was a local blonde that was great an perfectly matched the meal.
(5)
Whitney G.
I love this place! Always super packed but worth the wait. I generally try and always go somewhere new to eat in Portland because there are so many options but I can't wait to go back here. All natural vegan options that actually taste delicious. The staff are very friendly and efficient. The dining room is clean and decorated with a crisp modern grey and black decor. There's also a really cute mini bar in the back of the restaurant where they whip up some delicious libations.
(4)
Tracy Lynn P.
The whole family, veg and non veg loved this restaurant. Staff was a little slow to start but as it quieted down service stepped up. Ordered the live nachos, and stuffed Poblano pepper, both had bold flavors and great balance of heated spice and textures. I especially loved the "live chips", crispy and flavorful, not sure how they do that without any cooking but brilliant! We'd definately all go back.
(5)
Cheryl R.
I want to eat here again and again! Super tasty! Quick service! Friendly staff. I was very happy with my experience and will be returning on the regular! I also have heard that they serve some seriously tasty vegan soft serve ice cream! Is it true?
(5)
Chris O.
Amazingly good vegan food! So damn good that my weak still eating meat self would come even if I wasn't touring my gluten free vegan buddy around town, which is how I found this place. I had a po-boy sam and it was hearty, tasty and just well... really tasty as was the tomato bisque. The smoothies are excellent too and the servers are upbeat and awesome, I felt very welcome and had a great time. Best vegan food I have ever had by far.
(5)
Harry T.
I've been here a few times now and this food is just ok. Maybe I'm spoiled by Seattle's vegan options. This place has THE worst vegan Mac n cheese I've ever had. The BBQ soy curls are ok. They need to change their BBQ recipe. It's not that great. That's about all I can say.
(2)
Joss U.
Very delicious and inventive vegan restaurant. I've been here two times now and the food is always incredible with good service as well. The one downside is that we ended up waiting a REALLY long time for our entree to come out. My guess is that it does take a while to prepare and present the dishes. Having said that, if you come in and have an hour or so wait to get seated, be prepared to wait another 45 minutes-an hour to actually receive your food. Snacks beforehand recommended.
(4)
Ashwini T.
The host/ waitress was disrespectful and asked us to vacate our table after we finished eating. We ordered 4 dishes and 2 glasses of wine. food was great, don't plan on going here for a date night or with family where you plan on having a good meal and conversation. This business wants to fill more tables than let people have a good experience, it's a sad / bad business model.
(2)
Aly T.
The food, while delicious, is unfortunately overshadowed by the poor service. We've had numerous encounters with the staff since we live in the neighborhood and frequent this place quite a bit, both for dine-in and take-out meals. The last time we were here was for brunch (well, we thought it was lunch -- it was 2 PM on a Sunday). We walked in and had to sign in since no one was there to greet us. There were three staff members behind the counter chatting and only three filled tables. We waited. And waited. We were finally brought to a seat by a nice gentleman who filled our water, but turned out not to be our server. When our server did come by, she neither smiled nor greeted us, and just asked, "have you decided yet?" Usually servers will at least tell you the specials/soup of the day.... (I had to ask). I had to ask for water twice after empty glasses set for 5 min. -- both times the servers were behind the tables chatting. Our server, frankly, was openly rude the entire time. I saw at least two other groups having to sign in even though there were open tables. Additionally, we've had similar experiences when coming in for takeout, having a staff member be on the cash register/computer (totally ok!), but not even greeting us or saying, "hi there -- I'll be with you in a sec!" It was super slow that night too. All in all, I'm not ready to throw the towel in on this place, but the management really needs to focus on customer service. With so many delicious, health-conscious restaurants in the area, you're starting to slowly lose your appeal. Please do something because your food truly is delicious!
(2)
Andrew E.
Wow, I was visiting PDX for a tradeshow. I wish I knew about this place before I got there as I would have had every meal there. It was the best place I ate all week and my second favorite Vegan restaurant behind the Chicago Diner that I have ever been to.
(5)
Sara H.
My husband and our friend headed to Vancouver for my friends wedding and stopped here late Saturday night (9:30). This was one of the few places opened at this time. :) Cute place overall. Prices were average. It's downtown and we didn't need to pay for parking that late. We ordered the Fingerling Potatoes, BBQ Bowl, and the Green Curry. The potatoes weren't anything exciting but they weren't horrible either. It's basically like eating a healthy potato wedge. The green curry wasn't my favorite (due to lack of taste and burnt zucchini), but my husband and his friend liked it. The BBQ Bowl was the best though. The soy curls were everyone's favorite! Mac n' Cheese wasn't bad but it wasn't the best I've ever had. And their cornbread melted in my mouth. I'm not a fan of cornbread, ever. But this was the first cornbread I liked. As a whole, since it's all vegan, it was good. Nothing was horrible and I'd go back.
(4)
Stephen N.
My wife and I had just landed and we were in need of some amazing vegan breakfast. We were lucky enough to make it in time for their Saturday brunch. It was a great start to our vacation! I got the spicy bean and cheese scramble --- so good. Right amount of scramble, chips, kale and topped with avocado. Their tofu scramble is one of the best I've had. And my wife got the breakfast burrito. Now this was a real breakfast burrito!!! I recommend you get the burrito smothered in the gravy, sour cream, and hot sauce (yup it's all vegan and delicious). Also these go great with a mimosa or bloody.
(4)
Genevieve F.
Wonderful restaurant with high-quality ingredients and creative dishes that cater to people with dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, soy free, etc). I recommend the tofu scrambles for breakfast, tacos for happy hour, flu-fighter shot for when you're feeling run-down, crispy zucchini cakes as an appetizer, and their thai salad with soy curls. Yum!
(5)
Amelia T.
On a Monday around 7pm, Blossoming Lotus is hopping - every seat in the place is filled. After signing my name to request a table for one, I tucked myself into the window seat looking out over NE 15th ave in Portland. The energy of the place is warm and welcoming, elegant yet comfortable. Wood paneling and high ceilings are complemented by window boxes if live plants. I am greeted and seated after a few minute wait - thoughtfully placed at a two top in a window corner. It's nice when dining alone to have a view. The menu has variety and temptation plenty, but doesn't go overboard with the fake meat product, which I appreciate in a vegan restaurant - after all, I am here to enjoy and savor the plant based fare. Water is already in my glass, and my drink order is taken quickly. A friendly waitress takes the time to discuss the pros and cons of various kombucha flavors. I settle on "detox," a tangy, fresh, cleansing draught from Eva's Herbucha - local handcrafted elixir. It's exactly as promised - cold, tasty combination of dandelion, nettle, elder flower and green tea. Yum. The three course meal I opt for starts with an overflowing cup of red bean chili. It's perfectly piping hot, and feels oh-so-warm and nourishing going down. Beans, carrots, and tomatoes swim in a savory broth with just a hint of spice. A drizzle of cashew creme and colorful cabbage complete the garnish. I refrain from licking the bowl... Mainly because my main dish has arrived in short order. The green bowl lives up to its name - filled to the brim with super greens, kale, cucumber, edamame, and avocado. I feel my liver getting cleaner just looking at it. Somewhere beneath the bounty of produce, brown rice is hiding. Dulse and a light layer of miso and balsamic add flair to my bowl of goodness. Tucking in, I am delighted with the consistency of the kale. Steamed, but still it has a bit of bite. A hint of purple on my rice tells me that beets are nestled down in the belly of the bowl. Somewhere between the fifth and sixth mouthful, I realize I forgot to give thanks for my meal. Pausing, I silently thank God for these lovely plants which are my dinner. Portland vegan cuisine, you have not disappointed me. Now... Where's the dessert menu?
(5)
Daniel H.
Great place. Finally checked it out and was glad I went. Hit it up on Sunday so it was their brunch menu and tried the Lotus Benedict. The tofu scramble and patties were delicious and the hollandaise sauce was amazing. Cayenne pepper gave it a good kick too. Wife got a breakfast burrito too and she loved it. We'll be back for sure to try the regular menu, I'm excited.
(5)
Estebano V.
Have never had a bad meal here and great daily specials, too. Your taste buds and body will thank you!
(5)
Fred S.
I love it when I can order anything without blinking. Then getting amazed and surprised by the great taste. Had, gluten free burritos, and salad berries... Just perfect.
(5)
Aimee L.
5 stars for lunch!! I've had the burger twice in a row and am madly in love with it!! Beautiful vegetarian patty and the most amazing dairy free Brie... The whole thing melts in your mouth beautifully, and has become my new craving after a bike ride over to that area of Northeast. Also have had the smoothies a couple of times and really really like those. Lunch service is prompt and friendly and the prices are good. Yum.
(5)
Sandra M.
Amazing food and service. The live nachos are the best I have ever tried, and I have to say that I'm a (vegan) nachos expert.
(5)
Ben B.
First off, Portland has many vegan/vegetarian options to choose from but I must say this spot is top 3. Amazing service every time, they work hard at it, you can tell. Food is A+ as well, been here a few times and each thing I try is better than the last. If you're in PORTLAND looking for a reasonable, healthy meal, head this way!
(4)
Hillary S.
I love everything about this place! They have a great menu with delicious vegetarian and vegan options. I arrived for Happy Hour shortly after 5pm and was seated quickly. I ordered a Green Bowl ($7) and one Coconut Caribbean Taco ($3). My food came out without much delay and the flavours were fantastic. The miso-sesame dressing on the Green Bowl was wonderful, although I think it could have been a little more evenly distributed throughout the bowl. That meal is a ton of food, btw!! I ate as much as I could and when I was done it looked like I had hardly touched it. The taco had a delicious sauce to accompany the fresh tomatoes and coconut-crusted soy curls. My only qualm is that the soy curls were slightly too salty for me. I came back another day and ordered their Coconut Chai, which is their homemade chai and coconut milk. I got mine iced and to go. It was VERY sweet, so I probably would not order that again. I really like that this place is not hippy-central, although with a name like "Blossoming Lotus" you might think it would be. But there's no tie-dye art or Buddha sculptures etc. Instead, the atmosphere is really classy with a simple chandelier, black tables and chairs, and an elegant bar. Also, it gets big points for serving water with no ice. I recommend getting here early, though - it's a small joint and there was already a wait by the time I left just before 6pm!
(5)
Ashley G.
I liked Blossoming Lotus when I first moved to Portland in 2010, but it has either grown progressively more disappointing over the years or I've gotten vegan-spoiled living in Portland. Both brunch and dinner, I try it again on occasion if a friend really wants to go and am consistently underwhelmed. During my most recent visit, my girlfriend and I went to brunch with two couple friends of ours. I had the asparagus "omelette" (tofu based) with cashew cream cheese and potatoes and kale on the side. The unseasoned kale was oversteamed to plain, limp, tasteless oblivion. The omelette was dry and flavorless. How do you make tofu dry? I added ketchup to make it edible. I will probably be a long time before I give BloLo another try.
(2)
Yogesh P.
We visited them last night. The place is open and spacious. We got seated quickly so that was good but the service was ok. A lot of time our server was occupied in her talks which was annoying. Even at the time of payment we have to get up from our seat and paid our bill on the front desk. We ordered vegan tacos as an appetizer which was good. My partner ordered macaroni with soy curl and I ordered udon noodles with tempeh. Both of them were on sweet side. Even before making the food order we have asked our server on the taste and she said it is not that sweet. It seems we do not share same taste buds. We observed that the a lot of dishes shared on yelp were not available on the dinner menu. So keep that in mind. We drove distance to visit this place but the food was not upto our expectations.
(2)
Kevin K.
I had the fig sandwich and the flu fighter recovery shot. Both were wonderful. The sandwich had more flavor than anything I could ever imagine. Also the service was way above par. Felt welcomed and catered to every second. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Sophia Y.
I don't really know how to rate this restaurant because I'm 99.99% of the time huge meat eaters (sorry, vegans!), but I wanted to try something new and different that I've never tried before. I mean, I've had meals without eating meat before, but this is definitely a different experience. I liked atmosphere as well. Very modern and hipster. I got the Live nachos as a meal (They're suppose to be appetizers but I heard they were filling) and the BF got the BBQ Bowl. Live Nachos: as everyone else on yelp would agree, this is a must get. The "live nacho chips" part are made of nuts and seeds and stuff combined to make a chip. It was pretty good considering I like nuts and seed, and you can definitely taste that they weren't processed. What pushed it over the top was the toppings - some super flavorful vegan sauce, pico de gallo, slices of avocado and cilantro. YUM! As good as it was, I probably should have gotten another item to eat with. I was full from the nachos,but was hungry about 2 hours later (meat-eater problems). The BBQ bowl as good as well. The soy BBQ was actually really good and so was the mac and cheese. Overall, I'm glad i tried out this place. Though this place was good, I don't think it's where I would normally eat. But if you're interested in trying something different, I totally recommend coming here!
(4)
Grant B.
This is honestly my favorite restaurant in town. There is not one thing in the menu that's not enjoyable. Everything on the menu is vegan and they have a lot of raw options. The must try dish is there BBQ Bowl, it comes with BBQ soy curls and Vegan mac and cheese. (probably the only vegan Mac I actually enjoy) definitely would recommend this place to all non vegans as well!
(5)
Sherry S.
First impression of this restaurant was positive. Clean facility, friendly and helpful staff. We went for Sunday Brunch, perhaps this was not the best menu they offer. I started with the traditional bloody mary, no complaints here...it was perfect. I ordered the scrambled tofu with onions and black beans. although it was okay I felt it could have used some additional spice. The steamed kale complimented the dish.
(4)
Brad D.
I went to the Blossoming Lotus on my wife's birthday. They couldn't find our reservation, however they went out of their way to seat us in a private area in the back of the restaurant. The servers were very attentive and gave a thorough explanation for any questions we had. I ordered the Raw Golden Beet Ravioli which was better than expected (as I usually do not prefer beets). We also brought in a cake (we called ahead of time to see if this was okay and they said sure, however we had to make sure the cake was vegan which was just fine) . I also had the Green Lantern drink which was pretty good. Overall a good time at a very accommodating establishment.
(4)
Marjory B.
I was actually not hugely impressed by Blossoming Lotus but thought I was going to be. Maybe that was my problem. The space is nice and the service is friendly, but the food was just ok. We came in for lunch and ordered the live collard roll, live nachos, and the soup du jour, which was a creamed potato with mushroom. The soup was really good. The live collard roll was also good but seemed easy. It was presented really nicely though, like a sushi roll (see picture), and the smoky tomato coulis was yummy. While the live nachos looked excellent, they were just kind of...mediocre. I am surprised there are so many reviews recommending them. I watched some of the bowls and wraps pass on by from the kitchen to other tables. The food here does look amazing but after our experience, I'm sort of convinced it all looks better than it tastes. I might be back to try their dinner menu, juices, and/or shots but most likely won't be back for lunch. I definitely still prefer Harlow and Prasad to satisfy my vegan cravings.
(3)
Lili K.
I've been coming here for the past two years now and they've really improved their menu options! Their menu changes often so it keeps me returning to try new things. Here are some more detailed food descriptions: -Tacos: Try them all! -BBQ Bowl: A plate of rich, delicious comfort food. -Maki Rolls: More of an appetizer item so unless you intentionally want to eat light, order additional food, -Bibimbap: Wish the portion was larger for the price (maybe more rice even) but it's still tasty. -Raw Golden Beet Ravioli: Note that it's "raw" so the beets are the "pasta" and it's not ravioli like you'd picture in an Italian restaurant. It's still tasty for the healthy dish it is! -Breakfast burrito: I've had this as a bowl and it was very flavorful! -The Tofu Bahn Mi, Burger, and Fig & Brie sandwiches are all worth a try, especially the Fig & Brie. -Moroccan Collard Rolls: Like eating a salad. -A Mac n Cheese side is just $4 -Chocolate Hazelnut gluten-free cake: Sweet, moist and chocolatey. They usually have a different flavor of cake and raw vegan cheesecake available. I know everything on the menu is on the pricier side but I think the best way for my friends and I to leave here full and happy is to ignore the prices and order a few plates of whatever we think looks good, and share most of it. We usually share 3-4 items, and sometimes end with a slice of cake! I used to like their smoothies but stopped ordering them due to inconsistencies with quality. I've never had to wait for a table during lunch or happy hour, but the wait times can get pretty ridiculous during the dinner rush. In that case, take-out is the way to go.
(4)
Jason D.
So yumzz!! I got the thai wrap and side salad. Next time will be the bibimbap (sp?) Great service, water glass kept getting filled without asking, bonus points.
I love vegan food. I love raw as well. It makes me happy. And feel good. Here are the things you need to order when you come here: - the brie. It's like dairy-brie, only without the dairy hangover! I could've eaten it with a spoon. - the raw nachos. OMG. This was my favourite thing so far. It was crazy delicious and I would've gladly eaten a plate of that ALL. NIGHT. - the bibimbap. Man alive, I never knew soy curls were so effing good. Well, they are. And you should experience them. - the bbq bowl. A few people at our table got this. DAMN, GINA. - the coconut tofu. Another thing I could've eaten all night and been happy with. Our server, a Canadian transplant, was fabulous. Her name escapes me, but she was rad. I wanted to come back the night AFTER we went. I have no shame. It was delicious and I cannot wait to go back!
(5)
Sarah C.
*HH review only** The incredible edible item to order on the HH menu is the avocado tacos. We instantly regretted having ordered the sampler tacos over the plate of same three, both $8, the moment we took our first bite of the avocado taco. Dear G, this taco was spectacular! If you love kimchi & avocados these tacos will rock your taste buds & blow your mind. Order "plate of same three" avocado tacos for yourself because you will want to eat all three. The black bean & thai tacos were okay but they just didn't leave as much of an impression. Also, if you don't want three tacos you can buy just one for $3. Another item to give your orifice a good time is the live nachos ($6.50). Three live chips neatly topped high with nacho cheese sauce, avocado, red onion, tomato, pecan chorizo, cashew sour cream, scallion, & cilantro was a sure hit to our palates & should be an obvious choice to anyone that likes nachos. There's only one tap on special & during HH (Mon-Sat 3pm-5pm) a pint is just $2.50! WTF! The day we were there Pfriem was on tap! WTF! It was a good day. There's other offerings on the menu ranging from $3 up to $10 so with the great customer service & delicious eats we already experienced, we really look forward to trying the rest of the menu out soon & you should too!
(4)
Scotty J.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in PDX. They serve consistent, tasty, 100% plant based food. The menu is changed from time to time which welcomes variety. Their Happy Hour is solid with discounted drinks and food. I recommend this place to everyone who visits.
(5)
Claire G.
I'd like to bring some of our carnivore friends in here and allow them a taste of the delicious creamy cauliflower soup and tell us any chicken and dumplings they could find anywhere else tastes any better. This soup is like cruelty free, guilt-free comfort food. It is phenomenal. It takes broccoli's withered, bleached corpse, and turns it into a delectable chowdery soup. Claire ordered the hazelnut spread/banana waffle, and I ordered the Lotus Benedict. The waffle was delicious, and the benedict was even more fantastic. The waffle tastes wonderful with a cup of their delicious coffee. The benedict is so absolutely wonderful that I took half of it home to have for dinner, and it was surprisingly good heated up as a leftover. I'd love to have the recipes here. That sausage on the benedict was outstanding, the biscuits were crisped on he edges and fluffy and buttery on the inside, and the vegetable selection used in this dish compliments the flavor perfectly. The service here is good, but the demeanor bordered on awkward. They're extremely thorough, and very generous, and I cannot complain, but the feel of their service folk here is... I guess... "concerned." I don't know. My guess is that being a healthy, vegan spot, they might get a few "BACON" 'Muricans that come in barking out indignant commands for something slathered in cheese. I don't know. They seemed a bit subdued, but I couldn't care less about that because the refills on the coffee and water were plentiful, the food was delicious and the price reflected the generous portions and excellent quality. We will absolutely be coming back.
(4)
Steph D.
Stopped in for some beet juice and live nachos with a friend on a Saturday night. It wasn't too crowded and the wait was minimal. Live nachos were inventively served on a thick home-baked cracker. It's a hearty starter though it's small. Our server was personable and attentive despite how long we stayed (a couple hrs to catch up) and how little we ordered. She came by several times to check in and refill water. The biggest con, however, were the blonde hairs I found in the chocolate chip cookie I ordered to-go. I still shudder at the thought... I would come back, but I'm not certain I'll order the cookies again.
(4)
Eric B.
A few years ago this was our first stop on our first trip to Portland...and it left a lasting impression. The food was absolutely amazing, incredibly unique. I had very high expectations for our second visit yesterday and the food surpassed those expectations! The food is wildly delicious. If you are vegan (and even if you are not) and looking for heaven on earth...this is it.
(5)
Allie B.
We have eaten here on several occasions and have never been disappointed. The food is fabulous and the staff is awesome.
(5)
Mark M.
Blossoming Lotus food is fresh and flavorful. They have taken classic asian dishes, for the most part, and made them either vegetarian, vegan or raw vegan along with many options for gf or soy-free. Their menu has a good variety to eat lite to heavy. As well, they have an excellent beverage menu that includes creative cocktails, mocktails, beers, wines, fresh juices and smoothies and house-made alcohol-free drinks. Check out there happy-hour menu too from 4-6pm. I will be back many times!
(4)
London L.
I was so excited to try this place, and saved going until my birthday. The waitress seemed really annoyed or unhappy to be there, and when she tried to smile and speak nicely it came off very insincere. She filled our water once, but never asked how the food was or if she could get us anything. My boyfriend got biscuits and gravy, which neither of us liked. I got the breakfast burrito which was good, but I wasn't super into the coconut in it. Food: 2 Service: 1 I'm sad to say I won't go here again.
(1)
Joenne M.
Amazing We kept wondering why it wasn't busier. ..it's Monday night and busy for a weeknight. We had the cashew brie. .. full of flavor, slice of heaven, liked it best paired with the crisp Granny Smith, the pumpkin empanadas. ..oh my!, with beans and rice and a perfectly balanced vinaigrette, and to finish. .. carrot cake... flavor that flourished on the tongue. We were full, full, full. You really must try the Red Magnolia. Be bold!
(5)
S K.
Nice, clean restaurant. The food is great, very creative and tasty vegan food. I thought seitan was only used in Chinese vegan food, apparently I was wrong. The chefs here really know how to use their ingredients well. Will try to visit this nice little restaurant again next time I'm in town.
(5)
Tonia B.
Every local we spoke to suggested that we eat here. The atmosphere and staff were both lovely. My husband and I loved the lentil walnut burger and the kofta fritters. The taco was also tasty. We both really enjoyed the iced coconut chai tea. The food was good but in comparison to the other meals we had in Portland, this rated a 4.
(4)
Deanna C.
Blossoming Lotus is my favorite restaurant in Portland. I have never had an experience here I didn't enjoy - from their breakfasts and brunches, to their happy hour and cocktails. The presentations are beautiful, the food is light and delicious, and it's close to my house so extra points there. Just went there tonight and had a delicious dinner of raw nachos and a side of barbecue soy curls. Yum!
(5)
Alex B.
Blossoming Lotus is among the finest vegan options in Portland, and that's a competitive category in this town. They also do a great job with their raw offerings, which I've found to be pretty hit-or-miss in past experiences. Here's what you need to do from start to finish: -Think about coming in during happy hour (3-6). Drinks are cheaper and they offer some pretty awesome small plates. If that doesn't work for your schedule, that's just fine. It's a reasonable value either way. -Order a drink. The coconut chai is where it's at. If you're feeling boozy, this is more of a cocktails joint than beer or wine. -Get live nachos. I'm going to say this twice to make sure you heard me. GET LIVE NACHOS. If you're here with a group of more than four people, order two live nachos. -Now comes the hard part. You have to pick just ONE other thing to order. Between the bowls and fabulously unique entrees, this is a tall order. I recommend the Cuban Bowl... but also everything else. -Try your best to say no to dessert. -Order dessert. -Pay $20-$30 per person. If there were a downside of Blossoming Lotus, it would be that it might take a long time to get seated. But if the biggest knock on a place is that it's popular, chances are it's a good choice.
(5)
Magwire H.
Best restaurant I have ever been to. I know that's saying a lot, but really. I went 3 weeks ago and am still craving my pumpkin empanadas! The atmosphere was very well done, the staff was kind and pleasant, the food was absolutely brilliant, and the prices were very affordable, and not what I would expect for this place. 5 stars no doubt!
(5)
Wendy S.
Yum, Yum, Yum ! says it all. Let me preface by saying I am Not a vegetarian or a vegan. I like healthy food but I also like "bad" food from time to time. This place - I have been here 2x in just 1 month. The food is wonderful. The assortment and the presentation and the price and the amount you get is perfect. THe service is friendly and attentive. But the food - OMG - it is so delicious and interesting. I look forward to going back again and again. Check out their facebook page for the daily lunch specials. Gotta go !
(5)
Dan H.
I am not Vegan, but I give this 5 stars. We go here a lot. One of the funnest dining experiences ever. If you like vegan at all, even the tiniest bit, you have got to try Blossoming Lotus
(5)
Randy H.
Everything on the menu looked awesome, I was bummed I only got to eat here once when visiting. The raw nachos were amazing. My kale salad was awesome with a crazy yummy blueberry chia dressing. My girlfriends BLT with the coconut bacon on it was amazing. So good.
(5)
Lindsay I.
The pancakes were amazing. The raw cheese plate not so much.
(4)
Marjorie S.
Yummy and healthy. In a neat little neighborhood. Great menu, delicious dishes. Friendly service. You feel healthy after eating here.
(4)
Kaitlin P.
I'm not vegan, or anywhere close to being vegan, and I will often tell my friends that we're going to Blossoming Lotus for food. It's just THAT good. I've been for dinner numerous times and I haven't been disappointed once. The crispy artichoke fritters are often in my dreams - they're amazing. The BBQ sauce that BL uses/makes is the best vegan BBQ sauce I've ever had. Is it available in wholesale size quantities? ;) Last weekend a friend and I made lunch plans for BL. It was Sunday and we were pleasantly surprised to find out they were serving brunch - my favorite meal, EVER/FOREVER. Since neither of us had been there for brunch, we opted to get one sweet and one savory dish and share. Oh, what a glorious idea. I ordered the pumpkin dipped French toast, and nearly died of happy. I love all things pumpkin, and this did not disappoint. The vanilla cashew cream sauce was RIDICULOUSLY good. The savory dish we got was the southwest scramble, and it was also delicious. BL makes a pretty badass bloody mary, too! I mean, you can't REALLY go to brunch in Portland without a bloody, right? The coconut chai was also amazing - I've been making it at home even. This must be said: don't go to BL without getting the live fudge. You will very much regret it if you do. That spendy little ball of coconut-chocolate-nutty amazingness will make your mouth oh-so-happy. The first time I went to BL our server was just OK. She seemed annoyed that we were there at prime dinner time but only wanted cocktails and appetizers. But every other time I've been there I've had great service; even when I just pop in for a smoothie to-go. I love the atmosphere of the restaurant. It feels classy and upscale, yet the people and the prices don't reflect that.
(5)
Christine P.
I went here with a group of 6 and all of our food was excellent. Blossoming Lotus is a little on the "shi-shi" end of vegan restaurants, with a trendy atmosphere and creative list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. I had the Thai Greens juice - MIND-BLOWINGLY awesome!!, the Live Nachos (really, really good and my first restaurant raw food), and the Crispy Thai BBQ salad. I wanted to try everything on the menu. I'd like to say there were left-overs and I didn't make a pig out of myself... but, I did. It was too good to stop eating! Bottom line: a bit pricey (and worth it, IMO - check out the happy hour), but totally fantastic food in a great atmosphere. Easily a nice restaurant to take your vegan or gluten-free significant other to. I highly recommend it!
(5)
Tom M.
The only reason this place gets just 3 stars from me is because they don't have table service. The food is great, and this place, unlike the one in the Pearl, has a great feel to it. I was always kind of weirded out by the adjacent yoga studio in the original. Enough to not ever want to go there. I had the live pasta dish and I love it. Zucchini pasta and that nut butter. Yum. The food will entice me to go back but I'm not certain for how long. There's just something that full-on table service offers that you can't get in an order-at-the-counter restaurant. I'm also much less likely to tip them in a jar at the counter. If you want a tip you have to earn it at the table, not in the kitchen. I wish there were more live food restaurants in Portland. This place really crowded up for lunch so there is no question of viability. Someone just do it so I can have another choice.
(3)
Rew P.
love this place. Been going for over 6 years. gluten free options
(5)
Lil M.
I come here a lot. I've ordered fresh juices multiple times and every time they taste watered down. I know the difference because I have a juicer at home. It's pretty depressing to spend 7 dollars on a juice and have it taste like water. Otherwise most of their food is good.
(3)
Steve W.
What an awesome place! Food was delish and fresh and varied, waitstaff attentive and pleasant, and the atmosphere casually chik w groovy background music and big windows!
(4)
Leslie E.
You know what? I think Blossoming Lotus has a great thing going on. Props for being the first to really truly corner the market on creatively, beautifully, and deliciously put together vegan and raw food. Last time i was there i had the Live Nachos, which were surprisingly filling for a small plate. The nacho "cheese" was quite cheesy tasting, despite having not a drop of dairy in it. And the sun dried tomatoes topping it off were slightly chewy but tender, just divine. I had a glass of Apple Lemon Ginger Kale juice which was tart and tasty and made me feel really energized afterward. I have been to Blossoming Lotus several times before their move, but only once to the new location. And despite the weird awkwardness of the former yoga studio shared space, i have to say i liked it better before. It was also quite a long time since my latest visit and the one before it, but it seems like they raised their prices. A LOT. And the thing is...they have every right to. They probably pay more rent now, and make raw food unequaled in Portland, but even so it is enough more expensive than the last time i went that i will probably be going there less often. And i don't think i will be going vegan or raw foodist any time soon, but if i do get a craving i will still probably head over to BL if i can afford to.
(4)
Celia B.
Wow, the food here was amazing! I was thoroughly impressed. This was the best vegan/raw restaurant I have been to. Their selection of raw/live items is large and are unique and delicious. We started with the live nachos, which were filling, big, and super tasty. Dr. Andrew ordered the Southwest Bowl, which was gluten free, soy free, and vegan (all items are), although not live. He enjoyed it. I ordered the Live Falafel Wrap which was AMAZING. The falafel, which is made out of nuts, tastes just like falafel made from garbanzo beans, but better. The leaves that the falafel was wrapped in were fresh and crisp, as well as the other vegetables and sauces that came with it. Although the prices are high, the portions are HUGE. The Live Falafel wrap, which cost $12.00, really came with TWO whole falafel wraps, cut in half, so 4 four inch wraps total. I had two for lunch, and had the other two for dinner. The live nachos were also very large, and I ended up taking home 1/4 of those. Dr. Andrew also took home his Southwest Bowl, as his portion was also very large. Thee prices scared us at first, but the portions are so worth it. Usually when you go to nice trendy places like this, the portions are very small. We were very impressed. It was also pricier for us because we ordered two meals and an appetizer, thinking that we would need an appetizer with smaller portions, but since the portions were so good we ended up ordering too much. Instead of paying $34.00 we could have walked out of there paying about $24.00 for the both of us. One dish per person will bring you to around 10 - 12 dollars per person, and will leave you full and satisfied. If money isn't an issue to you, however, why not try a few delicious items and bring some home for later? :) My only complaint is that it took about 10 minutes for someone to seat us, and there were 5 empty tables. It appeared that there were only about 3 people working, which could be considered short staffed. Once we were seated, however, the service was fantastic. I am so glad that I found this place and am excited to return!
(5)
Sal M.
the best breakfast burrito of my life.
(5)
Erica L.
This is a cute restaurant. I like the setup much better than the other place. It's more intimate and restaurant-y. The food is fabulous. They have the yummiest salad with arugula and this divine hempseed dressing. Little candied walnuts too! They actually serve their brunch foods with real maple syrup, without forcing you to pay a few bucks extra. Deducted a star for having to ask for a key to use the bathroom. Reminds me too much of high school and as someone with a social anxiety problem, I am not chasing the waitress around to get and return the key,
(4)
Melodie B.
This was my first raw food experience and I loved it. I went here with my girlfriend to try something new for an anniversary. We both truly enjoyed the new experience and amazing food.
(5)
Gregory L.
Beautiful food. Simply beautiful. I tried one of the specials that included tempeh, potatoes, and a mound of veggies. It was delicious and very filling. What a treat to have so many vegan eateries!
(5)
Whit G.
I'm almost tempted to throw a 1-star review in here just to chip away at this place's popularity, but I can't do it, they just deserve better. I used to eat raw food at a well-known place in San Francisco (Cafe Gratitude), where I certainly enjoyed the fare but wouldn't call it my favorite place. The difference between that place and the Lotus is profound - nearly every dish I've tried there is amazingly good, not even taking its rawness into account. What's more, their happy hour kicks a**, with delicious, reasonably-priced drinks and super-cheap, delicious appetizers. Definitely among my top three PDX eateries.
(5)
Robby R.
Well, this was a big disappointment. I've not had Blossoming Lotus since it was one of my regular lunch spots in the Pearl District. I'd heard friends say it was still great and that they added a dinner menu with cocktails... and last night I finally had an opportunity to give it a try. First off, I've been a vegetarian for 12 years and I've had my share of good/bad vegan restaurant experiences. Unfortunately, the "new" Blossoming Lotus fell into the bad experience categories. I ordered the "live" angel hair pesto/tofu dinner and my girlfriend ordered a tofu special. So, we had two different types of meals. I found myself enjoying my cocktails... enjoying our conversations.. and when she asked me how my meal was, I took a moment to think about it, looked down and said, "eh..." The angel hair was definitely overcooked. The pasta sauce lacked any flavor... and I wondered if they had just heated up someones leftovers from earlier. I've purchased better pasta sauce (albeit, not "live") from grocery stores in a jar that impressed me more. The pesto on top of the tofu was alright, but the pasta/sauce as the primary substance on my plate left me wishing I had ordered something else. My girlfriend described her meal as, " i got the special. was supposed to be tofu in balsamic "demi glaze" (gravy, apparently), with smoked chanterelles (amazing), Fennel gratin (shaved fennel mush that was somehow dry as hell which they then added bread crumbs to as well making it even dryer), and "braised" cauliflower (or as i like to call it, new acme rubber cauliflower! now with too much chili flake!!)" She told the waitress about the food when they asked if we wanted boxes to go as we had so much food still left on our plates. They were kind enough to provide us with a 10% discount, which helped ease the disappointment. THe service was good... the food was disappointing. I may give it another go sometime as my GF insists it was so much better last time she was there.
(2)
Pippa P.
My favorite Portland eatery--both for ambiance and tastiness. Try the Live Platter, it will blow your mind.
(5)
Linda C.
Such a treat to eat out for Thanksgiving instead of slaving over a hot stove...and what a lovely Thanksgiving menu offered by the Blossoming Lotus. It's a nice little venue and we were seated in the cosy nook hidden at the back of the restaurant. Service was attentive and helpful. I can't rave enough about the "Dolores Del Rio" cocktail created by the onsite mixologist. It was simply divine and full of spicy flavor - each sip was a delight! The food courses were all delicious but I especially enjoyed the sweet potato & toasted chili bisque. It was so rich in flavor I couldn't believe it was vegan. I highly recommend skipping the cooking madness and going here for Thanksgiving dinner. We'll be back for more.
(5)
Megan Z.
There are about a billion excellent reviews for this place, so I thought why not add another. I'm biased as I live less than a block away (Hooray for me!!!), but this place rocks. The food, service, atmosphere, drinks, and what not, are fantastic. I have only had one dish that I did not care for and I'm not going to say what it was because I'm certain many people love it because otherwise it would not be on the menu. I just figure there are options on a menu to pique various palates and said entree did not do it for me. Yet, I'm still a die hard because there are many other mouth watering options, and I'm sure many more creations to be had that will excite me and keep me coming back. This is a not to be missed place. But please, don't come too often because it makes my wait just that much longer!
The food was amazing, the service was great, and I felt totally satisfied by my meal. I went as a treat with my mother, but will definitely be returning with every friend I have!
(5)
Erica S.
very busy, great service, full mini bar, I had the Live Wrap which was raw, light, and delicious and the steamed kale is a definite must. I wish they had one in south orange county!!!
(5)
Adam B.
Divine, heavenly, vegan goodness here on earth. I've been cooking out of the Blossoming Lotus cookbook "Vegan Fusion World Cuisine" for over a year now, and am now humbled by the culinary genius that is behind it all. I ate brunch, lunch, and dinner, at Blossoming Lotus while in Portland for 10 days. Every time they nailed it. We did have to wait for a table for brunch and dinner, but the wait was nothing more than 10 minutes. I loved the spicy BBQ sandwich I had during my first visit. After traveling for two days this restored me to sanity. For brunch I had the special scramble, which raised the bar considerably for what I can now expect from a tofu scramble! Notable at dinner was a cocktail "The Green Monk," I wildly complex and enjoyable libation. Kudos to the bartendress on that one. Dining at Blossoming Lotus will remain one of the stand-out memories of my trip to Portland, Oregon. Well done.
(5)
Rosi G.
Great food, very fresh, appealing ambiance. Prompt service. Delicious, creative menu of raw gourmet and vegan cooked main offerings, energizing raw juices, artful salads and inspired desserts. The atmosphere was beautiful enough, and the food was so tasty, that it even pleased a picky guest who was used to posh California eateries. At popular times, it can be crowded, with a bit of a wait, but it's worth it.
(5)
Ken N.
I think this place has some of the best food I've ever tasted. I'm not a vegan but when I eat hear I leave full and satisfied. If you are vegan and want to prove to your carnivorous friends that vegan meals can be delicious and filling take them to blossoming lotus. They won't be disapointed. Get the live platters. The soups are allways good too.
(4)
T D.
This casual nice all vegan restaurant is a gem. It features all sorts of cuisine blending ingredients from many regions of the world with they're own unique and tasty flava. All the while being healthy and delish!. I go here and gorge myself on the amazing food and feel great after. They offer cooked and live food with lots of gluten free options. They also have a bar here, so far I've only been for lunch and a great food happy hour.
(5)
Bryan W.
Been here 3 times now and each time I've been very, very impressed. The staff is attentive, polite and informative and the food is killer. BBQ tempeh platter is my favorite so far. Their cheesecake is a little pricey, but to put into perspective how delicious it is, after eating one piece, my girlfriend and I purchased another to take home. It's normally quite busy so expect a wait of at least 20-30 minutes.
(5)
Casey B.
Throughout the seasons, BL's menu has me totally turned on. Let's start with drinks - they are my favorite. In the warmer weather, you can count on being satisfied by their delectably smooth and tasty fresh smoothies, juices and booster shots... Thai Greens apple, lime, ginger, basil, cilantro) has saved my life on several occasions. Now that it's a bit chillier, I find myself searching for the perfect hot concoction... this was their absolutely perfect apple cider last time. Their food is to die for - especially their ever changing specials. This place is truly a NE gem. xo!
(5)
Matt S.
This is as good as it gets, whether or not you are a vegan or have those tendencies. My wife and I have been eating and bringing friends here for years, going back to when they awkwardly shared a space with a Yoga studio in the Pearl District and were staffed with surly, probably militant, vegan types. This location is great and the service is all friendly now. I don't have much to add to the many glowing reviews on here. The things about Blossoming Lotus that really stand out for me are: 1) you'll feel full for hours and hours-you might skip dinner if you make this your lunch. That's the beneficial effect of eating real food. 2) try something raw/live. everything I've had here in that category has been really, really good. Especially the live pizza. 3) the juices are really good, too! 4) for what it is, and the location, the prices are really quite reasonable 5) I'd describe Blossoming Lotus as a very safe place to bring a non-vegan skeptical-type person. Last thing I'll say to everyone who has written positive reviews and has had positive experiences here, we originally found this place affter we bought the cookbook "Vegan World Fusion Cuisine" and were suprised to find that the Hawaii-based restaurant had a second location in Portland, of all places. If you like vegan food, or even if you just like the food at Blossoming Lotus, the cookbook is highly, highly recommended as well.
(5)
Kelli S.
Always amazing food......love the desserts. I can always count on having an AMAZING RAW MEAL here....that is for sure! Thank you to the entire staff you are as amazing as the food and friendly too :)
(5)
Jen T.
Blossoming Lotus is pretty good by *vegan standards,* although I feel like it's slightly overpriced in my mind. But taking all things into consideration, this is probably the closest a vegan can get to fine dining. Still, the food can be mediocre at times (read, borrrring and/or inadequately spiced)...but, then again, I like food with a lot of zest! What Blossoming Lotus definitely KILLS it in is the wonderful, delicious, and indeed very zesty world of DESSERTS! Live chocolate cake is more like live crack cake. And pear pecan crumble? Man...don't even get me started... Ah, wait...it's too late...crisp flaky crust...perfectly nutmegged fruit...toasty carmelized pear flavors...warm, mmm, nuts... And they've got vegan soft serve! Anytime you want it! Even to go! On a hot summer day! Just thinking about their softy makes me the opposite of softy. And so, I sort of wish BL just focused on their desserts since their meals are just, you know, okay. And I KNOW the staff knows it too. Usually they seem pretty bored with their existence and apathetic life path as a server at a gourmet vegan restaurant...until you order dessert. And then all they can do is gush: "OMG FUCK ORGANIC QUINOA I JUST ATE LIKE 5 PIECES OF THAT CAKE!!!" Fuck yeah! I'll jump on that bandwagon! If being vegan just meant desserts (and beer) all day every day, I'd be, well, vegan. But looking at my vegan friends, chugging beer at the Bye and Bye and eating pie at Blossoming Lotus, I think they figured out the secret to being vegan quite a long time ago already...
(4)
Velia R.
I LOVE this place! Excellent, fresh, organic food. Be prepared for a wait but it's worth it because the food quality is superb and won't disappoint. Their Sunday brunch is great too.
(5)
Daisy C.
Had to change my review because after a second visit I am no longer even a mild fan of this place. My first experience was "good service, ok food. Too expensive for what it was". My second visit literally made me sick to my stomach. The server did her job of making the tofu scramble special sound yummy, but I got a big bowl of gag. After only two bites I spent the rest of lunch with my friends trying to keep everything inside and not all over the floor. I have no idea how you dry tofu out like that, but it was dry and I don't know......stale? Then it had been covered in this chalky paste of seasonings that I can only guess should never EVER be blended together. Some sort of sauce was glopped on top that only added to my turning stomach. If the server had ever come over and asked if everything was alright I would have said no, but she didn't. At the end when she asked if I wanted a box to take it home I managed to get out "No, I am so sick right now", but she just picked it up and walked away. Ah well. Lots of other food in Portland.
(1)
Justine M.
I'm a non-vegan that would eat here everyday if my finances would allow. The basic bowl makes me happy always... beans, rice, kale and a mixture of their ginger dressing & peanut dressing... yum. They have other dressings if you are so inclined. Everything here is vegan and some things are raw. For example, the live falafel wrap is the only other thing I've ordered and it was delicious. The dish was probably for 2, but it was so good I ate the WHOLE thing...no one should eat that much raw food in one sitting or regular food for that matter. Great lunch/dinner/special occasion/takeout place!
(4)
cynthia t.
Their bowls are amazing. Definitely get the curds as an add-on. But only giving them 3 stars because of the atmosphere. I've been to BL since their westside location. And I have to say I kinda miss their old spot. It was low key, a gem in the Pearl. Ironically when they opened up in the east side, both prices and service flip-flopped. The mellowness have replaced by attitude. The food will keep me coming back, just not as often.
(3)
Rachel R.
Wonderfully surprised by this place! I ordered the Chana Masala and I couldn't finish it, very tasty and really flavorful. The Crispy Artichoke Fritters were also a great appetizer. Will definitely be back!
(5)
KAREN P.
I am neither vegan nor vegetarian, but I LOVE this place have been numerous times - breakfast, lunch and dinner- now just need to get to happy hour!! very interesting flavors and well spiced. i seem to get the live falafel wrap frequently- walnut/brazil nut falafel, with tahini cilantro pesto; all in a firm, yet easy to eat green wrap. soups and salads are fabulous. desserts are yummy- the cheesecakes especially. beer, wines and a full bar!!
(5)
Stephanie B.
Delicious healthy food! The pesto white bean dip is amazingly addictive. Also, so nice to have alcohol (full bar) at a health food restaurant. Great raw and cooked options. I love the goddess bowl!
(5)
Jeannine B.
I feel so fortunate to have found this place especially since I just moved to the area. My boyfriend and I happened upon it on a Friday night. It was busy and we waited about a half hour and at the time I was wondering if it was going to be worth it... And I am here to tell you... I would have waited an hour! Very quant inside, not overly romantic but still had that date vibe to it. We ordered the Artichoke Fritters and Bean Dip for appetizers! Both were AMAZING! The dip came with veggies and we got it gluten free which our waitress brought out these home baked bread wedges that was to DIE for! We split an order of the Portobello Mushroom Fajitas that were so good, if the pan wouldn't of burned off my tongue we might have licked it clean.. The sauce was just so good! We finished off with a raw cheesecake that was so wonderful! Wish we would have ordered two pieces! Our waitress was great, attentive but not hovering. She was doubling as the bartender and was busy but didn't make us feel like we weren't being taken care of. We didn't try the drinks but plan on it next time. For a vegan restaurant this place is fantastic but just for a restaurant alone is superb! We will definitely be back!
(5)
Lisa G.
I love this place, I go here at least once a week, if not more. Alas, this might just be because it's only only restaurant like it in town. ALWAYS GO FOR THE SPECIAL!!!! They do new things almost every night based on whats locally in season. And let me tell you, I have NEVER been disappointed with a special. Or with the drinks for that matter. My one complaint is that it isn't very consistent. I often order the green goddess bowl. It's a good dish when you just want REAL food in you that tastes good, but is not too complex. Every version I've had is wonderful but it seems to taste different every time. I've had a number of other staple dishes that I can say the same about. Also, if you are into cooking classes they have some every now and then, either at the restaurant or they host them at PCC. I went with a girlfriend and had so much fun! I would definitely recommend taking one.
(4)
Andy V.
Food was good as usual... But, unfortunately, the service left something to be desired. Service was a little on the slow side, and they did get my order wrong the first time around.
Delicious and satisfying vegan fare. 9 times out of 10 the service is great, though it be slow. The price is a bit steep, a bill for two with wine is going to be upwards of $60 easily. I always get the live nacho appetizer because it's amazing.. fresh and flavorful. For the main coarse I love the bbq thai salad, the fresh ginger and shredded coconut adds a nice kick of flavor. The goddess bowl is also tasty, I add avocado and soy curls, it's hearty but not heavy and full of kale with leaves me feeling all warm and tingly inside:) The wine selection is decent and moderately priced. The cocktails are pricier but just as flavorful and unique as the food. Definitely not my favorite Portland vegan desert spot but the live fudge is really good, add a bit of the house soft serve and you wont be disappointed.
(5)
Gigi P.
I've had lunch here twice recently, and both times I had the live falafel wrap. OUTSTANDING!!!!! Had a nibble of a friend's live nachos and they were to die for! I was on a cleanse both times I visited, so I could really only choose from two items, but now that I'm off the cleanse I want to go back and try everything. And I want to check out their HH. Drinks made from fresh juices? SOLD! My meat loving friends won't even miss eating flesh when they sink their teeth in this tasty nosh. Rating would be 5 stars, but 1 star off for the L-O-U-D-N-E-S-S (enough to give one a headache) and for the HORRIBLE waitress that works there. But the food more than makes up for these shortcomings. Be brave and eat vegan. It won't kill, just this once.
(4)
Ava S.
If a restaurant could have groupies, I would be the leader of the Blossoming Lotus Fan Club. We'd write love letters to tempeh and raw cheesecake and seal them with lipstick kisses before giving them to their master chef, Wes Hannah. I don't even know what to say. I would take out their trash just to rummage through it and eat the scraps. Food is always awesome. Quality, presentation, size, creativeness, complimentary palette of flavors. It's seriously the work of a genius and it's obvious that genius is recognized based on the wait, perma-full tables and wide variety of patrons. If you know someone who thinks vegan food is boring or gross or whatever, take them here. Feed them amazing food. Watch them eat their words. Then make them pay the bill.
(5)
Dianna G.
I have been to this place a few times and generally thought the food was fairly good but overpriced for what it is. The last time I went with a few friends and as I was eating my meal, a large bug came crawling out from the middle of it. I was horrified and called the waitress over. She looked completely unimpressed and asked me if I wanted anything else. I said no. She did not offer to buy me a dessert or glass of wine or even to take it off the check. I will never step foot in this place again.
(1)
Muiread P.
I've only ever gotten dinner here but it is consistently good. I love their soft serve for dessert and I love to order their specials
(4)
nicole d.
Great gluten free options and absolutley delicious food from entrees to desserts!
(5)
Sharone N.
Crazy, Awesome, Amazing, Wonderful, Inspiring....Blessed Thank you for the best brunch ever!!!
(5)
sky s.
OK, so it was a FB rant, but I can't help feeling like "peeple need to know!!!" so copy/paste here and consider yourself forewarned. The good The Bad & The Vegan: So finally I've now tried the infamously "delicious" & much-hyped Blossoming Lotus Cafe. Friends of all dietary persuasion have been trying to woo me to this spot "it doesnt matter if it's all vegan, it's just plain delicious" they say, cooing in my ear as I protest loudly that I've never met a vegan I could get along with. I always keep an open mind though, and so at last I managed to haul my ass two blocks down the road and try it. Unfortunately, the boasts & coaxes are simply not true. The hilarious thing is the irony of the menu. It has a "salads" section when really, the entire menu is salad (excepting a couple "entrees" - Vegan, gluten free "Lasagna?" How can it even be in the same class of food as the real thing??) Yep, otherwise, Salad salad or salad, just dressed up in different ways: Salad in wrap. Salad over rice. Salad with "crispy tempeh curls." Salad on a plate, perhaps? Or salad sandwich? The result is... uh, SALAD. And guess what? IT TASTES LIKE SALAD. I could make the same damn thing for 2.50 or less in the produce aisle. Oh, and those crispy tempeh curls? Spongelike and oddly flavored, but not at all crispy. Neither does the term "barbeque" apply at all to the flavor. Look- I have no problem with salad, but it feels wrong to gussy it up as a "Cuisine" and charge 8 bucks for it. Oh and btdubs your "Avocado Ranch" tastes nothing like ranch. It tastes like avocado. Surprise, surprise. The one exception to mediocrity was the delicious crumbly cornbread and sweetpotato soup with honey drizzle. Yummy, but isn't honey not ok with vegans? I mean if dairy is "rape" what is honey? YOU'RE EATING THEIR HOME, RITE??!!! If you're going to be a hypocrite about it, at least give us some butter for that cornbread.
(2)
Patricia U.
As a relatively new vegan, new to "live" foods and PDX, this is by far the best place to eat (3/x now). Unlike many others, we have never had trouble getting a seat (only 2 of us & we tend to eat late). Our server wrote out a list of local V- haunts and some books we might also enjoy. We aren't very trendy by PDX standards (or Anchorage standards for that matter) but have been treated well. It doesn't appear that they judge patrons who come in with their fine leather attire either! I am definitely going to bring my vegan-phobic family here when they come to visit. The live nachos are the best nachos I've ever had. You don't even miss the grease!
(5)
Marianne S.
Man this place is good and no, I'm not a vegan. I think it is fair to say I've tried a wide variety of fare at Blossoming Lotus. I think my favorite is the Southwest Bowl. The chili in there is phenomenal. The only draw back is that it is only on the lunch menu. I'd agree that the service is slow but luckily I live nearby and can easily order takeout.
(4)
Lydia K.
Hands down some of best Vegan and Vegetarian food I have had in Portland! My husband and I went on a Sunday evening. We were seated right away and greeted from the friendly host. Great menu selection for food and cocktails, and speedy with service. Guaranteed you will leave completely satisfied.
(5)
Andrea T.
Been meaning to try this place out for awhile. Went for a birthday celebration and was not disappointed! Let me start by saying that the drinks are DELICIOUS! The White October was the perfect dessert drink. We had the pesto white bean dip as an appetizer and it was great. The offer gluten-free options if needed. I had the chantrelle and sweet potato enchiladas. Normally, I wouldn't have enchiladas, but they sounded good. Quite tasty, but wish that they would have been warmer. The ginger stir-fry that my friend had was really tasty. Can't wait to go back and try the pizza. We has some of the "crust" with our dip and it was really yummy. My only complaint would be that some of the food was on the lukewarm side. As was the pumpkin Chai nog. Otherwise it was great. I'll definitely be going back there! Oh, did I mention that I'm not vegan or vegetarian? Just gluten and dairy free.
(4)
Dariño H.
Here me out: the cornbread here is phenomenal. I'm not a vegan, but one my really good friends here suggested we go, so I agreed - I wasn't disappointed. I ordered one of the tofu dishes with quinoa and it tasted fantastic! The masala bowl is also really good! If you have issues with dairy and wheat, this is the place to go...no yeast. I believe they only have goat cheese as far as dairy goes, but that's even optional. My only complaint about the place was the lack of welcome when my friends and I came here. We signed up during a moderately filled time and it took about 30 minutes just to get a table for three. Apart from that, however, the taste and experience was beyond what I would call "average."
(4)
Aaron F.
Episode V: The Granolas Strike Back The gal pal (who's big on raw/vegan) drags her Midwest Meat-n-Potatoes boyfriend from the 'Couv into PDX for some vegan food? WTF! Bottom Line: Surprisingly good. Pluses: Really seemed focused on execution. Lots of thought and detail in solving the common vegan problems (uhh. like taste and texture!) I had the vegan chili. It was nice. I can't say I wouldn't have loved some meat in there, but it was tasty. I didn't feel wanting. I also had the faux cheesecake (some chocolate ganache deal). Bitchin'. Girlfriend was having mouthgasms with what she ordered. Minuses: Well, unless you wanted a $6-7 juice (from the juice bar) or some iced tea, they basically had nothing to drink. That sucks. Seriously, how about even some freakin' sparkling water? You could make some kind of innovative muddled something or other too. Lemonade? C'mon people. If you're the tag-a-long for a vegan, you could suffer a lot worse fate - like Boba Fett getting digested for 10,000 years in Sarlacc. I wonder how he's doing?
(4)
M. J.
Blossoming Lotus is great. I lived in Portland and would go there frequently for the great food. Best restaurant in Portland. They have excellent raw ("live") and/or GF options. The service is always great, and the food never disappoints. I love the Live Nachos, all the salads, the coconut chai, and if they have raw cheezecake, get it! MmmM! My partner loves the Crispy Artichoke Fritters - and I have to agree, they are good! The ambiance is great, too!
(5)
Wendy R.
Absolutely amazing. Staff was very friendly and the food was amazing. We were seated in a reasonable amount of time, but the wait definitely increased while we were there. With customers waiting it out & you can't blame them. The atmosphere is one that can be enjoyed for an evening with friends or a couples evening out. There was a family there but it really doesn't strike me as an atmosphere for kids, but then again I don't have any. It just seems a little to intimate of a setting for kids. I had the Live Green Curry and a Coconut Chai drink. Did I mention it was amazing? The tai spicy avocado green curry sauce has a definite heat. And with the fresh raw vegetable "pasta" it is an overall fantastic fresh blend. I would have been fine with a little less sauce, but that wasn't a big enough hindrance to make me not devour the dish!!! I will definitely be back. There's a whole menu to try after all!! :)
(5)
Terradon I.
This is my favorite restaurant. Period. Their live wraps are a lot of fun, and offer a tasty (and dare I say nutritious) alternative to wheat tortillas! They offer Quinoa as an alternative to rice which allows us to get our vitagoodies in our carbs while feeling full after we eat! The live salads, the creole bowl, the green goddess bowl and the white bean appetizer went over well with our whole group, with us tasting each others food. Lotus, we love you!
(5)
Emily S.
My husband and I have been here a few times and just love it! Everything we've gotten has been amazing, the service is always awesome, and the staff is very knowledgeable. We just wish we didn't live so far away so we could go all the time!
(5)
teesh t.
I would give this place 3.5 stars if I could. Great food! I tried the nachos, lavender lemonade, and vegan lemon cheesecake. The nachos were outstanding, the lemonade wasn't the best (it's much more flavorful at Native's), and the cheesecake was mediocre. Although I really liked my main dish, Blossoming Lotus loses stars for 1) 1 of 3 knockout items and 2) price gouging - I know that raw/vegan can be expensive but dang! Also, yelp says closed from 4-5 pm but the happy hour is from 4-6 PM and they are indeed open.
(3)
Nicolas G.
Visited this great all-vegan restaurant on a Friday night, and it was packed. The wait was not bad, we got a table within 15 minutes, and proceeded to sort through the sizable menu. Everything looked great. Being a vegan, I'm used to only having to pick between one or items on a menu, but here it was a different story. I had everything to pick from. I had the BBQ Tempeh with cornbread and chili. It was wonderful. This place is a great find, incredible food, fast and friendly service, and a great atmosphere. I brought my omnivore friends with me and they loved what they ordered too.
(5)
Jeffrey H.
I've been wanting to check out Blossoming Lotus for sometime now, but like a dingus, kept putting it off. My first experience there was this past weekend, and I'll tell you right now: It's amazing. I knew even before we walked in. The dining room opens at five, and there were people just waiting around for the doors to open. One girl, who was on vacation from abroad, told us that she had eaten there every night since she'd been in town. Jackpot! The doors opened right at five and we meandered in to a cozy dining room. They're not working with a lot of space, so be prepared to get snuggly with fellow patrons. Our waitress came over and poured our water and introduced the specials to us. She was very warm and friendly and made us feel at home instantly. We ordered the Creamy Pesto and White Bean Dip and two Lavender Lemonades as appetizers. Both were exquisite. The lemonade had a considerate balance of sweetness and tart, and wasn't overpowered by the lavender. The bean dip was creamy, savory deliciousness that paired well with the blue corn chips. I ordered the BBQ Tempeh platter, while my partner ordered the Four Cheese Lasagna. Mine came with a side salad, black bean chili, and cornbread. His was a big helping of lasagna on a bed of kale. My salad tasted so fresh and alive and the BBQ Tempe was smoky and rich. The Lasagna, while not as superb as Portobello, was excellent as well and had an excellent an cashew cream sauce. My partner was a little bummed that he didn't get a salad too, but I shared mine with him. We both were so full half way through the meal, and took the rest home - which was equally as excellent heated up after a night of vodka. The one thing that I will mention is that the bathroom at Blossoming Lotus is, well, in an ally. If you ever bring up BL to friends, the bathroom will always come up in conversation. Typically in a fashion like, "Dude, what's up with that bathroom??". Other than that, this place is a five-star winner all the way around. I will be back frequently.
(5)
Alvarez W.
Right on with the light on! Yes, I am a carnivore...the pizza was my favorite...definitely have thought about it since having it...wanting more. The artichoke fritters were good but the texture is something that I would tweak but it's not my restaurant. I really like the place...drinks are excellent as well. Good job, chef.
(4)
April B.
Fantastic restaurant with yummy food that you don't have to be vegan to enjoy. I ordered the Basic Bowl : Quinoa, daily beans and steamed greens, with house-made chili sauce and avocado. It was perfect. Somehow they made the quinoa taste buttery without actually using butter. Definitely a place to return to. I look forward to the Thai Wrap...
(5)
Marcia J.
Yum. I don't know what kind of leaf they wrap their wraps in, but it was unusual (for me) and delicious. We want to keep places like this around.
(5)
Family Ø.
Yummy! Flavorful and super tasty :) highly recommended. Service was excellent as well. I'm not a vegetarian normally but eating such great stuff like this makes me want to convert to the greens side!
(5)
Alysia A.
whoa, so wait. this place is raw and vegan? it's really good! oliver, our server, was so sweet and handsome like some kind of prince from ago who has come back to serve raw food to swirly eyed zealots and fat girls who got lured into eating raw by her favorite lady couple. we shared 3 desserts, me and the cute lezzies (one of which was named one of top ten butches in a queer french article!). 1st up was the raw fudge, which was hard as hell and had to be sliced with a holy sword to break into pieces. it was very crunchy and tasty. second was the pie that i named "shrek" a very potent but quite good mint chocolate cheesecake. third (my fave) was a pomegranate cheesecake that was a gorgeous color and flavor. enter jess from the back, my sweet new friend who gives hugs that make me a sighing blushing maiden. talk about service!
(4)
Lyca P.
I had no idea that vegan food can taste this good! A friend of mine took me here for dinner and in the spirit of trying new things, I went along with it. I didn't expect much from this dinner, but was pleasantly surprised. I discovered soy curls that night! My favorite is the stir fry dish, the crispy thai bbq and the southwest bowl. Add soy curls to these dishes of course! I now consider this place as a go to place for dinner when I'm in the Portland area, and I often crave healthy yummy vegan food from this place!
(5)
bee g.
This place is wonderful. Just moved from CA and this was one of the 1st veggie places i tried here in Portland. I cannot rave enough about it. Delicious wholesomee food and friendly service, cant get better than that. Had the chili bowl w/cornbread & the Thai wrap.........YUMMMM Big portions too I will def be back very very soon
(5)
Anna H.
This used to be one of my favorite restaurants. Without a doubt the food is great. The service leaves much to be desired. I tried to take my mom today, but was not allowed in. Two minutes prior to listed opening time the employees let 3 other patrons in then locked the doors. We tried opening the doors, noting other customers already inside the restaurant, but they were locked. We tried again to be sure, and were surprised the doors were locked. There were at least two employees who saw us but did nothing. I guess this restaurant does not want my money. I will not go back.
(1)
Teresa D.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in the world. I wish I could put a Blossoming Lotus in my house so that I could eat their food for every meal. I don't need to say much more than that. (But do be prepared to wait a little bit sometimes during the dinner rush).
(5)
stacey k.
Great. Great. Delish artichoke fritters! must have. I ordered nachos because I couldnt decide. and they were great. it will convert the meat eater. The cauliflower steak was a carnivors dream. I loved this place. It is quaint. The service was efficient and patient with our endless questions! Definitley will go again and try more.
(5)
Andy W.
Folks, I'm here to tell you the legends are true. There is a place, in the city, where all the beautiful men and women hang out. And this mythical fantasyland is not one of these Seinfeldian meat-packing-facilities-by-day, exclusive-club-by-night kind of places. It's a vegan cafe. Who would have thought? Now, the big problem with the mythical hot vegan fantasyland is the currency exchange rate. Your hard-earned dollar will not go far at the Blossoming Lotus. So before you get yourself all lookin good, rush out the door and head over there for lunch with Portland's finest, consider the price of admission. Let's start with a bowl of beans and brown rice, with maybe a couple extra veggies added in. Buying from the supermarket and making a single serving at home: $1.50. Ordering at any other restaurant in the city: $4-5. Ordering at Blossoming Lotus: $7-8. Let's say you want to add tempeh to your concoction. supermarket, single serving: $1. other restaurant: N/A Blossoming Lotus: $3 How about a half an avocado? supermarket: $0.35 other restaurant: $0.50-1.25 Blossoming Lotus: $3 (says $2 on the website, but it's actually $3) (Yes, obviously, these are calculations you could make for any restaurant/brown bag lunch debate, but the BL takes it to an absurd extreme. Seriously, a bean-rice bowl is probably the most economical protein/whole-grain delivery method in the universe. Charging $8 for it is a crime against humanity.) I'll allow that they make a tasty bean-rice bowl, and I love all the nut-based dairy-like substances they use. I'm not vegan, but I am aware that I eat too much dairy, and theirs are some damn good substitutes. But even with the non-dairy creams and cheeses, at $14 it's just not worth the cost for me. Now for the heart-to-heart: buddy, if you are so desperate to eat lunch next to one of the sexy dairy/gluten/meat-free denizens of our city that you'd overpay for your lunch by $11.65 for the opportunity, I'd like to offer these words of encouragement: there are plenty of fish (or fish-flavored globs of seitan) in the sea.
(3)
Kevi K.
Blossoming Lotus has been around for a quite a few years. To my knowledge, their first location was on Kauai, & at one time was Kauai highest rated restaurant. Being from the Islands, I have always loved their menu and dedication to delicious, fresh and living foods. Currently, their SE Portland restaurant has about everything your big appetite needs to feel completely nourished and satisfied, with amazing selection of raw and cooked vegan foods. High in protein, flavor and nutrition, Blossoming Lotus aims to please. You may even find that the wide selection of drinks (fresh juices,original mixed drinks, beer, wine and Townshend's kombucha) here keeps you coming back for more. Thanks guys!
(5)
Zuzana K.
This was my very first vegan restaurant, since I am a full blown omnivore. I really liked this place. The food is yummy, atmosphere is welcoming and service is fast and friendly. If I didn't see the menu, I wouldn't have known that this is meat-free place; I was not out of my element.
(5)
Luke Y.
This place is awesome! A relaxed atmosphere, and a great wait staff. I have been twice. Once with my whole family (6) and once with my girlfriend. Both times we have had great service, reasonable wait times, and delicious food. The food is 100% vegan and is absolutely delicious. This is a not place where you feel like you are being offered a ton of side dishes. The menu offers a wide variety of flavors and textures. Both times I have been, I left feeling quite satiated. If you are thinking about taking someone who is not to keen on vegan food. Have them give the soy curl tacos a try. They can be flavored any number of ways, have the texture of meat, and are quite filling. All in all, this place is a win. Do yourself a favor. Go. Check it out. The food is reasonably priced and tastes great!
(5)
TJ N.
I am an on again, off again vegetarian/vegan. I really appreciate the atmosphere of this place. The food is really good. The service I had when I visited twice was a bit off-putting, however. The first time I visited was on or near Valentine's Day. It was not full as we arrived a little early. They asked if I had a reservation and understandably on a day like this it would make sense, but at 5PM? That said the host didn't suggest anything nor did he apologize, offer take out or say we'll see you another time. While I figured it might possibly be an off or busy day I tried the place once again. The waitress was just so-so in her delivery of our order, I don't remember if she even asked what we thought of the food. Though the check reflected an item we had not ordered, and we had a minor quable over it. The place is a bit too pricey - I'd try Portobello Vegan Trattoria again before going again. It's got atmosphere, and it's relaxed but everything is tasty and slightly less $$.
(3)
Stephanie K.
A friend insisted we come here, and I'm so glad she did! Everyone was so friendly and knowledgable, and was happy to answer my questions. (I'm not a vegan, so I was kind of out of my element here, truthfully.) The atmosphere was just very welcoming and home-y. I ordered the four "cheese" lasagna, because that seemed like the most challenging thing someone could make vegan-style. It included a mozzarella substitute that, I think, was made of squash and garlic. And I have no idea how, but it tasted cheese-y and delicious. The entire dish was just amazing. It didn't taste exactly like lasagna, but I loved every bit of it. It was tasty reheated for lunch the next day, too (the portion size was huge). I will definitely come back here again!
(4)
Radashack R.
Delicious food! I was pleasantly surprised. The Live pizza was very zesty and delicious. The service was pleasant and excellent. The restaurant is also very nice, clean and stylish.
(5)
Hilary B.
5 star dinner service. Excellent vegan food. Great wine. Good beer list. Ambient atmosphere. Convenient location. Nice...
(5)
Sukie B.
LOVE this place! I found it listed online when I searched for "raw food Portland," and planned on treating myself to a nice raw meal out once I got here for the weekend. My taste buds were not disappointed. First, let me say I was impressed by the decor, which leans more towards art nouveau than trendy hippie-chic or earth child. The walls are a soothing gray-blue with plenty of wood accents. The people looked pretty normal as well (no excessively tattooed, emaciated, dreadlocked, green-haired waitstaff like you'll find in other locales...namely Santa Monica). I ordered the raw falafel wrap. It was so filling that I saved half for the next day! I wanted to have some room for dessert as well, and enjoyed a heavenly piece of marbled chocolate living cheesecake. I was happy to find it not overly greasy and heavy, unlike most raw desert cakes. I also enjoyed one of their cocktails made with fresh squeezed juice - absolutely delicious (and a pretty shade of green!). I highly, highly recommend a visit to this place. It would be great for a date or a nice evening out with some close friends.
(5)
Michael H.
I have to give this place 5 stars, as I do not follow a vegan diet, but this was the best "vegan" food I've ever had- what a vegan establishment should be. Their dishes celebrate flavors, not meat replacements, and I really enjoyed it. And everything was spiced well, nothing was bland. Their live and raw, gluten-free "pizza" is so good. A must when visiting Portland, for everyone from diehard vegans to meateaters.
Great service. Wonderful vegan options--I took my in laws here for a true sampling of quality vegan food. They were very impressed--proving to the carnivorous world that being vegan isn't torture. I am obcessed with the live nachos. MMMMMMM. I love the live pasta too--and the Vegan Fusion rescipe gets pretty close.
(5)
B F.
This is the first time that I actually entered a vegan place in spite of my girlfriend trying every trick in the book. I guess my defenses were down that night as I did not stop by BK for a burger first and then just sample what was served. Well this place proved me wrong in that what ever she ordered for me was really good and I loved that she didn't tell me what I was eating! Even this confirmed carnivore walked out full and surprised.
(5)
Laura M.
I eat here about once a week and I think the food is fantastic (and my meat loving hubby agrees) however...if you're wandering over to try BL for the first time some things to know (and the reason why they don't get 5 stars from me) 1) They're inconsistent - food wise- I've been given undercooked soy curls (uncooked, chalky coating) a number of times 2) They're inconsistent service wise- I've waited anywhere from 10 minutes to 40 minutes for my food. Btw they just started serving Happy Hour tacos and pizzas! M-F 3-6pm
(4)
Marty K.
See my profile for the location of my full review and blog. Due to technical difficulties there are no pics of this meal on the blog. Blossoming Lotus is a nice bright airy restaurant in a fairly residential neighborhood. To me it was quintessential Portland vegan, with the waitstaff appropriately tattooed and pierced. I wouldn't have it any other way. The service was friendly and although they were out of Avocado, which was highly recommended as an addition to the Spicy BBQ sandwich. I have been eating a ton of BBQ lately that has been KC sweet and it was a nice change to enjoy the smoky "this is BBQ" flavor. The whole sandwich just worked, flavors melded and most importantly in a sandwich, (we had the whole wheat bread), it stayed together bite after bite. I never had soy curls before and our waiter and I seemed to concur that it was a west coast product. I found it to be a "gardein" like "meaty" substance that held flavor well. Apparently this is a dried product that is reconstituted. Spicy BBQ Sandwich $8 seasoned soy curls sauteed with red onion and smokey whiskey ginger BBQ, served warm on grilled whole grain bread or in a whole wheat tortilla with romaine, tomato, sprouts* and lemon wasabi aioli add avocado for $1 The eye opener in the Thai BBQ sandwich is the surprise of the crunchy noodles. It was a great contrast to most squishy filled wraps. With a really nice Thai sauce and a bit of a spice kick, was a great lunch wrap. It too held together nicely which to me means that it wasn't overstuffed. Crispy Thai BBQ Wrap $8 thai spiced bbq soy curls, crispy rice sticks, carrots, cucumber, red cabbage and romaine, with sweet ginger sauce, wraped in a whole wheat tortilla I also had a delicious and refreshing smoothie with rice milk and fruit that was a nice compliment to the food. I had a wonderful picture of a display case with amazing looking desserts. We had a chocolate chai and a chocolate mint. I'm not a dessert person, I keep saying, but places like this can cost me another 45 minutes in the gym for each meal. They were raw and outstanding desserts.
(4)
Charli N.
This is a great healthy place, that also looks like a nice restaurant. I really like the vibe and the wait staff are all very accommodating. The food is great, even if you are not into vegan /raw food. It's somewhere I can take my family and they still enjoy their meals. I've bought all three of the owners cookbooks, and plan to one day make something from one of them. Ha! I also was introduced to soy curls here, which are pretty yummy. The one think I do not love is the seitan sausage. It's just too heavy for me. Everything is is divine!
(5)
Amy V.
I will start by saying that I am not vegan. I like dairy, I like meat. I was a little wary of a vegan restaurant because it's very out of my comfort zone, but I was really impressed. I got the pesto white bean wrap, and it was pretty good. Again, I don't know much about vegan food, so i don't know what to compare it to. I didn't care for the atmosphere in the restaurant, it felt a little cafeteria like. The music was good, though. Overall, I say it's worth a stop in but only if you are vegan, familiar with vegan food, or willing to go out of your comfort zone and try something different.
(3)
Lin B.
Amazing Live Falafal Wrap....huge portion, fresh, crispy, full of traditional falafal flavor! The Chocolate Cake is more mousse like which was extremely delicious, decadent and luscious. I will visit again to try the other Live food here.
(4)
Ryan M.
After months of hearing great things about The Blossoming Lotus in Portland my girlfriend and I finally went there for dinner. At the time I hadn't been a vegetarian for very long and was secretly still a little skeptic at my food options. Our server was very nice, receptive to the fact it was our first time there. We taked about cocktails, she suggested a few. I ordered a cucumber infused vodka thingy and my girlfriend ordered something fruity. Both cocktails were presented BEAUTIFULLY and tasted wonderful. On to the food. The two specials they were running looked interesting, one was a raw meal and one was vegan. We jumped at the chance to try something new and ordered them, and an appetizer. The appetizer was nice, honestly I don't remember what it was but I remember being happy with it. Chances are it was over shadowed by the entrees because I'm tellin you, from the moment they were set on the table everything else disappeared. My girlfriend and I were stunned by how beautiful each meal was. I'd ordered the vegan entree, a pasta dish of some sort and my girlfriend had ordered the raw entree, often times we'll share our meals. Now, I've eaten out at plenty of restaurants in my life, I pride myself on having a wide palette, had the pleasure of enjoying lots of different types of food. These were by far the best meals I've ever had out at any restaurant in my life and continue to be. The flavors were incredible, inviting and fresh. The textures were luscious and complimentary. I remember each of us looking up at each other after the first bite with a look of, 'really? How can this be this good?' I actually ended up preferring the raw entree over my own but I still maintain that my meal was outstanding. Everything about my experience and The Blossoming Lotus on NE 15th Ave in Portland, OR was wonderful. I look forward to going again.
(5)
Kjetil P.
Excellent food, great service and fairly affordable prices. I had an arigula and blackberry-based salad as a starter and the portabello "pizza" as the main course. A great mixture of interesting tastes which were expertly balanced. Too bad I'm leaving Portland tomorrow, or I would have come back tomorrow!
(5)
Sarah S.
This place is incredible! There are several places to get delicious vegan food around Portland, but Blossoming Lotus is hands-down my favorite. Brunch is especially delicious. I recommend the Southwest Scramble, Seitan Rancheros, or the Lotus Benedict. Never have they failed to please. Meals can be pricey, which is the only reason I don't eat there more often. However, the quality is well worth the price.
(5)
Sheree A.
Oh my god they have the best desert
(5)
Erik G.
Stopped by for lunch this past Wednesday after hearing rave reviews from my wife. While we rarely eat vegan we both thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I had a Santa Fe bowl with golden tempeh, lots of great flavor. My only negative comment is that the nutritional yeast was a bit salty, once it was well mixed not a big deal. My wife had the Creole bowl, also a winner. The joint was pretty neat, service was attentive but the food was slow to arrive. I would love to try a fancy drink but they are priced a bit too high for our finances. All in all a fine experience and we surely will return!
(4)
Peter F.
I'll save you my tirade on vegan restaurants, yoga studios, and spa/wellness centers with "lotus" in their name. Long story short: I've had enough. That being said, what an awesome place! I find few things in life more satisfying than a macrobiotics-inspired "bowl" at a vegan establishment. Its filling, it covers a lot of nutritional bases, it usually comes with some kind of jazzy sauce, and if I can practice any amount of self-control (rare) the portions are large enough that I can (or rather, should) take some home. I got some kind of south western bowl that was absolutely delish. I also enjoyed the friendly counter service. If I had my druthers, I'd do the counter service, carry your food to your table, bus your own dishes when your done, put the tip in the tip jar arrangement where ever I dine. I'd rather sit down, take my time, not have servers and bus boys hovering over me with the usual "is everything alright?" "can I take that plate for you?" "can I refill your water?". You get your own water, you bus your own table, and you don't have to go through the trouble of calculating tips and asking for separate checks. Back to the food: I was kind of unimpressed by the soft serve ice cream. It claimed to be "chocolate" but it was so watered-down that it was either carob making some weak attempt to masquerade as chocolate or more of an Italian-ice style chocolate that just didn't hit the spot when I was expecting decent enough vegan soft serve. And I would have liked to pay less than $9 for a bowl, but hey.. vegan dining in the Pearl comes with its pitfalls.
(4)
Karen P.
Okay, I must preface this by saying that I only order two dishes here (because, honestly...why mess with perfection?!) I adore the live wrap (especially when they put extra dill in it) and the miso soup. If I had to choose one word to describe the staff it would be...thoughtful. They think about the menu, the drinks, the entire dining experience from a customers perspective. I feel cared for when I dine (or even take out food from there.) Once I had been sick with pneumonia for over a month. I came in for soup. They noticed I was very ill and gave me a flu buster on the house. I am telling you, people...it is the antidote. I also really dig their tomato flax crackers (served with their soup). Addictive. Thank God, they give you just a small bag as takeout. Speaking of...the times I haven't had a bag of my own, they give you a lovely, little handled bag. I LOVE that. They are also very thoughtful about their drinks. One evening my friend and I had the most perfectly composed drinks. I, a cucumber gin martini and she, some lovely concoction with coconut. There are two things I wish they would do : 1) Add some raw food options to the menu. There are many non-labor intensive dishes they could sell, and 2) make ice cream take out less akward. I used to get their vegan soft-serve often, but now it does feel odd going into a real, certifiable restaurant and just getting soft-serve to go. Knowwutimzain? ;) What CAN I say? They're good (very good). I am so much happier with Blossoming Lotus since they moved into the Irvington location. I felt that some of the staff at the other location were aloof and quite frankly, it was odd eating at a yoga studio. Their new locale is much classier.
(4)
Cedric J.
Good food takes time, and at Blossoming Lotus, that means approximately an hour for a simple sandwich (it's a damned good one, but it is simple). Food: 4 (top-notch, organic, raw, vegan fare.) Atmosphere: 4 (gorgeous chandeliers, skylights, pretty vegans) Service: -2 (order at the counter, wait for an hour for your meal at a recently-deserted table because there aren't enough staff. The servers/staff are very nice, this is an institutional problem. And it isn't the size of the kitchen anymore because it is absolutely huge and gorgeous!) Value: 3 (This would be a 2, but since they're super green and involved in the community, they get a bump. I don't understand why vegetarian food is more expensive than pork for the life of me, though. It is lower on the food chain and everything. 9$ for a sandwich is a lot of money.) Sustainability: 5 (These guys walk the walk, incorporate all the costs of their actions, and are doing a lot of good for society and the environment. I want to make sure that they stay in business, though, and this service thing is a problem.) The Blossoming Lotus is a wonderful institution. In fact, today, I was feeling sort of sad and mopey, so I wanted a pick-me-up; I figured eating vegan would do it. Sure enough, it did. The new digs (I was familiar with the Pearl location) are far superior: the seating, the art, the kitchen is cavernous and amazing. They have cookbooks that I highly recommend (and note that I'm not a vegan), and their food is delicious and unapologetically vegan (no vegan-style hamburgers here: you get vegetarian and you get it done right). I have zero complaints about the food and the restaurant; I'm concerned that the management is lacking in some way that creates no-win situations for the people working the front of the house. I was there for lunch for 90 minutes and it has been that way every time I've gone (even in the old location). I'm concerned that it will kill business, even though they've cornered the vegan market in this area of town. If one competitor moves in and gives you salad rolls that are live and vegan in under 60 minutes, the BL will be no longer. And that would be a shame. Veganism is associated with upper class or hippie leanings. The name of the place lends itself to awareness and awakening. But this won't last in its current formation. In order for veganism to spread, it has to be competitive in price and service (it is way comparable in flavour as far as I'm concerned). I'm all for it, but the deck is already stacked against it. This place needs to try harder. So, go if you have the time. Chances are, you're well-to-do anyway. But if you work the mall or otherwise have some boss breathing down your neck, this is out of reach for you both on the grounds of cost and time. Sorry, you'll have to settle for Taco Bell. Let the revolution flounder! I'll check up on it in about 3 months. Let's see how they do...
(2)
Del R.
I have long been a fan of Blossoming Lotus starting when they were located inside the Yoga Pearl in NW. They offered a great selection of pre-packaged whole and raw foods, delectable desserts, hot foods and wines--all of vegans, many raw. Then BL moved to NE 15th. I was very excited by this move as it is closer to my neck of the woods. I've been a few times, but the vibe has totally changed. No longer can you quickly grab any pre-packaged foods and long gone is the dessert case. They are now an exclusively sit down restaurant. Now don't get me wrong, there menu still offers a host of delicious options and I actually find their staff to be a lot friendlier than at the previous location, but I've lost that lovin' feeling, just a bit with the new digs. .sigh. Oh, and one more thing, the prices are still pretty high, perhaps even a little more than before.
(4)
Petra L.
They now serve lunch and have expanded their dinner menu! This has been accompanied by a few unwelcome changes (the tofu in their Caribbean Platter now has 50% of its former jerk spice glory), but they now also run entree specials, one of which I enjoyed last night - curry-crusted tempeh with almond rice pilaf, cashew-based raita, peach chutney, and green beans/zucchini. Also, do yourself two favors: 1) Order a young coconut. You'll be given an entire coconut with a straw (and a spoon for post-imbibing coconut-consumption!) 2) If they're offering their live chocolate mousse cake, order it immediately. Order one to go. Just don't try to eat a piece by yourself. It's smooth, rich, and utterly decadent. Our dessert was on the house last night. I like to think it's because I'm such a prolific Yelp user. Right?
(5)
Richard V.
The Sunday brunch here is five star worthy, but the normal lunch fare is certainly worth checking out. The place is typically understaffed, but the servers are very friendly and try their best. The food is slightly more pricey for what it is, but it ain't easy being not cheesy. The BBQ sandwich is ridiculously good on the lunch menu. For brunch do the Seitan nachos and/or one of the specials.
(4)
Ann K.
Date Visited: Sunday 2/7/10 (Brunch) I thought it was interesting when Blossoming Lotus opened up a new location and then even more interesting when the original location closed. I wasn't sure what to expect when I looked on-line and saw that they had added new menus and food items to their menu. What a difference a move makes! This location was bright and had an upscale feel to it. Parking was okay on one of the side streets. We were seated at a table by the big mirror and decided to get the Florentine Scramble ($10) and the Loaded Home Fries ($7). The first word that came to mind when I tried the scramble was SALTY. It would have been great if the salt content were cut in half. The home fries were yummy, as were the regular home fries that came with the scramble. Actually, the home fries were needed to pair up with the scramble to create a decently seasoned bite of food, so they really saved the meal. I'd be willing to go back and order another scramble to see if the salt issue was a random thing or if it's normal for this location. The old location was more convenient, but as my husband pointed out, it's nice that we don't have to be quiet for the Yoga patrons and that we aren't forced to take off our shoes to go into the restroom.
(4)
T. A.
Great food, REALLY bad service. HORRIBLE service. If you like really good vegan food, that you might not get for about an hour due to waiting or the waiter/waitress forgetting what it is you ordered (this includes drinks and water), then this is the place for you!!
(2)
Margaret R.
I am vegetarian not vegan but I love the food here. The food is good tasting and healthy. It is so good tasting that I can even bring my meat loving, vegetable hating friends.
(4)
Asso F.
If you eat here for every meal from 5 years old to 75 years old you'll be faster, smarter, more energetic, more patient, prettier, happier, richer, and best of all you will most likely live past 120 years old. Try it and see. If it doesn't Work in any way the owners will comp you your next meal.
(4)
Jessica M.
I have heard about this restaurant for a couple of months now so i was dying to go. Its the only raw restaurant I've been hearing about in Portland. I ordered the raw nachos and green goddess bowl. The food was delicious. My one major disappointment was the ambiance. They need a serious make over!!! The overall feel of the restaurant is cold and bland; lacks in character, creativity, and color. I expected a place that serves living, vibrant food to have an ambiance that reflects the same feel.
(3)
Sadegh A.
Friendly and delicious, healthy and classy portlandish feel, this place is the best vegan cafe you will find (from my experience). 1. Try the lavender lemonade!! So tart and sweet and just so awesome it makes my mouth water just thinking about it!!!! 2. The rice bowls with steamed kale and the different sauces are so gooooood! 2. The chocolate coconut milk fudge is amazing!!! 3. The soy curls are remarkably tasty. Oh so tasty! 4. Friendly staff. 5. Cool atmosphere. 6. The food and surroundings make you feel healthy, and energized, ready for the day! Eat here!!!! I LOVE IT! (I also feel I am using the exclamation mark too much!)
(5)
Sarah M.
Food is absolutely amazing but the atmosphere kills it. Tables are way too close together. It's hard to have a conversation without sharing it with everyone around you. Not to mention the music is always blaring. Also the wait staff is almost always standoffish and cold. Best way to eat here is to go.
(3)
Jason W.
Take it from this meat eater, you won't miss the fact that you're not eating it. The way they are able to great the flavor combinations and textures is amazing. The Live Nachos are a must have. The Bibimbap was the right kind of spicy and the portion was huge. The bruschetta was equally delicious! There really hasn't been anything on their menu I didn't like. Check them out.
(5)
Crysta I.
Beautiful inside and the food is creative. However there is a long wait and they have a hard time keeping up with a large crowd. We happened to be listed behind a group of 12, even though they reserved 10. We stood there and watched out table sit empty while they ran around trying to make the table of 12 ready with waters and everything before they sat down. Then we were in the same area with the large loud group and ignored. Other people came in right after us and sat right down, finished eating, and left before we could finish our food. The bbq bowl is very good. The tacos are creative and flavorful. But you will pay for the trendy food and area.
(4)
Carrie R.
Holy WOW! This place is amazing! It is tucked away in a great location near Llyod Center. I tried the live nachos which were spicy and delicious (plus really healthy). Then I tried the soy curls with the whiskey bbq sauce and macaroni and cheese. I did a double take because I couldn't believe that the cheese sauce was made out of just vegetables. I wasn't a big fan of the side kale salad. My friend tried the raw vegetable spirals topped with the green curry. It was so fresh and tasty. For dessert I tried the raw fudge which was good, but I was definitely kicking myself that I didn't order the raw chocolate cheesecake that my friend ordered. The cocktails looked amazing and there are multiple other dishes that I can't wait to try. I left feeling healthy and invigorated and wanting more. Plus the prices were really reasonable. This place is the BEST for vegan and raw food!!!
(5)
Donna S.
Don't walk, RUN to BL! It's AMAZING food -- whether you're vegan or not. We had, for lunch, the trio of tacos & all were good, but the BBQ with tofu curls won, hands down. :) THEN, the next day, we went back for DINNER & had the Seitan Steak & a special with vegan Kimchi. The Kimchi dish was beyond tasty. And, though we never had ROOM for dessert, they looked good. They made a different soft serve each day! DEFINITELY recommend this place to ANYONE. :)
(5)
Amy L.
I love the Live sample plate. Everything was delicious on it the live falafel balls, the cilantro cheese. I shared with with my sister and we were both full at the end. They give you big portions of carefully prepared food. Everything was perfectly seasoned even the live pizza tasted like pizza I don't know how they did the roasted tomato taste without cooking the tomatoes but they did it. I did come for brunch once and the coconut french toast was equally amazing. Would definitely return again. It's a bit pricey but nice to go once in a while for great quality yummy food. Servers were very nice and very knowledgeable about how the food is prepared.
(5)
Christina T.
Amazing flavorful food that could fool meat eaters. I could not decide what to order so I asked for help and ended up eating the BBQ bowl which just knocked my socks off. The waitress recommended it and I was very pleased with it. If there were more greens that would've been lovely but hey i'm not complaining. Great atmosphere to have dinner for two or for a group of people. We went in around 730 on a saturday evening and it was about a 25 minute wait. Service was pretty good, price was pretty good, overall a great vegan restaurant that I wish I could return to. (Just visiting OR)
(5)
Kevin C.
Superb food, ambience and staff. The sweet potato empanadas are incredible. More of an adult place at night than a family one. My wife and I did take small kids there during the day snd it seemed okay - but overall this is not a place for loud kids. Lol.
(5)
Amy W.
Incredible food and drinks and laid back feel. Service attentive and not pushy. Must haves: nachos, lemon bomb, and live cheesecake.
(5)
Christy H.
This place is amazing! I love the friendly service. The ambiance is open and inviting. The servers are always in a great mood and love discussing the menu options here. They have a ton of options for those that love vegan food and those of us that maybe just want to try something new. I usually come here for lunch. Around noon it starts to get a little crowded and you may need to wait a bit, but I think you will find that it is totally worth it! The food here is fresh, like really really fresh. You won't get any meat or animal products here. Everything is vegan. Period. I am a huge fan of their bowls. I love the Green Bowl. Served with a nice base of uncooked super greens, and topped with your choice of brown rice or quinoa, cooked collard greens, edamame beans, cucumber, avocado, and a light miso dressing. The portion size is huge and I can't ever seem to finish it. In fact I can often make it into almost two meals. Bonus lunch for tomorrow! They have a ton of other options including wraps, tacos, soups, desserts, coffee, tea, digestifs, and a good amount of fresh pressed juices! A full bar is present and some of the cocktails look intriguing but I can't say I have tried any yet. Need to come back for dinner.
(5)
Donna K.
What?!?! This is food bunnies would eat? I would never guess! The flavors of every dish I've ordered has been delicious and flavorful. Doesn't taste vegan at all!! The ratatouie with polenta is amazing! The bbq bowl is also delicious as well as the cuban bowl! So glad they rotate their menu so I can taste all the delicious concoctions that the chef whips up! They inspire me to cook better! The cocktails are also amazing one of my favorites is the one with fresh beet juice in it. Something about beet juice that blends with alcohol that feels like a body cleanser. Shhh! Just let me believe! The margarita is also bomb! One time I had to wait for one hour before being seated, but it was well worth it since we can sip on cocktails while we wait! Ooo forgot to mention how yummy the perogis with sauce were!! Bonus: they also have gluten free options for the people that want to live bloated free.
(5)
Kathryn K.
What is beyond "go to"? This is it. I'd eat three times a day here if I could. This is some of the most delicious inspired vegan food I've ever eaten. I've been here three times already and couldn't write the first two times because I was too blissed out.
(5)
Steve O.
We had been on the road for about a week. For vegetarians, vegans or, in our case pescatarians, travelling means dietary disaster or at least hardship. We will virtually always ere on the side of vegan when it's available, so when the Yelp! app turned up this place just a nine minute drive from our hotel, we were thrilled. We were even more thrilled once we arrived. Being from the Los Angeles area, we're no strangers to vegan places creating magical approximations of non-vegan dishes, but none to our knowledge have taken it where Blossoming Lotus did. My wife ordered the bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish. and this interpretation was awesome! I ordered the barbecue bowl which, again, recreated all of the favorites you would expect based on the name, including amazing "beef" (which was NOT described using the the word beef, btw) and wondrous mac and cheese. But, beyond the great food and wonderful service, what really separated this place from the vegan joints we hit in LA was (drum roll) A BAR!!! We opted for the amazing beer they had on draft - forgive me for forgetting the name, but it was local, so why bother remembering? - and it washed down the spicy perfection of the food magnificently. This is a place carnivores should make a note of so that they have a place in their back pocket that they can enjoy right along side their vegan friends... or at least have a drink while they wait.
(5)
Dawn T.
The food was ok. Burger was dry. Live nachos about the size of a hand. Service sucked. I guess they all work in the kitchen because no one was covering front of restaurant. Servers were rude and unfriendly. One visit was enough for us.
(1)
Chris C.
This place was much healthier than what I usually eat but the food was still really good.
(4)
Men H.
All the food and drinks here were a solid 4.8 out of 5. Excellent food and drinks across the board. Delicious vegan dishes.
(5)
Ricks G.
Food here is really good. It's all vegan and the service is nice and courteous. Some might say that it's a little pricey but the fact that they serve vegan and organic food justifies it. Will surely visit again.
(4)
Ashwin N.
One of the best places with delicious and creative dishes. Highly recommend the live nachos and the cheesecakes.
(5)
Bijana K.
I've been going to Blossoming Lotus in Portland since they were over in NW. When they were there, they offered $1 soft serve to go and we went almost daily in summer. I went for the vegan soft serve and stayed for the amazing food. The first time I ate there, I was literally blown away. This restaurant is single-handedly responsible for my interest in vegan cuisine. Because what they do is so delicious. This is one of the few restaurants (another notable being Native Foods Cafe) where I usually order something different every time I go. Most places do a few things right and I find a favorite and stick with it, without regrets. At Blossoming Lotus, I always order something different because I don't want to miss out on a new delicious favorite. I've had a few misses, but mostly I've had great meals. If in doubt, go with friends and order entrees to eat family style. A few of my favorites: live nachos, any bowl, live wrap, coconut chai. The restaurant is a little on the small side and very popular, so give yourself plenty of time. Also, you'll want to remember, especially with the live options, that vegetables/vegan food can be really filling. So pace yourself. And return often. Bon appetite!
(5)
Victor D.
Apple cinnamon roll , can't complain. I was halfway full. And breakfast burrito was good too. But my maca mocha smoothie was little muddy but acceptable...hmmm ...Service was great and would definitely go back on my vegetarian days
(4)
Sari M.
Delicious. My husband and I are both vegan and ate here a few times during our trip to Portland. Everything was delicious.Service was very good. There were many things on the menu I wanted to try!
(5)
Sami L.
You must try the Thai wrap, this is a delicious dish and I can't recommend it enough. I wonder if I will ever have the chance to try anything else on the menu because I love it so much. Anyways this place has a lovely ambiance with decent service. I can't wait to go again!
(5)
Michael R.
Holy crap! That was outstanding! I too must gush about the whiskey ginger BBQ sandwich! Most awesome. They have Vegan cocktails!
(5)
Amy L.
I've come here for brunch a few times, and the food has always been very good. The service is really nice, and it's just a really cute environment. It is a bit small so large groups would probably have some trouble, but overall the seating wasn't too terrible. Outdoor seating on a sunny day is optimal.
(4)
susan l.
i'm a carnivore (rarr), but the food here didnt make me miss meat at all or notice that some of the food was raw. what i ate: - beer special of the day (sorry totally forgot what it was. some kind of IPA) delicious, cheap - live nachos: i never thought raw food could taste this good. being from southern california where there are plenty of vegetarian/vegan places, i have never been truly impressed with the raw food ive tried. these nachos were outrageously good. you seriously wont miss regular nachos while eating this. all the flavors and textures of nachos were there. try them! - trio of tacos: i cant remember which was which. the thai taco though had a spicy kick to it. i liked the tacos; they were a fresh veggie take, but i wasnt blown away witht he tacos as much as the live nachos. - fried artichoke fritters: fried food food you dont have to feel as guilty about? im not sure. but these were okay. artichoke hearts and a creamy citrusy ranch dipping sauce. pros: - live nachos! they were seriously that good! - happy hour menu, everything on this menu was about $5, definitely nothing over $10. perfect for a light afternoon snack. or a heavy afternoon snack - decor/ambiance: clean, calm. the elegance of a sit down restaurant without the stuffiness or pretension. a bit more upscale then a cafe - server was friendly - menu was diverse with a nice selection of vegetarian/vegan dishes. also their drink menu (alcoholic and non alcoholic) was extensive also! lots of fresh squeezed juices, smoothies, teas, and a nice set of cocktails, beer, wines cons: - cant really think of any would i come again? sure
(5)
Diane C.
Since I have been on a near-vegan diet, I have been searching out vegetarian/vegan restaurants and was so thrilled to find the Blossoming Lotus. I have had lunch here once and breakfast twice. The food is great...interesting and varied, well-prepared, and delicious. I have been stymied on finding things to cook and this place gave me lots of ideas. The portions are good sized, too. The service is always great; friendly and quick. I will definitely keep coming here.
(5)
Alison V.
This is a healthy, organic, Portland type of place. I had one of the specials which was spaghetti type noodles, with pesto, tomatoes, and artichokes. It was good! I could tell it was healthier which of course is good, but still had a great taste. My dad got the live veggie wrap. It was good, although I recommend splitting it with someone because it's a lot to have for just one meal. I also split my spaghetti, and we shared the potato/quinoa cakes. I definitely recommend those! I really don't think you can go wrong if you're into caring what goes into your body. Check it out!
(4)
Samantha D.
Sooooooo yummy!!! Great ambience great service, everything is delicious esp the appetizer raw rolls (forget the exact name) I dream about those things... If I ever return to portland I will be back!
(5)
Jarrod S.
I love this place! To be honest, I had eaten their food a dozen times before going to the actual restaurant. I had been picking up wraps for lunch at Food Fight when I am in the area because it's so damn convenient. After learning they were open for happy hour on Saturday, I made it a point to go. When I walked in, I saw three words on the special board I never thought I would get to say out loud since becoming vegan..."BEER CHEESE SOUP" The day before I was talking with someone that couldn't stop talking about perogies; they had them on the Happy Hour menu so of course I had to order them...WOW! The server was great, when asking about buying some soup to go, they had some already waiting in the cooler by the door! I can't wait to go back, the happy hour is a great deal and it's a nice place for a drink and some awesome food! It just happens to be vegan too!
(5)
J I.
Overview: For all of those people who think breakfast means eggs, meat and the week old fruit cup this place is a refreshing change. Food: I'm not a vegan or even a vegetarian but I must say this food was delicious. I tried the scramble made with cashew paste and my sister tried the biscuits and gravy. Though mine was good- the biscuits and gravy was amazing ... Possibly the best I've ever had! Atmosphere: Interesting design, somewhere between contemporary minimalism and Portland eclectic style. Service: Pretty slow.... Err really slow. As a New Yorker, I would have normally gone crazy with their level of service but I was having a nice Sunday brunch with my sister. It is worth noting that the servers are very pleasant but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if they are all stoned out of their mind. Main issue: they had open tables.... A whole lot of them and yet they made people wait out the door?
(3)
Jackson L.
So, check this out: I'm not Vegan. Nowhere near. As a matter of fact, I'm probably the farthest thing from it. So... why am i here? My wife is flirting with the idea of becoming fully Vegan, and our foray into Portland quickly became a tour of the Vegan underbelly with yours truly being pulled along for the ride. This was our first stop, and she dragged me here kicking and screaming. I walked out of this place full, satisfied, and not craving a cheeseburger in the least bit. Seriously. The food here is fantastic. We had the Mac n' cheese, the pierogis, the bibimbap, and the wife had the cheesecake for dessert. The Mac was creamy and rich, the pierogis were toothsome and reminiscent of a potsticker, and the bibimbap was by far my wife's favorite (not Dolsot, mind you, but still quite delicious). My wife tells me that the chocolate swirled cheesecake was clean, smooth, and sophisticated (her word). My best Vegan food experience prior to this place was The Ravens restaurant in Mendocino, which is nowhere near as tasty and seriously twice (or in some cases, three times) the price. If Vegan food this good was consistently available at more places across the country, I might consider making the switch. MIGHT. All kidding aside, though, I was seriously impressed with this place and would be fully docile and cooperative if my wife wanted to take me here again next time we're in Portland. Peep it.
(5)
Lauren S.
Not bad for a vegan place. I would go again, but probably get something different. One thing I liked a lot about this place is that the menu has stuff on it that is seen in a lot of typical restaurants, like roasted potatoes. The waiter was really knowledgeable about the drink selection, and I ended up loving my drink. My friend loved hers as well. I ordered the three taco plate, with each taco being different. One of them was really gross, and had that "im trying to taste like but am not quite meat" taste. The others were VERY good. So. Overall, good. Not quite amazing. But worth a try, especially if you're a vegan.
(4)
Christopher G.
I love this place. Fresh clean delicious food. Great service. Seated us quickly on a Friday night. Had the beet ravioli. Portion sizes were great and filling. Great exotic beer on tap and samples. Reasonably priced this place is a great place to bring anyone.
(5)
Sherry W.
Blooming lotus, very nice Vegan restaurant. Traveling with two meat eaters, and they all love it. Thanks for give in for me. We enjoyed bibimbap, although the tofu is pink color but has awesome smoky taste. The veggie sushi wow taste so good! Wish they open one in LA.
(5)
Sam P.
Maybe I'm prejudiced from so many rave reviews, so I'm giving it three stars to help lower the expectations. Staff was fine, the skull art was a little odd. Don't get me wrong, the food is good, we had the perogies, the beet and carrot salad, the butternut squash and the cheesecake, but none of it 'wowed' us.
(3)
Julia S.
So impressed by Blossoming Lotus. This gem is on the north east side of Portland off of Broadway street- kind of in a strange location. I checked this place out on Yelp and couldn't believe how many positive reviews were posted about this place. We had to check it out! Today we ordered two Green Lantern juices, the live nachos, and a BBQ tofu bowl. We went in at about 2pm and the place was packed. It took a while to get all our items, but the wait was worthwhile. As a self proclaimed juice snob, I was happy with our green juice. The juice was just the usual apple, greens, basil and lime combination- a personal favorite of mine. The price was decent and it tasted refreshing. I fell in love with the live nachos. I've heard a lot of great things about them via Yelp so it was first on my list. The taste reminded me of the Whole Bowl, off of Hawthorne. The combination of the avocado, salsa and live chips reminded me of the nummy food. Anyway, the flavors were so tasty I had to take a break after eating two of the nachos. The BBQ bowl was great too! The meal came with mac n' cheese, a carrot/apple salad mixture, BBQ tofu and some lovely cornbread. I am so obsessed with this cornbread!!! I would go back here just to eat copious amounts of cornbread, not sure if this is healthy or not.... My husband mentioned that he thought the tofu tasted just like pork. You can't go wrong here!
(5)
Josh P.
Outstanding customer service. Comfortable atmosphere. Incredible, creative vegan cuisine! This place is THE BEST.
(5)
Sharon D.
First exclusively vegan restaurant I've ever been to, and I will definitely do it again. I had the BBQ bowl upon someone's great review of it on Yelp, and I'm so glad I did. I've only been a vegan for a month and a half, so I really miss cheese. The mac and cheese that came with the BBQ tasting things was delicious and really made me feel like I was eating cheese. The BBQ part of the dish (I don't even know what it was) was equally delicious. The restaurant had great ambiance too.
(5)
Hilde Morin M.
I would have never thought that Vegan can be so good! Didn't miss the meat or dairy at this place at all. In addition to the wonderful and fresh flavors, the food is artfully presented. I had their signature life nachos...the BEST nachos I have ever had. Life nachos means that they were prepared under a certain temperature but I can't remember what it was. Their lentil hamburger is another favorite which I'll try next.
(4)
Isaac J.
Still great food, but since about 2007 they service has gone down hill more and more. Really a shame. It's delicious don't get me wrong....but if you want quality vegan food and great service try Portabello or Prasad.
(4)
Parker T.
We've been here for lunch multiple times, happy hour twice, & brunch once; each experience has been marked by artfully presented, exceptionally flavored vegan cuisine & attentive & friendly service, whether seated inside or out. We've agreed the brunch meal we both ordered, the Curry Tofu Scramble ($12 w/ herb roasted home fries & steamed kale) has been our favorite dish thus far, but we've also thoroughly enjoyed the Marinated Kale Salad ($12), the Green Goddess Bowl ($9.5 lunch/$6.50 happy hour), & the Masala Bowl ($10.5). We look forward to each weekly visit.
(5)
Rmy M.
Blossoming Lotus is one of the highlights of our trip to Portland! The food we had - DRINK Citrus - Very refreshing drink The Roots - I didn't like this one. Raw beetroot is really not my thing APPETIZER Warm Asparagus - Highly recommend! The asparagus was fresh and tender, not over done. I was pleasantly surprised by the generous serving size for an appetizer. For 6$ this dish is a steal! Soup Du Jour White Bean Tomatoes - Good Soup. I liked it. ENTREE Crispy Coconut Tofu - Highly Recommend! Honestly, I haven't tasted this good Tofu before. The coconut and tofu combination was just sublime. DESSERT Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie - Meh! Nothing great about this one. I am already eyeing their Rolls and Bowls for my next visit. I really liked the ambiance. The decor is cozy with lots of tea lights all over the place. It is great for casual dates and small groups. If you area a vegan/vegetarian, then definitely check this place out!
(5)
Lauren C.
Blossoming Lotus was my very first raw experience. I was hesitant, but it ended up being such a treat! My first visit I wimped out and had one of the non raw fares, a vegan Southwestern Bowl. The flavor profile was incredible! Sooo packed with rich, flavorful goodness. I took home a raw breakfast parfait, and it was one of the most Devine things I've ever eaten, I often find myself craving it!!! On my second visit I had the live nachos, also incredible. Who knew(not me) that raw food could have so many textures, and extraordinary flavors.
(5)
Joseph S.
I was excited to see Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti on the menu. I make really good Spaghetti Squash, and it's one of my favorite things to eat. It was probably the most bland vegan food I have ever had. The meatballs were hard (not crispy) outside, and left the feeling in my mouth dry and an aftertaste that didn't wash away. I could go without the meatballs, but whatever, they are there. I can forgive "meat-like" food being bad, because that's usually when vegan food is at its worse. The marinara was unexciting, but passable. The nutmeg parm was tasteless, but it didn't detract from anything. But the spaghetti squash itself was so bland. It is like they spared the entire spice rack. There was a complete absence of garlic. If there was basil or parsley, it didn't come through. I felt like when I added table salt and pepper - it was the first time any seasoning touched that food. Someone let me try their cheesecake. It was slightly bitter swirled with something sweet. They nailed the creamy feeling, but the flavor was so wildly off anything good and it left the worst aftertaste I've ever had in my mouth. Luckily a friend of mine let me try his soy pumpkin ice cream, and that was easily the best thing I tasted there, and helped cleanse the palate from that cheesecake. It actually had a slight pumpkin pie crust flavor in there, which I enjoyed. I think Portland needs more competing vegan restaurants, so that this place could up their game. I'd rather cook at home than dine-out here. I'm doubtful I'll ever return.
(2)
Jocelyn A.
We were staying in the area for a few days and were so excited to try this place, especially given the great reviews. Husband had the fingerling potatoes and the Bibimbap (sp?) and I had the asparagus, and the burger. Our server was lovely and patient, and quite efficient. All the food runners were fun and pleasant to chat with. Husband got deathly ill within an hour of his meal. He wasn't sick with anything viral, had no fever, no aches, was perfectly fine before his meal. And after he spent an hour with his head in the toilet he was much better. I sent two contacts to the restaurant via their website - the first one to let them know the situation, and to give them a heads up that something may have gone off on their line so that no one else would be fed a questionable ingredient. The second one to see if they had received my first feedback form. No replies to either one. Literally quite shocked about this. I wasn't demanding a refund, or rude, or litigious. Our meal was $50, and we tipped the server 20%, so $60 in total. We don't expect that back, but what we were hoping for was a simple acknowledgement, maybe an apology? We received neither, and for that reason the low star review. Well, that and the deathly ill and vomiting husband. This place is great conceptually and obviously a lot of people love it. But for us, no thank you!
(1)
Erik F.
Yes, you should come to this restaurant. It is AMAZING! I was so blown away...this is my first Yelp post. I was so compelled I needed to write about it. Stop searching. Go there now. The live nachos are crazy good. The pumpkin empanadas were ridiculous. The feta, beet salad had me almost in tears. Just....go!
(5)
S. G.
Vegan couple here. This is our weekly brunch spot. We deviate from time to time, but end up here most every Sunday. Start out with a hot chai (housemade blend), a cinnamon roll, (yeasty pumpkin and pecan goodness) then get one of their tofu scrambles or the hazelnut/banana waffle. If you're not feeling any of those, get the breakfast burrito with the cashew sour cream and hot sauce. They just changed their menu, and those are the best things on it, in my opinion. They also have some of the most unique and delicious cocktails I've ever come across. I HIGHLY recommend the Rhuby slipper, which features a delicious rhubarb liquer....something that I didn't know even existed. I LOVE that cocktail. My favorite lunch or dinner dish: THE BBQ BOWL (used to be the BBQ plate.) The only thing I regret is the fact that I couldn't try everything on the old menu before they changed it. But that is ok. I am up to trying everything they have currently. Their daily specials are always good, their daily soups are ALWAYS good, and their cakes are always deeeeelicious. I have to stop myself from grabbing a slice every time we leave. My favorite part: I don't have to make sure they veganize anything, because everything is vegan. It's such a relief.
(5)
John L.
Disclaimer: I am not vegan/vegetarian. LIke all other vegan/vegetarian restaurants I've tried the menu items are hit or miss. Overall it is probably one of the better vegan restaurants I've tried. I really liked the white bean dip and the artichoke fritters. The mac n cheese was surprisingly decent. I usually can't stand fake cheese. The BBQ soy curls were pretty decent. The masala was just ok. The drinks were all pretty good. Lavender lemonade was good but a bit on the perfumy-side for me. The OJ was pretty darn good if not a bit overpriced. I thought the service was pretty good. Will probably be back sometime in the future.
(4)
Daniella K.
Phenominal food and friendly service! I ordered the scramble and for vegan food, it was of course healthy, but very hearty too. The flavors are amazing! They were slammed for lunch, but instead of being overly flustered waiters with attitudes (like most places during busy time) they were very apologetic and very attentive.
(5)
Jade B.
Vegans rejoice - healthy, delicious and not too pricey. Yes pleas - I will be here every time I am in town. Also - have a dessert!
(5)
Don B.
I think I can fairly say that Blossoming Lotus has really picked up its game as far as service goes. While still spotty at times, things seem to be greatly improved as of late. Attentive care, recognition and offers of apology when the food is taking a while, and a much more focused attitude. Combine this with the 5-star food as described in my original reviews, and you've got a winner. Fresh, delicious, creative, filling, wholesome vegan food. So tasty. I'd eat it all the time if I could afford it. My current obsession is the BBQ sandwich with added avocado. GET IN MY BELLY!
(5)
Crystal T.
Went here once a couple years ago and hadn't been back since- not for lack of love but I don't get over to that part of town often. Decided to meet a friend here for dinner recently and was reminded of how much this place rocks! Had the spaghetti squash with meatless balls- TO DIE FOR! Went back a few days later with my sweetie for the cobb salad which was pretty amazing as well- topped with coconut bacon!.
(5)
Adrian K.
If my juice didn't taste like the bowels of hell this place would be 5 stars. Delicious Thai tacos made up for it though.
(4)
Rachel P.
Blossoming lotus is on point. Both times I've been there I got the BBQ bowl. It's excellent. The second time around it was a hard decision because everything looks so bomb, but I had to go with the BBQ again. I've had multiple appetizers, desserts, and drinks. All were amazing. I definitely recommend this vegan restaurant to anyone looking for great high quality food. The waiters are some of the friendliest people too. Keep it up!!
(5)
Polly P.
Yummy dinner! Every time I frequent this restaurant, they have never let me down yet. I'm not a vegetarian or a vegan. And I'm so impressed by the quality and taste of food here. Everything is fresh and tasty. And I love the presentation. It is as good as the taste of the food! This restaurant gets crowded. And it is a rather small place. You can't really have an intimate candle dinner here because you'll almost be touching elbows with your neighbors. Also, I don't think it is really a place to bring kids because of the tight space.
(5)
Sherry S.
Our Ghana girl returned safely from volunteering. We wanted to celebrate this adventure and so what better place! We started with the creamy and dreamy pesto/white bean dip and the artichoke fritters that have a tasty lemon/caper ranch dipping sauce. I also had to have one of their green monk cocktails which is thai chili infused in gin, green chartreuse, cilantro simple syrup, cucumber etc. All things green basically. And of course green is usually good. I ordered their special which was the moussaka. It was ridiculously divine and consisted of mushrooms, squash, eggplant, green/yellow beans with bechamel sauce as well as this to-die-for reddish sauce surrounding the outside of the moussaka. 4 stars because we came in as the 3rd table and watched others follow in and fill up the tables right after us. We ended up being almost dead last when we got waited on. Bottom line, they really know how to dress up vegan to make you never miss eating meat again. Not to be preachy, but if you ever considered becoming a vegan - eat here once and you'll never have to ask why.
(4)
Mira M.
Ok, I'm tired of the gluten-free/vegan/seaweed bandwagon that everyone wants to hop on - regardless of actual necessity - just as much as the next person. But Blossoming Lotus isn't a gimmick! It's real, good-quality food that can appeal to vegans and carnivores (read: me) alike. They have an awesome weekend brunch: My favorite dish is the "creamy" grits with hollandaise over steamed kale. (HOW and WHY it tastes so much like cheese is still beyond me.) Their weekday happy hour is also fun - all of the tacos are legit. Definitely a great addition to the Irvington neighborhood!
(5)
Emma V.
Always delicious, every time. It is a great place for a date night. It is usually pretty quiet and a nice place to go relax and have a great dinner. I was vegan for years and loved their food and now as a meat eater I will still go back. They also have vegan soft serve which is to die for. They offer hot vegan and raw options- a little for everyone. The prices are a little higher but worth it. The food always tastes fresh fresh fresh!
(5)
Briana S.
Vegan food that doesn't come across as healthy. I'm not a vegan, or a vegetarian, but I try and lean toward a more plant-based diet when I can. With a place like Blossoming Lotus, that's easy. I've been twice and left full and satisfied both times. One time they had a portobello mushroom special that was delish, and the second time, my friend and I tried a few plates to nosh on. Food has always had a lot of flavor. I tried vegan cheese for the first time, and while it doesn't taste like cheese to me, it was good. The artichoke heart fritters are a must. My palate has definitely explored more new options from the great menu here and I look forward to coming again on a future PDX visit.
(4)
Yelper S.
Really liked the food & ambience. Staff is quite attentive and friendly. My husband and I were liked the drinks that were served. I appreciated the fact that the bartender removed the ice before serving them! We weren't impressed with the ratatouille we ordered.. Other than that, the food was delicious! & healthy options were available as well!! Going back for more, soon!!
(4)
Sarah O.
This place was amazing! Went on a day to trip to Portland and ate way to much! Everything is tasty and fresh! Get a kombucha and eat outside!
(5)
Noey D.
Still love this place! They just updated the menu and it now includes a delicious veggie burger! It was awesome and had great texture! We split the burger and the breakfast burrito - a yummy combo! Be sure to ask for the side sauces for the burrito - hot sauce and a cream.
Vegetarian, vegan, raw, gluten free? This place tends to those with specific dietary guidelines in the most delicious of ways. They offer finely crafted, healthy meals that taste like cheat meals but are not; smoothies containing super food blends that a true nutritionalist respects; excellent drinks including local wines and fruity cocktails; deserts that are too good to be true and more. The ambience is relaxing and offers a casual place to study and hangout. I myself follow a mostly vegan diet and have made this place my go-to.
(5)
Terra F.
For dinner, my husband and I spit "the cuban bowl" (with added tofu) and the "marinated tofu with kimchi" bowl. Both dishes came out in about 10 minutes and were super yummy. We also got some gluten free cake to go, which was pretty good. Service was prompt but could have been a bit more friendly (though to be fair, they were busy). The tables are too close together in my opinion.
(4)
Brett R.
This place has so many amazing brunch options I find it difficult to choose! Even my non-vegan friends thoroughly enjoy this place. Recently started going to happy hour on Fridays... Great value and slower pace. I highly recommend trying it out. Over all amazing food options, cool atmosphere, and great staff!
(4)
Madeline A.
I'm finally getting around to writing a review for Blossoming Lotus! I've lived in lots of cities since becoming a vegan and Blossoming Lotus is still way WAY up there on my list of best vegan eats in the world. Where to begin on the pros? + healthy and exciting vegan dishes that delight the senses + healthy mocktails + raw desserts that are to. die. for. + impeccably friendly service + inviting atmosphere (love the art, large windows and open feel of the place as well as the pretty bar area) + plenty of raw options and local kombucha Cons: none that I can think of!
(5)
Reema H.
Vegan food at its best! Wow. So.Much.Goodness. We got appetizers, drinks, (chai latte - delish!) entrees and dessert. It was ALL good. The white bean hummus trio - meh, I'd skip. Some were better than others. The pasta was pretty spicy. My salad was really good. And even their tikka masala was unusual. Have to say the desserts were above par. I got the chocolate peppermint soft serve ice cream (gluten free!) and it was divinne. The other desserts ok but I wasn't as impressed. Cake and what not. I'm more of an ice cream. And the service was great. Nice vibe and cute little restaurant. Only wish they had them in SoCal!
(5)
A K.
I was meeting a group of friends with a variety of dietary restrictions so this was one of a handful of places recommended. I am not vegan, so I had a back up plan...if this was akin to eating birdseed...I would excuse myself from the ladies at the end of our dinner and grab a cheeseburger at the pub nearby. Turns out my backup plan remained on the shelf! Based on rave reviews, I ordered our table nachos and plantains. Both were delicious appetizers. We were with someone with nut allergies and she couldn't have the nachos or any of the sauces made with cashews...but there were still options for her. I had the Cuban bowl and it was way more than I could handle in one meal. If I were really careful with portions, I could have made three meals out of this bowl! We all decided to leave room for dessert. The lemon "cheesecake" was so amazing that it tasted like cheesecake, less rich, but still flavorful! My friend with the allergies was able to find truffles on the dessert menu that were nut-free so she could indulge. Again, I'm not vegan or vegetarian and left feeling satisfied and felt no need to grab a burger!
(4)
Kendall K.
Then people that work here are always wonderful and friendly and the food is always so amazing. The only thing I don't enjoy is the way they seem to seat their customers. I've been here multiple times as the next customer waiting for a table for 2, and see a table available for 2 but they have us sit and wait for sometimes ridiculous amounts of times. Besides that though, they're great.
(4)
Katherine L.
I would love to give this place a higher rating, the food is really quite delicious, and that's coming from a serious meat eater. But, the service is routinely so awful, that I just can't. My mother has to eat a gf/vegan diet, and lives far enough outside of Portland that she has a difficult time finding restaurants that she can eat at regularly. Every time my folks want to have a celebratory meal they come into town so I can bring them to Blossoming Lotus. It's a big deal for them to spend the money and they really look forward to it. But, I think yesterday was the last time we're going to be eating there because she's tired of feeling so unwelcome. I don't know if it's because they don't order any booze at happy hour, they don't drink for religious reasons, or because they don't look like they're the ideal cool clientele, but we get the same waiter every time and he's always rude and disinterested. We've had dishes forgotten until the last minute multiple times, and every question gets an eye contact-less, dismissive response. Until he brings the check and decides to be engaged for 30 seconds. I've worked in all arenas of food service for a long time, and I have never written a bad review about a restaurant. Last night I left my first tip under 20%, and I don't even feel bad about it at this point. I'm hoping we can find a replacement where the food is as good, and can actually be enjoyed.
(2)
Dayna D.
Amazing food with a delicious vegetarian menu. Super tasty and complex flavors. Very friendly staff!
(4)
Casey S.
Went here during the happy hour while visiting in Portland. Was definitely my favorite place we ate during the trip. Definitely recommend the live/raw nachos and the perogies. The service and atmosphere was great.
(5)
Alex H.
Live nachos. Enough said. They are the perfect amount of a starter dish and keep you wanting more. I had the vegan Mac and cheez and I was by far blown away. The creamy "cheez" tasted almost like butternut squash with a hint of cashew! Deeelishious! Coming back here? Checking YES
(5)
Lake G.
As a Texas-raised meat eater, I was skeptical of going to a vegan/vegetarian restaurant. But I'm always happy to try new restaurants, and Blossoming Lotus had great reviews- so why not? This place is incredible. Meat-eater or not, this place is worth a visit. Everything from the apps (live pizza/live nachos) to the entrees (anything, but get a side of cornbread) is wonderful. Other restaurants cheat and make 'tasty' food by frying it or adding salt/fat/etc to their food, but Blossoming Lotus is forced to be creative since their stuff so healthy. My hat is off to them for how well they do. The only reason I didn't rate this restaurant 5 stars is because of the uneven service, especially at lunch time. A few times we've come in and been more or less ignored by the waitstaff, despite it being a very small location (and not many people were present at lunch). Acknowledging your customers and being polite goes a long way to engendering repeat business
(4)
Brooke G.
First of all, I'm not a vegan, but I can appreciate vegan or vegetarian food. Blossoming Lotus was great from the beverage options to the cheesecake. They have gluten-free options, as well, and because of my personal dietary restrictions, I was thrilled to have so many options. The service at Blossoming Lotus was typical of many Portland joints...mediocre. Everything I tasted was fantastic. I ordered the lavender lemonade, the beet salad and the live pizza. Then, I tried bites of the wok stir fry, the live falafel wrap, thai BBQ salad and the live cheesecake. All of them were incredible! I left full, but without the gross, bloated feeling that comes from over-eating or greasy food. As a bonus, they take reservations. Love that!
(4)
Tommy T.
This spot is a great choice for healthy eating with no sacrifice in flavor. I've been in a couple times so far. The last time I went it was Happy Hour and there were a lot of awesome, inexpensive options on the menu. I had been there before when it wasn't Happy Hour and the price of the food is expensive, but relative to the area and the increasing cost of living in an amazing place like Portland. We split the taco sampler and the creamy ones were especially delicious. I believe the mole tacos are one of them. We also had mac and cheese which was creamy goodness and a BBQ thai wrap that was large. fresh, and loaded with tasty veggies and soy curls. The Thai dipping sauce that came with it added a nice spice. We also ordered a smoothie that is on the expensive side. but very tasty. We had the Plant Firm one which had bananas, protein, and almond butter and was a bit grainy. I've also had the whiskey BBQ sandwich which was amazing and the blueberry blast smoothie (super coconut) that is crazy good. The service was good and friendly and the establishment is clean and pleasant, except the bathroom wasn't as nice as the rest of the place partially because it is shared with other businesses connected to the building. I'm not sure if it was their choice so I won't hold it against them. Really a great feeling after eating their food and a place to frequent as often as the wallet can provide.
(4)
Kimberly C.
I was really excited about eating here since vegan Chef Chloe raved about it. It's located on a small side street in the Irvington neighborhood, so just be patient when trying to find a parking spot if you're driving. Upon arriving, we signed in and after 30 minutes of waiting, we were seated. We started off with a round of lavender lemonades. Those drinks were perfect, just the right amount of lavender to lemonade...super refreshing. My sister and I split the Vindaloo masala and my friends ordered the "live nachos" and a salad. Our food came out beautiful arranged on white plates. They enjoyed their live nachos and my sister and I liked the Vindaloo masala. Not super spicy; good ratio of tomatoes and potatoes. My only complaint with the dish was the kale. I love me some kale, but it was kind of awkard in this dish. Maybe a bit overcooked and just weird to chew. Maybe they could have removed the stems or served a nice kale salad? The restaurant is modern and trendy looking and has a calm ambiance to it. The servers were prompt and helpful. I might return for the Lavender Lemonade. It was epic.
(3)
Taylor Renee T.
Tried this vegan restaurant for the first time tonight and absolutely loved it. Food tastes and looks like 5 star cuisine but is affordable enough to have on any occasion. Was especially thrilled with our manager/server, Saci. Sometimes you are just lucky enough to have someone who really cares about the experience of the diner, the quality of the food and the vegan lifestyle- and she was definitely that person. I think she is newer-ish (within a year?) so if you happened to have had a negative experience in the past I would try going back, looks like Blossoming Lotus is just getting better. Happy dining, ya'll!
(5)
D J.
One word to sum up my Portland dining experience this weekend - Kale! I've seen my new friend Kale more the last couple of days than I ever had in my adult vegetarian life until now. Not that I am complaining! A wonderful looking and tasting root vegetable hash at the purported best vegan restaurant in Portland, came served on a bed of leafy green kale. My second best friend brussel sprouts tasted incredible given it was accompanied by a heady mix of roasted sweet potato, carrot, beet, onions, garlic, peppers and topped with chipotle hollandaise and pecans. If the riot of color on the plate wasn't enough, another band of veggies (tomato, carrot, beet, celery, lemon, parsley, garlic with a touch of salt) packed a punch in a glass. The environ itself was rather in keeping with the food - simple, tasteful - concrete floors, large glass windows and mirrors make the space look larger than it actually is; service was warm and friendly. The crowds kept piling on... The Blo-Lo experience hit the spot - it's a vegetarian's threesome dream - great root hash, great fruit juice in a perfect setting ;) Why not more stars - their brunch menu is a rather small subset of their regular lunch/dinner menus - oh well, doesn't hurt to keep the craving alive!
(4)
Edie M.
My favorite go-to for guilt-free, delicious dining! Thank you, Bo, for your foresight, good taste, and commitment to the environment!
(5)
Kim H.
I had the Crispy Thai Wrap $8.5 thai spiced barbecue soy curls, crispy rice sticks, carrots, cucum- ber, red cabbage, and romaine lettuce, with sweet ginger dressing, wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla add avocado for $2. Amazing hands down on the food. The food I would give 5STARS. The service was HORRIBLE. I've been here a few times and every time the services is terrible. The waiter is super slow and unable to MULTITASK. He should not be in the service industry. Example: he would take the order from the table next to us (table of 2ppl), went to the register input it in. go back to our table, take our order (table of 2ppl), go back to the register to enter it in. It took him 15 min to bring me my water. Unacceptable! Last time I was in, I watched him set the table and dropped my jaws. He grab 2 glasses place them on the table, went back to the counter grab forks and knives brought them to the table, went back to the counter to grab napkins place them on the table. Made another trip back to the counter to grab the menu which is made out of regular thin paper. I've notice he did that with all the tables he needed to seat. The forks, knives, napkins and menu could of been in one trip. If it wasn't for the food, I would never come back. Im beginning to think I should order Togo instead of dinning in. What's the point of tipping when you get horrible services.
(1)
Shel G.
We were just passing through town, but decided to stop and try this for dinner since they were open Sunday and close to I-5. I would have loved to linger in this vegan oasis. I tried the Thai salad. It was piled high with veggies, topped with cilantro and every bite was unique and full of flavor. I'm not a huge fan of soy curls, and could have done with less, but they didn't deter my enjoyment of this gorgeous munchable. There were many tempting options on the menu (vegan pirogues) including intricate cocktails and mocktails and tasty looking dishes on the tables around us. If only we'd had room for that raspberry pie! I'll be looking for an excuse to return to Portland!
(5)
Sarah W.
There is nothing bad to be said about Blossoming Lotus. All the food I've ever had there has been amazing. The atmosphere is nice. It's a little expensive, but worth it. The french toast is to die for, and this is coming from someone who generally doesn't like french toast at all. They also have a killer Bloody Mary that might be too spicy for some people, but was just perfect for me. Also, everyone who works there is really nice. Everything is vegan, and there are plenty of raw and/or gluten free options.
(5)
Denea Y.
As an omnivore, I'm apprehensive about vegan fare, expecting to leave hungry and still confused about the faux meat textures. That said, I was blown away by Blossoming Lotus. Yes, a fresh juice will run you more than a glass of wine, but it's made to order and so full of flavor that it almost could substitute for a meal. I ordered the creamy peach smoothie, and while the peachy-ness was a little too subtle, the drink was still awesome. I tried my tablemates' drinks as well and can vouch that the apple/carrot/orange and apple/carrot/ginger are worth ordering too. The ginger shot is sooo not my cup of tea, but it's just like you'd expect: your eyes turn into waterfalls and it's so spicy it burns everything it touches. Appetizers: We tried the fried artichokes, which were amazingly crisp and came with a creamy, zingy dip. The hot pesto white bean dip with various veggie sticks and pieces toast was also good, but didn't get finished as fast as the 'chokes. Entrees: I ordered the Vindaloo. I agree with a previous review that there's no spicy hot factor, but it's still mouthwateringly good and as satisfying as any Indian meat curry dish. The cold pasta special was my second favorite and had these thin corkscrew noodles with plentiful green olives, herbs, and other yummy bits to balance the dish. We also ordered a butternut squash hot pasta dish and BBQ tempeh, which were both better than I was expecting but I wouldn't rave about it as much as the first two. Dessert: We wrapped up with cinnamon almond ice cream and a piece of pear-strawberry pie. It'd be nice if they popped the slice in the oven, but it was still delicious. It wasn't as much of a table favorite as the ice cream though, which was refreshing, flavorful, and the perfect end to the meal. Total bill for four with 2 apps, 4 entrees, 3 desserts (we got two orders of the ice cream), and drinks came to just over $100, which I find very reasonable for 5-star vegan cuisine in a semi-fancy setting.
(5)
Heather C.
I went here during the afternoon to order take out. Everyone there was super friendly and even offered me a seat while I waited for my order. It took about 15 minutes to receive my food (it was relatively full inside). I ordered the Garden Greens salad - awesome! and the soup of the day - Coconut Ginger. The soup was so good, just the right amount of spice from the ginger and plenty of veggies in there, so it felt more filling. Good portion sizes: not too small and not too big. Did I mention everything is vegan? Ch-ching! They were also serving Peaches-n-Cream soft serve ice cream! I need to come back here ASAP.
(5)
Demelza W.
I visited this place while I was passing through Portland, so ended up ordering to go. When I arrived I was surprised and impressed by how busy it was inside. They definitely make use of the small space, as soon as you walk through the doors there was a really pleasant energy. Really nice decor and no harsh lighting. I really liked the natural use of light from the skylights. It's very intimate and I liked that. My to-go order was ratatouille w/ polenta and a an appetizer of crispy plantains. I have never had polenta before so I was pleasantly surprised, but the best part about it was the sauce that came with the ratatouille. That sauce was incredibly delicious. Honestly, I could have eaten it on it's own like a soup. Without the sauce I don't think I would have liked the dish as much. The plantains were cooked perfectly: not greasy or oily or salty. I hope to try more of their menu next time I'm in the area since there's such a diverse range - it's so hard to pick just one thing.
(4)
Sandy N.
The best food I ate while in Portland, and I'm not even vegetarian. The green salad was soooo delicious and spinach waffle undescribably good! Loved it!
(5)
P. C.
I'll keep this short, good food, bad service. I would like to know what the "owners" think; I have a feeling they're back in the kitchen? Time for the person in charge to move out front and light a fire under their not so enthusiastic wait staff. I get better service at Chipotle, and I don't have to tip!
(2)
Tara W.
This place is awesome! They have a ton of all vegan options, plus several raw entrees and appetizers. The live spicy nachos pack quite a kick! I'm a big fan of the mac and cheese (I get double orders to go all the time) and I love building my own bowl of brown rice, tempeh (seriously, they have the best tempeh) peanut sauce, avocado & veggies. Heaven. They also have cheesecake. What else do you need?
(4)
Danielle D.
The cakes are everything to me.
(5)
Sharon B.
We had a party of 11 and couldn't believe how attentive the staff was. And we all enjoyed the food, vegetarians and non. However, I did hear that the veggie burger tasted like a falafel. I had the green bowl and it was delicious. I would definitely come back next time I'm in the area.
(4)
Theresa B.
This is a great all vegan restaurant! When I'm in Portland, I eat here at least once during my visit. The weekend brunch is the best - get the cinnamon roll! The service has always been good and the atmosphere is nice. There are some misses on the menu. For instance, I'm not a huge fan of the live nachos, but I'm sure it's hard to make nachos raw AND vegan. The desserts are excellent as well.
Fantastic food. We took a carnivore there as well and he said he'd go back anytime. We thought it was very reasonably priced for the quality of food, service and fun but nice atmosphere.
(5)
Israel R.
I had the chilled vegetable noodles and soy curls on the side. Both were delicious! Since the noodles were raw they Truly a wonderful environment and the service was great. I immediately was seated (which was a surprise since it was so busy) and the servers were super friendly. Definitely won my heart and will most definitely be returning. I can't imagine how good their brunch and lunch options are. I recommend this restaurant for fellow vegetarians and vegans.
(5)
Paerie S.
First visit to Blossoming Lotus! The entrees are a little steep, expect to pay $12-14 per entree. My friends and I went for brunch. The food is pretty good...pretty standard for vegan cuisine! Few things to note: Pros: great breakfast potatoes, awesome vegan-hollandaise sauce, fresh veggies, interesting and hip decor. Cons: service is somewhat aloof, the restaurant is not potato-sensitive friendly (a person in our group is allergic to potatoes, the staff wasn't very keen on suggesting an alternative), and the hot chai tea and chai toddy is very questionable-tasting (either due to the spice blend or coconut milk or whole chunk of star anise in the toddy). I might suggest another option in the city for better value. There's a restaurant at Portland State University's campus called Food For Thought Cafe. They have amazingly priced vegan food - it's incredibly tasty and very original (1825 SW Broadway.) Enjoy!
Simple yet elegant interior and meals the way my tummy likes it: fresh, raw, live, and presented beautifully. It's amazing what they do with vegetables! I had the green curry with zucchini noodles and it was absolutely delicious and more than enough for one person. For a drink I decided to try their "mocktail" with peach, ginger, lemon and sage. Perfection! I walked out feeling satiated, energized and so blessed to live in Portland.
(5)
Breylan D.
Such a great place for a date! The service was perfect, the wine list was good, and the food was incredible. Definitely making it's way onto the short list for dinner options on the fly.
(5)
J B.
Two stars for the fact that they serve raw, organic food. Yesterday evening, we had the Live Sampler and the evening special, a mushroom gratin. The problem was the flavor - both dishes were mediocre at best. And the volume of salt - both dishes were incredibly salty, almost to the point where I sent the gratin back. They felt lacking in care. I've enjoyed the original Blossoming Lotus in Kauai, and Prasad, which used to be called Blossoming Lotus, and both had exceptional vegan food compared to this. Also, I was frustrated with our waitress - she seemed to be trying hard to be nice, but every time we asked for something, she had sort of an angry glare, so I couldn't shake the feeling that she resented us and really didn't want to be there.
(2)
Kathleen R.
I really loved this place. My only meh is an unattentive waitress. The panko flakes were causing me to cough as they waived around in my throat but my bone dry water glass could provide no relief. Once I got my water and lemonade (after the second request) I was a-ok once again! The live nachos are out.of.this.world . So fresh and delicious. Everything is very fresh and delicious. Looking forward to my next Portland trip and stop here!
(4)
Elizabeth R.
You do not have to be Vegan to eat here. I like how the menu changes regularly. Downsides: Kind of spendy and sometimes I have a belly ache afterwards.
(3)
Iana A.
Had brunch here with my sister--AMAZING! The portions are pretty large, but it's such excellent quality food. I ordered the biscuits and gravy since I had to splurge, my sister order the Florentine scramble. We shared a GIGANTIC pumpkin cinnamon roll and each ordered flu fighter shots--to protect us from all the sugar we just consumed ;-) Overall it's just amazing food and yes brunch is crowded, so except a wait but it's well worth it. Oh yah, service was stellar! Even though it was a packed house our waitress was more than attentive, incredibly pleasant and breath of fresh air. Can't wait to return!!
(5)
Veronica D.
This was a nice surprise. I assumed from reading reviews that they used to be in a yoga studio and seeing that the menu was half raw, it would be a yoga hippy run down kind of vegetarian place. We decided to check it out anyways after 2 horrible experiences at Portobello and wanting somewhere else to eat for dinner and I was glad I picked Blossoming Lotus. We came just before 6 and got a table. After that the people started piling in. Get here early! We started with a side salad, which was nice. I think the arugula is too strong for that tangy dressing and was a little too bitter. I got the lasagna and my husband got the moussaka special. The lasagna was pretty good. I've had some really bad lasagna's at veggie restaurants before and this one actually had vegetables in it, which was nice. The zucchini was a little too thick and crunchy though, it would be nice if they veggies were in smaller pieces so it could be eaten easier. It's also pretty pricy, when it's just lasagna on some kale. I was still hungry after, so we shared a side of brown rice, not knowing what else to get. The moussaka was really good, it's kind of layered like lasagna but with potatoes instead of noodles. I think it should be on the regular menu, it was better than the lasagna. The sauce was not so salty and bitter like it was in the lasagna. It's a fairly small portion as well. This may be the kind of place you have to order an appetizer or dessert a long with your entree because it's a smaller amount of food. However I did see a lot of people getting the tofu and greens which comes with corn bread and they seemed to be full from just that plate. I would come here again next time we're in town. I wish they had more cooked options, as I am a raw and vegan chef and I tire of eating raw restaurant food when I can make it better at home. Things came fairly quickly here and the place is new and clean and contemporary. I think this place is much better and healthier than Portobello, the flavour is much better and they don't over salt and over cook the food here like they do there. The clientele seemed to dress fairly casual if not shabby for coming here. I was surprised to see a couple dressed in over sized sweatshirts and loose pants sitting down to eat. Is that dressing up nowadays? Wearing pyjama like clothing at a trendy restaurant? Yikes!
(4)
Leslie K.
Much smaller footprint than I thought and for some reason they had no record of my voice-recorded reservation so we had to wait a bit longer than I'd anticipated. I was glad to see they had cooked food as well because I'm not a fan of the raw. One member of our party of four had a raw platter and seemed to enjoy every morsel of it. I had a veggie tofu bowl that was quite tasty though I left the kale -- too chewy...a problem with barely cooked kale. Two friends shared a Thai salad they continue to rave about. Interesting cocktails were had as well as beer and wine. We stayed for 3 hours and the service was great...never got the idea that we were overstaying though there was a huge thunderstorm at some point. I got lost in the conversation and didn't notice. My local friend was glad to be introduced to the restaurant since she lives a couple blocks away; she plans to return.
(4)
Jeremy J.
Coming from a person that is most definitely not a vegan or vegetarian, this place really has tasty food. The biggest draw for me to come back is the fact that the happy hour food is reasonably priced with good portion sizes. We had a complete and filling meal for $20 even and really enjoyed everything. The must have on the HH menu is the taco sampler. This is the dish I was most hesitant about but each of the three tacos are unique and scrumptious. We also had the thai BBQ wrap, which was great and the best bang for your buck in terms of portion size. The only item we ordered that I didn't love was the artichoke heart fritters. They were tasty but too greasy and heavy for me. We had a lavender lemonade to wash it all down which was unique and refreshing. Just don't ruin the subtle flavor by adding the lemon! The service here was quick, friendly, and inviting. I would definitely come back if in the area or in need of a meatless meal, and I bet for a vegan this could be a staple restaurant for their nights out.
(4)
Ronald A.
We had a very nice meal here tonight. It is nice to have it within walking distance. This place has a nice feeling about it. The service was good. Our sauvignon blanc from Argentina was better than expected. This place is advertised as vegan and gluten free. I had a great moussaka. It was very good. Rebecca had a nice vindaloo; unfortunately, it was not hot enough. It needed a bit of spice to make it a real vindaloo. Nice fllavor, but not a real vindaloo. We enjoyed the salads, simple greens with a nice dressing. It was not over dressed. I forward to coming back and trying other parts of the menu. Give it a try.
(4)
Robert G.
Another trendy and expensive hipster Bohemian restaurant in Portland. I'll return, but I'm not running.
(4)
Mark L.
Loved the food. Nice ambience. Great healthy interesting food, fair prices, nice portions. Will go back. Tip: some of our party, after ordering raw dishes - which were great, but room temp or cool- regretted not getting a hot dish on a cold damp night.
(5)
Madeleine T.
After a long day of driving up from Oakland, my sweetheart and I headed out to Boke Bowl - how good is Ramen on a cold and rainy day? - but they were closed for a special event. "Let's just drive around and see what we find!" said my sweetheart. Now, that's the kind of thing that sometimes ends in tears, but not this night! In fact, this night, I learned two important lessons: I like kombucha and I don't like liquid smoke! I got the Southern BBQ Plate; the mac & cheese was deliciously creamy, the cornbread was remarkably savory, the greens were simply prepared and generous. I'm not a super fan of soy curls, but the taste of the whiskey ginger BBQ sauce was pretty intense! The black-eyed peas, unfortunately, were where it went wrong for me, but I think I just don't care for the taste of liquid smoke. At least, that's what I think they use. The texture of the beans was perfect but I just couldn't eat them. My sweetheart and I split the Peanut Butter Surprise cookie (surprise! it's peanut butter!) and the chocolate cheesecake. Be warned: the cookie is huge! Super tasty, though. The cheesecake is a cheesecake of the light and fluffy variety, like a mousse, rather than the dense kind. Very rich and decadent. Our server was very nice and the overall atmosphere seemed pretty laid back even when it was packed, so that's a plus. And the evening didn't end in tears!
(4)
Dwayne L.
We're visiting from Greenpoint, Brooklyn and were looking for a vegan spot for lunch today. Quite a few people recommended this place so we decided to give it a try. The vibe was really nice. Classy but chill; with a really friendly staff. The food was DELICIOUS! We ordered the Live/Raw Nachos (hold the onions), Mac and Cheese, Perogies, Taco (Black Bean), a smoothie (Maca Mocha) and a juice (Citrus). All of it was SO good and reasonably priced; this place was hands down the best veggie food in Portland. Def recommend!
(5)
Mrs M.
Quick, delicious and nothing tastes odd. My carnivore husband enjoyed the soup & salad. I found the black bean tacos amazing.
(5)
Heather H.
We had just arrived for an early 5 pm dinner only to find a small line formed outside the door - surely this is a fantastic sign! We all were to seat ourselves and promptly our waitress gathered what we wanted to drink. I started off with a fresh apple and ginger juice that gave quite the kick without the over bearing taste of kale hidden in. I had wanted to slowly introduce the boyfriend to some fine vegan eats, my only mistake in that is that most vegan foods contain lots of nuts or nut based foods. And of course I so happen to have a nut allergy. That left me unable to enjoy most of the menu offerings. Our waitress was still accommodating and I ended up ordering a salad with plenty of sides. All of which were savory and yummy. The lasagna would be on a high recommendation to get! Some quick little advice: do your research before going to a more specialized restaurant. Whether your vegan or not, sometimes there are lots of allergens in foods i.e. heavy nuts in my case. Also beware that it is usually more pricey. Good food can make it a great justification, but it always helps to know just up front what your pricing looks at, especially if you're on a budget. Freshness Reigns here!!!
(4)
Ashley L.
I totally agree with the other people that say the reception is luke warm at best. There are a very few servers here so if you go a few times, you'll know them and see what I mean. So, I'd say the service on the front end is pretty mediocre. That said, there is one gem of a woman who sometimes runs out the food from the kitchen. She's absolutely fantastic and gracious and smiling. Not sure if she is the owner or just a cook or both. She sort of saved this place from a lesser review. I'd say the rest, as mentioned, can be a bit on the snooty side of things. The food is really good though. It's nice to find a raw food/option place here in portland after so many back in Twin Cities and other bigger metropolis' I've lived in. They don't have the biggest menu, but what is on their menu is really yummy.
(3)
Tom A.
The list of restaurants I've voluntarily gone to for two meals in one day is a very short one, if you leave out those in the lobbies of hotels. So when I tell you that after Ms. A convinced me to go to Blossoming Lotus for happy hour I was the first to suggest we go back there only a few hours later for dinner, it's kind of a big deal. I eat enough meat & dairy that I won't be mistaken for a vegan anytime soon, but that just means I feel like a truly awesome person when I have a meal made entirely of vegetables, no less so when it's delicious and I wash it down with a quality cocktail or choice craft beer. While everything I tasted at Blossoming Lotus was pretty much exploding with flavor (in a good way), the item I can't get out of my head is the happy hour taco selection. You can order one at a time but I recommend you just spring $11 for the all-four sampler. I can't even decide exactly which was my favorite but I think it might have been the Thai taco, with its spicy soy curls and peanut sauce. Certainly the most unusual is the raw lettuce wrap, with yummy walnut chorizo. Sadly, these amazing tacos are only happy hour offerings, but the lunches and dinners offer their own special treats. Take the Whiskey Ginger BBQ sandwich for example. It's just outrageously good and without a scrap of meat or cheese. Yeah, this is me gushing about a sandwich made with soy curls. That's two soy curl-based raves in one review if you're counting. Didn't see that coming.
(5)
Robyn A.
How wonderful it is to have more than 1 or 2 choices on a menu! My husband had the Southwest Bowl and loved it. I had the Live wrap & the Carrot Ginger juice and was so energized! We will be back, and often. Service was so nice, no rush, and the food was fantastic.
(5)
Doug S.
This is the most awesome restaurant in Portland! If you didn't know it was vegan you would believe it. There isn't a dish I've disliked yet. Drawbacks are that they are small and don't take reservations, so there are times you have to wait for a table but it is worth the wait!!!
(5)
Cora P.
Super tasty vegetarian/vegan fare. It's like the veg equivalent of a steak dinner. Sometimes you're just craving a big pile of steamed kale or roasted root vegetables and this is the place to get it, with dressing. I'm pretty sure this is the restaurant that inspired the fart patio parody on Portlandia though. We've taken to calling in Blossoming Anus. But, if all you get is gas, you're lucky. Last time I was there I'm pretty sure they put some unpeeled sunchokes (that I failed to identify until too late) in with the root vegetable medley. Peel those suckers and add winter savory to combat the resulting inulin bloat and purge guys! But, even after my evening spent in the latrine due to the aforementioned sunchoke faux pas, I still crave their food on occasion, which I think is a testament to how good they manage to make it taste.
(3)
gotham ..
Great little restaurant with tasty cocktails and clean, healthy food. Definitely made our short list of go-to spots.
(5)
Ocean S.
Blossoming Lotus is a cut above the vegan/vegetarian competition in Portland. How refreshing it is to find a clean, well put together store coupled with a nice menu, tasty food and courteous wait staff. How great is that. We absolutely loved sharing the soup and steamed greens appetizers. Sipped cold Caldera IPA's and savored every bite of the live roll and green bowl entrees. Walked out with cookies to go. Despite all the competition throughout the greater Portland, OR metro area, BL has most def captured the our "Favorite Portland Vegan Plate of Choice" award.
(5)
Savvy G.
The green goddess bowl with soy curls is to die for! I swear the soy curls taste like fried chicken! I recently branched out and tried a BBQ dish it was legit like southern comfort food!!! To die for!!!! The corn bred was like cake love it!!
(5)
Liz C.
The food in this restaurant is not only vegan and therefore healthy, but it is extraordinarily delicious and beautiful on the plate. While in Portland for an event at the Convention Center, we walked to Blossoming Lotus for dinner, and loved it so much we went back the next morning for brunch. Highest possible recommendation!
(5)
J D.
Oh my god, this place is freaking amazing. Try the Live Nachos, the Bread Pudding, and the Irvington Margarita. Make a reservation because it gets packed, and you'll be waiting for a while if you try to walk in. One of the best vegan restaurants that I've visited, and I've been to a lot!
(5)
Jennifer G.
I LOVE this place. My favorite is the live falafel wrap and live fudge. My husbands favorite is the Whiskey Ginger BBQ sandwich (the soy curls taste like BBQ pork). Their coconut peach smoothie and Thai Green fresh juice are fabulous. I love the guilt free, fresh, delicious food. Wish this place was closer to me, but sometimes I make a trip to Portland just so I can eat here. There is Latin dancing across the street on Friday and Saturday nights (for just five dollars), so I combine the two for a fun date night with my honey.
(5)
Rachel S.
BloLo is one of my favorite guilty pleasures - you never have to twist my arm to get me to go there. Delicious, fresh, creative dishes and fantastic cocktails. Unfortunately, I only live a few blocks away, so it's easy to fritter away all my money at this place. I rarely escape for under $30, which is pretty expensive for Portland. You could get away with less if you are more disciplined than I - entrees are generally under $15. They often have great specials (like the lasagna I had a couple of months ago, ohmygod) and I am always tempted into getting an appetizer, entree, dessert, and drink. My new favorite appetizer is the fruit and "cheese" plate - creamy, delicious, decadent. They change menus with the seasons, so you never get bored (and don't get too attached to your favorites). Brunch is fab as well. I rarely order sweet brunch dishes, but the coconut French toast is incredible. The scrambles are delicious too, and never boring like in other restaurants around town. The loaded potatoes have, I believe, been replaced with loaded sweet potatoes, but they are still delicious. Skip the Bloody Mary - it's not spicy or flavorful enough for my picky tastes - but have a Rum Chai or, if they still have it, a Chai Swizzle, yum! However, BloLo recently changed to their winter menu (for brunch and for dinner) and eliminated my all time favorite brunch dish, the Seitan Rancheros, and stopped making their butternut squash chili altogether. I may never recover. Amazingly, even though it's not a big place, we usually don't have to wait long for a table, even with 6 people. If you're a couple, you'll be seated even faster. Plus, you can order takeout at the register if you really don't want to wait. The service is pretty good, and food usually comes fast. One of my favorite things about BloLo is the atmosphere - you can get all dressed up before a night out, or wear jeans and a t-shirt, and no one will care either way. I've even seen people bring kids (not that I advocate taking children out in public...). Desserts are to die for - creamy chocolate peanut butter cake, delicious raw cheesecakes (key lime is my fav), and a rotating selection of soft serve. Also, don't miss their prix fixe specials on holidays. I can't wait to try the New Years menu! All in all, you really can't miss this awesome Portland staple. I've never had a bad meal here; there is something for everyone: vegans (of course), gluten free folks, raw foodies, and unsuspecting omnivores.
(4)
Sara M.
Vegan brunch. YAY! I started with coffee sweetened with agave. Agave? Yes please! My pal (Zilya S.) had the chai which smelled amazing and tasted like dessert. I had the benedict with tempeh bacon & butternut hollandaise..... and it rocked. I was so pumped to have a vegan benny! The potatoes and kale were lovely compliments to the meal.... oh kale, it's a splendid thing. I also had some house made hot sauce on the side - highly recommended if you are a fan of hot sauce, and awesome. I would like to come back and try the dinner menu when I revisit Portland. The kids in this neighbourhood are lucky to be able to enjoy brunch here whenever they want!
(5)
Cat K.
I'm not vegan but I still love this place!
(5)
Lindsay L.
Love this place. The Maca Moca is the best smoothie I've ever had. And the Perogi. (russian dumplings) are my new favorite.
(5)
Mary M.
I've been wanting to check out Blossoming Lotus ever since it moved to my Neighborhood, and it is good to see that it is always busy! I'm not a practicing vegan or vegetarian, but I'm never opposed to trying different stylings/ethics of food, so I was happy when a few friends planned a dinner here. I ordered the White bean pesto dip w/crudite and brown bread. It was very delicious and I ate more than I should have of it! For my main dish, I had one of their specials for the night, a wild mushroom alfredo with herbs. The herbs really set if off and was very vibrant. I was too full to enjoy a desert, but hopefully next time! I highly recommend reservations. We were there on a Thursday night, and there was a long line out the door, that was easily 1 to 1 1/2 hr wait to get in.
(4)
Jasper M.
This is very sad for me to write. I have been eating at Blossoming Lotus since the first day they opened a few years back. The food at this establishment has gone completely down hill. When Wes was the head chef (and I believe part owner) the meals were amazing and BL was one of the best vegan restaurants in town (and comparable to vegan restaurants in NYC and Los Angeles; and better than San Francisco). Now, the meals are tasteless, or worse, awful. Two months ago I went in for lunch and had their Mexican offerings. This was a huge mistake. The subtly and complexity that used to be BL had disappeared behind a veil of what tasted like canned beans and store bought tortillas. I mentioned this to my wife and the women in the booth next to us started up a conversation. She too said that she had been eating here since they opened and that she too was deeply disappointed at what appeared to be the restaurant's eventual demise (if ownership or chef don't change). Today, hoping beyond hope that somehow I had simply hit them on a few bad days, I ventured in for Sunday brunch. I ordered the tofu scramble over biscuits. This meal was not edible. I seriously took one bite and pushed the plate away. The vegan hollandaise sauce was pathetic and vegan sausage way way way too salty. The steamed kale was good and the potatoes weren't bad. The last two brunches the potatoes were hard and under cooked. Consistency? I also ordered the pumpkin sweet roll which didn't have even a faint taste of pumpkin. Portobello, Natural Selection, and Vita all blow BL out of the water. I used to put Blossoming Lotus near the top of my list with only Natural Selection being better. Now, BL is completely out of the running. I so want this Irvington restaurant to succeed. I want any and every vegan restaurant to succeed. Unfortunately, I'm done with BL until the current owner and/or chef sell to someone capable of culinary acumen. Portobello is my new favorite go-to for a great a evening meal (their pizza is amazing) and Natural Selection my favorite choice for a special dinner. Let's bring back Wes...and his amazing lasagna. So sad to watch Blossoming Lotus fade away.
(1)
Cheryl H.
I can't believe I have never been here before. What excellent food! We started off with the pesto & white bean dip which came with bread, carrots, and celery for dipping. Delicious! I ordered the carribean phyllo roulade, which was stuffed with mashed sweet potatoes and other veggies and was so filling that I had to take the rest home. My companion ordered the southern BBQ plate, which had tender soy curls in BBQ sauce. Everything was delicious! We didn't have room for dessert. Next time! This place has a really good beer and wine selection as well.
(5)
Sara M.
I was so excited to try Blossoming Lotus. Reasons for excitement: I live in Central Oregon (CO) = No one in Central Oregon understands why you would not eat steak ever night for dinner. Everyone in CO gives me crap for not eating cute animals. Most restaurants in CO have cute animal based menus, which makes options limited for myself and my life partner. I knew spending a few days in Portland meant there would be amazing Vegan/vegitarian joints. We arrived at BL. on Friday night, six o'clock, there was no wait for us, but right after that, the waiting room was overfull. We shared a live pizza. The pizza was amazing and flavorful. The waitress recommended the cashew cheese with it, she was right. I love it when the wait staff can speak for the food. For an entree, I ordered the Chana Masala, it was delightful and just what I expected. The portion size was very large, I could barely finish half. He ordered the southern BBQ plate. It was humongous! It came with two huge pieces of corn bread and tons of those soy curls. It really did taste like slow cooked BBQ. If you normally eat meat, you could close your eyes, eat a soy curl and probably believe the soy curl was soft, snugly baby cow. We decided to go for dessert. Vegan desserts are usually hit or miss. This time it was kinda both. We shared the chocolate peanut butter tart. I kinda guessed in my head it was going to be too thick and rich, but the man really wanted the tart. I was right, it was so rich and chewy, we could not finish it. I could only eat 2 bites before I gave up. Maybe a different dessert next time. When I move to Portland, I will come here often and reminisce of the days when I lived in CO.
(4)
Sophia T.
met the chef, sweet guy. had food on two occasions: brunch and lunch. both good, both super large portions. I had the benedict - (gluten overload) but so good and a sandwich which I can't remember but it was delicious. I had a mocktail that was too sweet but the bartender was cool about adjusting it here and there. I'd come back for sure. arrive early for brunch to beat crowds.
(4)
Chris H.
Had the BBQ plate. It was great!
(4)
Tim A.
Great location, and usually we really enjoy our meal here, but today the service just wasn't there. Also they took both of our favorite items off the menu! My wife had a $14 dollar dish that was the size of an appetizer, and my sandwich was really good, but didn't even come with a garnish. So sorry to say this place has slid down our list of favorite Vegan Restaurants to frequent. It goes from number 2 to number 6. More and more new Vegan restaurants are opening up there in Portland, we are lucky to have so many here.
(3)
Terence R.
When I ate at the Blossoming Lotus, the complex abstractions layered atop the essentials of my existence dissolved, and I experienced visceral bliss. For one blessed hour, I was no longer a programmer; I was simply a human being.
(5)
Anna B.
The new Blossoming Lotus location in Irvington is up and running! We had a great time there, the setting is really lovely and our service was excellent. I am by no means a living foodist, but I certainly could be after a refresher course in raw foods. They do not yet have their booze license in place, but had a whole selection of n/a fancy drinks like a kombucha lemonade, a virgin mojito, and a whole damn coconut with a straw! I really wanted to make fun of the people with the whole coconuts but secretly I wished I had one, so I kept the comments to myself. We tried the live cashew hummus to start with (in addition to the bread and olive oil they brought), which was awesome. The cashews added a really nice, rich flavor and silkier texture than traditional. That came with a pretty arrangement of cucumbers, carrots, celery and some very tasty flax-seed crackers. On the table, we had a Mediterranean Sampler, with tabbouleh, falafel, more hummus, more veggies, etc; another Sampler with some of the Mediterranean stuff plus a live "pad thai"; and a BBQ Tempeh Platter. Thumbs up on the entire BBQ platter- that was my fav out of everything we tried, and probably the best value with a heap o' tempeh, a salad, chili, AND cornbread. The tempeh was the perfect texture, and the sauce was smoky, caramelized onion-y, and tangy. Chili and cornbread were both great, too- cornbread was a funny texture (it's tricky to make that vegan, yo) but super delicious. Let's talk dessert: I rarely eat sweets, but we wanted to check out the live fudge I'd heard so much about from the Pearl location. It was pretty damn good. Each piece came with a different "topping": a blueberry, a raspberry, salt, lemon peel. Dark, velvety, smooth, melt-in-your-mouth bites. More like a truffle than a fudge, really. Our server was excellent: totally attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the food. At the end of the meal, he approached us to ask if we had any comments/feedback about the food. How often does that happen?! I asked how long they'd been open- just a couple of days he said, and they weren't even fully "open" yet (grand opening is later this week), still testing the waters. Hats off to Neal W for being so on the pulse and taking me there before they were even official! A good experience overall, will definitely go again. We dropped a pretty penny, in the spirit of trying new things, but it could easily be a nice app + entree for under $20 kinda place. I eat mostly veg/vegan most of the time, but I also looooove making fun of righteous, pretentious vegans, too. And I have to admit, I wasn't even tempted - everything was very good and sans attitude (from the staff). I would take a committed meat-eater there for sure, and not worry that he or she wouldn't be into it. May even spring for a couple of coconut drinks next time, but only if they let me take the shells home to make a bikini top out of.
(4)
Julie P.
We found this place during a lunchstop while travelling through Portland. After spending the holidays consuming too much protein, we wanted to eat lots and lots of veggies to cleanse our body. My friends and I loved this place! We had a really hard time deciding what to get as the waiters kept delivering plates of gorgeous & delicious food and the menu was so exquisite. We settled on the beet salad, kale & seaweed salad and green goddess bowl w/tempeh. Ohmygoodness, everything was so delicious! It was exactly what we were looking for and kept us satisfied for the rest of the day without weighing us down like meat does. Wish we had a place like this closer to home....
(4)
Lindsey B.
The tacos were delish!! The Thai tacos were my favorite. My boyfriend had the eggplant sando which he enjoyed and everything had a little kick to it. Good atmosphere, intimate since it's pretty small. Service was good as well! I'd like to go back and try the quinoa salad and Thai wrap as well!
(4)
Aaron W.
I ordered their Crispy Thai BBQ Wrap ($8.50): Thai-spiced (sweet) BBQ soy curls, crispy rice sticks, carrots, cucumbers, red cabbage, romaine lettuce, and creamy sweet ginger sauce wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. I also requested (and received) a small container of their house red hot sauce on the side at no extra charge...awesome! The chef cut the wrap on the bias and presented a lovely, colorful cross-section to me. More importantly, the wrap was absolutely delicious. The sweet creamy ginger sauce brought the soy curls, rice sticks, and the already-refreshing vegetables to a new level. Adding the house-made red hot sauce gave the slightest kick to add an even more mouth-pleasing dimension to the dish. A job well done here!
(4)
Ainsley D.
Blossoming Lotus serves organic, freshly made, locally grown, healthy, Vegan fusion cuisine with many gluten free options and was suggested by every person that I asked as the perfect location for Sunday brunch when I was visiting Portland. my friend got the Southwest Scramble: tofu scramble with a spicy black bean chili, avocado ranch sauce and creamy roasted butternut hollandaise sauce, topped with scallions and cilantro with steamed kale, house made potatoes and a side of maple seitan sausage. and I got the Scramble Special: tofu scramble in a creamy cashew sauce with roasted peppers, artichoke hearts, herb roasted portobello mushrooms with steamed kale, house made potatoes and a side of maple seitan sausage. I would ABSOLUTELY go back for lunch AND dinner the next time I visit Portland.
(4)
S M.
The meals are ok, just not as good as their non vegan counterparts. They do a good job of making creative vegan dishes. But there are flavors that they use here in a lot of dishes that my palette just does not like. If you are a strict vegan, you will probably think this place is wonderful. I recommend eating here to try it, you may like the flavors. I personally enjoy salads that I make much better, I find them more appetizing than how this restaurant combines certain flavors. I also just don't like it when vegans try to make a vegan version of something that's delicious. It never measures up. They could make vegan tacos that taste Mexican just leave out the cheese and meat but the tacos are nothing like tacos. They use kimchi and it doesn't appeal to me.
(3)
Karen R.
DH and I spent our last dinner night in Portland here and it was so worth it! We both enjoyed our meals and would love to go back again sooner than later. I had one of the quinoa bowls and it is very filling! I do make soy curls at home but never like this! Also enjoyed the Banana Fit smoothie! Location was great being right on the 15 route with other routes nearby. We ate outside, so I can't speak to inside noise level. Our server was great and took great care to make sure that I received a meal that met my Vegan Gluten free and more needs.
(5)
Chee K.
Ok, I want to start by saying I am not a true vegetarian, but I like to feel healthy sometimes too! I've had some awesome, creative, jaw dropping vegetarian food. This is not it. This place would be a 3 1/2 stars if I could. Nothing was terrible but nothing was terribly exciting either. Actually their black bean soup with curry was pretty good. Maybe I should have stuck to that? I also ordered the BBQ tempeh plate. It was decent but I had half leftover which is not normal for me. Their BBQ sauce was ho hum. I also tried their live "pizza". I liked what they were trying. Oh, it's not quite child friendly. Your kids idea of pizza isn't the same as theirs. Some of their chairs are quite high and if your kid is too loud, you may get some vegetarian stares!
(3)
Daniel M.
This place was a great find! I was staying at the DoubleTree only a few blocks from here, and in the mood to sample a Portland(ia) style dish...you know, local, sustainable, vegan, organic, etc. Everything on the menu sounded so delicious! I decided to keep it simple and figured if I was going for something quintessentially Portland I might as well play up all the stereotypes. I got a basic bowl with beans, steamed kale and quinoa, and added soy curls and sesame vinaigrette sauce. It was one of the tastiest things I've eaten in a while! Everything tasted so fresh, and the seasoning was light enough to not overpower the dish but strong enough to add some flavor. And the prices were totally reasonable - it was only $11 before tip! Thank you, Blossoming Lotus, for indulging me in my quest for "authentic" Portland cuisine.
(5)
Matt D.
My god, this place is wonderful. The moment that you first walk through the door, you're overtaken by this wonderful feeling of serenity. From the earth tone decor, to the paintings of birds on the wall, and all topped off with the soothing sounds of enya, this place just stinks of "zen". I'm really surprised that I hadn't visited here before. In fact, the first time I went was just 3 days ago at lunch and I had to return again for dinner tonight. It didn't fail one bit. For lunch, I had the BBQ Soy Curl sandwich. The barbecue sauce, while quite strong, was smoky, not too vinegary, and very delicious. I personally prefer a rich, strong barbecue sauce like this but I can tell why it wouldn't be for everyone. The soy curls were very meat-like and not too dry, and the bread was hearty and flavorful. When I returned for dinner, I went with the Southwest bowl as per the recommendation of many other Yelpers. They sure didn't steer me in the wrong direction! It was covered in those wonderful soy curls, their delicious black bean chili, kale, cashew sour cream, and mounds of perfectly cooked quinoa. After mixing it all together, I dug in and immediately reached a vegan state of enlightenment. DELICIOUS. The prices may seem steep, but based on the quality of the food it is a damn steal. HOORAY
(5)
Chris A.
Blossoming Lotus was the first Vegan restaurant I've ever tried and it exceeded every single one of my expectations. I truly started to appreciate it when I continued my exploration into all things vegan and found out not all tofu was created equally. The price is fair, the food is beautiful, and the beer selection is top notch. I'd highly recommend the Thai salad and Mac N Cheese. Oh and the staff is very polite so polite that they didn't make me feel like an idiot when I ordered the Thai chicken salad...you can only teach a carnivore so many new tricks =)
(5)
Nicole G.
I've been vegan for nearly 4 years, yet I will not eat at any vegan restaurants because they are usually too "granola" for me. I was back in Portland visiting for the first time in almost 7 years and a very good friend (non-vegan), suggested trying out Blossoming Lotus to which I was very hesitant, although I agreed. Much to my surprise I had one of the best meals I've ever had! Blossoming Lotus definitely convinced me that vegan food does not have to be granola. For the appetizer we had the creamy pesto & white bean dip, my friend's dinner was the crispy artichoke fritters and I had the live falafel wrap. The flavors, spices and textures were amazing! I truly hope to find something equally pleasing in Los Angeles, because if it were up to me - there would already be a Blossoming Lotus exactly like the one in Portland here in Los Angeles. The service was great, the staff was very friendly & helpful with suggestions before we were able to make up our minds. This will be the first place I go back to eat at during my next trip back to Portland.
(5)
Sam A.
The 'Wok Tossed Tofu and Vegetables' was perfect! The blueberry pie incredible. The service was friendly.
(5)
Bryan I.
Holy Cow, this place is amazing!! and yes, cows, and any other animal are holy enough at this restaurant that you'll never see their meat or any animal-derived products on the menu! Being a cheese-lover, I was very skeptical that you can have delicious nachos without cheese or sour cream, but I was so pleasantly surprurised! What are LIVE nachos & LIVE wraps? No, nothing is moving on your plate; it just means you're eating living food with active enzymes and theoretically maximized nutrient value that is either raw, or very lightly warmed. And yes, I usually have meat in my daily diet, but just about everyone can find something here that's substantial, savory, and scrumptious! Their drink selection is fantastic, including fruit/veggie drinks/shots/smoothies, beer, wine, unique mixed drinks! The apple/ginger/lemon/kale 16oz juice was fantastic...heavy on the apple/lemon, balanced well with a touch of ginger, and the kale to bring it all together and give it an earthy base. I'm tempted to drop it to 4 stars d/t the cost (expect to spend ~$15-20/person not including drinks), but I was impressed enough with the atmosphere, service, and food quality that for now, 5 stars is fair!
(5)
Kate C.
I'm mot vegan or vegetarian but typically enjoy that type of food. Had the live nachos- very tasty but the cracker was large and difficult to break up into bite size portions. Beet salad was delicious! Service is only ok- I really hate when a server drops food and doesn't ask if the guest needs anything... I had happened to need a napkin and hot sauce. I waited a few minutes and decided to grab the napkin myself, but luckily a waitress was dropping a check at a table nearby and I caught her attention. Also, I ordered a beer to start and it never came, waitress simply forgot. She remembered once she brought the check and gave a little discount to compensate. Thus, the 4 stars.
(4)
Karl W.
Not impressed. Overpriced.
(2)
Hollye H.
Two words: live nachos! Also, the seasonal kimchi broth gazpacho was wonderful. Next time I'm in town, I'll be visiting again.
(5)
Jeanette L.
Oh my delicious! Great first experience dining at a vegan restaurant! Here's what we got: Coconut Chai drink - DELICIOUS. We ordered this hot b/c it was a cold day but I wish I lived nearby to be able to try it cold. Good thing I think I can make it myself. :) YUMM! Live Pecan Pesto and Portobello Pizza - OK SERIOUSLY. THIS WAS THE BOMB. Soooooo good. MUST TRY. Everything (texture, taste) IS DELICIOUS. Green Goddess Bowl - I thought this was kind of on the bland side but my friend devoured. Yummy if you're into the ingredients! Overall, a must try even for peeps that don't usually eat vegan!
(4)
Sarah H.
Although I miss the Blossoming Lotus in the Pearl, I really enjoy this location, too. The lasagna is really good. Before Blossoming Lotus I thought that vegan lasagna was gross, but this is so amazing you don't miss the cheese. I went in on Friday and had one of their specials that was really good. It was so good I came back Sunday for the brunch to have blueberry almond pancakes. Both times I indulged on a piece of live fudge. So amazing! I love going to a restaurant where I don't have to worry about what I order. I know that anything I get will be healthy for me. Also, there's it's a good atmosphere. Everyone was very friendly. I like the local artwork on the walls.
(5)
Patti F.
I was a fan of BL when they were in the Pearl, at Yoga Pearl. It was my first taste of "raw" food, and I couldn't believe how tasty it was! I dined there often, usually after a workout and always enjoyed both the vegan and Live/raw entrees. I hadn't been to the new location until a few weeks ago when I brought my two carnivore foodies with me for dinner. I recommended they try some of the "live" entrees, which they did. I had the Live Nachos, my friends had the falafel wrap, and the Live Sampler. I returned two weeks later again for lunch, had the falafel wrap and the Live soup - creamy zucchini. The food is FILLING, delicious, creative, and well... healthy. I own their second cookbook, which I HIGHLY recommend. You will not leave hungry, although you may wait for a table. I have found going a bit earlier in the evening to beat the dinner rush lightens the wait time. Although, it's worth the wait.
(5)
Holly D.
Raw friends are good find. Especially when they travel all the way from Chicago and find a place I have never heard of. I was skeptical to say the least and expected some kind of a garden arranged like a sushi bar that floated by while we pull up a carrot and plucked some fresh kale. But low and behold, I was saved! The BBQ plate was wonderful...I smacked my lips on every bit of it; the cornbread with agave, kale salad, mac and cheese and bbq soy curls that I am not kidding, tasted like the real deal. My friend had a Kale salad with a fermented cashew dressing she loved. When she asked for the recipe the waiter was very gracious and said that the chef would share the ingredients but not the recipe. She was happy with that. She ordered some kind of a shake for dessert with a ton of ginger in it. I didn't care for it, but she loved it. Service was great, ambiance very nice for Sully's Gulch. This place can probably credit a whole lot of converts!
(5)
Caleb K.
Excellent vegan food! I ordered the Bbq bowl and was really impressed. Also the pumpkin bread pudding was killer!
(5)
Aleksandra E.
Three friends and I chose the Blossoming Lotus for our girls night out tonight. We arrived at 7, were seated at 7:30 and were still dreaming of dinner at 8:40! The hostess thanked us for our patience, but not once did the waiter apologize for the wait. I ordered the BBQ Tempeh Platter, which comes with spicy black bean chili, cornbread and a side salad, which never came. I didn't realize until we left; otherwise I would've asked for it. The service was atrociously slow, so out of curiosity I walked to the bathroom in hopes of sneaking a peek at the kitchen. Maybe their kitchen is tiny. Maybe someone called in sick at the last minute. Maybe there was a lone, overworked chef, struggling to ferment the soybeans himself! Nope. Four cooks, in a HUGE kitchen space, none of whom were wearing hair nets! One guy had nasty dreads, some of which were tied back, some were loosely dandling about. Gross. Other than the food being fine, the only positive about this place is the low lights and cozy atmosphere. Sorry, Budding Corpse Flower, never again.
(1)
Emily G.
Amazing food and service. Saci was incredibly friendly and helpful! Will definitely come back.
(5)
Madeline S.
Food was great, service was great. I am not vegan or vegetarian and I loved the food. Try the live nachos as an appetizer. I had the tofu wok with black bean sauce and it was so good but beware: I had the most offensive garlic breath I have ever experienced in my life. There were at least 20 cloves of roasted garlic in this dish. Wow! Don't skip desert. YUM. Fig and rosemary "ice cream"!
(4)
Ari R.
Truly delicious live, vegan, and gluten free food. They have a great selection of options. Soy curls are a must have, with cashew cheezecake for dessert. The decor is very hip, and so are the servers/managers. Kind of aloof, at that. Make sure to go there before you are hungry, as there is always a wait. A bit pricey, but nice for a special occasion. It is true that it is a Portland must try.
(4)
Food A.
I'm not really sure what has happened here since the last time I ate here awhile ago (maybe 6 months), but I was really surprised today at the level of customer service and the quality of the food I had. My server was too distracted by who might be coming in the door next to pay very close attention to what I was asking to order and when I got home my order was not what I had asked for. Their prices have also gone up significantly, I know you have to pay for quality food, but $8 for a smoothie?? I doubt I'll be coming back after tonight's experience.
(2)
Theora M.
DANG! I was a vegetarian for several years but have reverted backed to omnivorism and though I'm selective about food I'm not really picky. This place is just dang tasty. It doesn't matter what your food preference or allergy dictates. The breakfasts we enjoyed were bursting with flavor and I've recommended it to vegan and omnivorous friends alike!
(5)
Anjelah S.
I'm wanting something unique and healthy to eat, SooOo... I decided to take my meat-eating hubby to a vegan restaurant. Am I cruel or what? Buhhahahaaaa Honestly, I'm just trying to get him interested in eating healthier. SoOOo we went on a Thursday evening. Cute little place. Not packed at all. Only a couple in the corner and a family of 6 sitting in the middle of everything. Ok, before I move on... I must tell you a little about this family. This family consisted of a mother, father and 3 pre-teens. This family really bugged me. No... the kids were not rude or annoying . The parents were fine. It was just that the family looked as if they hadn't eaten for many years. All of them were super skinny and their eyes were sunken in. They were extremely quiet and when they were served, they ate as if they were starving. It was just plain odd. And yeah, your probably thinking I was odd watching them eat, but I guess I was just in disbelief of what I was watching. Now I understand that most Vegans and Raw foodist are skinny, but the ones I know are healthy looking too. If people want to live the Raw food lifestyle, that's fine with me, but seriously, do it right and don't starve yourself...OR.. I just might slap a grilled hamburger on your plate. After a bit, I just focused on the cool art work hanging up on the walls while I waited for my own food to be served. Ok..Moving on.... For some reason, I expected to smell the grilling of veggies or baking of bread, but DUH on my part, this was a Vegan/Raw food restaurant. This was a "no smell" sensory place to go. It's mostly RAW, which means they don't cook, fry or grill anything in their restaurant. My nose actually had to go "Cold turkey" for this time out. Our waiter was fine and served us promptly. For starters, I ordered the Creamy Pesto & White Bean Dip for $6 It was served warm with organic blue corn tortilla chips. Very Yummy!! I also ordered the Live Wrap for $10 It was loaded with tahini-cilantro pate, cucumber, sprouts*, carrot and avocado goddess sauce...all rolled up a leafy green wrap, served on a bed of mixed greens with cashew sour cream. Very tasty and freshly made. I had more than enough, in fact I ended up taking half of my wrap home. My hubby ordered the Live Falafel Wrap $12 It was made with walnut & brazil nut falafel, tahini-cilantro pate, cucumber, onion and fresh tomato, wrapped in a leafy green, served on a bed of greens with cashew sour cream. He was greatly surprised how much it did taste like a falafel sandwich. He really enjoyed it and had enough to take home. I will probably go back again and try their vegan chili.
(4)
marcy g.
Delicious fresh interesting and tasty foods. Went with my 4 and 7 year old daughters. They loved it, but I wish there were a kids menu. We wended up ordering a lot of different things to taste so it was pretty spendy, but we all had fun trying everything. My favorite was the collard fresh wrap and my girls liked the live nachos. Mmmmmmmmmm, mmmmm,mmmm. Still dreaming about it. Oh, and I'm sugar free and many items contain sugar, but our server worked with me to find the best choices. Great service by the way.
(5)
Kristin R.
AMAZING. You cannot go wrong with this place. For example, they were out of the vodka I asked for in my vodka tonic...the waitress promptly recommended the house infused lemongrass version and it was awesome! She even mentioned if I didn't like it they would find something else. Such great service! The fresh pasta was amazing and the live wraps do not disappoint. Great atmosphere too and easy to find street parking!
(5)
Tommy T.
The last time I ate at Blossoming Lotus they shared a space with a Yoga studio in the Pearl. You had to take your shoes off before using the bathroom and yoga hippies were abundant. I went to Blossoming Lotus a few nights ago to celebrate my 10 years of being vegan. I wanted to go somewhere that was sort of fancy and special. This was definitely the case. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food and special that I had was overly flavorful. My brother eats meat and was weirded out (in a good way) by the flavor of the BBQ platter. The prices were steep but worth it.
(4)
gwendolyn b.
I ordered a bowl of soup, for $7. Before I did this, seeing many other appetizing items on the menu, I asked our server if it was a pureed soup or if their were big chunks of vegetables in it, and she said the latter was a true. My friends, she lied. Well, let's just say she was misinformed. This soup couldn't accurately qualify as a pureed soup, either. It was like bland broth. For $7. Super disappointing. My friend, however, got a southwest bowl, and it was reeeealllyyy yummy. I would go back for that if it weren't so similar to the meals I cook at home all the time. Sometimes you just gotta disagree with your friends and state your true opinion, so here it is: I hate Modest Mouse, and I was unimpressed with Blossoming Lotus.
(3)
Bunny J.
Three words: LIVE KALE WRAP. I could eat this every day and never get tired of it. Actually, I TRIED eating this every day, didn't get tired of it. How's that for a positive endorsement? This is a great place to take your parents, who have never had vegan food. I appreciate the wine pairings suggested for each dish on the menu. Their happy hour menu is pretty kick-ass too.
(4)
Jeannette N.
My rating is reflective of the service, not the food. I have had much better service at the NW location, but I live in NE, and the past few times I went to the NE location I was treated horribly. One time I specifically asked for nutritional years on my tofu bowl and they brought it to me without it. They made some excuse as to how the particular dish I ordered does not come with nutritional yeast, which is WHY I specifically ASKED for it! After I asked them kindly to rectify my order, the waitress was really really awkward and gave off extremely negative energy. She made a much bigger issue out of what was a small mistake. Another time I went in with a friend and we ordered juices. After placing our order then being ignored for twenty minutes they brought my friend's juice to her. Shortly after, I saw that a juice that looked similar to what I had order was placed in the refrigerator. I figured they kept some on stock and didn't think that was my juice. After another ten minutes has passed I asked if that was my juice in the fridge. Someone grabbed it and handed it to me and said "enjoy." And I was like "what?" They acted as if nothing happened. As if they didn't ignore me and forget my order and that they had a communication break-down. No one even thought to apologize. I was pissed and I will never go back. WILTING LOTUS if you ask me!
(1)
Nadine L.
Yum yum yummy yum yum! I am a meatasaurous and did not expect to leave the restaurant full! I did!!!! Full... Satisfied, amazed and happy! I didn't feel overly full and dragging, I felt fantastic! I will come back asap to try the other menu items! I had the Quesadilla with squash and beans...my friend had the lasagna. They were both super good! This place is a must try!!!
(5)
Saskia S.
Very good restaurant! Healthy cuisine and friendly service.
(4)
larry w.
100 percent the best place i have ever consumed food in all my 36 years of living.Great food great people great enviroment.You just feel better after you have eaten the best food ever!
(5)
teresa m.
we have been wanting to come here for quite awhile, since it opened, but couldn't find the time. we finally did try it for lunch. we began with the hub ale, and samuel smith lager. looking for lighter lager, but this sufficed. we absolutely loved the veggie wrap and bbq wrap. very potent, fresh, flavorful, and filling. we aren't vegan, but are primarily veggie, so this was a bonus. the staff were friendly and informative. the space is relaxing. we will be back.
(5)
T C.
Simply the best food we have ever had. Not the best vegan food. Just the best flavor... ever! Incredible. We visited Blossoming Lotus per a friend's recommendation and were so pleasantly surprised, what a delight. The wine selection is great, the entrees very flavorful and the desserts... well we had to have more than one. Should be a Portland landmark.
(5)
Ludo N.
This place has really great food. I've eaten here about 4 times, for dinner a few times and breakfast a few times. All I really want to do is try their lunch menu, but for some reason I've always only been there for dinner or breakfast. Don't get me wrong, dinner was delicious and most recently, the breakfast burritos and cinnamon rolls were TO DIE FOR. Better than any breakfast I ever ate as an omni. That said, I am seriously wanting to try the bowls and tacos they have on the lunch menu! I live about 45 minutes away and work during the week so I have no idea when it's gonna happen, been years at this point. :)
(5)
Allee L.
I was introduced to this place and have been back many times since! The food is amazing! Their coconut bacon tastes so good! I highly recommend their nachos as well! You leave feeling full and healthy!
(5)
Nathan M.
Happy Hour (3-6, M-F) is an excellent value. You can get enough food to nearly stuff yourself for under $10. I had the Pesto Mac ($6) and a Raw Chorizo taco ($3). The mac was super filling and flavorful. It had a tinge of the sourness I generally associate with vegan food, but it was well managed. The taco was a surprise in that they somehow seasoned chopped pecans into tasting somewhat like chorizo. My friend ordered an almond themed protein smoothie that was also way too good for what it was. Though I am not a vegan food person, I would return here. The food was very good.
(4)
betty k.
A delicious variety and huge portions. Friendly staff and an inviting atmosphere. I'm hooked on your smoked coconut!!
(5)
Alden R.
Excellent food, small, funky restaurant. Often crowded, and reservations can be a big help. Bibimbap bowl was good, but just short of great. Their Chili is also good. Still one of Portland's best Vegan / vegetarian restaurants. Parking can be mildly problematic, but the location is central and good.
(4)
Karen F.
Omg if you are vegan, you need to go here. Fig and Brie, yes vegan, sandwich. Incredible. Best thing I've ever eaten.
(5)
Mark H.
Still great food and service, but oh my gosh it gets loud in there. I measured 106 db , which is getting into hearing damage territory. Seems like it's more of a bar that serves food than a serious restaurant.
(3)
Mike G.
Superb vegetarian food, delicious smoothies, (try the lean green machine) the spaghetti squash dish and the empanadas are both worth the visit! I'll easily come back.
(5)
Jennifer H.
Great experience! Food was wonderful, service was great! Prices were good. Definitely recommend this place and will be going back!
(5)
Jackie F.
I was so excited to find this place during my recent visit to Portland! I had the kimchee tacos, which were delicious! They were a lovely blend of spicy and creamy, with just a hint of acidity to balance out their subtle sweetness. These were delicious, and I'd highly recommend them to anyone who loves a Korean flavor profile! Additionally, I had a chai/coffee blend that was decent. The waitress recommended it when I was debating between the two. If I were to return, I'd probably stick with either coffee or chai, and not a blend of both. I understand, however, that many people love this combo. Since I was having an after lunch coffee, I also decided that I needed a sweet treat. So, I ordered a trailmix cookie (yes, I pretty much stuffed myself silly!). It was out of this world. The cookie had sesame seeds, chocolate chips, raisins, chia seeds, peanuts and several other yummy ingredients. It was almost like a granola bar, but with the distinct texture of a delicious, hearty cookie. It was huge and I ended up taking most of it with me. Just the mere fact that everything on their menu is fresh, healthy, mostly organic, vegan fare merits four stars. The fifth star is for their prompt and friendly service, and the quality of my dish! I'll definitely be back during my next visit to Portland!
(5)
Lucky B.
We started off with the live nachos which did not disappoint . I ordered the fig & Brie sandwich and my date had the tres tacos. The sandwich was good but not amazing. Good combination of flavors but a little strong on the Dijon mustard. The tres tacos were delicious. Full of flavor, good variety and satisfying. We both left with our bellies full and enjoyed our lunch. Also had the green lantern juice which was delicious and tasted just like the fresh juice we make at home.
(4)
Kate M.
Super excited vegetarian walks into Blossoming Lotus. Said vegetarian scans the menu and begins to worry. At first glance I began thinking the dishes might be too "out there hippy earth mama vegetarian" for me. I settled on the tofu & kimchi quinoa bowl with a side of vegan mac & cheese. Much to my delight both dishes were bursting with flavor. The bowl was a delightfully surprising mix of spiced tofu, quinoa, kimchi, raw kale and fresh cole slaw. It was delicious!! The mac & cheese was also fantastic. Simple, but super tasty and light. Not a Ptown resident, but would definitely visit again on my next trip to the city!
(4)
December C.
Wonderful neighborhood restaurant! I love the atmosphere and the artwork! The staff is kind and helpful. The menu is vegan and vegetarian friendly. The food is wonderful! Even for omnivores! Wine, beer and cocktails too. I enjoyed their "mocktails!"
(5)
Cailin B.
This place is perfect, or would be if it had extended hours. I tried Blossoming Lotus in Irvington for the first time with my mother-in-law-to-be, as my fiance would only mutter something about "pale, anemic grass-fed hippies" when I suggested the place. She couldn't finish her food and so it made its way into our refrigerator where, miracle of miracles, the fiance unknowingly ate it and declared it the best food he'd had in ages. So, we've been back. Neither of us have had a dish yet that wasn't absolutely delicious. My current favorites are the pastas (Live Pasta and Pasta Fagioli) and the Coconut Chai specialty drink, which has just replaced all of my favorite desserts. In addition to the fabulous food, I love that tables are set up in groups of two with shared booth-side seating, which lends itself well to a community-feel and conversing with your neighbors. The street-side windows are enormous and let in plenty of light and warmth and the staff are funky and friendly. This is one of my topmost favorite places in Portland.
(5)
Mark C.
My wife and I used to love eating at the Blossoming Lotus on Kauai Hawaii, until it closed! We loved our experience in Portland. The food was fantastic. The cheeseburger was delicious, very tasty, the best veggie burger I have eaten! Everything was great, just don't be in a hurry, the food takes time to come out, but worth the wait!
(5)
Stephanie H.
Not impressed. Ordered the pesto macaroni. Edible but too heavy for my taste. Didn't taste like pesto. The samosas (NOT worth $16, What the f*ck were they thinking.) were terrible. Thai taco tasted okay but was just a mess to eat. The raw chorizo taco was just...bad. This place serves Asian-inspired dishes such as bibimbap, udon noodle stir fry, maki rolls, etc. but they are FAR from the original concepts. By all means, come here if you want to eat vegan food, but there are better establishments you could patron.
(2)
Rachael M.
I just wanted to update review, since we have gone for brunch. GO FOR BRUNCH. It's amazing. And super worth waiting- even though our wait was only about 20 minutes. Whether or not you're vegan, this is just a good spot with good food. It doesn't hurt that the waiter we usually have is quite possibly the nicest guy in Portland!
(5)
Elizabeth W.
Probably one of my favorite (if not my favorite) brunches in portland. I've only eaten here once but yes, it was THAT good. We had the Benedict and French toast. I enjoyed the Benedict with the large portion of steamed kale. We tried and iced chai which was also very delightful! I look forward to sneaking back there for happy hour !
(5)
Ron G.
Quite possibly the best burger I've ever tasted, coming from a carnivore growing up and recently converted to healthier, happier, vegan way of eating. If in doubt, get the cheeseburger. You will not be disappointed!!!
(5)
Chelsea Ellen A.
This place is really good and fancier than I expected. I loved the live nachos. This was my first time trying a fully live dish. I left happy! The curries are good too. I love the really chill vibe here and our waitress was awesome. Pro tip: They may only be available during brunch, but the bloody marys here are the BEST. I've never had a bloody mary as delicious as the one I had here. Highly recommend!
(5)
Jennifer J.
Great service, great food, great beer. This place makes me want to become a vegan! Gotta try the tacos, amazing cashew sour cream! The vegetables are fresh and flavorful. My boyfriend is a big meat eater and loved the bibimbap and the jerk taco. Very reasonable prices during their happy hour. I wished I lived closer to this spot!
(5)
Ai M.
Took my friend out for his birthday, we've need been here before, which is surprising as it's near Lloyd and convenient. We were seated without delay. Menu was simple and plenty of drink option. I knew I would be full just from the drink so I went with water and collard wrap. All ingredients were fresh and flavors were nutty, but not too earthy. I could only finish two wraps as it was pretty filling. My friend was happy with his cheese burger too, and atmosphere was calm and great for conversing. It became pretty busy so we did not linger to let other customers in, but overall it was quite an enjoyable experience.
(4)
Samantha D.
First things first, please know that outdoor seating is seasonal here. Call ahead to check. Many ppl walk there dogs in this neighborhood, me being one of them, and I had to order to-go because I couldn't sit outside. The hostess/server was pleasant and helpful. She provided us water while we waited. There's so many delicious looking items to choose from its difficult to narrow it down. I got the bibimbap. Super good but on the spicy side. Generous portions so be ready to take a box home.
(4)
Paul A.
As much as I try not to be, I'm a picky eater. This place is absolutely amazing! We came at Happy Hour on Monday. I had the Thai Wrap, which bursting with fresh taste due to all of the raw veggies. The coconut pieces were a nice touch and the peanut sauce was perfect. However, the bibimbap was out of this world! It was the perfect combination of flavors: sweet soy curls, sour pickles, creamy slaw, salty mushrooms, spicy sauce, and plain broccoli. It was absolutely divine and I'd recommend it to everybody! Besides the food, the service was great. Friendly and attentive! I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Bethany K.
Flew into PDX and unexpectedly needed to pick up lunch solo, so Yelp led me to Blossoming Lotus. FOOD *Curry bowl - which I realize is not currently on the menu! I kind of love that the menu shifts, but I really did like the curry bowl -- yummy veggies and relatively mild curry (I remember the kale mmm) *Also did a mono juice (orange juice) which was not too sweet (should have expected it, given oranges aren't really in season any more) but still good, and I try to double down on the vitamin C when traveling LOGISTICS *Street parking is a little tricky, but I parked a block or so away *Service is very kind, they offered me water while I waited for my to go order Would happily come back, either to sit with friends and enjoy the ambiance, or to go.
(4)
Amber B.
This is a nice little vegan spot with a friendly staff and a good variety of menu options. I wish I could have tried more! I'd go back for the jackfruit sliders alone, and the live nachos were interestingly delicious!
(4)
Marius B.
I had received a gift card for my birthday to BL. We had come before, years ago, and it was good, but I think we just got some mainstream lunch items, nothing very exotic or different. This time around we came for dinner and it was nothing short of amazing! Everything tasted, looked, and smelled as if someone, with some actual culinary skills, had put a lot of time, effort, and thought into the food! Even the cocktail drinks were 5 stars! The prices a bit higher than most places, but the food IS certainly meriting the cost! If your palette is even slightly developed, this place will certainly give it another good shove forward!
(5)
Eden K.
Most decedent and high quality gourmet vegan food I have ever had. Super nice ambience and staff. Different vegan icecream flavors each day, awesome desserts (cookies as big as my face), cakes, smoothies, nachos, bbq, cornbread and so much more. A must taste for anyone vegan or not!
(5)
George S.
Superb food! Just outstanding both in taste and presentation. And a full bar with unique mixers. Friendly and informative staff. You can't go wrong. Do not miss this treat!
(5)
Jenn C.
In July 2014, I had my second visit to this Blossoming Lotus -- previously, I visited the now closed location in Kauai. My first visit here was a couple years ago with my mom -- we arrived just in time to catch lunch and had amazingly delicious sandwiches and my mom fell in love with "soy curlz" and is now addicted to them. This past July, I took a friend there after we visited Cycle Oregon and we arrived on Saturday just before closing -- and we had the best service and awesome food. Zucchini bread french toast, Red Flannel Hash and Fig & Brie ... plus several helpings of the delicious coconut chai. The food was incredible, to say the least. I even got a raw chocolate cheesecake slice to go. Service and food are always super excellent, and I look forward to going here again on my next trip to Portland.
(5)
Kirk M.
Second trip went much better than the first. This time I was greeted at the door by a friendly hostess, was seated immediately, then waited on by a very nice server. The soup was very good and the stuffed peppers were excellent. Glad I went back for a second try.
(4)
Stephanie R.
Yes yes yes! Just go. If you're vegetarian or not, there's something for everyone. I think I've tried everything on the menu at least once. You'll leave wanting to return the next day. Customer service is great. Attention to detail here at this locally owned joint is spot on. The desserts are to die for and the green juices are always a special treat. Must go now!
(5)
Stephen R.
Excellent veggie / vegan food. Very filling. I had the cheeseburger - huge and tasty. Wife had Mac and cheese with BBQ 'soy curls' - very nice too (and big). We also had the 'live' nachos which were really nice (but don't expect a plate of nachos - it's more like four crackers with nacho style topping). Didn't have dessert but friends swear by it.
(5)
Jacqui L.
Researched Vegan restaurants in Portland for recent trip in July, Blossoming Lotus was at the top of my list. I went with my meat eating boyfriend and sister-in-law in time for their Brunch menu on Saturday. The ONLY negative i can say is that we did have to wait a while for our food (about 45mins or so). Also, just thinking out loud, not a deal breaker or anything but , I was hoping to see more regarding the decor of the restaurant such as plants, flowers, colors but that's just what i think of by looking at the name. The style they have is nice and clean looking which is fine. The staff was really nice and the server we had she was happy to explain the details of the food and any other questions we might have had. Now to the most important part and why i went.....The food was AMAZING!!! I ordered the raw live vegan nachos and it was so delicious / creative / unique / presentation beautiful! My boyfriend loved his meal ( Loaded Homefries) and he agreed with me when i said next time we go to Portland...we will 100% be going back to this restaurant!
(5)
Jamie S.
I love this place. Amazing. A little overpriced, but they're always packed so it seems to be working for them. I'd eat anything off this menu.
(5)
Tim T.
This place was really good. Service was efficient and the atmosphere was very relaxed with a touch of upscale. I ordered the breakfast burrito and my wife got the Thai salad. The burrito tasted great, but was a bit mushy with the exception of the coconut bacon. The salad, while full of crisp, fresh veggies and an amazing dressing, was also full of too many soy curls. This wouldn't have been an issue if they weren't so overpowering. I'd go back again, but with some personal modifications thrown into my order.
(4)
Cristina S.
We made 2 trips to this place during a 5 day trip because it was so yummy and cool. The staff is very nice and the location, decor, and vibe were great! The food is vegan and there are plenty of gluten free options. The first trip we had tacos which were tasty and this amazing chocolate cake which tasted of pure heaven (vegan/gf to my surprise). Great job! The second trip was a bbq with mac and cheese (vegan) and a maki roll. Loved bbq/mc and the maki was okay. Drinks were yummy also (caipirinha and something else with bourbon/ginger/pineapple (wow!) anyway....definitely recommend!
(4)
Kiki M.
We waited for 25 minutes to be seated, then an additional hour to receive our food. They had issues with their credit card machine, so were only accepting cash that night. Our server was pleasant, and apologetic towards the long wait we had. Given the chance to dine there again, we would have to pass. It was a nice experience, but the wait was brutal. They are in dire need of a more complete staff, they seemed overwhelmed by the Saturday night rush.
(3)
Swati P.
I don't eat out much, so when I do, I don't mind going to slightly pricey places. What i do mind is when I don't get my money's worth of food. Blossoming Lotus has a few fantastic options on their menu that are just great for brunch. Their Live Nachos are especially great - the creamy texture of avocados goes really well with the crunchiness of those baked chips that they make. And their service staff is friendly too. However dinner there was a disaster for me three times. Their food descriptions always made me hungry, but what arrived on the plate in front of me was disappointingly small in quantity and mediocre in taste. I hated the soy curls and found The Burger to be too ordinary. Everything felt outrageously overpriced. Every time I came here, I spent close to $20 and still ended up eating at Chipotle later. It's just that my first time here had been so good, I kept giving them another go; sadly, not any more. I wouldn't recommend Blossoming Lotus for dinner. A cautious yes for brunch.
(2)
Jamie S.
Yum!! Bibimbap!! The roasted artichoke potato soup was solid. Had the jerk taco and it could've used a little more fresh herbs. The live nachos were fresh raw deliciousness! And I don't usually throw this into my comments, but our waiter was the best waiter I have had in years. Funny, informative, and everything I expected from a Portlandian.
(5)
Jess P.
I am confused about my feelings towards Blossoming Lotus. On one hand, the breaded zucchini bites and pumpkin empanadas were excellent. The breaded zucchini had all the right flavors (though texturally, it was a bit on the soggy side). The cashew cheese and salsa paired perfectly with the appetizer. I did, however, feel that the three bites were a bit teensy for the $8 price tag, and not ideal for sharing. I'd recommend the pumpkin empanadas to anyone. Stuffed with pumpkin, pepitas, cranberry, and carmelized onions, the empanadas come served with cashew cheese and a chimichurri sauce of sorts. No complaints on anything here. Note: the dinner serving portion is huge, and can easily be split into two meals. Equally good were our cocktails, once they were finally served (they came out after the appetizer, though they were ordered first). I had the cranberry beret, which packed a lot of cran-punch, and was finished with a sage leaf. I loved it. The boyfriend had the Apple Tom Collins, which was perfect. On the other hand, my boyfriend's BBQ plate was not so great. In fact, it was sort of sickly sweet; that is something mac and cheese, collared greens, and bbq soy curls simply should not be. I understand it's hard to veganize comfort classics. I'm not asking for a perfect duplication. But his plate just did not satisfy. For a lower price, you can find better executed Mac at Harlow or Papa G's. Overall, dinner was enjoyable. I liked the simple elegance of the restaurant. The waitstaff were nice, and aside from the cocktail mix-up, very attentive in their service. I left with the impression that prices were just a bit too high for what you got. This restaurant seems to be touting itself as top-notch vegan food, but I'd place it squarely in the middle. With a smaller price tag (and consequently lower expectations), I'd probably be singing praises for Blossoming Lotus. But as things currently stand, I'll probably just stick with Portabello for my fancy pants vegan food.
(3)
Tina V.
Great restaurant on the NE side; food was delicious and reasonably priced. I had the Samoas plate, Maki roll and almond cheesecake. Only reason I can't give 5 stars is because of the annoying little fruit flies that seemed to be hanging out around our table. Maybe it was my perfume that was just so delightful they couldn't resist!!! Lol
(4)
Zachary O.
Live nachos, baked Brie plate, mac and cheese, green curry with black sesame crusted tofu, coconut chai, chocolate orange cheesecake, coconut rum brownie with Nutella soft serve - a vegan paradise! Always get some of their sauces on the side for extra yum factor. Always do desert. Always get soft serve. The only place in Portland with better vegan soft serve is Back To Eden Bakery in NE, BUT Blossoming Lotus has unique rotating flavors like Nutella, Vanilla Almond, etc. Get there for happy hour and right when they open. People were lined out the door!
(4)
Kaupo K.
Overall good experience. Not what we were expecting atmosphere wise, blossoming lotus sounded thai but the music and decorations fit more of a Hispanic vibe but then the menu was quite eclectic and small. Ordered the vegan udon stir fry which was delicious and the samosas which was a bit small for $16. Pretty pricey but everything was vegan. The flavors were good - would definitely go back for the udon.
(4)
Beau T.
The place is really nice but the food is not super impressive. I had the spagetti squash with the faux meatballs the flavor was lacking and the meatballs didn't seem to be as savory as I would hope a little tough to bite into. I have been here a few times and really the only thing I like is the appetizers. The service is very good and I like some of the beers but being expensive and the food not being extraordinary does not compel me to return to this restaurant.
(2)
Caitlin S.
This place was absolutely delicious. Despite the good reviews I was still hesitant on going to a place that looked so healthy. The food was deliciously seasoned and I didn't regret eating it because it was healthy! Definitely coming back
(5)
Robert B.
Took my wife here for her Birthday and Mother's Day. OUTSTANDING in every respect. Our server was Allie. She was very pleasant and knowledgable...and professional. Guided us to several things on the menu she thought we would like and we did! The food was great, A+. We have vegan guests coming from the east coast in two weeks. Blossoming Lotus is the first restaurant we will take them to.
(5)
Brian H.
Over the top delicious food. This is as good as it gets. Vegan food, made with care. Creative, distinctive and I always leave feeling like I did something good for myself. Great atmosphere in a quaint neighborhood. Mellow, intelligent staff. If you are in a hurry (good food takes time/care) you may want to try some place else. If you want a food event with food conscious people this place is great.
(5)
Alisha H.
The raw nachos were soooooooooo good! The plate seemed to be small, and I wasn't sure if it would be enough to fill me up. I actually couldn't even finish it! It was so filling! I wish there was a restaurant near me that made these nachos, because I have been craving them!!!
(5)
Rachel T.
Everyone should try Blossoming Lotus. It's amazing. We are so lucky to live in a time and place where people have finally figured out how to make truly tasty and savory vegan/sugar free/ gluten free/raw fare. Since that combination usually makes people want to run away, I love taking people here. It's shockingly good. Their live wraps are my favorite, all the juices are perfect, and their sugar free/dairy free cheesecakes are as good if not better than the standard. I had the live nachos - what a snack. I'm headed there for lunch today!
(5)
Jason L.
Finally, Portland has a good vegan restaurant. Yes, there are lots of vegan restaurants in Portland, however, they're either just lunch type spots or not very good. Sadly, most vegan food I get in restaurants is awful, bland, chewy crap. The closest to good I had was at Nutshell, but even they were just ok (and out of business). But Blossoming Lotus has done it right. I always loved their restaurant in the Pearl. However, it always felt like a lunch spot and awkwardly shared space with a yoga studio. Their new location in Irvington is great. The atmosphere is nice without being pretentious. While at the same time, you don't feel out of place eating vegan food not having shown up on a fixie and wearing a black hoodie. It feels like a "regular" restaurant and serves amazing vegan food. So yes, the food. Awesome. I mean really good. Amazing, healthy vegan food that actually has flavor and spices. We had several things and every dish was great. The live vegan nachos were really good. My favorite was the vegan lasagna. The lasagna actually tasted like lasagna and wasn't some nonsense like Nutshell used to try to pass off as lasagna - a pile of cold, tasteless veggies. Just because different foods are stacked on top of each other doesn't make it lasagna. Hopefully the success of BL will spawn many other high quality vegan restaurants.
(5)
Daniel S.
My favorite restaurant in Portland. If you enjoy raw food it will be your favorite as well, trust me.
(5)
Zilya S.
The brunch was super-delish! I tried the chai, and while it was sweet, it was very good. I appreciate that it had coconut milk rather than the ever-pervasive soymilk. The french toast with cashew cream was very tasty as well, though perhaps a little healthier-tasting than I was hoping for. Still, I was impressed and satisfied. My friend was very happy with her benedict - the side of kale with butternut hollandaise made her very happy indeed. Try it out! It's so nice to have a vegan brunch that is something beyond tofu scramble.
(4)
Carmen M.
I have turned into a vegan. I have become a Blossoming Lotus! I read Skinny Bitch, watched Food Inc. and can no longer eat meat or dairy. Oh yeah, the vain part of this is that I lost 30 pounds in three months just eating this way....yes fellow vegans I'm still a 'dietary' vegan I found out there's a difference but nonetheless, I feel a sense of community amongst all of you that embrace this way of eating. I went through a mourning phase of not having any chicken or cheesy stuff...and ice cream and dipping chocolate chip cookies in milk.....sad, sad, sad....and then I found Blossoming Lotus! Next to Peete's where I only have soy steamers now Blossoming Lotus had such a wide variety of foods both live (with a long I) and vegan varieties that I was in Nirvana. I had the Buddha bowl which consists of quinoa (kee-nwa), beans and Kale in a ginger sesame flavoring. It was sooooooo good. And perhaps my palate (plate) has changed to enjoy such cuisine but I felt so healthy and I am now ready to explore all other vegan restaurants in town and write about them!!! I love Blossoming Lotus!! The environment ambient for lunch and dinner. Nice airy high ceiling room, very comfortable and very welcoming. I want to go back again soon and try other items on their menu! Even if you're not vegan, this is a great place to know that what you've eaten is so good for you!!
(4)
Eric M.
Here is my dilemma: WORST service I've ever had. By far. Zero stars. But Excellent food. And I mean REALLY excellent. 5 stars. Really? You can't ask your staff to PAY ATTENTION? To give a shit about the customers as much as the cooks so obviously do about the food? After much internal debate I settled on 2 stars, because the three-star description is "A-OK" and I just can't give it that because the ONLY reason we stayed to experience the food was because we're from out of town and my partner is on the tail end of a Master Cleanse with limited food options, so we really didn't want to go looking around for compatible foods. Maybe the staff was stoned? They worked randomly, without direction or purpose, starting a task but not finishing it. For example, I watched an employee fill some waters, then clear a table, then deliver a check, then fill some more waters, then take an order, then deliver another check, THEN set the table she had cleared - and she still didn't seat anyone at it until after several other unrelated tasks had been partially completed. And I emphasize, this was after lunch, before dinner, and it was not busy. Given the options that we know Portland has for excellent vegan food, I probably won't be back.
(2)
Kirby M.
A nutritionist recommended I eat raw due to my gluten intolerance, and I'm all about the baby steps. However, there aren't any raw restaurants in San Diego so it's pretty hard for me to sample the food without having to drive to another county. I'm happy to report that my experience at Blossoming Lotus makes me want to sample raw a few more times. The food, the service, the ambience---everything was great! All the gluten free options were clearly marked, and everything was vegan so this vegetarian had no problems. It got really busy as soon as we walked in and the parking was a bit of a challenge so be prepared. But I can't wait to take my began sister here when she visits me in my new city!
(4)
jane m.
First Visit a Success. I was so happy that the NE Blossoming Lotus opened for lunch since it's in the hood where I work. I remember this space from years back. First it was Vergotis, a wonderful clothing store that then moved to where Footwise is now before they closed of course. Then Paper Garden, such a sweet sweet store. It seems like everytime one of our precious NE gems closes it is replaced with something less than satisfactory. Case in point: the amazing boutique Mimi & Lena that has graced our town for many years closed and days later a store moved in where everything is under $17 (dresses). Hmmmmm, not really what we stalwarts of the NE Broadway neighborhood want to see. That little history said, I absolutely love the old school vibe of B.L. The dark word furnishings, the lovely chandeliers, the sweet little decor items of antique cookbooks on the shelf. There was only one table when I went in around 2pm and they seemed pretty happy. I went in to order my lunch to go. Spent some time chatting with the wonderful server and ordered the Monk Bowl with soy curls (or some word like "curls") which was brown rice, lentils, sauteed kale two different sauces which I tried on the side and the wonderful "soy curl thingies" which were seasoned with nutritional yeast. They serve these thingies as a side, I could eat them everyday! Sooooooooo yummy. Recently on a talk thread there was a post about restaurant service. Granted I did not stay and experience table service but the server had just the right vibe. She was professional and gave me time to peruse and was happy to talk about other offerings such as their homemade loose leaf teas. Next time I shall try the soft serve, I'll have to call since vanilla is THE BOMB of soft serve against which all soft serves are rated. Today they were serving chocolate. I shall also try the Coconut Chai!!!!! And lastly I will be trying the tea. They also sell their cookbook which I've owned for years and is a forever cookbook. Finally an answer to Pizza Schmizza (not so good on the hips)
(4)
Janna K.
Another nod to the delectable Blossoming Lotus! I like to dine here to celebrate special occasions. They show that vegetarian and vegan food can indeed be elegant! The goddess bowl surely lives up to its name. We had a reservation on my birthday and they sat us almost 30 minutes late, but kindly made up for it with a few complimentary appetizers. My only critique is that it's really loud. They would very much benefit from some curtains or pillows or fabric to take up the clanking of the dishes and the lively conversation. It would really help add a calm to the atmosphere.
(4)
Sabrina P.
This is the type of place I can really get behind. Everything is labeled Raw, Soy-free, Gluten-free which is incredibly helpful for me because I am allergic to everything. The live taco salad, the portobello pizza are both amazing. My only complaint is I wish the used less soy. But I don't hold it against them.
(4)
Big Eared M.
An amazing place for healthy, raw, vegan and other food. I really wish this was closer to Eugene so I could eat there more frequently. The raw nachos are super tasty and the raw wrap (can't remember the name) was also quite good. Knowing that I will be back in PDX in a few weeks for a convention, I fully plan to return for my 4rd visit. Thanks for making healthy food that tastes amazing!
(5)
Michael S.
The food is great but they never know what's in it, or more importantly to me, what's not in it. I have an allergy so I cannot risk eating something that an employee doesn't "think" contains any of the dozens of items I can't have. I now fight downtown traffic to eat at Prasad because they always keep the recipe book at the register. You should know what you're feeding people. Especially when you cater to health conscious people with dietary restrictions. Get your s#*@ together and I'll be back, Blossoming Lotus.
(2)
Meredith P.
Wow, I'm vegetarian, but it is hard to find a truly memorable vegetarian meal. The tempeh was superb. The brussel sprouts were truly out of this world. I will be back.
(5)
Hannah H.
Blossoming Lotus was such a pleasant surprise. Great staff and great food! After hearing raves I went and checked it out last week and was not in the least disappointed - so delicious! A fave of many of my friends, my roommate even picked this as her special "birthday dinner" spot last week. Yay Blossoming Lotus! Great food, great staff and convenient location. I'll be back, soon!
(4)
Roxie G.
Had the Coconut Oatmeal special for brunch and it was magnificent!!! I wish I could of ate more! All the people that work there are lovely too! Front & back of the house. Love it!
(5)
Kim S.
I love meat (and there's a bunch of guys around town chuckling at that) - but I do tend to eat meat and veggies - SOOOOO I was pleasantly surprised to leave Lotus feeling super satisfied. The food was delicious and affordable and the staff was helpful. I like to ask my server to recommend something packed with veggies, low carb and spicy and this server was quick with a recommendation. Will definitely visit again!
(5)
Valerie J.
My mom had the Southwestern bowl, which she really liked. She said the greens were made just right. We split an apple-lemon-ginger-kale juice - it had a very strong ginger taste at first that wore off later. I had the falafel wrap, which to me was a little spicy but different. I went here hoping for something different than what I make at home, and there was a lot to choose from. We had to park about 2 blocks away on a side street. Very happy with the prices, and will hopefully be back.
(5)
D. B.
This place is amazing: great atmosphere, very accommodating service, and the food is phenomenal (and great for you)! (Definitely try the pizza!)
(5)
Connie M.
The $19.00 sampler plate was enjoyed by all... Server could have been a little more joyful...
(4)
John S.
What a treat to be able to order ANYTHING on the menu! As vegans, we are lucky to find one thing we could order, minus the cheese. Everything was nice and flavorful. Haven't had nachos in a long time!
(4)
Angela S.
We went to the new location as a part of the Restaurant.com deal and ended up spending more than we meant to. Even though the gift certificates were suppose to be good for a year, we were told that they will stop accepting them February 11th. Considering we bought two and you are only allowed to use one per month at the same restaurant, I'm not too impressed. But onto the food... For appetizers we got the beet salad and live nachos, which were both tasty. For the main course we had the quesadillia and four cheeze lasagna. The portion sizes of the were sizable and we both had leftovers for lunch the next day. I am a huge fan of lasagna and I found this one only ok. I liked the bed of steamed collard greens however the lasagna noodle itself was too thick. I should have known better than order pasta somewhere other than Portobello. It's always a challenge for me to eat any of the live dishes, as delicious as they are due to my sensitivity to garlic. Fresh garlic and lots of it is always a major player in the live dishes. The new space is much nicer than being in the yoga studio. The service is attentive and pleasant. What not to miss out on? The soft serve! Which actually this time I did pass up only because by ordering appetizers we had no room left for dessert.
(4)
Elaine M.
so over the top (just look at the name!) also, so good! lots of stars and doo dads indicating what's raw, vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, and appropriate for god only knows what other dietary restriction makes you hated at friendly potlucks. that said they did GOOD, and pretty unusual things, with restricted ingredients and I had a fabulous cocktail. something with cardamom bitters, served over floofy ice: a single, large sphere (which i secretly love). the service wasn't amazing, I got a bit a whiff of pretension with my agave, jalapeno cornbread (shocking right), but I was seated, served and attended to in a timely fashion, so no complaints.
(4)
kate k.
Blossoming Lotus effing rules. As I have written before, I come from DC where vegan food leaves much to be desired, but sweet Jesus on the cross, I have never had ANY food, vegan or not, so tasty and consistently good! I fully recommend the green goddess bowl, but make sure it is adequately dressed with it's various sauces - sometimes it's a little light which can take away from the full experience. I am also a big fan of their BBQ items, whether it be the dinner tempeh platter (with the nom-licious corn bread) or the soy curl wrap/sandwich served for lunch - you will not be disappointed. My favorite by far, though, is the live pizza with pesto as the sauce and big ass marinated portabellas on top of this delicious thick cracker thing made out of nuts. You do not need to be a vegan to enjoy your meal. In fact, don't be - it'll go the extra mile to blow your sound pork loving mind!
(5)
Gigi L.
Very good vegan food! Love this place, interesting menu since I don't see much Vegan restaurant in LA. They have a wide variety and servers are friendly. Drinks on the menu are interesting too. (I had the Kale and Ginger drink and it was very good!) The only down side is the restaurant is very small so either be there early or be patience waiting in line.
(4)
K B.
This is a 4.5 star lunch review. This place is really cool. If I lived in this area this would be my go-to lunch spot. I started with the Greens Protein Plus smoothie with coconut milk, and it was outstanding. I could drink that every day. And I ordered the southwest bowl to eat. It was awesome - my first time trying steamed kale. The bowl was a simple yet delicious mix of flavors.
(4)
Chinmay G.
good food right next to loyld shopping mall. a must go if u are a vegetarian !
(4)
Dana H.
The food is great and I'd like to eat it more often. The service has usually been pretty good and the wait isn't bad. I only gave 3 stars for the fact that I have tried to call in an order twice now and ended up on hold for 10+ minutes and upon hanging up and trying to call back, they don't answer. When I arrived and placed a to-go order at the desk, anticipating a wait, they told me to call it in next time... mmm hmm...
(3)
Julie T.
i've been a big fan of the smoothies and juices here for a while. my new favorite is the happy hour tacos. these are quite possibly the most yummiest tacos i've ever eaten. the thai one was my favorite. triple yum! get some!
(5)
Geanna M.
I go here for the raw food mostly, although their cooked entrees are good, too. The other day I was in the mood for a hot drink and dessert, and I was able to get both during the lunch hour. The waitstaff is super friendly and the food is delicious. My only complaint is the price.
(3)
Darla S.
Raw goodness. Great food and charming atmosphere.
(5)
Darren L.
I used to get their bowls over at the place that was in a Yoga studio. Now the one in the Irvington area is way overpriced. I asked the server how much you get for $15 for a lasagne. She said, "Oh it's a huge portion and plenty to fill you up." It wasn't. One little 4" square of lasagne, no bread, no soup, no salad. $15. Ridiculous. I don't see how places can get away with this in an economy where so many people are hurting. Even a little half cup of soup or a piece of bread or something would be OK since the food tasted fine. But it is just way overpriced.
(2)
Shannon M.
Yum! Cocount Chai is a must have. Food is consistently excellent.
(4)
Ann m.
I'm not a raw food fan, so I was a bit hesitant about dining here but ended up really satisfied and longing to return for the Live Falafel Wrap. Also really liked the taste of the Roasted Beet Salad I had. No reservations so come a bit early to get your name in!
(4)
Jeremy H.
Excellent new location! Very nice atmosphere. We went here when it was at the old place and they were out of half the menu and we didn't eat anything memorable. Years later took the wife to the fixed Valentines dinner and everything was great. The soup we had was epic, even tho I don't remember what flavor it was. It was pricey but good. Not mind blowing, but very delicious. We'll be returning.
(4)
Julia R.
Eating here makes me happy. Delicious cocktails. I love the White October. Also, the food is crazy good. Love the grubbin' vegan sustainability. xoxo
(5)
Stephanie P.
Beautifully presented and tasty food. Attention to detail with everything on the plate. Nice portion size. We had the bbq plate and the Thai salad; both amazing. cookie for dessert was good too.
(4)
Art V. B.
Food is quite good. I particularly enjoyed the lentil soup of the day. They took a while to serve the food but everything was tasty and good.
(4)
Rosemary R.
YUM! The food here is delicious. I'm addicted to it and it's good for me, weird. I love the lavender lemonade and the live pizza.
(5)
Kim B.
My fave Portland restaurant for brunch, lunch or dinner. Prices are SOOOO reasonable for the quality of the ingredients. The portions are plentiful and I always leave feeling pleasantly full, and not like I need to either barf or take a nap. Servers are good, atmosphere is good. I wish BL closer to where I lived. On my block. Or at least in my neighborhood. Or city. Or state. Luckily I visit PDX enough to get my fix.
(5)
Jen J.
I really like this new location! I've been going for over a year and have not been disappointed. I took a friend on a Sunday and did not realize it was brunch. My daughter got the tofu Florentine scramble and I thought she wouldn't be able to finish it so I just got a side. She would not let me have any because it was so good! Even ate her side of braised kale. Now I have to go back for some.
(5)
Jeanette D.
Lovely and Delicious vegetarian good with a touch of class. The live nachos were particularly delicious. I also had a salad and we ordered a great bottle of wine. We shared a piece of cake for the whole table and it was huge. I wasn't sure about it before ordering as the combination sounded odd--turkish coffee and cardamom--but it was absolutely delicious. I do wish there were more soy free options, hence 4 stars instead of 5. .
(4)
Steven K.
The food here is amazing. I had a friend tell me she was vegan and needed some options and this was the first thought. She loved it! The smoothies are amazing and my favorite has to be the Thai wrap.
(5)
Chloe B.
Some of the best ever.Very creative menu . the chocolate,peanutbutterglutenfree cupcakes were soooooo good
(5)
ruthie m.
Very creative healthy food with amazing spices. I always appreciate chefs who can create dishes with unique combinations that actually work. It's very popular so if you go during a common dining out time you will have to wait. It's definitely worth it though.
(5)
Malea X.
hmmm...i really wanted to like this place. first of all, with a name like blossoming lotus i thought it was asian food. ummm.....nope. it has an upscale ambience and upscale prices, but not upscale food. i had the bbq tempeh platter which comes with a side salad, black bean chili & cornbread. the salad was the best part of the meal, sadly. it was a great salad, and i thought a sign of what was to come. the tempeh was ok, not nearly enough sauce. the cornbread was the driest i've ever had, and the chili was ok. hubby had the lasagna. i would have liked the kale cooked - even just a little - but the sauce was definitely fresh. i could tell it was made from fresh tomatoes that day. i wanted to love this place...i really did.
(2)
Bobbi B.
The lasagna at Blossoming Lotus is so good and filling that I've had the leftovers for breakfast. More than once. And I'm not ashamed. The soft serve ice cream is excellent, the trail mix cookie is divine. I went with a friend who eats meat and he had the raw falafel, which made me a little nervous, as it's a kind of dish that might be so unusual for a meat eater than they would back off from trying more vegan food. No need to worry, he was so thrilled with his food that he invited me to go back there a few weeks later. And yes, I had the lasagna again.
(5)
Melissa S.
Great place to have lunch. Live Nachos were extremely good, as well as the white bean dip. I also tried the Southwestern Bowl, which was pretty good. I'm not really into cheesecake but I did try the Vanilla Chocolate Fudge and the Lemon w/ coconut on top. Could be the best vegan desserts I have ever had. They were flavorful and creamy, very impressive.
(5)
Lynn S.
I don't get to eat at Blossoming Lotus as much as I used to, but it is one of my fave restaurants. Everything I have tried is delicious. I recently went there to treat a friend for her birthday. I got the live sampler platter, which had a sampler of all live things from there menu. Another favorite of mine is the live nachos and their smoothies and shakes. I also get a goodie to go like one of their delicious cookies or brownies. Service is always good.
(5)
Kabra M.
ive already said it once but I LOVE PDX!!!! so many vegan options! im not exactly vegan but I am gluten/dairy free and this place was soooooo up my alley! its super chic inside! love the polished cafe style! and the staff was hip as can be with super smiles! it could have a bit of a pretentious vibe im sure but i didnt feel it ;) i got the thai salad with bbq soy curls (meat sub) and it had soooo much flavor! perfect portion too! im practically a rabbit and love my lettuce so this hit the spot! my friend got the pesto live pizza w/ portobello mushroom and being allergic to gluten i ouldnt have been more stoked. we were supposed to split our dishes but we each loved our own too much! we did offer bites though ;) that pizza was NOMNONMNOMNOM
(4)
Sandie H.
This place will make you forget about meat. It's so tasty and good for you! We always get the quesadilla, nachos and lasagna. But the lasagna is only available for dinner. It's amazing the kinds of food they create using non-meat ingredients. Oh and I LOVE the fried tempeh!
(5)
Tara N.
YUM!! This food is so good and after you eat you also feel good too! Not heavy or greasy at all. Plates are beautiful in color and presentation. They also have a great drink menu and everyone working there is so friendly!
(5)
Kristen S.
I love just about everything on the menu. Their bowls and "taco salad" are fantastic. The sauces, and nut-meats make their dishes delicious!
(4)
sursara s.
Super amazing raw fruit/veggie juices and yummy raw food. Very bohemian vibe going on...try the live nachos, they're legit!
(5)
Jim M.
I've eaten dinner here twice, and both times was really impressed with the quality of the food. The menu is great, the drinks are good - it was delicious. However, the service during our second visit was horrible, some of the worst I've experienced. The server paid barely any attention to us, was painfully slow, and while we were waiting for our check, went outside, smoked a cigarette, then returned and put our food in to go containers without washing his hands first. Both he and the guy who sauntered out of the kitchen with our juices appeared pretty lit, maybe even lobotomized. It's too bad because like I said, the food is fantastic, and the space is really nice too. The waitstaff (at least the guys) just really creeped us out.
(2)
McKenzie G.
If I was in a more eloquent head space, I would write you a love letter. I don't even know what to compliment first. To avoid being ridiculously long-winded I will just say that the food is incredible here. Inventive, delicious, vegan. Damn. Oh, and I really like the new location. The only place in town to serve Bloom hard cider! YUM.
(5)
Maeve C.
I have been going to BloLo NW for ages now, and it's pretty exciting to have a new one on this side of the river. I've only been for lunch, and the menu is pretty similar, but the service was much better, and there were soy curls! They are in a Thai BBQ wrap that was honestly too gingery for me, but still tasty. All the classics I know and love were there--tempeh sandwich, live pasta (seriously, try it, even if you are a raw food skeptic), SOFT SERVE. When I went it was vanilla day, which is always a sad day for me, Portland and vegankind (unless you like plain vanilla ice cream, weirdo), but it was still ok. I'm going to start calling them every day and asking if it's peanut butter day yet.
(4)
Rachel H.
we visited BL for brunch, after the pearl location closed. the staff are all very nice and accommodating, but they appear to still be working out the kinks a bit. we arrived at about 1:45, and were told that there was a 15-20 minute waiting list. i was assured we would still be able to get brunch despite the fact that it only goes through 2pm, so we sat in the waiting area, hungrily looking over the menu. after about 15 minutes we realized that nearly half the restaurant was empty - a lot of the 4 person tables were 2-person tables pushed together but only had 1-2 people seated there. they would have been able to seat most of the 10 or so people who were waiting if they had separated the tables. a 2-person table sat open for 10 minutes before we were seated there. then, when our server (promptly) came to take our order, we were informed that they were out of home fries and french toast, the two things on the menu we'd wanted to get. i wish they had told us that when we'd sat down to wait over 20 minutes before that, especially given the somewhat limited menu selections for brunch, but by then we were too hungry to go elsewhere. i will say that they look a little understaffed, and since they have just started doing brunch, there are probably some logistics that are still being worked out. in the future i think they would be well served to separate tables to accommodate more parties, and let people who are waiting know what they may not be serving that day. our pancakes were just OK, and the salad was a bit overdressed, something the other location was guilty of doing as well, but the fudge was great as always. we will revisit, and i hope they are able to get the brunch working well. they are the only raw food in town and hope that it's up to the standard set at the pearl location. the folks are so nice i am sure they will work everything out with a little more experience.
(3)
Lisa H.
Good tasting food. I felt very satisfied after eating here. Had the special. It was some kind of pizza. The lemon drop cake made me feel good all over.
(5)
David R.
I don't give five starts lightly. I am not a vegetarian. I am not a vegan. Nor am I a raw food afficionado. But hands down--this is one of the best restaurants I have EVER been to. The food is absolutely sensational. There is real artistry at work in the kitchen, as far as the selection of ingredients, their arrangement on the plate, but most importantly, the tastes and textures. Do yourself a favor, and check this place out.
(5)
Julia G.
I have every food allergy you can think of, and just had the best dinner + dessert I can remember in ages. The live sorrel pesto and portobello pizza was not only amazing, but I can't remember the last time I was this full! Definitely recommend the cheesecakes for dessert.
(5)
Steven W.
I am not a vegan. In fact, I pretty much hate the idea of marketing any eating establishment purely on the grounds of being vegan. It's a dietary restriction, not a cuisine. Also I am instantly wary of any restaurant that has "Bowls" as a significant category on their dinner menu. In other words, I came in wanting to be disgusted. But all rants aside, this place has delicious food, fair prices, a lovely ambiance and quality service. Four stars, even if the pretentious overuse of the word "live" did make me throw up in my mouth a little.
(4)
terry r.
OK, well, count me out on this one. While I'm not a Vegan or a Vegetarian, I like food, good food. For one thing, it took nearly an35 minutes to get our first dish--an appetizer, "live pate" which basically was raw falalfel mix with cut up carrots, cucumbers, 4 little crackers...another 20 minutes to get the 2nd dish which was basically a salald composed of lettuce, some cashews and roasted beets, and another 20 minutes to get our stir fry. I didn't find any of these dishes particularly good, and it certainly shouldn't have taken this long to be served. I would try Portobello if I were you, a terrific Vegan restaurant that I've heard is moving into new digs on Division. Truly tasty vegetarian food, good service, etc.
(2)
Amanda A.
Friggin awesome, from the agave sweetened margarita to the cashew sour cream, everything was simply fabulous!
(5)
Frank F.
It's great there is a Vegan restaurant close to our house. Yay. The portions vary from ample to too small. Watch out. Delicious no doubt whatever you order and tremendously creative with a decent wine selection.
(3)
Breanna L.
Went here for the first time last night and the food was exceptional. We ordered the artichoke fritters, an Ethiopian special, the BBQ tempeh plate, a few cocktails from their menu (which were probably the best mixed drinks I've EVER had!) and ended with their peanut butter soft serve. It was all perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The soft serve I am still drooling over, by far the best vegan soft serve I've had to date. Our waitress and bartendender were super friendly and the atmosphere of the restaurant was very pleasant. The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is the host/greeter lady. We were coming in as a group of 4, but 2 hadn't shown up yet and were only coming to meet us for drinks and also wouldn't be there for ~30min. The host wanted us to sit in the waiting area and wait for them, even when we explained to her we wanted to eat, they were just meeting us after our meal. After further explaining (almost got to pleading) she finally said, "well I guess it would be okay to seat you." The restaurant was only about half full, so I don't really see her hesitation to let us eat without the rest of our party, but maybe there is something I was missing. We thought that it was very strange and had a weird feeling when we sat down, but after meeting our waitress we were more put at ease, everything else about the dining experience was excellent.
(4)
Hollie K.
We stopped in for lunch yesterday. My husband had the Smoked Maple Tempeh sandwich and after taking a couple bites announced, "this is the best sandwich I've ever had". I sampled it, and agreed it was delicious. I had the Live Nachos, a side salad and a piece of the fudge. I enjoyed them all.
(5)
Dana S.
Went for happy hour. It was fantastic. We got all of the tacos and they were each super tasty in their very own way. My husband loves his meat and is skeptic of vegan but he loved it! The atmosphere was nice, small and clean.
(5)
Josh S.
Had the live Borsch soup, which was kind of like a blended beet smoothie, very good. The best though, was the live pizza with marinated veggies and live sauce on walnut crust. They make live food much better than the cooked variants, and it feels good to eat it.
(5)
Jon P.
My wife and I dropped in for Sunday Brunch and were blown away by the quality of the food and service. The table service was a big improvement from the usual line service available during this week. The potatoes are phenomonal!
(5)
Evan Z.
If you are going to charge restaurant prices, give us restaurant service. $6 juice and $11 quesadilla and you have to order from the register. The place is loud with no acoustic treament and the tables and chairs are about as cheap as you can get. The napkins are puny bleached white paper. They served our salad without dressing. Such a shame because I love vegan food and the food is good, but a restaurant is an experience and this experience sucked.
(2)
Heather A.
I love this place. It's like a vegan Claim Jumper! The portions are big and the food is very flavorful, but it's much, much healthier and tastier. My husband, who eats meat, couldn't believe he was eating vegan food. We'll definitely go back.
(5)
Li M.
My boyfriend decided to take me to dinner here for my birthday, and I have to say, I was very satisfied! It's a small, cozy little restaurant, with a quiet atmosphere. The food was excellent, and quite flavorful. They obviously have a really talented chef on staff :) The only reason I'm giving them a less than perfect rating would be the service. Unfortunately, it seemed as if they only had one server on staff that evening, and so we did feel a bit neglected when it came to receiving our drinks, as well as the check. (Not that that's in any way his fault- he seemed to be trying the best he could to accommodate everyone).
(4)
Lisa K.
I love the Blossoming Lotus! I'm not vegan anymore, but I still love their food, stands up in any format, meat eating or otherwise. And I always feel better after I eat here, which isn't always the case when I eat out. Also, vegan soft serve! Yum!
(5)
Genevieve B.
I have been eating mostly vegetarian for a while, but since I have never made it "official" I never tried any of the vegan/vegetarian places here in town. I met a friend for lunch at Blossoming Lotus who is a self-described "Carnivore." I ordered the Soup Du Jour (Butternut squash coconut) and the white bean pesto dip. It came with a spelt-based cornbread which was really tasty! I had a lavender lemonade that had a really nice flavor. Not the usual overly-sugary sugar headache lemonade. He got this southwestern bowl with soy curls on top that was so good I am determined to get the same ingredients from the store and try to replicate it at home! The staff was very friendly and helpful, and the place had a nice atmosphere. I will definitely try to make it back there again! In fact, it's places like that that make becoming a vegetarian seem much more do-able!
(4)
yin y.
please read this. don't be fooled by the hype. this place was terrible. strong word to use, yes. to be exact, the food was so-so (left much to be desired), but the service was HOSTILE... it was my partners bday and we were on our last vacation night in portland. we had eaten at MANY restaurants all over portland on the near week-long trip and i was saving the best for last (or so i thought). we arrived upon their last hour, and the only other table of two left shortly after we sat down (in their least comfy of spots which is funny, because as someone who has worked in the service industry for many years i know it's always ideal to sit people in the best available table when you're super slow and not expecting a rush). anyway, it was slow and i thought that the server wouldn't mind lending her expertise to help us choose their best dishes. she started to act a little annoyed and i thought to myself: maybe she's just tired. and i tried not to let it affect me. it got really uncomfortable when i told her we wanted something full of flavor and spice, she recommended the "south western chilli" and i said, with a friendly smile "i think we'll try something else, we're traveling here from arizona and we eat tons of south western back home." SHE ROLLED HER EYES AT ME. okay. that's a completely inappropriate way for a server to act even if he or she thinks that's terrible humor or you had it in his or her mind i'm being a bit rude (which i really wasn't, i'm super friendly with servers-i love the dining experience and like to make friends, not enemies). i saw her annoyance and felt really bad. we quickly placed our order as to not cause her anymore strife and i kept asking my partner what it was that i said or did and asked if i sounded rude. she kept assuring me that i was in the clear and that the server probably just had a bad day or was judging us because we came in looking a little frumpy... we had just come back from a quick camping adventure. so- long story short - as we were eating our appetizer (a very decent gazpacho soup, the tastiest thing we had there that night)the cook/owner came out and had this angry expression on his face. he asked us how things were but not in a tone like he cared more like in an aggressive and combative. seeing that he was upset over something i felt sooo nervous and my adrenaline started rushing while all these thoughts started going through my head. i was trying to think fast as to what was making him so upset and as i was talking to him i just kept stuttering and stumbling submissively on my words. he seemed to twist whatever it was that came out of my mouth as an insult and it just got more and more awkward. the guy was TOTALLY PICKING AN ARGUMENT WITH ME and i didn't even know what it was about!! my partner just sat there in confusion as to what was happening. i finally just wrapped it up by saying how great the soup was followed by a smile and silence. it was so uncomfortable. after that we lost our appetite. we just sat their in confusion wondering what the heck we did to these people. we pretty much concluded that the server must have told him something. but we don't know what. i figured maybe she thought i said something i didn't, or maybe she mistook me for someone else... i'll never know. but what i do know is that we did not deserve to be treated the way we were. it was the ugliest dining experience of my life...and it HAD to be on a special day!! what a way to ruin the night. my partner wanted to leave without paying right after the soup, but i was adamant about showing this girl she had it all wrong and that we were friends not foes. we picked on our food. and left leaving a FAT tip. i now regret leaving that tip after talking to people about this experience. i think i was just trying to display compassion and understanding, but what i really did was let myself get walked all over and i rewarded very bad behaviour. don't make the same mistake - don't reward nastiness. there are a lot of really great restaurants in portland. blossoming lotus is not one of them.
(1)
Abby B.
Don't know why, but this seems to be an underappreciated gem among PDX vegans. My companion and I enjoyed our best dinner in Portland here. We each tried as many things as our stomachs would allow and were impressed and satiated by all. Additionally, every dish that was delivered to the surrounding tables looked just as decadent. Highly recommend for a special evening of delicious food at affordable prices and large portions. Definitely try their chai: it will spoil you for all others!
(5)
Evan P.
Great food and service. We had the soup, special chantrelle and root vegetable pot pie, and white bean dip. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Yum Y.
So nasty it almost made me want to eat meat again. Actually, I used to love this restaurant. I think it was a selling point to moving to Portland, when it was back in the Pearl District. Recently, I have been there a few times at their new site, which does have a lovely ambience. However the waiters are often slow to notice you, and every time I order a dish it's just been gross and expensive. The last two times, I have actually gotten very sick after eating the food here. I live a few blocks away and really want to like it..... but one of you blossoming lotus lovers please tell me what to order, that tastes like real food and doesn't make you wonder if you have food poisoning. Maybe I have just been ordering the wrong things? Only the salads look like they are pretty good - I would stick to very basic foods like salad and simple sides, that are hard to mess up.
(2)
Jen W.
We went for brunch. Loaded Home Fries! Smoked maple tempeh bits, cashew and avocado sour cream and scallions, served on a bed of kale! The cashew and avocado cream was out of this world! If you like cinnamon you will love the warm applesauce (can be ordered as a side). I found the Chai too sweet for my tastebuds.
(4)
beatrix p.
My boyfriend and i had one of those conversations last night " so, if u could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life, what would it be?" We chose u Blossoming Lotus! Why? well, first off, money wasn't an issue because we would be on an island that probably looked a little bit like Lost. Secondly, it's ALL ORGANIC !(which costs a little bit more but come on guys, organic costs more, duh) They have such a wide selection of taste sensations depending on what time of day you go. Weekend brunches, weekday lunch and dinner.. All different menus with delectable live and cooked vegan foods. I'm in love with everything pretty much on the menu.. Their quinoa/beans n greens bowls, the bbq tempeh platter, the arugula bleu cheese salad, the trail mix cookies that they bake themselves, the coconut chai, the live nachos made with live sour cream that comes from quinoa sprouts?! And they almost always have some totally amazing special happening. Just take my word for it. If u are vegan or vegetarian and like to eat organic and delicious.. This is the place. The other option? Grocery shopping and prepping all day which inevitably costs the same.. Thank you Blossoming Lotus! We heart heart thump thump you!
(5)
sharon s.
Love the service and love the food. After recently minimalizing wheat and sugar in my diet, it's become a new challenge to find places to eat. I am so glad I was told about this one.
(5)
Brian S.
Went in for lunch on a Tuesday and the atmo was very quiet, but combo'd with the cool old building's windows and fixtures it was very, you know, Portland. Between 3 of us, ordered the "green goddess", arugula salad w/ candied hazelnuts, and the falafel wrap. The three dishes were tasty and definitely comprised of quality ingredients that were well-prepared -- though perhaps lacking a bit in the seasoning. Service was timely, but it certainly seemed like they need to smooth things out around the edges... I'll have to try back at a different time perhaps.
(4)
Deb A.
Blossoming Lotus far exceeded my expectations! This is vegan food gone gourmet. Great wines, too! My only regret is that I don't live on the east side of town.
(5)
Rae C.
This location is way above the one in The Pearl. Food was delicious and the atmosphere was great. It was exactly what my husband and I have been looking for. The service was awesome too. My husband has a slight nut allergy and, hello we are in a raw food place, yet they were very careful and made sure they were informed on what kind of nut is in each meal. If you have a serious nut allergy this is not the place for you. The Lasagna was out of the sky! The cheesecake was a sweet dream come true. The only down side was the bathroom is located outside of the restaurant, next door and down a hallway, and the price is a bit steep. But if you are celebrating or put no price on excellent raw food check it out.
(5)
Leslie E.
We walked in right as they were closing and luckily they were kind enough to still serve us...great start! I ordered the maple smoked tempeh sandwich...omg, super yum...even more points! The place was quaint and clean. The menu selection was so appetizing I wish I lived in Portland so I could go back and try everything on the menu!
(5)
Justyn B.
Great food. Stoner service. = It seems like the people working the register have never worked in a restaurant because they are definitely not in a hurry. I have been there two times, and both times we have had to remind them about the tea we ordered. They do seem a bit under-staffed, but they aren't screaming around the dining room either. And, of course, they don't really have table service so I'm not sure that's an excuse. However, the food is great. It is a bit over priced to be sure, but I'm guessing that is due to the great ingredients and the real estate. Anyway, great place, but I'm hoping they are reading these reviews on their poor service.
(3)
Anneliese D.
I'm the kind of vegetarian who craves big messy hot sandwiches, a pile of drunken noodles, or mashed potatoes. And while I love fresh vegetables, they are not what I seek. Last night I ate the live falafel wrap at the Blossoming Lotus and it was SO delicious. It tasted just like falafel, but was light, fresh, and filling!
(5)
Chase M.
My favorite vegan eatery of Portland. Why? The price is more reasonable than other fine-ish dining vegan snobberies, ahem, I mean eateries; the deserts are KILLER; and the specials rock my world every time. Trust the specials. A delicious meal for the health minded and consistently better service than many restaurants I've frequented in PDX
(5)
Faye F.
This place is great! The restaurant size is a little small so expect a line/waitlist, but I think it's definitely worth it. I've been to other veg/vegan places before but only one other raw food place. I was a little shocked at how amazing the food tasted and kept me full! I tried their Moroccan collard roll and it was really delicious. The dish had three semi-large rolls "filled with moroccan carrot salad, sunflower-sesame pate, beet, spiced peanuts, cabbage, and lemon." The mix of all the ingredients and the juices from the beets made this a really refreshing dish! I also tried the grilled tofu satays with peanut sauce and that was really delicious! The tofu was perfectly grilled (not too burnt/hard) and it went really well with the peanut sauce. I definitely need to return during happy hour since it seems they serve even more different dishes (according to Yelp! photos, which made ordering dinner items difficult). Their service was great and they were really attentive to us (water glasses filled, plates cleared etc).
(4)
Warren J.
Some of the best food I've ever had! Wonderful place! Great food in a very elegant spot. You can't go wrong except for one thing. I don't know if they are understaffed or what but it takes forever to eat here. It's extremely frustrating to be waiting at the front for 20 minutes while you can see many empty tables. Some of them need to be cleaned off but that should only take a minute to do. Get people seated and give them menus so that folks can at least decide on what they want to eat. Seriously, it shouldn't take 2.5 hours to eat in a restaurant. Other than that the food is amazing. I changed my rating from 5 stars to 2 because of how long it takes to get in and out of this place. If it wasn't for that I would definitely give it 5 stars.
(2)
Shane S.
Vegan, Super healthy, and tasty food. Affordable. Pushing the envelope. 5 stars...yes!! My favorite overall restaurant in Portland. Portobello takes the prize for upscale fine dining special occasion restaurant. In Portland catch two birds w/ one hand and go to both of them (set the bird free after). Hail seitan and don't eat chicken.
(5)
MJ M.
BBQ bowl = so Dope!! Best dinner out during our trip and that's saying something in this city! Soy curls are a huge home run. Pierogies apply was delicious, cashew sour cream is unreal. Veggie pot pie was awesome, depth of flavour of the gravy impeccable! Huge recommendation!
(5)
Sandy L.
So I'm not a vegan but I eat a fair amount of vegetarian and vegan meals. I've been to a number of vegan restaurants lately and this is one of my favorites. On a Roadtrip you don't normally expect to eat good vegan food, but thanks to yelp we discovered this spot just a couple miles off the highway. And we are so glad we did! Parking was easy street parking, and we arrived during late lunch service so they had already started happy hour! Super bonus. Because the weather was especially cold for this Los Angaleno, I started with a chai that was so great - notes of cardamon that really stood out. We got the mac n cheese which was pretty good - a lot of food so great to share, and we got the trio of tacos -the thai were my favorite, but the best was the eggnog cheesecake. Heaven is what they should rename it. Everything was good, easy to share, The service was great, the atmosphere was relaxing and comfortable. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Rachel H.
AMAZING vegan food! I honestly couldn't believe it, I got a tofu scramble and it was so good! :) YUM!
(5)
Mary R.
Enjoyed a plentiful yellow curry vegetable bowl with rice. Very wholesome and filling. Nice setting, good service, and lots of delicious vegetatarian options.
(3)
Davey H.
Decent food. Portions were large. We ordered the nachos and unfortunately they were out of chips so we got the nachos with crackers instead. Didn't taste exactly right to me, but still decent. I got a southern-type dish with BBQ soy curls, vegan mac and cheese, and some other sides and my partner got the Cuban bowl. Both were just okay, but quite filling. Service was slightly slow.
(3)
Haroun K.
The key may be to have normal-sized expectations. After reading a rave review of their mac and cheese , I was excited enough to go the NE for happy hour. The mac and cheese came out not 2 minutes after ordering, and I don't mind if it's not exactly made to order, if it tastes good. But it looks and tastes very similar to what you'd expect from the iconic blue box. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I'd never order Kraft mac from a restaurant. The live nachos aren't really nachos, so if you order them not expecting nachos, it is a little less disheartening. It is tasty enough, but I think the toppings to "chips" (not really chips) ratio is a little off. Service was a bit absentee, but the place was sort of busy. If this is as good as vegan/raw food gets in PDX, then I'll be back, but with tempered hopes.
(3)
Kelly A.
My non-vegan boyfriend said that the Bibimbap was one of the best meals he had during our vacation to Portland! I got the outrageously delicious and fresh Raw Golden Beet Ravioli. I highly recommend both and I'll have dreams about the vegan brie...WOW! You can definitely take your non-vegetarian and non-vegan friends here for great food, a positive atmosphere, and wonderful service.
(5)
Mara C.
The only reason I am giving this place 3 stars is because I had a bad reaction to their food. We ordered raw nachos which were very delicious and very filling! My husband had a noodle bowl which was quite good too. I had ratatouille which wasn't bad either, but I was rather surprised with the amount of polenta in the dish. Way too much polenta, not enough vegetables. Still, the taste was quite balanced! Then we split a peace of chocolate cake that had a truly amazing flavour! So we left rather satisfied! Only about 2 hrs later I started having weird sensations, like I really overdosed on caffeine. I don't know if it was the chocolate cake, or the appetizer or ratatouille. I didn't overeat and I only ate several bites of the cake. Perhaps it was all together. My stomach was upset, my heart was in my throat. I only had such reaction to too much caffeine and I have no allergies...............
(3)
Jason W.
I live in the Gorge were there are no vegan restaurants. when in Portland, it is a regular stop. love it.
(5)
Kelly B.
The Happy hour is 3-5pm Monday-Saturday and features discounted food/drinks. I got the Thai bbq wrap which was huge for $6 bucks and was super yummy. I also a few other things off the happy hour menu with my date , everything was above average. There was only on beer on draft which is a bummer but they do have small bottle selection. I've also had dinner here and Sunday brunch . Some dishes are better than others but overall great food . The atmosphere is casual but nice. Staff is friendly. Great spot for some yummy healthy food !
(3)
Perri C.
I am so glad they are here. Vegan restaurants need to be plentiful and this one is always busy. On a recent Monday night we had to wait for a table. Sadly, it's my third visit and I won't be back. It's expensive. The food is only ok. The service is really good. The house wine was not good. The ambiance is good. It's just not a good value. I want something special at a restaurant that I won't make at home. One of my party could not eat her meal. We all tried it and it was horrible. It was a PASTA dish. The meat balls were very bad. We were all really surprised.
(2)
Beth K.
Yum. Just yum. This is a high end place for vegan fare but it won't cost a crazy fortune like a high end meaty place. It's so wonderful that it can simultaneously be a lovely place for a nice date (all dolled up) or a place for a casual lunch (think shorts and sandals) or with or without kids. I have never been disappointed.
(5)
Angela P.
During my second visit to Portland, the restaurant at the top of my list to visit was Blossoming Lotus. During my last visit to this restaurant three years ago, I was incredibly impressed with their raw organic options and was hoping to find the same on this trip. Blossoming Lotus is known as being the best vegan restaurant in Portland with an array of cooked and raw options. Because they don't take reservations for parties smaller than 5, we arrived at 5:30 p.m. on a Sunday hoping to beat the dinner rush. That plan didn't work. When we arrived, the restaurant was packed and there was a considerable wait. When you walk in you just write your name on a list and at some point, they call you to your table. There isn't anyone there to give you an idea of how long the wait is or anything, so you just wait. After about 20 minutes, I finally asked how long the wait would be and was told 20 minutes. Twenty minutes later, we were still waiting. Finally, after an hour, we were seated. That was slightly frustrating. The restaurant is very small with plain tan walls decorated with local artists' paintings, priced to sell. The dining room was adorned with a funky ceramic chandelier. I started by ordering Levitation's True Mystery. As mysterious as the name sounded, the drink was quite spectacular. Made with Mezcal, Herradura Silver, Green Chartreuse, pineapply gomme syrup, lime juice, and Absinthe rinse, it was enough liquor to last the entire meal. For appetizers, we ordered the Pesto & White Bean Dip as one of my friend is a huge fan of pesto. It was fantastic. We spread it on the toasted artisan bread and devoured it quicker than we could think about it. For my entree, I didn't find any of the raw dishes to be that exciting so I went with a cooked dish and I'm so glad I did. The Caribbean Phyllo Roulade was by far the best dish I had all week in Portland. We are talking sweet potato mash and jerk-spiced veggies wrapped in phyllo dough and served with carrot habanero sauce. As soon as I took a bite, I tasted the broccoli, then the sweet potatoes followed by the habanero sauce. The sauce wasn't quite as spicy as I would have liked so they brought out their housemade hot sauce, which was amazing. I inquired as to which brand it was only to find out it was made in house. I wanted to buy a bottle! On the side was a nice mixed greens salad dressed with pickled onion and hazelnut vinaigrette. One of my friends tried an entree from the daily specials list -- Sausage with Potatoes and Kraut. Wow - this housemade sausage was meaty as could be and when paired with their housemade grain mustard, was as good as a vegan sausage dish can get. Despite our attempts at joking about his large sausage, he really enjoyed his meal. Another one of my friends ordered the Lasagna from the specials meal. This was a large piece of multi-layered lasagna made with seitan bolognese, cashew basil cream, heirloom tomato, sorrel pesto, mushrooms, and olives. He raved about this dish all week. I thought it was pretty good as well. Lastly, another one of my friends ordered the Chana Masala. This wasn't your typical Chana Masala -- this was a gourmet take on that dish. Topped with seared cauliflower and steamed greens, the chickpeas really shined as they were coated in a spicy tomato ginger masala sauce with ginger crema and cilantro mint chutney. Impressive. For dessert, I ordered the lemon cheesecake along with a tawny port. The cheesecake was as smooth as could be with a great nut-based crust. By the end of dinner, I was amazed that not only was every dish we tried very good, it was knock-your-socks-off good. We were all impressed with the level of complexity in each dish and the amazing mix of flavors. The entrees were priced at $14-$16, which was pretty cheap compared to other meals I've had of the same caliber. But, we were in Portland - the land of cheap eats. All in all, the service was good, the prices were great, and the food was fantastic. It is definitely worth the wait though it would be much better if they just took reservations. Highly recommended.
(5)
Vee E.
I am not vegan, but I like to eat vegan food from time time. It is interesting how they make meatless food tasted like real meat. I went to blossoming lotus for lunch and ordered their vegan bibimbap. It was realyyyy good... I don't know what they made those tofu curl from. Sure it tasted like real Bulgogi. Everything was good, can't wait to go back there and try something else.
(4)
Momi B.
My husband and I went here for lunch. We're both vegan and he is vegan & gluten free. We were very satisfied with their selection and their food was good. I ordered the Lotus Benedict. It came with potatoes, steamed kale, and 2 large biscuits doused with heavenly goodness. My dish was HUGE and it was delicious with a great balance of flavors. My husband ordered the Root Mash. It wasn't exactly what we thought it was going to be. When I think of roots; especially in a restaurant called Blossoming Lotus, I was expecting more...roots. Like actual roots. Instead it's carrots and potatoes. However, it was our fault for not reading the description in detail. The flavor was good; not great, but good. I think we were more disappointed that the dish didn't have actual lotus root in it. We also ordered the Cinnamon Roll and O.M.G. I can't. It was...AAAAAHHHHMAZING! I don't know what they do with the pecans but holy geez...HEAVEN! The atmosphere left much to be desired. It has a cute decor, but the seating is very intrusive. We had two parties flanking us and they were so close I felt like we were all in the same party. One side of us had an obnoxious drunk woman sitting with two guys; one of the guys had major B.O. YUCK. The other side had a mega hipster speaking as though she was perma stoned and saying "fucking fuck" every 5 seconds. Needless to say, the ambiance didn't match the food or the decor. Maybe I'm being snooty, but I just prefer a more calm energy while eating. The cost: Lotus Benedict -entree Root Mash-entree Cinnamon Roll-appetizer Herbucha-drink Pre-packaged Brownie to go :) Total:$38 Not bad. Veggie Grill is cheaper but sometimes I need something different. P.S. Unless I'm missing something, there is no parking lot. We found street parking a block away. The walk was nice so we didn't mind.
(4)
Emily L.
Delicious and fast with GREAT service! My boyfriend and I came on a Friday night, expecting it to be super packed and busy. Every table was full, but we only had to wait for about 10 minutes. We got an appetizer that came out pretty quickly, and both of us ordered a drink while we waited for dinner. My boyfriend got the special of the day (a creamy pasta with Brussels sprouts), and I got the crispy coconut tofu. The best thing is that our plates were FILLED with food! I've been to so many places like this that serve the tiniest entrees ever. An appetizer, two entrees, and two adult beverages cost us $47 plus tip. It was great.
(5)
Danielle R.
Couldn't wait to try this place, and it was every bit as good as I hoped. I'll be back many times. The nachos were verrry yummy, though a bit heavier than I hoped, for raw food? Ratatouille was pure awesome, as was the hazelnut mocha cake. And our server was the sweetest ever. A great experience!
(5)
Jenelle E.
Overall a great experience for brunch on a Sunday. I took two meat-eaters and one flexi-vegan here and everyone seemed pleased with their meals. I got the Benedict and it was super yummy, though it could have used a bit more sauce. But it was a unique and well-done vegan Benedict with good potatoes and steamed kale. A couple of negatives. The Bloody Mary: they seemed to be trying too hard with this one. But if you like a super spicy Mary, this is worth a shot. But the thing that forced me to give it 4 stars was the fact that I found a piece of the paper/wire tie used on the bunch of kale IN the steamed kale on my plate. Not impressive at all and in fact makes me question the cleanliness of the kale. Overall though, I will be back!
(4)
Val G.
I think it's safe to say I would let Blossoming Lotus open up a new restaurant inside my mouth, that is, if they were seeking a new inner mouth venture. After finding no Homegrown Smoker on Everett on my Portlandia vegan vacation, my beau and I peddled up to Blossoming Lotus just in time for the Happy Hour that the nice lady at New Deal had recommended to us. If you go to Blossoming Lotus and you want high value for your money, go for happy hour! Coming from a province where liquor is regulated and it basically funds our universal healthcare, it is a complete, complete novelty for me to be able to get a $2 pint of beer. And not just a $2 pint of recycled swill, but lovely, local brew summer ale. In addition to our insanely cheap and good beer, we ordered a 3 taco sampler, an artichoke appetizer, and a green goddess bowl. By accident they brought us a double order of the taco sampler platter(6 tacos, yo), so it ended up being way more food than we expected but it a very good way. The tacos were excellent! Even the lettuce wrapped one, which I would usually feel very meh about. The dressing was heavenly. I completely swooned for these taco and I didn't even order them! The artichoke frites was not as greasy as it looks. I would have it again but i'd say it's not a must unless you love artichokes as I do. The green goddess bowl was probably the least interesting thing we ordered. It wasn't my favourite version of this dish ever, as there wasn't a great variety of textures but still very great tasting and obviously incredibly healthy. I think I can safely say I've never eaten more kale in one week than I did in that week in Portland. I would eat here again in a heartbeat. The staff were friendly and very cool about the taco mix-up. We were not charged for the double order, but being that they didn't take it away, which they totally could have and just left it for me to so enjoy, we left a healthy tip. It was not busy at all for 4:30pm Happy Hour on a Tuesday. Very excited to return to Portland and try BL's other offerings like brunch.
(5)
Patrick M.
Organic, healthy food. A must try especially for their happy hour as you can try a lot of their top dishes for 2/3 the price. Very delicious soy curls, mac and cheese and greens. Friendly service as well, some of the better I've found in Portland. I wish they would re-fresh their indoor seating however as it can sometimes feel like you are more on a formal date than eating a casual thai wrap with your friend from school. Everything I've eaten there makes me want more- the pumpkin pie, tacos... this place knows what their doing.
(4)
Krissi B.
The BRUNCH IS AMAZING. My husband ordered the Biscuits and gravy and I ordered the Benedict. The portions were healthy and the flavors were....incredible. As always the service was friendly and wonderful.
(5)
Tashia F.
I enjoyed the food but thought the Cobb salad would have been easy to make at home. The thing about the salad that was not good was the red onions. It was a little overpowering. The tacos that my husband ordered were awesome :-) I could not have made those at home and we really enjoyed these. The service is the reason for 3 stars. Not terrible but not great.
(3)
Brandie D.
Then most excellent service and food. I wish I lived in Portland so I could eat there all the time! Highly recommend! The veggie burger was excellent.
(5)
Chiemi N.
Blossoming Lotus is a really wonderful place to get organic, vegan or raw cuisine! I've been here for happy hour on a Saturday. It was a really relaxing afternoon. There are a few select cocktails that you can get for $6. I shared the artichoke fritters and white bean dip with blue cornchips. I also got the housemade pecan chorizo in a lettuce wrap...I'm craving that live taco as I write! Last night, I met a group of friends for dinner. We had a lovely time while enjoying a delicious meal. I had the special of alfredo with wild mushrooms. I'm not sure how they made the creamy alfredo sauce, but the flavor was fresh and delicious. Everyone enjoyed their meals. The service was a little on the slow side, which was fine for us, we could savor the food as we received it and the lively conversation. But there was quite a line of people waiting for a table. I would highly recommend a reservation...our table was waiting for us when we arrived! Friendly staff and awesome food!!
(5)
Maureen R.
This used to be a good restaurant. I started eating here about 8 years ago, the food had flavor and was well spiced and interesting. Tonight we went back after not eating here for a couple of years, Now i remember why we hadn't gone back.. We got three dishes tonight{ the something vegan/sushi rolls made with grated cauliflower, the garbanzo bean cerviche and the vegie burger--which has wheat so I can't speak to it. The makena (?)rolls were blah. They give you chopsticks to pick them up with, however the cauliflower is dry so it doesn't stick together so the rolls fall apart when using chop sticks, needed to use a fork, the soy sauce had a nice flavor--it was sweetened I think. They were a good idea with lthe presentation of all the food was lacking The garbanzo cerviche was drenched in vinegar and unedible. I ate the avo off the top and the flavorless tortilla strips. They should take this dish off the menu or get a new chef. My guy's veggie burger came on a huge bun with no dressings on the side or garnish to dress up the plate. It's too bad, I used to love their food and highly recommended it and it was a place I would take out of towners. Cannot recommend this place
(2)
Jay S.
thanks for being so sincere and kind. Glad you may the offer to take the food back and didn't want to charge me for it. That means a lot. Sorry I couldn't eat food with onions and garlic.
(5)
Irene L.
The nachos are amazing! Had the lotus benedict and breakfast burrito and live nachos. Would definitely come back and also had the coconut chia and it was amazing! Service and food are amazing here, definitely would come back!
(5)
Danny K.
Visiting Portland and stopped here for lunch. great creative Vegan faire... had the tacos... recommend the fried avacado. Beer selection is eclectic.
(5)
Anne K.
I don't rate service, ambiance, cleanliness and wait times; they are too variable. I can put up with anything if the food is good. It is all about the food- that's it. All of my ratings are based on vegan options only. Notes: Best vegan soups in town, and everything except their bowls are absolutely amazing.
(4)
Brian N.
Omnivore's Review. I was satisfied and so will you, fellow omnivore. Carnivores may be a little bit less enthused b/c for all the textures this restaurant is able to recreate, it is still unable to give you anything similar to the toothy texture of meat. That being said, I was thoroughly impressed by the variety of food they offered here. Big range of textures not often encountered in vegan food, which is usually mushy curry... Saucy: Enchilada sauce yelp.com/biz_photos/kiAZ… Soft and squishy: Vegan tatziki and their raw falafel; NO NEED FOR FRYING. Tastes great. yelp.com/biz_photos/kiAZ… Chewy: BBQ Tempeh. The highlight here was the cornbread though, which rivaled any full animal fat cornbread from Southern spots. yelp.com/biz_photos/kiAZ… Crunchy: Dehydrated tortilla chips from their RAW nacho platter. I only wish they gave you more for what you paid. yelp.com/biz_photos/kiAZ… Mushroom Pizza left something to be desired and was way too expensive for just two pieces. yelp.com/biz_photos/kiAZ… As cool as four VEGAN cheese lasagna sounds (tofu, squash, sesame, and cashe), it was hard to distinguish all the four cheeses. It would have been cooler to have some kind of sampler. That would have been a more educational dining experience. yelp.com/biz_photos/kiAZ… I left with a full belly and felt healthy afterwards.
(4)
Sophia B.
The food is vegan and delicious. It's creative and innovative. Not too difficult to get a seat on a weeknight, but I'd recommend a reservation for a special occasion.
(4)
Yung N.
I went to Portland for a conference and accidentally stumbled upon this place while looking for vegan foods. Despite of having to wait ~20 minutes for a table for two during a weekend lunch, it was worth it!!! This was probably the BEST American foods that I had been served to ever. I really love the style and the environment of the restaurant. I don't remember what my dish was called, but I love the cooked kale underneath with their sauce to go with biscuits. My friend got a lotus Buddah dish or something something like that, and it was great as well. The portion was larger than what I could handle for a fairly average restaurant price, which is always a plus for sharing with friends. I was too full to try the desserts, but overall, I felt healthy and not so weight down afterward. I would definitely return here if I get to be Portland again!
(5)
Pani L.
The Crispy Thai BBQ Wrap was a lovely mix of spicy, cool and crisp. The chai tea with coconut milk instead of soy milk adds a richness and mouth feel that is amazing. The peanut butter crisped rice treat topped with chocolate was everything I have been missing in a dessert since becoming allergic to dairy. They were satisfying on the nicest day Portland has had this year, I skipped dinner because I still felt full. Be aware that the wait staff does tend to operate on HST or hippie standard time. Service can be slow; but it is very nice, so be aware.
(4)
Tara V.
We've been here many times over the last 7-8 years (including this evening for dinner) and have never been disappointed. The items on the menu are unique, rich, and flavorful. They have an amazing fresh juice selection (my favorite is the Apple Ginger Lemon Kale), tasty appetizers and hearty sized entrees. Tonight we had the live nachos (delicious!), bbq tempeh plate and green goddess salad. All were fantastic! We ended with the vegan softserve ice cream, which I definitely recommend. Plus fun atmosphere and friendly service! We'll keep coming back!
(5)
Paul R.
Food is pretty bland.
(3)
Valerie S.
the cobb salad is a really nice surprise. the thai salad was good on the onset but left an icky taste in my mouth about an hour later. the flavours were wonderful. the reasons i did not give 5 stars are as follows: everything is way too salty - have a gallon of water beside you in about an hour, the onions are very overpowering and the "slaw" is dry - i wanted some true, wet slaw. not bad, but not sure if we are going there again ... really like the idea however.
(3)
T C.
My absolute favorite. I love their Thai salad - the best with a side of cashew cream. The truffles are amazing - try the Goji berry - orange. Everything is delicious, including their wine.
(5)
Suma S.
I really just can't even explain how much I love this restaurant. There are no words. The staff is always really friendly, without being fake, and the vibe is clean, but low key. The food, oh man, the food is just to die for. You could throw a dart at the menu and everything would be amazing. I've only ever not loved my entree one time here and it's because I took a chance on an ingredient I historically don't love, so it's really not even on them. My family eats here so much that we call it "The BloLo" affectionately. Highly recommend the seasonal kale salad right now. It's delicious!
(5)
Emily C.
I've had way better food and way better service. From the uppity woman informing me about the dangerous blind corner they sat my family of five next to to the twenty minute wait for bland food which included ingredients we asked to be left our (tables seated after us with far larger orders were served ten mins prior). Nasty sour lemonade that none of us could drink, a BBQ bowl that was predominantly Mac n cheese and a $12 kale salad that wasn't nearly as filling or tasty as the kale salad at VGrill. I don't feel a need to come back here $35 for lunch- one salad one BBQ bowl a side of Mac and a lemonade.
(2)
Ashley M.
Great place!
(5)
Tracy D.
Some of the best vegetarian food I've had, very creative and delicious. There are vegan and raw options, and the vegan raw cheesecake is to die for. The food is so spectacular I would imagine you could bring a carnivore here and they wouldn't gripe! The space is a bit small, so it can get very busy during peak hours. The only reason I didn't give this place a 5 star review is that I found the staff to be a bit brusque and unfriendly. They could work on their customer service a little bit. Otherwise, well worth the trip.
(4)
Marissa R.
The Blossoming Lotus was a must-stop when were in Portland, and we weren't disappointed. The live nachos were amazing. I would have been happy with just a plate of those. They were bursting with flavor and just the perfect amount of spicyness. My husband & I had the same thing - it was the BBQ tempeh plate and it was pretty good. The spicy agave cornbread was honestly my favorite. My husband didn't think his was spicy at all but mine was perfect. [I think I got the spicy side] The service was pretty good too. It took awhile to get the drinks we ordered though, but they were definitely strong. We would definitely go again.
(4)
Chanda B.
An absolute must for anyone following a plant based lifestyle or simply trying to eat healthier. Many vegan restaurants focus on faux meats as the center point of the meal. Blossoming Lotus focuses on the veggies. The creations are artful and incredibly tasty. I love that they offer several cooked & raw options. I teach plant based nutrition for health & this is where I recommend to my clients.
(5)
Patricia C.
My favorite place to eat in Portland. I can not even believe how good the food is. Love the beet and cashew salad and the wraps. yum!!! I wish I lived closer. I would go so much more often.
(5)
Crystal H.
"I'm kinda doing this no wheat/no dairy thing," I said. "Don't worry about it, you've come to Portland," The Don said. I've been to Portland numerous times -- I've feasted, I've gorged, I've drank my dinners down drunk. But this time is the first time I've come with dietary restrictions in tow. And fear or fast? Not here friends, not here. Enter our first stop: earthy, warm, and inviting, Blossoming Lotus balanced out a morning spent in-flight. Service came at the same pace as growing a garden in an early spring - slow-going. It did match the pace of the space, which was more sleepy than our speed-craving afternoon demanded. But why dwell when there's food to be eaten? A vibrant menu, popping with colourful veggies of every sort. Add-ons like avocado, tofu or tempah. A cornucopia of smoothies and juices. Loving that I could order anything I wanted, and after a moment of food envy for the Thai Salad, I delighted in my Green Goddess choice. Fistfuls of kale topped with an avocado ranch dressing atop a bed of quinoa, I munched like a happy bunny! Washing it down with a lavender lemonade may have just been my best decision all day.
(5)
Ashley D.
Perfect. Just perfect. Everything I've eaten here is the best food I've ever had, and the service is impeccable. MUST try the deserts and the banana-peanut butter-spirulina smoothie.
(5)
Roderick M.
This place is phenomenal! Best vegan food I've had in Portland. I've never had a dish that I didn't love. From their cooked options to their live options it just doesn't get any better. My family and I eat there as often as we can. This is how vegan food was meant to be!
(5)
Connie O.
My friend gets migraines via a allergy to gluten and cane sugar, so when its time for us to get together I always let her chose the place. Besides, ends up broadening my view of dinning establishments. Today was a happy wow. I would call myself a happy ominvore. I try to do vegetarian entries several times a week. I confess I've never quite understood going vegan. This place offers both vegetarian and vegan choices. Todays lunch was 100% vegan and it was GOOOD. I ordered the Live Pesto and Portobella Pizza, my friend had some dish with curry. I love portabella mushrooms so I figured it should be pretty decent. OH MY. First came this gorgeous little "appetiizer" salad. Just the salad alone was lovely but the pizza was a revelation. The crust was unlike anything I had ever had before. Not at all like pizza crust I am used to eating. This was crunchy and savory, altogether lovely topped with pesto and those yummy mushroms. Each bite was a party in my mouth! Happiness! Joy!. OMMMMMMMMMMMMM. I hear they make killer cheesecakes too but I was just too full. I'll be back.
(5)
Danny O.
I've been to Portobello, Hungry Tiger, El Nutri, and various other Vegan Portland joints. I had yet to try out Blossoming Lotus which mysteriously popped up in my Irvington Neighborhood. I walked by and browsed their menu while running errands only to be blown away by how creative and detail oriented their vegan fare was advertised as being. They got it all...lunch and dinner...dessert...AND drinks. Oh and VEGAN BRUNCH @.@ I mind stamped them for a future dining experience around pay day because I couldn't pass their menu up. My partner and I finally made it after weeks of talking about it in passing. We arrived casually around 4:40 pm. Of course we didnt read the sign on the door that clearly states doors open at 5:00 pm for dinner as we tried and failed at entering BL. After using our reading skills we chose to wait because we weren't gonna let this food slip us by. Other folks were also doing the same thing us as. Probably around 10 others waiting to get in. A foreign woman traveling abroad reassured us that the small wait was well worth it. 5:00 came and they let us in for food time! They were totally chill about opening to a group. We all chose our own seats as the staff patiently and effectively got water to all of our tables hand poured and menus for us to look over. The 2 women who helped us were personable, kind, down to earth, and genuine with their service. We got our order in first ish so we didn't have to wait very long for food at all. I got the lasagna along with lavender lemonade(wtf!). The lemonade was refreshing with light hints of lavender and tart lemon. I told the server it tasted like smiles. Our appetizers arrived promptly. We got the white bean dip with home made(?) blue corn chips. YUMMY savory delicious dip of love. My man friend ordered the bbq tempeh platter which came w/salad and corn bread along with vegan chili. Mmmmm. Our food arrived and I was instantly unhinging my jaw to cram vegan dream food into my face. My boyfriends food was smoky and hearty. My lasagna was laid out on a bed of kale. The cashew cream came across like cheese but better. The tomato sauce didn't disappoint and the noodles were thick and chewy in a good way. We traded bites of each others food as our neighbors stared in anticipation. Yeah guys, this place is that good and I welcome it into my choices of wonderful vegan restaurants this city offers. You will not be disappointed unless an atomic bomb hits Oregon while you're dining here. That being said the odds are you wont regret Blossoming Lotus. So tasty! (oh and nice interior design/decor too!) I will try their dessert next time. -this is not a daycare restaurant. leave the kids at home please.-
(5)
m c.
I had such great expectations for this place that I am sad to only leave it 2 stars... First off, the service was not exactly warm or even nice. It was cold and a little snooty. The two entrees that we ordered were only marginal- most items on my plate had a similar consistency and tasted strongly of nutritional yeast. While I realize the importance of this food in a vegan diet, this flavor is over used in the restaurant. I was expecting fresh, alive, vital food and most of it was mush. I want to love you Blossoming Lotus but the experience left me with a bad feeling inside. Perhaps try being nicer to your customers.
(2)
Stanley T.
I didn't care much for the Pearl incarnation (can I use that word in a review of a vegan restaurant?) of BL for several reasons. I never had anything but good food there, but service was spotty and the whole "take off your shoes to use the restroom" thing really bugged me. I never reviewed it but I would have been hard pressed to round up to 3 stars if I had. They have solved the perceived problems in their Irvington location. We had about a 15 minute wait (Saturday night at 7) for a party of 3 but the staff kept us informed. Overall, service was excellent. I had the BBQ Tempeh platter. This started with a generously sized mixed green salad topped with beets - very fresh and tasty. The main course was perfect - flavorful sauce on the combination of tempeh and red onions. The black bean chili and cornbread sides were both great. I wish my favorite BBQ joint would get BL's cornbread recipe. The Columbia Valley Red by the glass went nicely with this. My dinner mates shared the Live Nachos appetizer and the Live Pasta entree. Tastes I had told me why they both seemed so pleased. I started this out as a 4 star review, thinking to drop a star due to my perception that they are a little pricey. Perusing their on-line menu to refresh my memory, however, deflated that perception and left me feeling that my wallet was treated fairly for the quantity and quality of food we received.
(5)
Molly S.
I must admit, I was dragging my heels going to this place. Most establishments like this have a certain holier-then-thou feeling from the staff. I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and promptness of each person there. They were quick and willing to answer any questions we had and the food! The food was delicious and aesthetically pleasing to the eyes as well. Did we wait a lot, yes. Was it that bad, No. This is probably one of my favorite restaurants now. Go.
(4)
Nicole H.
My roommate and I tried the live nachos (delicious), the taco sampler (neither of us liked them), and fresh juice and kombucha to drink, both good. I would try it again, as a vegan who is interested in trying different raw foods, but it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. Also pretty pricey.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Karrin P.
Blossoming Lotus was the first Vegan restaurant that I checked out during my Portland adventures. I have to say, I was not disappointed at all with the quality, taste, and presentation of the food. The almond ricotta bruschetta was otherworldly!! Simply amazing. You might want to share this appetizer, as it is very large and filling. For my entree, I ordered the green bowl with super greens dressed with sweet scallion dressing, with choice of brown rice or quinoa, topped with steamed kale, cucumber, asparagus, avocado, and sesames seeds. Not only are the meals here delicious, they're really healthy, so you don't have to feel a bit of regret! My meal was also gluten and soy free. The menu is clearly labeled so you know which items are or aren't free of certain ingredients. I found this to be very helpful, especially for those with dietary restrictions. Most of the dishes are also raw. They have a full bar menu along with smoothies, fresh juices, shots, and "mocktails." So you really can't go wrong here. The service was great and the atmosphere is very tranquil and inviting. We sat outside because it was a warm summer day and it wasn't too noisy or busy. There was even salsa lessons being taught at the latin restaurant across the street! So you can grab some yummy green eats at Blossoming Lotus and then shake a tail feather and burn it off afterwards! Enjoy!
(4)Chris T.
This place was a real treat. Epic food and great service. Happy slot say they got it right! Our server was very knowledgeable, a lout the food and beverage list. It was very refreshing! We even made a last minute change on our order and it didn't cause any hiccups. The food came out insanely fast. That was very unexpected. Quite happy on all levels. The food was really flavorful. My wife got the Thai salad, which was fantastic! Perfectly spiced and harmonized w/ herbs. I got the green waffle and chick peas. It was great. The chick peas had a very Indian curry flavor and the waffle was interesting while still being crispy. One complaint would have to be the cauliflower, it was cooked perfectly. But I might do something different than tempura for Flavors. We also got live chips to take home-a quick nibble indicated supreme deliciousness, with a little nutty spice flavor. The beer was a local blonde that was great an perfectly matched the meal.
(5)Whitney G.
I love this place! Always super packed but worth the wait. I generally try and always go somewhere new to eat in Portland because there are so many options but I can't wait to go back here. All natural vegan options that actually taste delicious. The staff are very friendly and efficient. The dining room is clean and decorated with a crisp modern grey and black decor. There's also a really cute mini bar in the back of the restaurant where they whip up some delicious libations.
(4)Tracy Lynn P.
The whole family, veg and non veg loved this restaurant. Staff was a little slow to start but as it quieted down service stepped up. Ordered the live nachos, and stuffed Poblano pepper, both had bold flavors and great balance of heated spice and textures. I especially loved the "live chips", crispy and flavorful, not sure how they do that without any cooking but brilliant! We'd definately all go back.
(5)Cheryl R.
I want to eat here again and again! Super tasty! Quick service! Friendly staff. I was very happy with my experience and will be returning on the regular! I also have heard that they serve some seriously tasty vegan soft serve ice cream! Is it true?
(5)Chris O.
Amazingly good vegan food! So damn good that my weak still eating meat self would come even if I wasn't touring my gluten free vegan buddy around town, which is how I found this place. I had a po-boy sam and it was hearty, tasty and just well... really tasty as was the tomato bisque. The smoothies are excellent too and the servers are upbeat and awesome, I felt very welcome and had a great time. Best vegan food I have ever had by far.
(5)Harry T.
I've been here a few times now and this food is just ok. Maybe I'm spoiled by Seattle's vegan options. This place has THE worst vegan Mac n cheese I've ever had. The BBQ soy curls are ok. They need to change their BBQ recipe. It's not that great. That's about all I can say.
(2)Joss U.
Very delicious and inventive vegan restaurant. I've been here two times now and the food is always incredible with good service as well. The one downside is that we ended up waiting a REALLY long time for our entree to come out. My guess is that it does take a while to prepare and present the dishes. Having said that, if you come in and have an hour or so wait to get seated, be prepared to wait another 45 minutes-an hour to actually receive your food. Snacks beforehand recommended.
(4)Ashwini T.
The host/ waitress was disrespectful and asked us to vacate our table after we finished eating. We ordered 4 dishes and 2 glasses of wine. food was great, don't plan on going here for a date night or with family where you plan on having a good meal and conversation. This business wants to fill more tables than let people have a good experience, it's a sad / bad business model.
(2)Aly T.
The food, while delicious, is unfortunately overshadowed by the poor service. We've had numerous encounters with the staff since we live in the neighborhood and frequent this place quite a bit, both for dine-in and take-out meals. The last time we were here was for brunch (well, we thought it was lunch -- it was 2 PM on a Sunday). We walked in and had to sign in since no one was there to greet us. There were three staff members behind the counter chatting and only three filled tables. We waited. And waited. We were finally brought to a seat by a nice gentleman who filled our water, but turned out not to be our server. When our server did come by, she neither smiled nor greeted us, and just asked, "have you decided yet?" Usually servers will at least tell you the specials/soup of the day.... (I had to ask). I had to ask for water twice after empty glasses set for 5 min. -- both times the servers were behind the tables chatting. Our server, frankly, was openly rude the entire time. I saw at least two other groups having to sign in even though there were open tables. Additionally, we've had similar experiences when coming in for takeout, having a staff member be on the cash register/computer (totally ok!), but not even greeting us or saying, "hi there -- I'll be with you in a sec!" It was super slow that night too. All in all, I'm not ready to throw the towel in on this place, but the management really needs to focus on customer service. With so many delicious, health-conscious restaurants in the area, you're starting to slowly lose your appeal. Please do something because your food truly is delicious!
(2)Andrew E.
Wow, I was visiting PDX for a tradeshow. I wish I knew about this place before I got there as I would have had every meal there. It was the best place I ate all week and my second favorite Vegan restaurant behind the Chicago Diner that I have ever been to.
(5)Sara H.
My husband and our friend headed to Vancouver for my friends wedding and stopped here late Saturday night (9:30). This was one of the few places opened at this time. :) Cute place overall. Prices were average. It's downtown and we didn't need to pay for parking that late. We ordered the Fingerling Potatoes, BBQ Bowl, and the Green Curry. The potatoes weren't anything exciting but they weren't horrible either. It's basically like eating a healthy potato wedge. The green curry wasn't my favorite (due to lack of taste and burnt zucchini), but my husband and his friend liked it. The BBQ Bowl was the best though. The soy curls were everyone's favorite! Mac n' Cheese wasn't bad but it wasn't the best I've ever had. And their cornbread melted in my mouth. I'm not a fan of cornbread, ever. But this was the first cornbread I liked. As a whole, since it's all vegan, it was good. Nothing was horrible and I'd go back.
(4)Stephen N.
My wife and I had just landed and we were in need of some amazing vegan breakfast. We were lucky enough to make it in time for their Saturday brunch. It was a great start to our vacation! I got the spicy bean and cheese scramble --- so good. Right amount of scramble, chips, kale and topped with avocado. Their tofu scramble is one of the best I've had. And my wife got the breakfast burrito. Now this was a real breakfast burrito!!! I recommend you get the burrito smothered in the gravy, sour cream, and hot sauce (yup it's all vegan and delicious). Also these go great with a mimosa or bloody.
(4)Genevieve F.
Wonderful restaurant with high-quality ingredients and creative dishes that cater to people with dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, soy free, etc). I recommend the tofu scrambles for breakfast, tacos for happy hour, flu-fighter shot for when you're feeling run-down, crispy zucchini cakes as an appetizer, and their thai salad with soy curls. Yum!
(5)Amelia T.
On a Monday around 7pm, Blossoming Lotus is hopping - every seat in the place is filled. After signing my name to request a table for one, I tucked myself into the window seat looking out over NE 15th ave in Portland. The energy of the place is warm and welcoming, elegant yet comfortable. Wood paneling and high ceilings are complemented by window boxes if live plants. I am greeted and seated after a few minute wait - thoughtfully placed at a two top in a window corner. It's nice when dining alone to have a view. The menu has variety and temptation plenty, but doesn't go overboard with the fake meat product, which I appreciate in a vegan restaurant - after all, I am here to enjoy and savor the plant based fare. Water is already in my glass, and my drink order is taken quickly. A friendly waitress takes the time to discuss the pros and cons of various kombucha flavors. I settle on "detox," a tangy, fresh, cleansing draught from Eva's Herbucha - local handcrafted elixir. It's exactly as promised - cold, tasty combination of dandelion, nettle, elder flower and green tea. Yum. The three course meal I opt for starts with an overflowing cup of red bean chili. It's perfectly piping hot, and feels oh-so-warm and nourishing going down. Beans, carrots, and tomatoes swim in a savory broth with just a hint of spice. A drizzle of cashew creme and colorful cabbage complete the garnish. I refrain from licking the bowl... Mainly because my main dish has arrived in short order. The green bowl lives up to its name - filled to the brim with super greens, kale, cucumber, edamame, and avocado. I feel my liver getting cleaner just looking at it. Somewhere beneath the bounty of produce, brown rice is hiding. Dulse and a light layer of miso and balsamic add flair to my bowl of goodness. Tucking in, I am delighted with the consistency of the kale. Steamed, but still it has a bit of bite. A hint of purple on my rice tells me that beets are nestled down in the belly of the bowl. Somewhere between the fifth and sixth mouthful, I realize I forgot to give thanks for my meal. Pausing, I silently thank God for these lovely plants which are my dinner. Portland vegan cuisine, you have not disappointed me. Now... Where's the dessert menu?
(5)Daniel H.
Great place. Finally checked it out and was glad I went. Hit it up on Sunday so it was their brunch menu and tried the Lotus Benedict. The tofu scramble and patties were delicious and the hollandaise sauce was amazing. Cayenne pepper gave it a good kick too. Wife got a breakfast burrito too and she loved it. We'll be back for sure to try the regular menu, I'm excited.
(5)Estebano V.
Have never had a bad meal here and great daily specials, too. Your taste buds and body will thank you!
(5)Fred S.
I love it when I can order anything without blinking. Then getting amazed and surprised by the great taste. Had, gluten free burritos, and salad berries... Just perfect.
(5)Aimee L.
5 stars for lunch!! I've had the burger twice in a row and am madly in love with it!! Beautiful vegetarian patty and the most amazing dairy free Brie... The whole thing melts in your mouth beautifully, and has become my new craving after a bike ride over to that area of Northeast. Also have had the smoothies a couple of times and really really like those. Lunch service is prompt and friendly and the prices are good. Yum.
(5)Sandra M.
Amazing food and service. The live nachos are the best I have ever tried, and I have to say that I'm a (vegan) nachos expert.
(5)Ben B.
First off, Portland has many vegan/vegetarian options to choose from but I must say this spot is top 3. Amazing service every time, they work hard at it, you can tell. Food is A+ as well, been here a few times and each thing I try is better than the last. If you're in PORTLAND looking for a reasonable, healthy meal, head this way!
(4)Hillary S.
I love everything about this place! They have a great menu with delicious vegetarian and vegan options. I arrived for Happy Hour shortly after 5pm and was seated quickly. I ordered a Green Bowl ($7) and one Coconut Caribbean Taco ($3). My food came out without much delay and the flavours were fantastic. The miso-sesame dressing on the Green Bowl was wonderful, although I think it could have been a little more evenly distributed throughout the bowl. That meal is a ton of food, btw!! I ate as much as I could and when I was done it looked like I had hardly touched it. The taco had a delicious sauce to accompany the fresh tomatoes and coconut-crusted soy curls. My only qualm is that the soy curls were slightly too salty for me. I came back another day and ordered their Coconut Chai, which is their homemade chai and coconut milk. I got mine iced and to go. It was VERY sweet, so I probably would not order that again. I really like that this place is not hippy-central, although with a name like "Blossoming Lotus" you might think it would be. But there's no tie-dye art or Buddha sculptures etc. Instead, the atmosphere is really classy with a simple chandelier, black tables and chairs, and an elegant bar. Also, it gets big points for serving water with no ice. I recommend getting here early, though - it's a small joint and there was already a wait by the time I left just before 6pm!
(5)Ashley G.
I liked Blossoming Lotus when I first moved to Portland in 2010, but it has either grown progressively more disappointing over the years or I've gotten vegan-spoiled living in Portland. Both brunch and dinner, I try it again on occasion if a friend really wants to go and am consistently underwhelmed. During my most recent visit, my girlfriend and I went to brunch with two couple friends of ours. I had the asparagus "omelette" (tofu based) with cashew cream cheese and potatoes and kale on the side. The unseasoned kale was oversteamed to plain, limp, tasteless oblivion. The omelette was dry and flavorless. How do you make tofu dry? I added ketchup to make it edible. I will probably be a long time before I give BloLo another try.
(2)Yogesh P.
We visited them last night. The place is open and spacious. We got seated quickly so that was good but the service was ok. A lot of time our server was occupied in her talks which was annoying. Even at the time of payment we have to get up from our seat and paid our bill on the front desk. We ordered vegan tacos as an appetizer which was good. My partner ordered macaroni with soy curl and I ordered udon noodles with tempeh. Both of them were on sweet side. Even before making the food order we have asked our server on the taste and she said it is not that sweet. It seems we do not share same taste buds. We observed that the a lot of dishes shared on yelp were not available on the dinner menu. So keep that in mind. We drove distance to visit this place but the food was not upto our expectations.
(2)Kevin K.
I had the fig sandwich and the flu fighter recovery shot. Both were wonderful. The sandwich had more flavor than anything I could ever imagine. Also the service was way above par. Felt welcomed and catered to every second. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)Sophia Y.
I don't really know how to rate this restaurant because I'm 99.99% of the time huge meat eaters (sorry, vegans!), but I wanted to try something new and different that I've never tried before. I mean, I've had meals without eating meat before, but this is definitely a different experience. I liked atmosphere as well. Very modern and hipster. I got the Live nachos as a meal (They're suppose to be appetizers but I heard they were filling) and the BF got the BBQ Bowl. Live Nachos: as everyone else on yelp would agree, this is a must get. The "live nacho chips" part are made of nuts and seeds and stuff combined to make a chip. It was pretty good considering I like nuts and seed, and you can definitely taste that they weren't processed. What pushed it over the top was the toppings - some super flavorful vegan sauce, pico de gallo, slices of avocado and cilantro. YUM! As good as it was, I probably should have gotten another item to eat with. I was full from the nachos,but was hungry about 2 hours later (meat-eater problems). The BBQ bowl as good as well. The soy BBQ was actually really good and so was the mac and cheese. Overall, I'm glad i tried out this place. Though this place was good, I don't think it's where I would normally eat. But if you're interested in trying something different, I totally recommend coming here!
(4)Grant B.
This is honestly my favorite restaurant in town. There is not one thing in the menu that's not enjoyable. Everything on the menu is vegan and they have a lot of raw options. The must try dish is there BBQ Bowl, it comes with BBQ soy curls and Vegan mac and cheese. (probably the only vegan Mac I actually enjoy) definitely would recommend this place to all non vegans as well!
(5)Sherry S.
First impression of this restaurant was positive. Clean facility, friendly and helpful staff. We went for Sunday Brunch, perhaps this was not the best menu they offer. I started with the traditional bloody mary, no complaints here...it was perfect. I ordered the scrambled tofu with onions and black beans. although it was okay I felt it could have used some additional spice. The steamed kale complimented the dish.
(4)Brad D.
I went to the Blossoming Lotus on my wife's birthday. They couldn't find our reservation, however they went out of their way to seat us in a private area in the back of the restaurant. The servers were very attentive and gave a thorough explanation for any questions we had. I ordered the Raw Golden Beet Ravioli which was better than expected (as I usually do not prefer beets). We also brought in a cake (we called ahead of time to see if this was okay and they said sure, however we had to make sure the cake was vegan which was just fine) . I also had the Green Lantern drink which was pretty good. Overall a good time at a very accommodating establishment.
(4)Marjory B.
I was actually not hugely impressed by Blossoming Lotus but thought I was going to be. Maybe that was my problem. The space is nice and the service is friendly, but the food was just ok. We came in for lunch and ordered the live collard roll, live nachos, and the soup du jour, which was a creamed potato with mushroom. The soup was really good. The live collard roll was also good but seemed easy. It was presented really nicely though, like a sushi roll (see picture), and the smoky tomato coulis was yummy. While the live nachos looked excellent, they were just kind of...mediocre. I am surprised there are so many reviews recommending them. I watched some of the bowls and wraps pass on by from the kitchen to other tables. The food here does look amazing but after our experience, I'm sort of convinced it all looks better than it tastes. I might be back to try their dinner menu, juices, and/or shots but most likely won't be back for lunch. I definitely still prefer Harlow and Prasad to satisfy my vegan cravings.
(3)Lili K.
I've been coming here for the past two years now and they've really improved their menu options! Their menu changes often so it keeps me returning to try new things. Here are some more detailed food descriptions: -Tacos: Try them all! -BBQ Bowl: A plate of rich, delicious comfort food. -Maki Rolls: More of an appetizer item so unless you intentionally want to eat light, order additional food, -Bibimbap: Wish the portion was larger for the price (maybe more rice even) but it's still tasty. -Raw Golden Beet Ravioli: Note that it's "raw" so the beets are the "pasta" and it's not ravioli like you'd picture in an Italian restaurant. It's still tasty for the healthy dish it is! -Breakfast burrito: I've had this as a bowl and it was very flavorful! -The Tofu Bahn Mi, Burger, and Fig & Brie sandwiches are all worth a try, especially the Fig & Brie. -Moroccan Collard Rolls: Like eating a salad. -A Mac n Cheese side is just $4 -Chocolate Hazelnut gluten-free cake: Sweet, moist and chocolatey. They usually have a different flavor of cake and raw vegan cheesecake available. I know everything on the menu is on the pricier side but I think the best way for my friends and I to leave here full and happy is to ignore the prices and order a few plates of whatever we think looks good, and share most of it. We usually share 3-4 items, and sometimes end with a slice of cake! I used to like their smoothies but stopped ordering them due to inconsistencies with quality. I've never had to wait for a table during lunch or happy hour, but the wait times can get pretty ridiculous during the dinner rush. In that case, take-out is the way to go.
(4)Jason D.
So yumzz!! I got the thai wrap and side salad. Next time will be the bibimbap (sp?) Great service, water glass kept getting filled without asking, bonus points.
(5)Mary B.
Simply the very best vegan food in Portland. I've been eating here about once a month, for over two years. Brunch is great (yes, you MUST try the Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll)! And the Lotus Benedict is yummy. But I'm partial to lunch/dinner... I love the Live Nachos! I crave them, actually. It's the item I've ordered the most, as it's hard to explore a menu when you find something you really love. And its consistently good. I've even ordered these as a full meal with a side of quinoa and was completely stuffed. Delicious! I also adore The Burger, but you need to order it with the brie. Another favorite of mine is the Fig and Brie sandwich on ciabatta. Great flavor combinations! I also love the Coconut Po Boy. If you order the Three Tacos deal, I recommend the Thai first of all, and then the Raw Chorizio and the Caribbean. My favorite bowl is the BBQ, but my boyfriend almost always orders the Bibimbap, which is also very tasty. The Raw Ravioli is also yummy, but if you're not familiar with raw food, you might want to try something else. Another great thing about this place is the menu changes a little seasonally. So, you'll never grow bored. They keep the longtime favorites, but swap some seasonal entrees. I recently tried the quinoa stuffed poblano pepper and it was delicious, not to mention surprisingly filing. It had a perfect combination of spices, I detected some sort of nutmeg or cinnamon that rounded out all of the other flavors expertly. The soups are always amazing too, especially the creamy ones. It's insanely impressive what this place can do with puréed white beans or soaked cashews. It's often hard to believe everything is always 100% vegan. Should you ever have room for dessert, they're also exceptional and thoughtfully made. I loved the key lime pie I had one summer. The staff is always nice and informative. One down side: the restrooms are down the hall and shared with Peet's coffee. But this is a minor annoyance compared can to the exquisite food. The overall flavors of literally everything are outstanding! They take simple, whole foods and elevate them to a gourmet art form. I can't recommend this place enough.
(5)Lily S.
I love vegan food. I love raw as well. It makes me happy. And feel good. Here are the things you need to order when you come here: - the brie. It's like dairy-brie, only without the dairy hangover! I could've eaten it with a spoon. - the raw nachos. OMG. This was my favourite thing so far. It was crazy delicious and I would've gladly eaten a plate of that ALL. NIGHT. - the bibimbap. Man alive, I never knew soy curls were so effing good. Well, they are. And you should experience them. - the bbq bowl. A few people at our table got this. DAMN, GINA. - the coconut tofu. Another thing I could've eaten all night and been happy with. Our server, a Canadian transplant, was fabulous. Her name escapes me, but she was rad. I wanted to come back the night AFTER we went. I have no shame. It was delicious and I cannot wait to go back!
(5)Sarah C.
*HH review only** The incredible edible item to order on the HH menu is the avocado tacos. We instantly regretted having ordered the sampler tacos over the plate of same three, both $8, the moment we took our first bite of the avocado taco. Dear G, this taco was spectacular! If you love kimchi & avocados these tacos will rock your taste buds & blow your mind. Order "plate of same three" avocado tacos for yourself because you will want to eat all three. The black bean & thai tacos were okay but they just didn't leave as much of an impression. Also, if you don't want three tacos you can buy just one for $3. Another item to give your orifice a good time is the live nachos ($6.50). Three live chips neatly topped high with nacho cheese sauce, avocado, red onion, tomato, pecan chorizo, cashew sour cream, scallion, & cilantro was a sure hit to our palates & should be an obvious choice to anyone that likes nachos. There's only one tap on special & during HH (Mon-Sat 3pm-5pm) a pint is just $2.50! WTF! The day we were there Pfriem was on tap! WTF! It was a good day. There's other offerings on the menu ranging from $3 up to $10 so with the great customer service & delicious eats we already experienced, we really look forward to trying the rest of the menu out soon & you should too!
(4)Scotty J.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in PDX. They serve consistent, tasty, 100% plant based food. The menu is changed from time to time which welcomes variety. Their Happy Hour is solid with discounted drinks and food. I recommend this place to everyone who visits.
(5)Claire G.
I'd like to bring some of our carnivore friends in here and allow them a taste of the delicious creamy cauliflower soup and tell us any chicken and dumplings they could find anywhere else tastes any better. This soup is like cruelty free, guilt-free comfort food. It is phenomenal. It takes broccoli's withered, bleached corpse, and turns it into a delectable chowdery soup. Claire ordered the hazelnut spread/banana waffle, and I ordered the Lotus Benedict. The waffle was delicious, and the benedict was even more fantastic. The waffle tastes wonderful with a cup of their delicious coffee. The benedict is so absolutely wonderful that I took half of it home to have for dinner, and it was surprisingly good heated up as a leftover. I'd love to have the recipes here. That sausage on the benedict was outstanding, the biscuits were crisped on he edges and fluffy and buttery on the inside, and the vegetable selection used in this dish compliments the flavor perfectly. The service here is good, but the demeanor bordered on awkward. They're extremely thorough, and very generous, and I cannot complain, but the feel of their service folk here is... I guess... "concerned." I don't know. My guess is that being a healthy, vegan spot, they might get a few "BACON" 'Muricans that come in barking out indignant commands for something slathered in cheese. I don't know. They seemed a bit subdued, but I couldn't care less about that because the refills on the coffee and water were plentiful, the food was delicious and the price reflected the generous portions and excellent quality. We will absolutely be coming back.
(4)Steph D.
Stopped in for some beet juice and live nachos with a friend on a Saturday night. It wasn't too crowded and the wait was minimal. Live nachos were inventively served on a thick home-baked cracker. It's a hearty starter though it's small. Our server was personable and attentive despite how long we stayed (a couple hrs to catch up) and how little we ordered. She came by several times to check in and refill water. The biggest con, however, were the blonde hairs I found in the chocolate chip cookie I ordered to-go. I still shudder at the thought... I would come back, but I'm not certain I'll order the cookies again.
(4)Eric B.
A few years ago this was our first stop on our first trip to Portland...and it left a lasting impression. The food was absolutely amazing, incredibly unique. I had very high expectations for our second visit yesterday and the food surpassed those expectations! The food is wildly delicious. If you are vegan (and even if you are not) and looking for heaven on earth...this is it.
(5)Allie B.
We have eaten here on several occasions and have never been disappointed. The food is fabulous and the staff is awesome.
(5)Mark M.
Blossoming Lotus food is fresh and flavorful. They have taken classic asian dishes, for the most part, and made them either vegetarian, vegan or raw vegan along with many options for gf or soy-free. Their menu has a good variety to eat lite to heavy. As well, they have an excellent beverage menu that includes creative cocktails, mocktails, beers, wines, fresh juices and smoothies and house-made alcohol-free drinks. Check out there happy-hour menu too from 4-6pm. I will be back many times!
(4)London L.
I was so excited to try this place, and saved going until my birthday. The waitress seemed really annoyed or unhappy to be there, and when she tried to smile and speak nicely it came off very insincere. She filled our water once, but never asked how the food was or if she could get us anything. My boyfriend got biscuits and gravy, which neither of us liked. I got the breakfast burrito which was good, but I wasn't super into the coconut in it. Food: 2 Service: 1 I'm sad to say I won't go here again.
(1)Joenne M.
Amazing We kept wondering why it wasn't busier. ..it's Monday night and busy for a weeknight. We had the cashew brie. .. full of flavor, slice of heaven, liked it best paired with the crisp Granny Smith, the pumpkin empanadas. ..oh my!, with beans and rice and a perfectly balanced vinaigrette, and to finish. .. carrot cake... flavor that flourished on the tongue. We were full, full, full. You really must try the Red Magnolia. Be bold!
(5)S K.
Nice, clean restaurant. The food is great, very creative and tasty vegan food. I thought seitan was only used in Chinese vegan food, apparently I was wrong. The chefs here really know how to use their ingredients well. Will try to visit this nice little restaurant again next time I'm in town.
(5)Tonia B.
Every local we spoke to suggested that we eat here. The atmosphere and staff were both lovely. My husband and I loved the lentil walnut burger and the kofta fritters. The taco was also tasty. We both really enjoyed the iced coconut chai tea. The food was good but in comparison to the other meals we had in Portland, this rated a 4.
(4)Deanna C.
Blossoming Lotus is my favorite restaurant in Portland. I have never had an experience here I didn't enjoy - from their breakfasts and brunches, to their happy hour and cocktails. The presentations are beautiful, the food is light and delicious, and it's close to my house so extra points there. Just went there tonight and had a delicious dinner of raw nachos and a side of barbecue soy curls. Yum!
(5)Alex B.
Blossoming Lotus is among the finest vegan options in Portland, and that's a competitive category in this town. They also do a great job with their raw offerings, which I've found to be pretty hit-or-miss in past experiences. Here's what you need to do from start to finish: -Think about coming in during happy hour (3-6). Drinks are cheaper and they offer some pretty awesome small plates. If that doesn't work for your schedule, that's just fine. It's a reasonable value either way. -Order a drink. The coconut chai is where it's at. If you're feeling boozy, this is more of a cocktails joint than beer or wine. -Get live nachos. I'm going to say this twice to make sure you heard me. GET LIVE NACHOS. If you're here with a group of more than four people, order two live nachos. -Now comes the hard part. You have to pick just ONE other thing to order. Between the bowls and fabulously unique entrees, this is a tall order. I recommend the Cuban Bowl... but also everything else. -Try your best to say no to dessert. -Order dessert. -Pay $20-$30 per person. If there were a downside of Blossoming Lotus, it would be that it might take a long time to get seated. But if the biggest knock on a place is that it's popular, chances are it's a good choice.
(5)Magwire H.
Best restaurant I have ever been to. I know that's saying a lot, but really. I went 3 weeks ago and am still craving my pumpkin empanadas! The atmosphere was very well done, the staff was kind and pleasant, the food was absolutely brilliant, and the prices were very affordable, and not what I would expect for this place. 5 stars no doubt!
(5)Wendy S.
Yum, Yum, Yum ! says it all. Let me preface by saying I am Not a vegetarian or a vegan. I like healthy food but I also like "bad" food from time to time. This place - I have been here 2x in just 1 month. The food is wonderful. The assortment and the presentation and the price and the amount you get is perfect. THe service is friendly and attentive. But the food - OMG - it is so delicious and interesting. I look forward to going back again and again. Check out their facebook page for the daily lunch specials. Gotta go !
(5)Dan H.
I am not Vegan, but I give this 5 stars. We go here a lot. One of the funnest dining experiences ever. If you like vegan at all, even the tiniest bit, you have got to try Blossoming Lotus
(5)Randy H.
Everything on the menu looked awesome, I was bummed I only got to eat here once when visiting. The raw nachos were amazing. My kale salad was awesome with a crazy yummy blueberry chia dressing. My girlfriends BLT with the coconut bacon on it was amazing. So good.
(5)Lindsay I.
The pancakes were amazing. The raw cheese plate not so much.
(4)Marjorie S.
Yummy and healthy. In a neat little neighborhood. Great menu, delicious dishes. Friendly service. You feel healthy after eating here.
(4)Kaitlin P.
I'm not vegan, or anywhere close to being vegan, and I will often tell my friends that we're going to Blossoming Lotus for food. It's just THAT good. I've been for dinner numerous times and I haven't been disappointed once. The crispy artichoke fritters are often in my dreams - they're amazing. The BBQ sauce that BL uses/makes is the best vegan BBQ sauce I've ever had. Is it available in wholesale size quantities? ;) Last weekend a friend and I made lunch plans for BL. It was Sunday and we were pleasantly surprised to find out they were serving brunch - my favorite meal, EVER/FOREVER. Since neither of us had been there for brunch, we opted to get one sweet and one savory dish and share. Oh, what a glorious idea. I ordered the pumpkin dipped French toast, and nearly died of happy. I love all things pumpkin, and this did not disappoint. The vanilla cashew cream sauce was RIDICULOUSLY good. The savory dish we got was the southwest scramble, and it was also delicious. BL makes a pretty badass bloody mary, too! I mean, you can't REALLY go to brunch in Portland without a bloody, right? The coconut chai was also amazing - I've been making it at home even. This must be said: don't go to BL without getting the live fudge. You will very much regret it if you do. That spendy little ball of coconut-chocolate-nutty amazingness will make your mouth oh-so-happy. The first time I went to BL our server was just OK. She seemed annoyed that we were there at prime dinner time but only wanted cocktails and appetizers. But every other time I've been there I've had great service; even when I just pop in for a smoothie to-go. I love the atmosphere of the restaurant. It feels classy and upscale, yet the people and the prices don't reflect that.
(5)Christine P.
I went here with a group of 6 and all of our food was excellent. Blossoming Lotus is a little on the "shi-shi" end of vegan restaurants, with a trendy atmosphere and creative list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. I had the Thai Greens juice - MIND-BLOWINGLY awesome!!, the Live Nachos (really, really good and my first restaurant raw food), and the Crispy Thai BBQ salad. I wanted to try everything on the menu. I'd like to say there were left-overs and I didn't make a pig out of myself... but, I did. It was too good to stop eating! Bottom line: a bit pricey (and worth it, IMO - check out the happy hour), but totally fantastic food in a great atmosphere. Easily a nice restaurant to take your vegan or gluten-free significant other to. I highly recommend it!
(5)Tom M.
The only reason this place gets just 3 stars from me is because they don't have table service. The food is great, and this place, unlike the one in the Pearl, has a great feel to it. I was always kind of weirded out by the adjacent yoga studio in the original. Enough to not ever want to go there. I had the live pasta dish and I love it. Zucchini pasta and that nut butter. Yum. The food will entice me to go back but I'm not certain for how long. There's just something that full-on table service offers that you can't get in an order-at-the-counter restaurant. I'm also much less likely to tip them in a jar at the counter. If you want a tip you have to earn it at the table, not in the kitchen. I wish there were more live food restaurants in Portland. This place really crowded up for lunch so there is no question of viability. Someone just do it so I can have another choice.
(3)Rew P.
love this place. Been going for over 6 years. gluten free options
(5)Lil M.
I come here a lot. I've ordered fresh juices multiple times and every time they taste watered down. I know the difference because I have a juicer at home. It's pretty depressing to spend 7 dollars on a juice and have it taste like water. Otherwise most of their food is good.
(3)Steve W.
What an awesome place! Food was delish and fresh and varied, waitstaff attentive and pleasant, and the atmosphere casually chik w groovy background music and big windows!
(4)Leslie E.
You know what? I think Blossoming Lotus has a great thing going on. Props for being the first to really truly corner the market on creatively, beautifully, and deliciously put together vegan and raw food. Last time i was there i had the Live Nachos, which were surprisingly filling for a small plate. The nacho "cheese" was quite cheesy tasting, despite having not a drop of dairy in it. And the sun dried tomatoes topping it off were slightly chewy but tender, just divine. I had a glass of Apple Lemon Ginger Kale juice which was tart and tasty and made me feel really energized afterward. I have been to Blossoming Lotus several times before their move, but only once to the new location. And despite the weird awkwardness of the former yoga studio shared space, i have to say i liked it better before. It was also quite a long time since my latest visit and the one before it, but it seems like they raised their prices. A LOT. And the thing is...they have every right to. They probably pay more rent now, and make raw food unequaled in Portland, but even so it is enough more expensive than the last time i went that i will probably be going there less often. And i don't think i will be going vegan or raw foodist any time soon, but if i do get a craving i will still probably head over to BL if i can afford to.
(4)Celia B.
Wow, the food here was amazing! I was thoroughly impressed. This was the best vegan/raw restaurant I have been to. Their selection of raw/live items is large and are unique and delicious. We started with the live nachos, which were filling, big, and super tasty. Dr. Andrew ordered the Southwest Bowl, which was gluten free, soy free, and vegan (all items are), although not live. He enjoyed it. I ordered the Live Falafel Wrap which was AMAZING. The falafel, which is made out of nuts, tastes just like falafel made from garbanzo beans, but better. The leaves that the falafel was wrapped in were fresh and crisp, as well as the other vegetables and sauces that came with it. Although the prices are high, the portions are HUGE. The Live Falafel wrap, which cost $12.00, really came with TWO whole falafel wraps, cut in half, so 4 four inch wraps total. I had two for lunch, and had the other two for dinner. The live nachos were also very large, and I ended up taking home 1/4 of those. Dr. Andrew also took home his Southwest Bowl, as his portion was also very large. Thee prices scared us at first, but the portions are so worth it. Usually when you go to nice trendy places like this, the portions are very small. We were very impressed. It was also pricier for us because we ordered two meals and an appetizer, thinking that we would need an appetizer with smaller portions, but since the portions were so good we ended up ordering too much. Instead of paying $34.00 we could have walked out of there paying about $24.00 for the both of us. One dish per person will bring you to around 10 - 12 dollars per person, and will leave you full and satisfied. If money isn't an issue to you, however, why not try a few delicious items and bring some home for later? :) My only complaint is that it took about 10 minutes for someone to seat us, and there were 5 empty tables. It appeared that there were only about 3 people working, which could be considered short staffed. Once we were seated, however, the service was fantastic. I am so glad that I found this place and am excited to return!
(5)Sal M.
the best breakfast burrito of my life.
(5)Erica L.
This is a cute restaurant. I like the setup much better than the other place. It's more intimate and restaurant-y. The food is fabulous. They have the yummiest salad with arugula and this divine hempseed dressing. Little candied walnuts too! They actually serve their brunch foods with real maple syrup, without forcing you to pay a few bucks extra. Deducted a star for having to ask for a key to use the bathroom. Reminds me too much of high school and as someone with a social anxiety problem, I am not chasing the waitress around to get and return the key,
(4)Melodie B.
This was my first raw food experience and I loved it. I went here with my girlfriend to try something new for an anniversary. We both truly enjoyed the new experience and amazing food.
(5)Gregory L.
Beautiful food. Simply beautiful. I tried one of the specials that included tempeh, potatoes, and a mound of veggies. It was delicious and very filling. What a treat to have so many vegan eateries!
(5)Whit G.
I'm almost tempted to throw a 1-star review in here just to chip away at this place's popularity, but I can't do it, they just deserve better. I used to eat raw food at a well-known place in San Francisco (Cafe Gratitude), where I certainly enjoyed the fare but wouldn't call it my favorite place. The difference between that place and the Lotus is profound - nearly every dish I've tried there is amazingly good, not even taking its rawness into account. What's more, their happy hour kicks a**, with delicious, reasonably-priced drinks and super-cheap, delicious appetizers. Definitely among my top three PDX eateries.
(5)Robby R.
Well, this was a big disappointment. I've not had Blossoming Lotus since it was one of my regular lunch spots in the Pearl District. I'd heard friends say it was still great and that they added a dinner menu with cocktails... and last night I finally had an opportunity to give it a try. First off, I've been a vegetarian for 12 years and I've had my share of good/bad vegan restaurant experiences. Unfortunately, the "new" Blossoming Lotus fell into the bad experience categories. I ordered the "live" angel hair pesto/tofu dinner and my girlfriend ordered a tofu special. So, we had two different types of meals. I found myself enjoying my cocktails... enjoying our conversations.. and when she asked me how my meal was, I took a moment to think about it, looked down and said, "eh..." The angel hair was definitely overcooked. The pasta sauce lacked any flavor... and I wondered if they had just heated up someones leftovers from earlier. I've purchased better pasta sauce (albeit, not "live") from grocery stores in a jar that impressed me more. The pesto on top of the tofu was alright, but the pasta/sauce as the primary substance on my plate left me wishing I had ordered something else. My girlfriend described her meal as, " i got the special. was supposed to be tofu in balsamic "demi glaze" (gravy, apparently), with smoked chanterelles (amazing), Fennel gratin (shaved fennel mush that was somehow dry as hell which they then added bread crumbs to as well making it even dryer), and "braised" cauliflower (or as i like to call it, new acme rubber cauliflower! now with too much chili flake!!)" She told the waitress about the food when they asked if we wanted boxes to go as we had so much food still left on our plates. They were kind enough to provide us with a 10% discount, which helped ease the disappointment. THe service was good... the food was disappointing. I may give it another go sometime as my GF insists it was so much better last time she was there.
(2)Pippa P.
My favorite Portland eatery--both for ambiance and tastiness. Try the Live Platter, it will blow your mind.
(5)Linda C.
Such a treat to eat out for Thanksgiving instead of slaving over a hot stove...and what a lovely Thanksgiving menu offered by the Blossoming Lotus. It's a nice little venue and we were seated in the cosy nook hidden at the back of the restaurant. Service was attentive and helpful. I can't rave enough about the "Dolores Del Rio" cocktail created by the onsite mixologist. It was simply divine and full of spicy flavor - each sip was a delight! The food courses were all delicious but I especially enjoyed the sweet potato & toasted chili bisque. It was so rich in flavor I couldn't believe it was vegan. I highly recommend skipping the cooking madness and going here for Thanksgiving dinner. We'll be back for more.
(5)Megan Z.
There are about a billion excellent reviews for this place, so I thought why not add another. I'm biased as I live less than a block away (Hooray for me!!!), but this place rocks. The food, service, atmosphere, drinks, and what not, are fantastic. I have only had one dish that I did not care for and I'm not going to say what it was because I'm certain many people love it because otherwise it would not be on the menu. I just figure there are options on a menu to pique various palates and said entree did not do it for me. Yet, I'm still a die hard because there are many other mouth watering options, and I'm sure many more creations to be had that will excite me and keep me coming back. This is a not to be missed place. But please, don't come too often because it makes my wait just that much longer!
(5)Kimberly V.
This winter might as well be titled Winter 2011: Come Kale or High Water. Kale has been a revelation to me this year. It boasts a remarkable shelf life, which is important in the winter as the season makes me even lazier and hungrier. I cook it with whole wheat spaghetti, add some thinly sliced sautéed onions and garlic, douse it in lemon juice and pepper flakes, and relish how healthy and filling my pasta meal has made me. This is especially important to remember on those nights that I find myself alone on the couch, half deep into a bag of Ruffles and halfway through a six pack of lager without any reasonable explanation for how I got there. But kale is one of those veggies that really makes you earn your right to devour it. It's very leafy, meaning lots of little crinkles that require washing, and veiny, which might not be a word but you get the drift. And even though I don't always have the time to handle my high maintenance winter staple, Blossoming Lotus does. Plus, not only is the kale in the Basic Bowl hale and hearty, it's in this shade of larger-than-life green that reminds me of when The Wizard of Oz goes from black and white to color and the color saturation is like the picture inhaled as much cocaine as the picture's stars. Except cocaine is unhealthy. The Basic Bowl, with its choice of brown rice or quinoa to fill out the beans and greens, is the anti-drug. Their sauces have been pretty good to me so far. The roasted garlic vinaigrette had a surprisingly mellow but effective flavor - not like patchouli and parents' Visa cards at all! The house red hot sauce was a little like repackaged Sriracha, but Sriracha by any other name is still always welcome. Just don't snort it or else you will end up alone on the couch because you are dumb.
(4)Marina V.
The food was amazing, the service was great, and I felt totally satisfied by my meal. I went as a treat with my mother, but will definitely be returning with every friend I have!
(5)Erica S.
very busy, great service, full mini bar, I had the Live Wrap which was raw, light, and delicious and the steamed kale is a definite must. I wish they had one in south orange county!!!
(5)Adam B.
Divine, heavenly, vegan goodness here on earth. I've been cooking out of the Blossoming Lotus cookbook "Vegan Fusion World Cuisine" for over a year now, and am now humbled by the culinary genius that is behind it all. I ate brunch, lunch, and dinner, at Blossoming Lotus while in Portland for 10 days. Every time they nailed it. We did have to wait for a table for brunch and dinner, but the wait was nothing more than 10 minutes. I loved the spicy BBQ sandwich I had during my first visit. After traveling for two days this restored me to sanity. For brunch I had the special scramble, which raised the bar considerably for what I can now expect from a tofu scramble! Notable at dinner was a cocktail "The Green Monk," I wildly complex and enjoyable libation. Kudos to the bartendress on that one. Dining at Blossoming Lotus will remain one of the stand-out memories of my trip to Portland, Oregon. Well done.
(5)Rosi G.
Great food, very fresh, appealing ambiance. Prompt service. Delicious, creative menu of raw gourmet and vegan cooked main offerings, energizing raw juices, artful salads and inspired desserts. The atmosphere was beautiful enough, and the food was so tasty, that it even pleased a picky guest who was used to posh California eateries. At popular times, it can be crowded, with a bit of a wait, but it's worth it.
(5)Ken N.
I think this place has some of the best food I've ever tasted. I'm not a vegan but when I eat hear I leave full and satisfied. If you are vegan and want to prove to your carnivorous friends that vegan meals can be delicious and filling take them to blossoming lotus. They won't be disapointed. Get the live platters. The soups are allways good too.
(4)T D.
This casual nice all vegan restaurant is a gem. It features all sorts of cuisine blending ingredients from many regions of the world with they're own unique and tasty flava. All the while being healthy and delish!. I go here and gorge myself on the amazing food and feel great after. They offer cooked and live food with lots of gluten free options. They also have a bar here, so far I've only been for lunch and a great food happy hour.
(5)Bryan W.
Been here 3 times now and each time I've been very, very impressed. The staff is attentive, polite and informative and the food is killer. BBQ tempeh platter is my favorite so far. Their cheesecake is a little pricey, but to put into perspective how delicious it is, after eating one piece, my girlfriend and I purchased another to take home. It's normally quite busy so expect a wait of at least 20-30 minutes.
(5)Casey B.
Throughout the seasons, BL's menu has me totally turned on. Let's start with drinks - they are my favorite. In the warmer weather, you can count on being satisfied by their delectably smooth and tasty fresh smoothies, juices and booster shots... Thai Greens apple, lime, ginger, basil, cilantro) has saved my life on several occasions. Now that it's a bit chillier, I find myself searching for the perfect hot concoction... this was their absolutely perfect apple cider last time. Their food is to die for - especially their ever changing specials. This place is truly a NE gem. xo!
(5)Matt S.
This is as good as it gets, whether or not you are a vegan or have those tendencies. My wife and I have been eating and bringing friends here for years, going back to when they awkwardly shared a space with a Yoga studio in the Pearl District and were staffed with surly, probably militant, vegan types. This location is great and the service is all friendly now. I don't have much to add to the many glowing reviews on here. The things about Blossoming Lotus that really stand out for me are: 1) you'll feel full for hours and hours-you might skip dinner if you make this your lunch. That's the beneficial effect of eating real food. 2) try something raw/live. everything I've had here in that category has been really, really good. Especially the live pizza. 3) the juices are really good, too! 4) for what it is, and the location, the prices are really quite reasonable 5) I'd describe Blossoming Lotus as a very safe place to bring a non-vegan skeptical-type person. Last thing I'll say to everyone who has written positive reviews and has had positive experiences here, we originally found this place affter we bought the cookbook "Vegan World Fusion Cuisine" and were suprised to find that the Hawaii-based restaurant had a second location in Portland, of all places. If you like vegan food, or even if you just like the food at Blossoming Lotus, the cookbook is highly, highly recommended as well.
(5)Kelli S.
Always amazing food......love the desserts. I can always count on having an AMAZING RAW MEAL here....that is for sure! Thank you to the entire staff you are as amazing as the food and friendly too :)
(5)Jen T.
Blossoming Lotus is pretty good by *vegan standards,* although I feel like it's slightly overpriced in my mind. But taking all things into consideration, this is probably the closest a vegan can get to fine dining. Still, the food can be mediocre at times (read, borrrring and/or inadequately spiced)...but, then again, I like food with a lot of zest! What Blossoming Lotus definitely KILLS it in is the wonderful, delicious, and indeed very zesty world of DESSERTS! Live chocolate cake is more like live crack cake. And pear pecan crumble? Man...don't even get me started... Ah, wait...it's too late...crisp flaky crust...perfectly nutmegged fruit...toasty carmelized pear flavors...warm, mmm, nuts... And they've got vegan soft serve! Anytime you want it! Even to go! On a hot summer day! Just thinking about their softy makes me the opposite of softy. And so, I sort of wish BL just focused on their desserts since their meals are just, you know, okay. And I KNOW the staff knows it too. Usually they seem pretty bored with their existence and apathetic life path as a server at a gourmet vegan restaurant...until you order dessert. And then all they can do is gush: "OMG FUCK ORGANIC QUINOA I JUST ATE LIKE 5 PIECES OF THAT CAKE!!!" Fuck yeah! I'll jump on that bandwagon! If being vegan just meant desserts (and beer) all day every day, I'd be, well, vegan. But looking at my vegan friends, chugging beer at the Bye and Bye and eating pie at Blossoming Lotus, I think they figured out the secret to being vegan quite a long time ago already...
(4)Velia R.
I LOVE this place! Excellent, fresh, organic food. Be prepared for a wait but it's worth it because the food quality is superb and won't disappoint. Their Sunday brunch is great too.
(5)Daisy C.
Had to change my review because after a second visit I am no longer even a mild fan of this place. My first experience was "good service, ok food. Too expensive for what it was". My second visit literally made me sick to my stomach. The server did her job of making the tofu scramble special sound yummy, but I got a big bowl of gag. After only two bites I spent the rest of lunch with my friends trying to keep everything inside and not all over the floor. I have no idea how you dry tofu out like that, but it was dry and I don't know......stale? Then it had been covered in this chalky paste of seasonings that I can only guess should never EVER be blended together. Some sort of sauce was glopped on top that only added to my turning stomach. If the server had ever come over and asked if everything was alright I would have said no, but she didn't. At the end when she asked if I wanted a box to take it home I managed to get out "No, I am so sick right now", but she just picked it up and walked away. Ah well. Lots of other food in Portland.
(1)Justine M.
I'm a non-vegan that would eat here everyday if my finances would allow. The basic bowl makes me happy always... beans, rice, kale and a mixture of their ginger dressing & peanut dressing... yum. They have other dressings if you are so inclined. Everything here is vegan and some things are raw. For example, the live falafel wrap is the only other thing I've ordered and it was delicious. The dish was probably for 2, but it was so good I ate the WHOLE thing...no one should eat that much raw food in one sitting or regular food for that matter. Great lunch/dinner/special occasion/takeout place!
(4)cynthia t.
Their bowls are amazing. Definitely get the curds as an add-on. But only giving them 3 stars because of the atmosphere. I've been to BL since their westside location. And I have to say I kinda miss their old spot. It was low key, a gem in the Pearl. Ironically when they opened up in the east side, both prices and service flip-flopped. The mellowness have replaced by attitude. The food will keep me coming back, just not as often.
(3)Rachel R.
Wonderfully surprised by this place! I ordered the Chana Masala and I couldn't finish it, very tasty and really flavorful. The Crispy Artichoke Fritters were also a great appetizer. Will definitely be back!
(5)KAREN P.
I am neither vegan nor vegetarian, but I LOVE this place have been numerous times - breakfast, lunch and dinner- now just need to get to happy hour!! very interesting flavors and well spiced. i seem to get the live falafel wrap frequently- walnut/brazil nut falafel, with tahini cilantro pesto; all in a firm, yet easy to eat green wrap. soups and salads are fabulous. desserts are yummy- the cheesecakes especially. beer, wines and a full bar!!
(5)Stephanie B.
Delicious healthy food! The pesto white bean dip is amazingly addictive. Also, so nice to have alcohol (full bar) at a health food restaurant. Great raw and cooked options. I love the goddess bowl!
(5)Jeannine B.
I feel so fortunate to have found this place especially since I just moved to the area. My boyfriend and I happened upon it on a Friday night. It was busy and we waited about a half hour and at the time I was wondering if it was going to be worth it... And I am here to tell you... I would have waited an hour! Very quant inside, not overly romantic but still had that date vibe to it. We ordered the Artichoke Fritters and Bean Dip for appetizers! Both were AMAZING! The dip came with veggies and we got it gluten free which our waitress brought out these home baked bread wedges that was to DIE for! We split an order of the Portobello Mushroom Fajitas that were so good, if the pan wouldn't of burned off my tongue we might have licked it clean.. The sauce was just so good! We finished off with a raw cheesecake that was so wonderful! Wish we would have ordered two pieces! Our waitress was great, attentive but not hovering. She was doubling as the bartender and was busy but didn't make us feel like we weren't being taken care of. We didn't try the drinks but plan on it next time. For a vegan restaurant this place is fantastic but just for a restaurant alone is superb! We will definitely be back!
(5)Lisa G.
I love this place, I go here at least once a week, if not more. Alas, this might just be because it's only only restaurant like it in town. ALWAYS GO FOR THE SPECIAL!!!! They do new things almost every night based on whats locally in season. And let me tell you, I have NEVER been disappointed with a special. Or with the drinks for that matter. My one complaint is that it isn't very consistent. I often order the green goddess bowl. It's a good dish when you just want REAL food in you that tastes good, but is not too complex. Every version I've had is wonderful but it seems to taste different every time. I've had a number of other staple dishes that I can say the same about. Also, if you are into cooking classes they have some every now and then, either at the restaurant or they host them at PCC. I went with a girlfriend and had so much fun! I would definitely recommend taking one.
(4)Andy V.
Food was good as usual... But, unfortunately, the service left something to be desired. Service was a little on the slow side, and they did get my order wrong the first time around.
(4)LeAnn E.
I was pretty excited to try this place. Reviews looked good, so did the restaurant. Our party of 4 was seated quickly and expected to know what we wanted right away. Our waiter seemed irritated with us the WHOLE time. We ordered cocktails and an appetizer. Cocktails were gross. Tasted like perfume and soap. Yuck! I ordered the live sample plate, fiancé had a Tofu stir fry, couple we were with had BBQ soy curls and a phyllo stuffed something. Stir fry was bland. Live sampler was good...certainly not worth $20 and the other meals were ok. The little waiting area was starting to get full and it was extremely apparent that our waiter wanted nothing more than to get us out of our seats. I felt pretty rushed and like we were an inconvenience. I found the whole place to have a 'pretentious' attitude and feel. I'm over it, there are other places that treat their customers better. Won't be back here, ever.
(1)Cassandra S.
Delicious and satisfying vegan fare. 9 times out of 10 the service is great, though it be slow. The price is a bit steep, a bill for two with wine is going to be upwards of $60 easily. I always get the live nacho appetizer because it's amazing.. fresh and flavorful. For the main coarse I love the bbq thai salad, the fresh ginger and shredded coconut adds a nice kick of flavor. The goddess bowl is also tasty, I add avocado and soy curls, it's hearty but not heavy and full of kale with leaves me feeling all warm and tingly inside:) The wine selection is decent and moderately priced. The cocktails are pricier but just as flavorful and unique as the food. Definitely not my favorite Portland vegan desert spot but the live fudge is really good, add a bit of the house soft serve and you wont be disappointed.
(5)Gigi P.
I've had lunch here twice recently, and both times I had the live falafel wrap. OUTSTANDING!!!!! Had a nibble of a friend's live nachos and they were to die for! I was on a cleanse both times I visited, so I could really only choose from two items, but now that I'm off the cleanse I want to go back and try everything. And I want to check out their HH. Drinks made from fresh juices? SOLD! My meat loving friends won't even miss eating flesh when they sink their teeth in this tasty nosh. Rating would be 5 stars, but 1 star off for the L-O-U-D-N-E-S-S (enough to give one a headache) and for the HORRIBLE waitress that works there. But the food more than makes up for these shortcomings. Be brave and eat vegan. It won't kill, just this once.
(4)Ava S.
If a restaurant could have groupies, I would be the leader of the Blossoming Lotus Fan Club. We'd write love letters to tempeh and raw cheesecake and seal them with lipstick kisses before giving them to their master chef, Wes Hannah. I don't even know what to say. I would take out their trash just to rummage through it and eat the scraps. Food is always awesome. Quality, presentation, size, creativeness, complimentary palette of flavors. It's seriously the work of a genius and it's obvious that genius is recognized based on the wait, perma-full tables and wide variety of patrons. If you know someone who thinks vegan food is boring or gross or whatever, take them here. Feed them amazing food. Watch them eat their words. Then make them pay the bill.
(5)Dianna G.
I have been to this place a few times and generally thought the food was fairly good but overpriced for what it is. The last time I went with a few friends and as I was eating my meal, a large bug came crawling out from the middle of it. I was horrified and called the waitress over. She looked completely unimpressed and asked me if I wanted anything else. I said no. She did not offer to buy me a dessert or glass of wine or even to take it off the check. I will never step foot in this place again.
(1)Muiread P.
I've only ever gotten dinner here but it is consistently good. I love their soft serve for dessert and I love to order their specials
(4)nicole d.
Great gluten free options and absolutley delicious food from entrees to desserts!
(5)Sharone N.
Crazy, Awesome, Amazing, Wonderful, Inspiring....Blessed Thank you for the best brunch ever!!!
(5)sky s.
OK, so it was a FB rant, but I can't help feeling like "peeple need to know!!!" so copy/paste here and consider yourself forewarned. The good The Bad & The Vegan: So finally I've now tried the infamously "delicious" & much-hyped Blossoming Lotus Cafe. Friends of all dietary persuasion have been trying to woo me to this spot "it doesnt matter if it's all vegan, it's just plain delicious" they say, cooing in my ear as I protest loudly that I've never met a vegan I could get along with. I always keep an open mind though, and so at last I managed to haul my ass two blocks down the road and try it. Unfortunately, the boasts & coaxes are simply not true. The hilarious thing is the irony of the menu. It has a "salads" section when really, the entire menu is salad (excepting a couple "entrees" - Vegan, gluten free "Lasagna?" How can it even be in the same class of food as the real thing??) Yep, otherwise, Salad salad or salad, just dressed up in different ways: Salad in wrap. Salad over rice. Salad with "crispy tempeh curls." Salad on a plate, perhaps? Or salad sandwich? The result is... uh, SALAD. And guess what? IT TASTES LIKE SALAD. I could make the same damn thing for 2.50 or less in the produce aisle. Oh, and those crispy tempeh curls? Spongelike and oddly flavored, but not at all crispy. Neither does the term "barbeque" apply at all to the flavor. Look- I have no problem with salad, but it feels wrong to gussy it up as a "Cuisine" and charge 8 bucks for it. Oh and btdubs your "Avocado Ranch" tastes nothing like ranch. It tastes like avocado. Surprise, surprise. The one exception to mediocrity was the delicious crumbly cornbread and sweetpotato soup with honey drizzle. Yummy, but isn't honey not ok with vegans? I mean if dairy is "rape" what is honey? YOU'RE EATING THEIR HOME, RITE??!!! If you're going to be a hypocrite about it, at least give us some butter for that cornbread.
(2)Patricia U.
As a relatively new vegan, new to "live" foods and PDX, this is by far the best place to eat (3/x now). Unlike many others, we have never had trouble getting a seat (only 2 of us & we tend to eat late). Our server wrote out a list of local V- haunts and some books we might also enjoy. We aren't very trendy by PDX standards (or Anchorage standards for that matter) but have been treated well. It doesn't appear that they judge patrons who come in with their fine leather attire either! I am definitely going to bring my vegan-phobic family here when they come to visit. The live nachos are the best nachos I've ever had. You don't even miss the grease!
(5)Marianne S.
Man this place is good and no, I'm not a vegan. I think it is fair to say I've tried a wide variety of fare at Blossoming Lotus. I think my favorite is the Southwest Bowl. The chili in there is phenomenal. The only draw back is that it is only on the lunch menu. I'd agree that the service is slow but luckily I live nearby and can easily order takeout.
(4)Lydia K.
Hands down some of best Vegan and Vegetarian food I have had in Portland! My husband and I went on a Sunday evening. We were seated right away and greeted from the friendly host. Great menu selection for food and cocktails, and speedy with service. Guaranteed you will leave completely satisfied.
(5)Andrea T.
Been meaning to try this place out for awhile. Went for a birthday celebration and was not disappointed! Let me start by saying that the drinks are DELICIOUS! The White October was the perfect dessert drink. We had the pesto white bean dip as an appetizer and it was great. The offer gluten-free options if needed. I had the chantrelle and sweet potato enchiladas. Normally, I wouldn't have enchiladas, but they sounded good. Quite tasty, but wish that they would have been warmer. The ginger stir-fry that my friend had was really tasty. Can't wait to go back and try the pizza. We has some of the "crust" with our dip and it was really yummy. My only complaint would be that some of the food was on the lukewarm side. As was the pumpkin Chai nog. Otherwise it was great. I'll definitely be going back there! Oh, did I mention that I'm not vegan or vegetarian? Just gluten and dairy free.
(4)Dariño H.
Here me out: the cornbread here is phenomenal. I'm not a vegan, but one my really good friends here suggested we go, so I agreed - I wasn't disappointed. I ordered one of the tofu dishes with quinoa and it tasted fantastic! The masala bowl is also really good! If you have issues with dairy and wheat, this is the place to go...no yeast. I believe they only have goat cheese as far as dairy goes, but that's even optional. My only complaint about the place was the lack of welcome when my friends and I came here. We signed up during a moderately filled time and it took about 30 minutes just to get a table for three. Apart from that, however, the taste and experience was beyond what I would call "average."
(4)Aaron F.
Episode V: The Granolas Strike Back The gal pal (who's big on raw/vegan) drags her Midwest Meat-n-Potatoes boyfriend from the 'Couv into PDX for some vegan food? WTF! Bottom Line: Surprisingly good. Pluses: Really seemed focused on execution. Lots of thought and detail in solving the common vegan problems (uhh. like taste and texture!) I had the vegan chili. It was nice. I can't say I wouldn't have loved some meat in there, but it was tasty. I didn't feel wanting. I also had the faux cheesecake (some chocolate ganache deal). Bitchin'. Girlfriend was having mouthgasms with what she ordered. Minuses: Well, unless you wanted a $6-7 juice (from the juice bar) or some iced tea, they basically had nothing to drink. That sucks. Seriously, how about even some freakin' sparkling water? You could make some kind of innovative muddled something or other too. Lemonade? C'mon people. If you're the tag-a-long for a vegan, you could suffer a lot worse fate - like Boba Fett getting digested for 10,000 years in Sarlacc. I wonder how he's doing?
(4)M. J.
Blossoming Lotus is great. I lived in Portland and would go there frequently for the great food. Best restaurant in Portland. They have excellent raw ("live") and/or GF options. The service is always great, and the food never disappoints. I love the Live Nachos, all the salads, the coconut chai, and if they have raw cheezecake, get it! MmmM! My partner loves the Crispy Artichoke Fritters - and I have to agree, they are good! The ambiance is great, too!
(5)Wendy R.
Absolutely amazing. Staff was very friendly and the food was amazing. We were seated in a reasonable amount of time, but the wait definitely increased while we were there. With customers waiting it out & you can't blame them. The atmosphere is one that can be enjoyed for an evening with friends or a couples evening out. There was a family there but it really doesn't strike me as an atmosphere for kids, but then again I don't have any. It just seems a little to intimate of a setting for kids. I had the Live Green Curry and a Coconut Chai drink. Did I mention it was amazing? The tai spicy avocado green curry sauce has a definite heat. And with the fresh raw vegetable "pasta" it is an overall fantastic fresh blend. I would have been fine with a little less sauce, but that wasn't a big enough hindrance to make me not devour the dish!!! I will definitely be back. There's a whole menu to try after all!! :)
(5)Terradon I.
This is my favorite restaurant. Period. Their live wraps are a lot of fun, and offer a tasty (and dare I say nutritious) alternative to wheat tortillas! They offer Quinoa as an alternative to rice which allows us to get our vitagoodies in our carbs while feeling full after we eat! The live salads, the creole bowl, the green goddess bowl and the white bean appetizer went over well with our whole group, with us tasting each others food. Lotus, we love you!
(5)Emily S.
My husband and I have been here a few times and just love it! Everything we've gotten has been amazing, the service is always awesome, and the staff is very knowledgeable. We just wish we didn't live so far away so we could go all the time!
(5)teesh t.
I would give this place 3.5 stars if I could. Great food! I tried the nachos, lavender lemonade, and vegan lemon cheesecake. The nachos were outstanding, the lemonade wasn't the best (it's much more flavorful at Native's), and the cheesecake was mediocre. Although I really liked my main dish, Blossoming Lotus loses stars for 1) 1 of 3 knockout items and 2) price gouging - I know that raw/vegan can be expensive but dang! Also, yelp says closed from 4-5 pm but the happy hour is from 4-6 PM and they are indeed open.
(3)Nicolas G.
Visited this great all-vegan restaurant on a Friday night, and it was packed. The wait was not bad, we got a table within 15 minutes, and proceeded to sort through the sizable menu. Everything looked great. Being a vegan, I'm used to only having to pick between one or items on a menu, but here it was a different story. I had everything to pick from. I had the BBQ Tempeh with cornbread and chili. It was wonderful. This place is a great find, incredible food, fast and friendly service, and a great atmosphere. I brought my omnivore friends with me and they loved what they ordered too.
(5)Jeffrey H.
I've been wanting to check out Blossoming Lotus for sometime now, but like a dingus, kept putting it off. My first experience there was this past weekend, and I'll tell you right now: It's amazing. I knew even before we walked in. The dining room opens at five, and there were people just waiting around for the doors to open. One girl, who was on vacation from abroad, told us that she had eaten there every night since she'd been in town. Jackpot! The doors opened right at five and we meandered in to a cozy dining room. They're not working with a lot of space, so be prepared to get snuggly with fellow patrons. Our waitress came over and poured our water and introduced the specials to us. She was very warm and friendly and made us feel at home instantly. We ordered the Creamy Pesto and White Bean Dip and two Lavender Lemonades as appetizers. Both were exquisite. The lemonade had a considerate balance of sweetness and tart, and wasn't overpowered by the lavender. The bean dip was creamy, savory deliciousness that paired well with the blue corn chips. I ordered the BBQ Tempeh platter, while my partner ordered the Four Cheese Lasagna. Mine came with a side salad, black bean chili, and cornbread. His was a big helping of lasagna on a bed of kale. My salad tasted so fresh and alive and the BBQ Tempe was smoky and rich. The Lasagna, while not as superb as Portobello, was excellent as well and had an excellent an cashew cream sauce. My partner was a little bummed that he didn't get a salad too, but I shared mine with him. We both were so full half way through the meal, and took the rest home - which was equally as excellent heated up after a night of vodka. The one thing that I will mention is that the bathroom at Blossoming Lotus is, well, in an ally. If you ever bring up BL to friends, the bathroom will always come up in conversation. Typically in a fashion like, "Dude, what's up with that bathroom??". Other than that, this place is a five-star winner all the way around. I will be back frequently.
(5)Alvarez W.
Right on with the light on! Yes, I am a carnivore...the pizza was my favorite...definitely have thought about it since having it...wanting more. The artichoke fritters were good but the texture is something that I would tweak but it's not my restaurant. I really like the place...drinks are excellent as well. Good job, chef.
(4)April B.
Fantastic restaurant with yummy food that you don't have to be vegan to enjoy. I ordered the Basic Bowl : Quinoa, daily beans and steamed greens, with house-made chili sauce and avocado. It was perfect. Somehow they made the quinoa taste buttery without actually using butter. Definitely a place to return to. I look forward to the Thai Wrap...
(5)Marcia J.
Yum. I don't know what kind of leaf they wrap their wraps in, but it was unusual (for me) and delicious. We want to keep places like this around.
(5)Family Ø.
Yummy! Flavorful and super tasty :) highly recommended. Service was excellent as well. I'm not a vegetarian normally but eating such great stuff like this makes me want to convert to the greens side!
(5)Alysia A.
whoa, so wait. this place is raw and vegan? it's really good! oliver, our server, was so sweet and handsome like some kind of prince from ago who has come back to serve raw food to swirly eyed zealots and fat girls who got lured into eating raw by her favorite lady couple. we shared 3 desserts, me and the cute lezzies (one of which was named one of top ten butches in a queer french article!). 1st up was the raw fudge, which was hard as hell and had to be sliced with a holy sword to break into pieces. it was very crunchy and tasty. second was the pie that i named "shrek" a very potent but quite good mint chocolate cheesecake. third (my fave) was a pomegranate cheesecake that was a gorgeous color and flavor. enter jess from the back, my sweet new friend who gives hugs that make me a sighing blushing maiden. talk about service!
(4)Lyca P.
I had no idea that vegan food can taste this good! A friend of mine took me here for dinner and in the spirit of trying new things, I went along with it. I didn't expect much from this dinner, but was pleasantly surprised. I discovered soy curls that night! My favorite is the stir fry dish, the crispy thai bbq and the southwest bowl. Add soy curls to these dishes of course! I now consider this place as a go to place for dinner when I'm in the Portland area, and I often crave healthy yummy vegan food from this place!
(5)bee g.
This place is wonderful. Just moved from CA and this was one of the 1st veggie places i tried here in Portland. I cannot rave enough about it. Delicious wholesomee food and friendly service, cant get better than that. Had the chili bowl w/cornbread & the Thai wrap.........YUMMMM Big portions too I will def be back very very soon
(5)Anna H.
This used to be one of my favorite restaurants. Without a doubt the food is great. The service leaves much to be desired. I tried to take my mom today, but was not allowed in. Two minutes prior to listed opening time the employees let 3 other patrons in then locked the doors. We tried opening the doors, noting other customers already inside the restaurant, but they were locked. We tried again to be sure, and were surprised the doors were locked. There were at least two employees who saw us but did nothing. I guess this restaurant does not want my money. I will not go back.
(1)Teresa D.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in the world. I wish I could put a Blossoming Lotus in my house so that I could eat their food for every meal. I don't need to say much more than that. (But do be prepared to wait a little bit sometimes during the dinner rush).
(5)stacey k.
Great. Great. Delish artichoke fritters! must have. I ordered nachos because I couldnt decide. and they were great. it will convert the meat eater. The cauliflower steak was a carnivors dream. I loved this place. It is quaint. The service was efficient and patient with our endless questions! Definitley will go again and try more.
(5)Andy W.
Folks, I'm here to tell you the legends are true. There is a place, in the city, where all the beautiful men and women hang out. And this mythical fantasyland is not one of these Seinfeldian meat-packing-facilities-by-day, exclusive-club-by-night kind of places. It's a vegan cafe. Who would have thought? Now, the big problem with the mythical hot vegan fantasyland is the currency exchange rate. Your hard-earned dollar will not go far at the Blossoming Lotus. So before you get yourself all lookin good, rush out the door and head over there for lunch with Portland's finest, consider the price of admission. Let's start with a bowl of beans and brown rice, with maybe a couple extra veggies added in. Buying from the supermarket and making a single serving at home: $1.50. Ordering at any other restaurant in the city: $4-5. Ordering at Blossoming Lotus: $7-8. Let's say you want to add tempeh to your concoction. supermarket, single serving: $1. other restaurant: N/A Blossoming Lotus: $3 How about a half an avocado? supermarket: $0.35 other restaurant: $0.50-1.25 Blossoming Lotus: $3 (says $2 on the website, but it's actually $3) (Yes, obviously, these are calculations you could make for any restaurant/brown bag lunch debate, but the BL takes it to an absurd extreme. Seriously, a bean-rice bowl is probably the most economical protein/whole-grain delivery method in the universe. Charging $8 for it is a crime against humanity.) I'll allow that they make a tasty bean-rice bowl, and I love all the nut-based dairy-like substances they use. I'm not vegan, but I am aware that I eat too much dairy, and theirs are some damn good substitutes. But even with the non-dairy creams and cheeses, at $14 it's just not worth the cost for me. Now for the heart-to-heart: buddy, if you are so desperate to eat lunch next to one of the sexy dairy/gluten/meat-free denizens of our city that you'd overpay for your lunch by $11.65 for the opportunity, I'd like to offer these words of encouragement: there are plenty of fish (or fish-flavored globs of seitan) in the sea.
(3)Kevi K.
Blossoming Lotus has been around for a quite a few years. To my knowledge, their first location was on Kauai, & at one time was Kauai highest rated restaurant. Being from the Islands, I have always loved their menu and dedication to delicious, fresh and living foods. Currently, their SE Portland restaurant has about everything your big appetite needs to feel completely nourished and satisfied, with amazing selection of raw and cooked vegan foods. High in protein, flavor and nutrition, Blossoming Lotus aims to please. You may even find that the wide selection of drinks (fresh juices,original mixed drinks, beer, wine and Townshend's kombucha) here keeps you coming back for more. Thanks guys!
(5)Zuzana K.
This was my very first vegan restaurant, since I am a full blown omnivore. I really liked this place. The food is yummy, atmosphere is welcoming and service is fast and friendly. If I didn't see the menu, I wouldn't have known that this is meat-free place; I was not out of my element.
(5)Luke Y.
This place is awesome! A relaxed atmosphere, and a great wait staff. I have been twice. Once with my whole family (6) and once with my girlfriend. Both times we have had great service, reasonable wait times, and delicious food. The food is 100% vegan and is absolutely delicious. This is a not place where you feel like you are being offered a ton of side dishes. The menu offers a wide variety of flavors and textures. Both times I have been, I left feeling quite satiated. If you are thinking about taking someone who is not to keen on vegan food. Have them give the soy curl tacos a try. They can be flavored any number of ways, have the texture of meat, and are quite filling. All in all, this place is a win. Do yourself a favor. Go. Check it out. The food is reasonably priced and tastes great!
(5)TJ N.
I am an on again, off again vegetarian/vegan. I really appreciate the atmosphere of this place. The food is really good. The service I had when I visited twice was a bit off-putting, however. The first time I visited was on or near Valentine's Day. It was not full as we arrived a little early. They asked if I had a reservation and understandably on a day like this it would make sense, but at 5PM? That said the host didn't suggest anything nor did he apologize, offer take out or say we'll see you another time. While I figured it might possibly be an off or busy day I tried the place once again. The waitress was just so-so in her delivery of our order, I don't remember if she even asked what we thought of the food. Though the check reflected an item we had not ordered, and we had a minor quable over it. The place is a bit too pricey - I'd try Portobello Vegan Trattoria again before going again. It's got atmosphere, and it's relaxed but everything is tasty and slightly less $$.
(3)Stephanie K.
A friend insisted we come here, and I'm so glad she did! Everyone was so friendly and knowledgable, and was happy to answer my questions. (I'm not a vegan, so I was kind of out of my element here, truthfully.) The atmosphere was just very welcoming and home-y. I ordered the four "cheese" lasagna, because that seemed like the most challenging thing someone could make vegan-style. It included a mozzarella substitute that, I think, was made of squash and garlic. And I have no idea how, but it tasted cheese-y and delicious. The entire dish was just amazing. It didn't taste exactly like lasagna, but I loved every bit of it. It was tasty reheated for lunch the next day, too (the portion size was huge). I will definitely come back here again!
(4)Radashack R.
Delicious food! I was pleasantly surprised. The Live pizza was very zesty and delicious. The service was pleasant and excellent. The restaurant is also very nice, clean and stylish.
(5)Hilary B.
5 star dinner service. Excellent vegan food. Great wine. Good beer list. Ambient atmosphere. Convenient location. Nice...
(5)Sukie B.
LOVE this place! I found it listed online when I searched for "raw food Portland," and planned on treating myself to a nice raw meal out once I got here for the weekend. My taste buds were not disappointed. First, let me say I was impressed by the decor, which leans more towards art nouveau than trendy hippie-chic or earth child. The walls are a soothing gray-blue with plenty of wood accents. The people looked pretty normal as well (no excessively tattooed, emaciated, dreadlocked, green-haired waitstaff like you'll find in other locales...namely Santa Monica). I ordered the raw falafel wrap. It was so filling that I saved half for the next day! I wanted to have some room for dessert as well, and enjoyed a heavenly piece of marbled chocolate living cheesecake. I was happy to find it not overly greasy and heavy, unlike most raw desert cakes. I also enjoyed one of their cocktails made with fresh squeezed juice - absolutely delicious (and a pretty shade of green!). I highly, highly recommend a visit to this place. It would be great for a date or a nice evening out with some close friends.
(5)Michael H.
I have to give this place 5 stars, as I do not follow a vegan diet, but this was the best "vegan" food I've ever had- what a vegan establishment should be. Their dishes celebrate flavors, not meat replacements, and I really enjoyed it. And everything was spiced well, nothing was bland. Their live and raw, gluten-free "pizza" is so good. A must when visiting Portland, for everyone from diehard vegans to meateaters.
(5)Whitney D.
Blossoming Lotus is perhaps the most divine vegan restaurant in Portland yet. Every appetizer/entreé/desert/drink explodes with flavor, but not overwhelmingly so. My favorite (if I were FORCED to choose) is the "Live" Mezza Platter and, for sipping, the White October cocktail. Glorious! While I do appreciate the wholesome ingredients that Blossoming Lotus incorporates into each dish, the price range, for me at least, is one to reserve for special occasions :)
(5)Meredith P.
Great service. Wonderful vegan options--I took my in laws here for a true sampling of quality vegan food. They were very impressed--proving to the carnivorous world that being vegan isn't torture. I am obcessed with the live nachos. MMMMMMM. I love the live pasta too--and the Vegan Fusion rescipe gets pretty close.
(5)B F.
This is the first time that I actually entered a vegan place in spite of my girlfriend trying every trick in the book. I guess my defenses were down that night as I did not stop by BK for a burger first and then just sample what was served. Well this place proved me wrong in that what ever she ordered for me was really good and I loved that she didn't tell me what I was eating! Even this confirmed carnivore walked out full and surprised.
(5)Laura M.
I eat here about once a week and I think the food is fantastic (and my meat loving hubby agrees) however...if you're wandering over to try BL for the first time some things to know (and the reason why they don't get 5 stars from me) 1) They're inconsistent - food wise- I've been given undercooked soy curls (uncooked, chalky coating) a number of times 2) They're inconsistent service wise- I've waited anywhere from 10 minutes to 40 minutes for my food. Btw they just started serving Happy Hour tacos and pizzas! M-F 3-6pm
(4)Marty K.
See my profile for the location of my full review and blog. Due to technical difficulties there are no pics of this meal on the blog. Blossoming Lotus is a nice bright airy restaurant in a fairly residential neighborhood. To me it was quintessential Portland vegan, with the waitstaff appropriately tattooed and pierced. I wouldn't have it any other way. The service was friendly and although they were out of Avocado, which was highly recommended as an addition to the Spicy BBQ sandwich. I have been eating a ton of BBQ lately that has been KC sweet and it was a nice change to enjoy the smoky "this is BBQ" flavor. The whole sandwich just worked, flavors melded and most importantly in a sandwich, (we had the whole wheat bread), it stayed together bite after bite. I never had soy curls before and our waiter and I seemed to concur that it was a west coast product. I found it to be a "gardein" like "meaty" substance that held flavor well. Apparently this is a dried product that is reconstituted. Spicy BBQ Sandwich $8 seasoned soy curls sauteed with red onion and smokey whiskey ginger BBQ, served warm on grilled whole grain bread or in a whole wheat tortilla with romaine, tomato, sprouts* and lemon wasabi aioli add avocado for $1 The eye opener in the Thai BBQ sandwich is the surprise of the crunchy noodles. It was a great contrast to most squishy filled wraps. With a really nice Thai sauce and a bit of a spice kick, was a great lunch wrap. It too held together nicely which to me means that it wasn't overstuffed. Crispy Thai BBQ Wrap $8 thai spiced bbq soy curls, crispy rice sticks, carrots, cucumber, red cabbage and romaine, with sweet ginger sauce, wraped in a whole wheat tortilla I also had a delicious and refreshing smoothie with rice milk and fruit that was a nice compliment to the food. I had a wonderful picture of a display case with amazing looking desserts. We had a chocolate chai and a chocolate mint. I'm not a dessert person, I keep saying, but places like this can cost me another 45 minutes in the gym for each meal. They were raw and outstanding desserts.
(4)Charli N.
This is a great healthy place, that also looks like a nice restaurant. I really like the vibe and the wait staff are all very accommodating. The food is great, even if you are not into vegan /raw food. It's somewhere I can take my family and they still enjoy their meals. I've bought all three of the owners cookbooks, and plan to one day make something from one of them. Ha! I also was introduced to soy curls here, which are pretty yummy. The one think I do not love is the seitan sausage. It's just too heavy for me. Everything is is divine!
(5)Amy V.
I will start by saying that I am not vegan. I like dairy, I like meat. I was a little wary of a vegan restaurant because it's very out of my comfort zone, but I was really impressed. I got the pesto white bean wrap, and it was pretty good. Again, I don't know much about vegan food, so i don't know what to compare it to. I didn't care for the atmosphere in the restaurant, it felt a little cafeteria like. The music was good, though. Overall, I say it's worth a stop in but only if you are vegan, familiar with vegan food, or willing to go out of your comfort zone and try something different.
(3)Lin B.
Amazing Live Falafal Wrap....huge portion, fresh, crispy, full of traditional falafal flavor! The Chocolate Cake is more mousse like which was extremely delicious, decadent and luscious. I will visit again to try the other Live food here.
(4)Ryan M.
After months of hearing great things about The Blossoming Lotus in Portland my girlfriend and I finally went there for dinner. At the time I hadn't been a vegetarian for very long and was secretly still a little skeptic at my food options. Our server was very nice, receptive to the fact it was our first time there. We taked about cocktails, she suggested a few. I ordered a cucumber infused vodka thingy and my girlfriend ordered something fruity. Both cocktails were presented BEAUTIFULLY and tasted wonderful. On to the food. The two specials they were running looked interesting, one was a raw meal and one was vegan. We jumped at the chance to try something new and ordered them, and an appetizer. The appetizer was nice, honestly I don't remember what it was but I remember being happy with it. Chances are it was over shadowed by the entrees because I'm tellin you, from the moment they were set on the table everything else disappeared. My girlfriend and I were stunned by how beautiful each meal was. I'd ordered the vegan entree, a pasta dish of some sort and my girlfriend had ordered the raw entree, often times we'll share our meals. Now, I've eaten out at plenty of restaurants in my life, I pride myself on having a wide palette, had the pleasure of enjoying lots of different types of food. These were by far the best meals I've ever had out at any restaurant in my life and continue to be. The flavors were incredible, inviting and fresh. The textures were luscious and complimentary. I remember each of us looking up at each other after the first bite with a look of, 'really? How can this be this good?' I actually ended up preferring the raw entree over my own but I still maintain that my meal was outstanding. Everything about my experience and The Blossoming Lotus on NE 15th Ave in Portland, OR was wonderful. I look forward to going again.
(5)Kjetil P.
Excellent food, great service and fairly affordable prices. I had an arigula and blackberry-based salad as a starter and the portabello "pizza" as the main course. A great mixture of interesting tastes which were expertly balanced. Too bad I'm leaving Portland tomorrow, or I would have come back tomorrow!
(5)Sarah S.
This place is incredible! There are several places to get delicious vegan food around Portland, but Blossoming Lotus is hands-down my favorite. Brunch is especially delicious. I recommend the Southwest Scramble, Seitan Rancheros, or the Lotus Benedict. Never have they failed to please. Meals can be pricey, which is the only reason I don't eat there more often. However, the quality is well worth the price.
(5)Sheree A.
Oh my god they have the best desert
(5)Erik G.
Stopped by for lunch this past Wednesday after hearing rave reviews from my wife. While we rarely eat vegan we both thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I had a Santa Fe bowl with golden tempeh, lots of great flavor. My only negative comment is that the nutritional yeast was a bit salty, once it was well mixed not a big deal. My wife had the Creole bowl, also a winner. The joint was pretty neat, service was attentive but the food was slow to arrive. I would love to try a fancy drink but they are priced a bit too high for our finances. All in all a fine experience and we surely will return!
(4)Peter F.
I'll save you my tirade on vegan restaurants, yoga studios, and spa/wellness centers with "lotus" in their name. Long story short: I've had enough. That being said, what an awesome place! I find few things in life more satisfying than a macrobiotics-inspired "bowl" at a vegan establishment. Its filling, it covers a lot of nutritional bases, it usually comes with some kind of jazzy sauce, and if I can practice any amount of self-control (rare) the portions are large enough that I can (or rather, should) take some home. I got some kind of south western bowl that was absolutely delish. I also enjoyed the friendly counter service. If I had my druthers, I'd do the counter service, carry your food to your table, bus your own dishes when your done, put the tip in the tip jar arrangement where ever I dine. I'd rather sit down, take my time, not have servers and bus boys hovering over me with the usual "is everything alright?" "can I take that plate for you?" "can I refill your water?". You get your own water, you bus your own table, and you don't have to go through the trouble of calculating tips and asking for separate checks. Back to the food: I was kind of unimpressed by the soft serve ice cream. It claimed to be "chocolate" but it was so watered-down that it was either carob making some weak attempt to masquerade as chocolate or more of an Italian-ice style chocolate that just didn't hit the spot when I was expecting decent enough vegan soft serve. And I would have liked to pay less than $9 for a bowl, but hey.. vegan dining in the Pearl comes with its pitfalls.
(4)Karen P.
Okay, I must preface this by saying that I only order two dishes here (because, honestly...why mess with perfection?!) I adore the live wrap (especially when they put extra dill in it) and the miso soup. If I had to choose one word to describe the staff it would be...thoughtful. They think about the menu, the drinks, the entire dining experience from a customers perspective. I feel cared for when I dine (or even take out food from there.) Once I had been sick with pneumonia for over a month. I came in for soup. They noticed I was very ill and gave me a flu buster on the house. I am telling you, people...it is the antidote. I also really dig their tomato flax crackers (served with their soup). Addictive. Thank God, they give you just a small bag as takeout. Speaking of...the times I haven't had a bag of my own, they give you a lovely, little handled bag. I LOVE that. They are also very thoughtful about their drinks. One evening my friend and I had the most perfectly composed drinks. I, a cucumber gin martini and she, some lovely concoction with coconut. There are two things I wish they would do : 1) Add some raw food options to the menu. There are many non-labor intensive dishes they could sell, and 2) make ice cream take out less akward. I used to get their vegan soft-serve often, but now it does feel odd going into a real, certifiable restaurant and just getting soft-serve to go. Knowwutimzain? ;) What CAN I say? They're good (very good). I am so much happier with Blossoming Lotus since they moved into the Irvington location. I felt that some of the staff at the other location were aloof and quite frankly, it was odd eating at a yoga studio. Their new locale is much classier.
(4)Cedric J.
Good food takes time, and at Blossoming Lotus, that means approximately an hour for a simple sandwich (it's a damned good one, but it is simple). Food: 4 (top-notch, organic, raw, vegan fare.) Atmosphere: 4 (gorgeous chandeliers, skylights, pretty vegans) Service: -2 (order at the counter, wait for an hour for your meal at a recently-deserted table because there aren't enough staff. The servers/staff are very nice, this is an institutional problem. And it isn't the size of the kitchen anymore because it is absolutely huge and gorgeous!) Value: 3 (This would be a 2, but since they're super green and involved in the community, they get a bump. I don't understand why vegetarian food is more expensive than pork for the life of me, though. It is lower on the food chain and everything. 9$ for a sandwich is a lot of money.) Sustainability: 5 (These guys walk the walk, incorporate all the costs of their actions, and are doing a lot of good for society and the environment. I want to make sure that they stay in business, though, and this service thing is a problem.) The Blossoming Lotus is a wonderful institution. In fact, today, I was feeling sort of sad and mopey, so I wanted a pick-me-up; I figured eating vegan would do it. Sure enough, it did. The new digs (I was familiar with the Pearl location) are far superior: the seating, the art, the kitchen is cavernous and amazing. They have cookbooks that I highly recommend (and note that I'm not a vegan), and their food is delicious and unapologetically vegan (no vegan-style hamburgers here: you get vegetarian and you get it done right). I have zero complaints about the food and the restaurant; I'm concerned that the management is lacking in some way that creates no-win situations for the people working the front of the house. I was there for lunch for 90 minutes and it has been that way every time I've gone (even in the old location). I'm concerned that it will kill business, even though they've cornered the vegan market in this area of town. If one competitor moves in and gives you salad rolls that are live and vegan in under 60 minutes, the BL will be no longer. And that would be a shame. Veganism is associated with upper class or hippie leanings. The name of the place lends itself to awareness and awakening. But this won't last in its current formation. In order for veganism to spread, it has to be competitive in price and service (it is way comparable in flavour as far as I'm concerned). I'm all for it, but the deck is already stacked against it. This place needs to try harder. So, go if you have the time. Chances are, you're well-to-do anyway. But if you work the mall or otherwise have some boss breathing down your neck, this is out of reach for you both on the grounds of cost and time. Sorry, you'll have to settle for Taco Bell. Let the revolution flounder! I'll check up on it in about 3 months. Let's see how they do...
(2)Del R.
I have long been a fan of Blossoming Lotus starting when they were located inside the Yoga Pearl in NW. They offered a great selection of pre-packaged whole and raw foods, delectable desserts, hot foods and wines--all of vegans, many raw. Then BL moved to NE 15th. I was very excited by this move as it is closer to my neck of the woods. I've been a few times, but the vibe has totally changed. No longer can you quickly grab any pre-packaged foods and long gone is the dessert case. They are now an exclusively sit down restaurant. Now don't get me wrong, there menu still offers a host of delicious options and I actually find their staff to be a lot friendlier than at the previous location, but I've lost that lovin' feeling, just a bit with the new digs. .sigh. Oh, and one more thing, the prices are still pretty high, perhaps even a little more than before.
(4)Petra L.
They now serve lunch and have expanded their dinner menu! This has been accompanied by a few unwelcome changes (the tofu in their Caribbean Platter now has 50% of its former jerk spice glory), but they now also run entree specials, one of which I enjoyed last night - curry-crusted tempeh with almond rice pilaf, cashew-based raita, peach chutney, and green beans/zucchini. Also, do yourself two favors: 1) Order a young coconut. You'll be given an entire coconut with a straw (and a spoon for post-imbibing coconut-consumption!) 2) If they're offering their live chocolate mousse cake, order it immediately. Order one to go. Just don't try to eat a piece by yourself. It's smooth, rich, and utterly decadent. Our dessert was on the house last night. I like to think it's because I'm such a prolific Yelp user. Right?
(5)Richard V.
The Sunday brunch here is five star worthy, but the normal lunch fare is certainly worth checking out. The place is typically understaffed, but the servers are very friendly and try their best. The food is slightly more pricey for what it is, but it ain't easy being not cheesy. The BBQ sandwich is ridiculously good on the lunch menu. For brunch do the Seitan nachos and/or one of the specials.
(4)Ann K.
Date Visited: Sunday 2/7/10 (Brunch) I thought it was interesting when Blossoming Lotus opened up a new location and then even more interesting when the original location closed. I wasn't sure what to expect when I looked on-line and saw that they had added new menus and food items to their menu. What a difference a move makes! This location was bright and had an upscale feel to it. Parking was okay on one of the side streets. We were seated at a table by the big mirror and decided to get the Florentine Scramble ($10) and the Loaded Home Fries ($7). The first word that came to mind when I tried the scramble was SALTY. It would have been great if the salt content were cut in half. The home fries were yummy, as were the regular home fries that came with the scramble. Actually, the home fries were needed to pair up with the scramble to create a decently seasoned bite of food, so they really saved the meal. I'd be willing to go back and order another scramble to see if the salt issue was a random thing or if it's normal for this location. The old location was more convenient, but as my husband pointed out, it's nice that we don't have to be quiet for the Yoga patrons and that we aren't forced to take off our shoes to go into the restroom.
(4)T. A.
Great food, REALLY bad service. HORRIBLE service. If you like really good vegan food, that you might not get for about an hour due to waiting or the waiter/waitress forgetting what it is you ordered (this includes drinks and water), then this is the place for you!!
(2)Margaret R.
I am vegetarian not vegan but I love the food here. The food is good tasting and healthy. It is so good tasting that I can even bring my meat loving, vegetable hating friends.
(4)Asso F.
If you eat here for every meal from 5 years old to 75 years old you'll be faster, smarter, more energetic, more patient, prettier, happier, richer, and best of all you will most likely live past 120 years old. Try it and see. If it doesn't Work in any way the owners will comp you your next meal.
(4)Jessica M.
I have heard about this restaurant for a couple of months now so i was dying to go. Its the only raw restaurant I've been hearing about in Portland. I ordered the raw nachos and green goddess bowl. The food was delicious. My one major disappointment was the ambiance. They need a serious make over!!! The overall feel of the restaurant is cold and bland; lacks in character, creativity, and color. I expected a place that serves living, vibrant food to have an ambiance that reflects the same feel.
(3)Sadegh A.
Friendly and delicious, healthy and classy portlandish feel, this place is the best vegan cafe you will find (from my experience). 1. Try the lavender lemonade!! So tart and sweet and just so awesome it makes my mouth water just thinking about it!!!! 2. The rice bowls with steamed kale and the different sauces are so gooooood! 2. The chocolate coconut milk fudge is amazing!!! 3. The soy curls are remarkably tasty. Oh so tasty! 4. Friendly staff. 5. Cool atmosphere. 6. The food and surroundings make you feel healthy, and energized, ready for the day! Eat here!!!! I LOVE IT! (I also feel I am using the exclamation mark too much!)
(5)Sarah M.
Food is absolutely amazing but the atmosphere kills it. Tables are way too close together. It's hard to have a conversation without sharing it with everyone around you. Not to mention the music is always blaring. Also the wait staff is almost always standoffish and cold. Best way to eat here is to go.
(3)Jason W.
Take it from this meat eater, you won't miss the fact that you're not eating it. The way they are able to great the flavor combinations and textures is amazing. The Live Nachos are a must have. The Bibimbap was the right kind of spicy and the portion was huge. The bruschetta was equally delicious! There really hasn't been anything on their menu I didn't like. Check them out.
(5)Crysta I.
Beautiful inside and the food is creative. However there is a long wait and they have a hard time keeping up with a large crowd. We happened to be listed behind a group of 12, even though they reserved 10. We stood there and watched out table sit empty while they ran around trying to make the table of 12 ready with waters and everything before they sat down. Then we were in the same area with the large loud group and ignored. Other people came in right after us and sat right down, finished eating, and left before we could finish our food. The bbq bowl is very good. The tacos are creative and flavorful. But you will pay for the trendy food and area.
(4)Carrie R.
Holy WOW! This place is amazing! It is tucked away in a great location near Llyod Center. I tried the live nachos which were spicy and delicious (plus really healthy). Then I tried the soy curls with the whiskey bbq sauce and macaroni and cheese. I did a double take because I couldn't believe that the cheese sauce was made out of just vegetables. I wasn't a big fan of the side kale salad. My friend tried the raw vegetable spirals topped with the green curry. It was so fresh and tasty. For dessert I tried the raw fudge which was good, but I was definitely kicking myself that I didn't order the raw chocolate cheesecake that my friend ordered. The cocktails looked amazing and there are multiple other dishes that I can't wait to try. I left feeling healthy and invigorated and wanting more. Plus the prices were really reasonable. This place is the BEST for vegan and raw food!!!
(5)Donna S.
Don't walk, RUN to BL! It's AMAZING food -- whether you're vegan or not. We had, for lunch, the trio of tacos & all were good, but the BBQ with tofu curls won, hands down. :) THEN, the next day, we went back for DINNER & had the Seitan Steak & a special with vegan Kimchi. The Kimchi dish was beyond tasty. And, though we never had ROOM for dessert, they looked good. They made a different soft serve each day! DEFINITELY recommend this place to ANYONE. :)
(5)Amy L.
I love the Live sample plate. Everything was delicious on it the live falafel balls, the cilantro cheese. I shared with with my sister and we were both full at the end. They give you big portions of carefully prepared food. Everything was perfectly seasoned even the live pizza tasted like pizza I don't know how they did the roasted tomato taste without cooking the tomatoes but they did it. I did come for brunch once and the coconut french toast was equally amazing. Would definitely return again. It's a bit pricey but nice to go once in a while for great quality yummy food. Servers were very nice and very knowledgeable about how the food is prepared.
(5)Christina T.
Amazing flavorful food that could fool meat eaters. I could not decide what to order so I asked for help and ended up eating the BBQ bowl which just knocked my socks off. The waitress recommended it and I was very pleased with it. If there were more greens that would've been lovely but hey i'm not complaining. Great atmosphere to have dinner for two or for a group of people. We went in around 730 on a saturday evening and it was about a 25 minute wait. Service was pretty good, price was pretty good, overall a great vegan restaurant that I wish I could return to. (Just visiting OR)
(5)Kevin C.
Superb food, ambience and staff. The sweet potato empanadas are incredible. More of an adult place at night than a family one. My wife and I did take small kids there during the day snd it seemed okay - but overall this is not a place for loud kids. Lol.
(5)Amy W.
Incredible food and drinks and laid back feel. Service attentive and not pushy. Must haves: nachos, lemon bomb, and live cheesecake.
(5)Christy H.
This place is amazing! I love the friendly service. The ambiance is open and inviting. The servers are always in a great mood and love discussing the menu options here. They have a ton of options for those that love vegan food and those of us that maybe just want to try something new. I usually come here for lunch. Around noon it starts to get a little crowded and you may need to wait a bit, but I think you will find that it is totally worth it! The food here is fresh, like really really fresh. You won't get any meat or animal products here. Everything is vegan. Period. I am a huge fan of their bowls. I love the Green Bowl. Served with a nice base of uncooked super greens, and topped with your choice of brown rice or quinoa, cooked collard greens, edamame beans, cucumber, avocado, and a light miso dressing. The portion size is huge and I can't ever seem to finish it. In fact I can often make it into almost two meals. Bonus lunch for tomorrow! They have a ton of other options including wraps, tacos, soups, desserts, coffee, tea, digestifs, and a good amount of fresh pressed juices! A full bar is present and some of the cocktails look intriguing but I can't say I have tried any yet. Need to come back for dinner.
(5)Donna K.
What?!?! This is food bunnies would eat? I would never guess! The flavors of every dish I've ordered has been delicious and flavorful. Doesn't taste vegan at all!! The ratatouie with polenta is amazing! The bbq bowl is also delicious as well as the cuban bowl! So glad they rotate their menu so I can taste all the delicious concoctions that the chef whips up! They inspire me to cook better! The cocktails are also amazing one of my favorites is the one with fresh beet juice in it. Something about beet juice that blends with alcohol that feels like a body cleanser. Shhh! Just let me believe! The margarita is also bomb! One time I had to wait for one hour before being seated, but it was well worth it since we can sip on cocktails while we wait! Ooo forgot to mention how yummy the perogis with sauce were!! Bonus: they also have gluten free options for the people that want to live bloated free.
(5)Kathryn K.
What is beyond "go to"? This is it. I'd eat three times a day here if I could. This is some of the most delicious inspired vegan food I've ever eaten. I've been here three times already and couldn't write the first two times because I was too blissed out.
(5)Steve O.
We had been on the road for about a week. For vegetarians, vegans or, in our case pescatarians, travelling means dietary disaster or at least hardship. We will virtually always ere on the side of vegan when it's available, so when the Yelp! app turned up this place just a nine minute drive from our hotel, we were thrilled. We were even more thrilled once we arrived. Being from the Los Angeles area, we're no strangers to vegan places creating magical approximations of non-vegan dishes, but none to our knowledge have taken it where Blossoming Lotus did. My wife ordered the bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish. and this interpretation was awesome! I ordered the barbecue bowl which, again, recreated all of the favorites you would expect based on the name, including amazing "beef" (which was NOT described using the the word beef, btw) and wondrous mac and cheese. But, beyond the great food and wonderful service, what really separated this place from the vegan joints we hit in LA was (drum roll) A BAR!!! We opted for the amazing beer they had on draft - forgive me for forgetting the name, but it was local, so why bother remembering? - and it washed down the spicy perfection of the food magnificently. This is a place carnivores should make a note of so that they have a place in their back pocket that they can enjoy right along side their vegan friends... or at least have a drink while they wait.
(5)Dawn T.
The food was ok. Burger was dry. Live nachos about the size of a hand. Service sucked. I guess they all work in the kitchen because no one was covering front of restaurant. Servers were rude and unfriendly. One visit was enough for us.
(1)Chris C.
This place was much healthier than what I usually eat but the food was still really good.
(4)Men H.
All the food and drinks here were a solid 4.8 out of 5. Excellent food and drinks across the board. Delicious vegan dishes.
(5)Ricks G.
Food here is really good. It's all vegan and the service is nice and courteous. Some might say that it's a little pricey but the fact that they serve vegan and organic food justifies it. Will surely visit again.
(4)Ashwin N.
One of the best places with delicious and creative dishes. Highly recommend the live nachos and the cheesecakes.
(5)Bijana K.
I've been going to Blossoming Lotus in Portland since they were over in NW. When they were there, they offered $1 soft serve to go and we went almost daily in summer. I went for the vegan soft serve and stayed for the amazing food. The first time I ate there, I was literally blown away. This restaurant is single-handedly responsible for my interest in vegan cuisine. Because what they do is so delicious. This is one of the few restaurants (another notable being Native Foods Cafe) where I usually order something different every time I go. Most places do a few things right and I find a favorite and stick with it, without regrets. At Blossoming Lotus, I always order something different because I don't want to miss out on a new delicious favorite. I've had a few misses, but mostly I've had great meals. If in doubt, go with friends and order entrees to eat family style. A few of my favorites: live nachos, any bowl, live wrap, coconut chai. The restaurant is a little on the small side and very popular, so give yourself plenty of time. Also, you'll want to remember, especially with the live options, that vegetables/vegan food can be really filling. So pace yourself. And return often. Bon appetite!
(5)Victor D.
Apple cinnamon roll , can't complain. I was halfway full. And breakfast burrito was good too. But my maca mocha smoothie was little muddy but acceptable...hmmm ...Service was great and would definitely go back on my vegetarian days
(4)Sari M.
Delicious. My husband and I are both vegan and ate here a few times during our trip to Portland. Everything was delicious.Service was very good. There were many things on the menu I wanted to try!
(5)Sami L.
You must try the Thai wrap, this is a delicious dish and I can't recommend it enough. I wonder if I will ever have the chance to try anything else on the menu because I love it so much. Anyways this place has a lovely ambiance with decent service. I can't wait to go again!
(5)Michael R.
Holy crap! That was outstanding! I too must gush about the whiskey ginger BBQ sandwich! Most awesome. They have Vegan cocktails!
(5)Amy L.
I've come here for brunch a few times, and the food has always been very good. The service is really nice, and it's just a really cute environment. It is a bit small so large groups would probably have some trouble, but overall the seating wasn't too terrible. Outdoor seating on a sunny day is optimal.
(4)susan l.
i'm a carnivore (rarr), but the food here didnt make me miss meat at all or notice that some of the food was raw. what i ate: - beer special of the day (sorry totally forgot what it was. some kind of IPA) delicious, cheap - live nachos: i never thought raw food could taste this good. being from southern california where there are plenty of vegetarian/vegan places, i have never been truly impressed with the raw food ive tried. these nachos were outrageously good. you seriously wont miss regular nachos while eating this. all the flavors and textures of nachos were there. try them! - trio of tacos: i cant remember which was which. the thai taco though had a spicy kick to it. i liked the tacos; they were a fresh veggie take, but i wasnt blown away witht he tacos as much as the live nachos. - fried artichoke fritters: fried food food you dont have to feel as guilty about? im not sure. but these were okay. artichoke hearts and a creamy citrusy ranch dipping sauce. pros: - live nachos! they were seriously that good! - happy hour menu, everything on this menu was about $5, definitely nothing over $10. perfect for a light afternoon snack. or a heavy afternoon snack - decor/ambiance: clean, calm. the elegance of a sit down restaurant without the stuffiness or pretension. a bit more upscale then a cafe - server was friendly - menu was diverse with a nice selection of vegetarian/vegan dishes. also their drink menu (alcoholic and non alcoholic) was extensive also! lots of fresh squeezed juices, smoothies, teas, and a nice set of cocktails, beer, wines cons: - cant really think of any would i come again? sure
(5)Diane C.
Since I have been on a near-vegan diet, I have been searching out vegetarian/vegan restaurants and was so thrilled to find the Blossoming Lotus. I have had lunch here once and breakfast twice. The food is great...interesting and varied, well-prepared, and delicious. I have been stymied on finding things to cook and this place gave me lots of ideas. The portions are good sized, too. The service is always great; friendly and quick. I will definitely keep coming here.
(5)Alison V.
This is a healthy, organic, Portland type of place. I had one of the specials which was spaghetti type noodles, with pesto, tomatoes, and artichokes. It was good! I could tell it was healthier which of course is good, but still had a great taste. My dad got the live veggie wrap. It was good, although I recommend splitting it with someone because it's a lot to have for just one meal. I also split my spaghetti, and we shared the potato/quinoa cakes. I definitely recommend those! I really don't think you can go wrong if you're into caring what goes into your body. Check it out!
(4)Samantha D.
Sooooooo yummy!!! Great ambience great service, everything is delicious esp the appetizer raw rolls (forget the exact name) I dream about those things... If I ever return to portland I will be back!
(5)Jarrod S.
I love this place! To be honest, I had eaten their food a dozen times before going to the actual restaurant. I had been picking up wraps for lunch at Food Fight when I am in the area because it's so damn convenient. After learning they were open for happy hour on Saturday, I made it a point to go. When I walked in, I saw three words on the special board I never thought I would get to say out loud since becoming vegan..."BEER CHEESE SOUP" The day before I was talking with someone that couldn't stop talking about perogies; they had them on the Happy Hour menu so of course I had to order them...WOW! The server was great, when asking about buying some soup to go, they had some already waiting in the cooler by the door! I can't wait to go back, the happy hour is a great deal and it's a nice place for a drink and some awesome food! It just happens to be vegan too!
(5)J I.
Overview: For all of those people who think breakfast means eggs, meat and the week old fruit cup this place is a refreshing change. Food: I'm not a vegan or even a vegetarian but I must say this food was delicious. I tried the scramble made with cashew paste and my sister tried the biscuits and gravy. Though mine was good- the biscuits and gravy was amazing ... Possibly the best I've ever had! Atmosphere: Interesting design, somewhere between contemporary minimalism and Portland eclectic style. Service: Pretty slow.... Err really slow. As a New Yorker, I would have normally gone crazy with their level of service but I was having a nice Sunday brunch with my sister. It is worth noting that the servers are very pleasant but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if they are all stoned out of their mind. Main issue: they had open tables.... A whole lot of them and yet they made people wait out the door?
(3)Jackson L.
So, check this out: I'm not Vegan. Nowhere near. As a matter of fact, I'm probably the farthest thing from it. So... why am i here? My wife is flirting with the idea of becoming fully Vegan, and our foray into Portland quickly became a tour of the Vegan underbelly with yours truly being pulled along for the ride. This was our first stop, and she dragged me here kicking and screaming. I walked out of this place full, satisfied, and not craving a cheeseburger in the least bit. Seriously. The food here is fantastic. We had the Mac n' cheese, the pierogis, the bibimbap, and the wife had the cheesecake for dessert. The Mac was creamy and rich, the pierogis were toothsome and reminiscent of a potsticker, and the bibimbap was by far my wife's favorite (not Dolsot, mind you, but still quite delicious). My wife tells me that the chocolate swirled cheesecake was clean, smooth, and sophisticated (her word). My best Vegan food experience prior to this place was The Ravens restaurant in Mendocino, which is nowhere near as tasty and seriously twice (or in some cases, three times) the price. If Vegan food this good was consistently available at more places across the country, I might consider making the switch. MIGHT. All kidding aside, though, I was seriously impressed with this place and would be fully docile and cooperative if my wife wanted to take me here again next time we're in Portland. Peep it.
(5)Lauren S.
Not bad for a vegan place. I would go again, but probably get something different. One thing I liked a lot about this place is that the menu has stuff on it that is seen in a lot of typical restaurants, like roasted potatoes. The waiter was really knowledgeable about the drink selection, and I ended up loving my drink. My friend loved hers as well. I ordered the three taco plate, with each taco being different. One of them was really gross, and had that "im trying to taste like but am not quite meat" taste. The others were VERY good. So. Overall, good. Not quite amazing. But worth a try, especially if you're a vegan.
(4)Christopher G.
I love this place. Fresh clean delicious food. Great service. Seated us quickly on a Friday night. Had the beet ravioli. Portion sizes were great and filling. Great exotic beer on tap and samples. Reasonably priced this place is a great place to bring anyone.
(5)Sherry W.
Blooming lotus, very nice Vegan restaurant. Traveling with two meat eaters, and they all love it. Thanks for give in for me. We enjoyed bibimbap, although the tofu is pink color but has awesome smoky taste. The veggie sushi wow taste so good! Wish they open one in LA.
(5)Sam P.
Maybe I'm prejudiced from so many rave reviews, so I'm giving it three stars to help lower the expectations. Staff was fine, the skull art was a little odd. Don't get me wrong, the food is good, we had the perogies, the beet and carrot salad, the butternut squash and the cheesecake, but none of it 'wowed' us.
(3)Julia S.
So impressed by Blossoming Lotus. This gem is on the north east side of Portland off of Broadway street- kind of in a strange location. I checked this place out on Yelp and couldn't believe how many positive reviews were posted about this place. We had to check it out! Today we ordered two Green Lantern juices, the live nachos, and a BBQ tofu bowl. We went in at about 2pm and the place was packed. It took a while to get all our items, but the wait was worthwhile. As a self proclaimed juice snob, I was happy with our green juice. The juice was just the usual apple, greens, basil and lime combination- a personal favorite of mine. The price was decent and it tasted refreshing. I fell in love with the live nachos. I've heard a lot of great things about them via Yelp so it was first on my list. The taste reminded me of the Whole Bowl, off of Hawthorne. The combination of the avocado, salsa and live chips reminded me of the nummy food. Anyway, the flavors were so tasty I had to take a break after eating two of the nachos. The BBQ bowl was great too! The meal came with mac n' cheese, a carrot/apple salad mixture, BBQ tofu and some lovely cornbread. I am so obsessed with this cornbread!!! I would go back here just to eat copious amounts of cornbread, not sure if this is healthy or not.... My husband mentioned that he thought the tofu tasted just like pork. You can't go wrong here!
(5)Josh P.
Outstanding customer service. Comfortable atmosphere. Incredible, creative vegan cuisine! This place is THE BEST.
(5)Sharon D.
First exclusively vegan restaurant I've ever been to, and I will definitely do it again. I had the BBQ bowl upon someone's great review of it on Yelp, and I'm so glad I did. I've only been a vegan for a month and a half, so I really miss cheese. The mac and cheese that came with the BBQ tasting things was delicious and really made me feel like I was eating cheese. The BBQ part of the dish (I don't even know what it was) was equally delicious. The restaurant had great ambiance too.
(5)Hilde Morin M.
I would have never thought that Vegan can be so good! Didn't miss the meat or dairy at this place at all. In addition to the wonderful and fresh flavors, the food is artfully presented. I had their signature life nachos...the BEST nachos I have ever had. Life nachos means that they were prepared under a certain temperature but I can't remember what it was. Their lentil hamburger is another favorite which I'll try next.
(4)Isaac J.
Still great food, but since about 2007 they service has gone down hill more and more. Really a shame. It's delicious don't get me wrong....but if you want quality vegan food and great service try Portabello or Prasad.
(4)Parker T.
We've been here for lunch multiple times, happy hour twice, & brunch once; each experience has been marked by artfully presented, exceptionally flavored vegan cuisine & attentive & friendly service, whether seated inside or out. We've agreed the brunch meal we both ordered, the Curry Tofu Scramble ($12 w/ herb roasted home fries & steamed kale) has been our favorite dish thus far, but we've also thoroughly enjoyed the Marinated Kale Salad ($12), the Green Goddess Bowl ($9.5 lunch/$6.50 happy hour), & the Masala Bowl ($10.5). We look forward to each weekly visit.
(5)Rmy M.
Blossoming Lotus is one of the highlights of our trip to Portland! The food we had - DRINK Citrus - Very refreshing drink The Roots - I didn't like this one. Raw beetroot is really not my thing APPETIZER Warm Asparagus - Highly recommend! The asparagus was fresh and tender, not over done. I was pleasantly surprised by the generous serving size for an appetizer. For 6$ this dish is a steal! Soup Du Jour White Bean Tomatoes - Good Soup. I liked it. ENTREE Crispy Coconut Tofu - Highly Recommend! Honestly, I haven't tasted this good Tofu before. The coconut and tofu combination was just sublime. DESSERT Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie - Meh! Nothing great about this one. I am already eyeing their Rolls and Bowls for my next visit. I really liked the ambiance. The decor is cozy with lots of tea lights all over the place. It is great for casual dates and small groups. If you area a vegan/vegetarian, then definitely check this place out!
(5)Lauren C.
Blossoming Lotus was my very first raw experience. I was hesitant, but it ended up being such a treat! My first visit I wimped out and had one of the non raw fares, a vegan Southwestern Bowl. The flavor profile was incredible! Sooo packed with rich, flavorful goodness. I took home a raw breakfast parfait, and it was one of the most Devine things I've ever eaten, I often find myself craving it!!! On my second visit I had the live nachos, also incredible. Who knew(not me) that raw food could have so many textures, and extraordinary flavors.
(5)Joseph S.
I was excited to see Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti on the menu. I make really good Spaghetti Squash, and it's one of my favorite things to eat. It was probably the most bland vegan food I have ever had. The meatballs were hard (not crispy) outside, and left the feeling in my mouth dry and an aftertaste that didn't wash away. I could go without the meatballs, but whatever, they are there. I can forgive "meat-like" food being bad, because that's usually when vegan food is at its worse. The marinara was unexciting, but passable. The nutmeg parm was tasteless, but it didn't detract from anything. But the spaghetti squash itself was so bland. It is like they spared the entire spice rack. There was a complete absence of garlic. If there was basil or parsley, it didn't come through. I felt like when I added table salt and pepper - it was the first time any seasoning touched that food. Someone let me try their cheesecake. It was slightly bitter swirled with something sweet. They nailed the creamy feeling, but the flavor was so wildly off anything good and it left the worst aftertaste I've ever had in my mouth. Luckily a friend of mine let me try his soy pumpkin ice cream, and that was easily the best thing I tasted there, and helped cleanse the palate from that cheesecake. It actually had a slight pumpkin pie crust flavor in there, which I enjoyed. I think Portland needs more competing vegan restaurants, so that this place could up their game. I'd rather cook at home than dine-out here. I'm doubtful I'll ever return.
(2)Jocelyn A.
We were staying in the area for a few days and were so excited to try this place, especially given the great reviews. Husband had the fingerling potatoes and the Bibimbap (sp?) and I had the asparagus, and the burger. Our server was lovely and patient, and quite efficient. All the food runners were fun and pleasant to chat with. Husband got deathly ill within an hour of his meal. He wasn't sick with anything viral, had no fever, no aches, was perfectly fine before his meal. And after he spent an hour with his head in the toilet he was much better. I sent two contacts to the restaurant via their website - the first one to let them know the situation, and to give them a heads up that something may have gone off on their line so that no one else would be fed a questionable ingredient. The second one to see if they had received my first feedback form. No replies to either one. Literally quite shocked about this. I wasn't demanding a refund, or rude, or litigious. Our meal was $50, and we tipped the server 20%, so $60 in total. We don't expect that back, but what we were hoping for was a simple acknowledgement, maybe an apology? We received neither, and for that reason the low star review. Well, that and the deathly ill and vomiting husband. This place is great conceptually and obviously a lot of people love it. But for us, no thank you!
(1)Erik F.
Yes, you should come to this restaurant. It is AMAZING! I was so blown away...this is my first Yelp post. I was so compelled I needed to write about it. Stop searching. Go there now. The live nachos are crazy good. The pumpkin empanadas were ridiculous. The feta, beet salad had me almost in tears. Just....go!
(5)S. G.
Vegan couple here. This is our weekly brunch spot. We deviate from time to time, but end up here most every Sunday. Start out with a hot chai (housemade blend), a cinnamon roll, (yeasty pumpkin and pecan goodness) then get one of their tofu scrambles or the hazelnut/banana waffle. If you're not feeling any of those, get the breakfast burrito with the cashew sour cream and hot sauce. They just changed their menu, and those are the best things on it, in my opinion. They also have some of the most unique and delicious cocktails I've ever come across. I HIGHLY recommend the Rhuby slipper, which features a delicious rhubarb liquer....something that I didn't know even existed. I LOVE that cocktail. My favorite lunch or dinner dish: THE BBQ BOWL (used to be the BBQ plate.) The only thing I regret is the fact that I couldn't try everything on the old menu before they changed it. But that is ok. I am up to trying everything they have currently. Their daily specials are always good, their daily soups are ALWAYS good, and their cakes are always deeeeelicious. I have to stop myself from grabbing a slice every time we leave. My favorite part: I don't have to make sure they veganize anything, because everything is vegan. It's such a relief.
(5)John L.
Disclaimer: I am not vegan/vegetarian. LIke all other vegan/vegetarian restaurants I've tried the menu items are hit or miss. Overall it is probably one of the better vegan restaurants I've tried. I really liked the white bean dip and the artichoke fritters. The mac n cheese was surprisingly decent. I usually can't stand fake cheese. The BBQ soy curls were pretty decent. The masala was just ok. The drinks were all pretty good. Lavender lemonade was good but a bit on the perfumy-side for me. The OJ was pretty darn good if not a bit overpriced. I thought the service was pretty good. Will probably be back sometime in the future.
(4)Daniella K.
Phenominal food and friendly service! I ordered the scramble and for vegan food, it was of course healthy, but very hearty too. The flavors are amazing! They were slammed for lunch, but instead of being overly flustered waiters with attitudes (like most places during busy time) they were very apologetic and very attentive.
(5)Jade B.
Vegans rejoice - healthy, delicious and not too pricey. Yes pleas - I will be here every time I am in town. Also - have a dessert!
(5)Don B.
I think I can fairly say that Blossoming Lotus has really picked up its game as far as service goes. While still spotty at times, things seem to be greatly improved as of late. Attentive care, recognition and offers of apology when the food is taking a while, and a much more focused attitude. Combine this with the 5-star food as described in my original reviews, and you've got a winner. Fresh, delicious, creative, filling, wholesome vegan food. So tasty. I'd eat it all the time if I could afford it. My current obsession is the BBQ sandwich with added avocado. GET IN MY BELLY!
(5)Crystal T.
Went here once a couple years ago and hadn't been back since- not for lack of love but I don't get over to that part of town often. Decided to meet a friend here for dinner recently and was reminded of how much this place rocks! Had the spaghetti squash with meatless balls- TO DIE FOR! Went back a few days later with my sweetie for the cobb salad which was pretty amazing as well- topped with coconut bacon!.
(5)Adrian K.
If my juice didn't taste like the bowels of hell this place would be 5 stars. Delicious Thai tacos made up for it though.
(4)Rachel P.
Blossoming lotus is on point. Both times I've been there I got the BBQ bowl. It's excellent. The second time around it was a hard decision because everything looks so bomb, but I had to go with the BBQ again. I've had multiple appetizers, desserts, and drinks. All were amazing. I definitely recommend this vegan restaurant to anyone looking for great high quality food. The waiters are some of the friendliest people too. Keep it up!!
(5)Polly P.
Yummy dinner! Every time I frequent this restaurant, they have never let me down yet. I'm not a vegetarian or a vegan. And I'm so impressed by the quality and taste of food here. Everything is fresh and tasty. And I love the presentation. It is as good as the taste of the food! This restaurant gets crowded. And it is a rather small place. You can't really have an intimate candle dinner here because you'll almost be touching elbows with your neighbors. Also, I don't think it is really a place to bring kids because of the tight space.
(5)Sherry S.
Our Ghana girl returned safely from volunteering. We wanted to celebrate this adventure and so what better place! We started with the creamy and dreamy pesto/white bean dip and the artichoke fritters that have a tasty lemon/caper ranch dipping sauce. I also had to have one of their green monk cocktails which is thai chili infused in gin, green chartreuse, cilantro simple syrup, cucumber etc. All things green basically. And of course green is usually good. I ordered their special which was the moussaka. It was ridiculously divine and consisted of mushrooms, squash, eggplant, green/yellow beans with bechamel sauce as well as this to-die-for reddish sauce surrounding the outside of the moussaka. 4 stars because we came in as the 3rd table and watched others follow in and fill up the tables right after us. We ended up being almost dead last when we got waited on. Bottom line, they really know how to dress up vegan to make you never miss eating meat again. Not to be preachy, but if you ever considered becoming a vegan - eat here once and you'll never have to ask why.
(4)Mira M.
Ok, I'm tired of the gluten-free/vegan/seaweed bandwagon that everyone wants to hop on - regardless of actual necessity - just as much as the next person. But Blossoming Lotus isn't a gimmick! It's real, good-quality food that can appeal to vegans and carnivores (read: me) alike. They have an awesome weekend brunch: My favorite dish is the "creamy" grits with hollandaise over steamed kale. (HOW and WHY it tastes so much like cheese is still beyond me.) Their weekday happy hour is also fun - all of the tacos are legit. Definitely a great addition to the Irvington neighborhood!
(5)Emma V.
Always delicious, every time. It is a great place for a date night. It is usually pretty quiet and a nice place to go relax and have a great dinner. I was vegan for years and loved their food and now as a meat eater I will still go back. They also have vegan soft serve which is to die for. They offer hot vegan and raw options- a little for everyone. The prices are a little higher but worth it. The food always tastes fresh fresh fresh!
(5)Briana S.
Vegan food that doesn't come across as healthy. I'm not a vegan, or a vegetarian, but I try and lean toward a more plant-based diet when I can. With a place like Blossoming Lotus, that's easy. I've been twice and left full and satisfied both times. One time they had a portobello mushroom special that was delish, and the second time, my friend and I tried a few plates to nosh on. Food has always had a lot of flavor. I tried vegan cheese for the first time, and while it doesn't taste like cheese to me, it was good. The artichoke heart fritters are a must. My palate has definitely explored more new options from the great menu here and I look forward to coming again on a future PDX visit.
(4)Yelper S.
Really liked the food & ambience. Staff is quite attentive and friendly. My husband and I were liked the drinks that were served. I appreciated the fact that the bartender removed the ice before serving them! We weren't impressed with the ratatouille we ordered.. Other than that, the food was delicious! & healthy options were available as well!! Going back for more, soon!!
(4)Sarah O.
This place was amazing! Went on a day to trip to Portland and ate way to much! Everything is tasty and fresh! Get a kombucha and eat outside!
(5)Noey D.
Still love this place! They just updated the menu and it now includes a delicious veggie burger! It was awesome and had great texture! We split the burger and the breakfast burrito - a yummy combo! Be sure to ask for the side sauces for the burrito - hot sauce and a cream.
(5)Vidya M.
Amazing food, unfortunately incredibly slow service.
(4)Brandon H.
Vegetarian, vegan, raw, gluten free? This place tends to those with specific dietary guidelines in the most delicious of ways. They offer finely crafted, healthy meals that taste like cheat meals but are not; smoothies containing super food blends that a true nutritionalist respects; excellent drinks including local wines and fruity cocktails; deserts that are too good to be true and more. The ambience is relaxing and offers a casual place to study and hangout. I myself follow a mostly vegan diet and have made this place my go-to.
(5)Terra F.
For dinner, my husband and I spit "the cuban bowl" (with added tofu) and the "marinated tofu with kimchi" bowl. Both dishes came out in about 10 minutes and were super yummy. We also got some gluten free cake to go, which was pretty good. Service was prompt but could have been a bit more friendly (though to be fair, they were busy). The tables are too close together in my opinion.
(4)Brett R.
This place has so many amazing brunch options I find it difficult to choose! Even my non-vegan friends thoroughly enjoy this place. Recently started going to happy hour on Fridays... Great value and slower pace. I highly recommend trying it out. Over all amazing food options, cool atmosphere, and great staff!
(4)Madeline A.
I'm finally getting around to writing a review for Blossoming Lotus! I've lived in lots of cities since becoming a vegan and Blossoming Lotus is still way WAY up there on my list of best vegan eats in the world. Where to begin on the pros? + healthy and exciting vegan dishes that delight the senses + healthy mocktails + raw desserts that are to. die. for. + impeccably friendly service + inviting atmosphere (love the art, large windows and open feel of the place as well as the pretty bar area) + plenty of raw options and local kombucha Cons: none that I can think of!
(5)Reema H.
Vegan food at its best! Wow. So.Much.Goodness. We got appetizers, drinks, (chai latte - delish!) entrees and dessert. It was ALL good. The white bean hummus trio - meh, I'd skip. Some were better than others. The pasta was pretty spicy. My salad was really good. And even their tikka masala was unusual. Have to say the desserts were above par. I got the chocolate peppermint soft serve ice cream (gluten free!) and it was divinne. The other desserts ok but I wasn't as impressed. Cake and what not. I'm more of an ice cream. And the service was great. Nice vibe and cute little restaurant. Only wish they had them in SoCal!
(5)A K.
I was meeting a group of friends with a variety of dietary restrictions so this was one of a handful of places recommended. I am not vegan, so I had a back up plan...if this was akin to eating birdseed...I would excuse myself from the ladies at the end of our dinner and grab a cheeseburger at the pub nearby. Turns out my backup plan remained on the shelf! Based on rave reviews, I ordered our table nachos and plantains. Both were delicious appetizers. We were with someone with nut allergies and she couldn't have the nachos or any of the sauces made with cashews...but there were still options for her. I had the Cuban bowl and it was way more than I could handle in one meal. If I were really careful with portions, I could have made three meals out of this bowl! We all decided to leave room for dessert. The lemon "cheesecake" was so amazing that it tasted like cheesecake, less rich, but still flavorful! My friend with the allergies was able to find truffles on the dessert menu that were nut-free so she could indulge. Again, I'm not vegan or vegetarian and left feeling satisfied and felt no need to grab a burger!
(4)Kendall K.
Then people that work here are always wonderful and friendly and the food is always so amazing. The only thing I don't enjoy is the way they seem to seat their customers. I've been here multiple times as the next customer waiting for a table for 2, and see a table available for 2 but they have us sit and wait for sometimes ridiculous amounts of times. Besides that though, they're great.
(4)Katherine L.
I would love to give this place a higher rating, the food is really quite delicious, and that's coming from a serious meat eater. But, the service is routinely so awful, that I just can't. My mother has to eat a gf/vegan diet, and lives far enough outside of Portland that she has a difficult time finding restaurants that she can eat at regularly. Every time my folks want to have a celebratory meal they come into town so I can bring them to Blossoming Lotus. It's a big deal for them to spend the money and they really look forward to it. But, I think yesterday was the last time we're going to be eating there because she's tired of feeling so unwelcome. I don't know if it's because they don't order any booze at happy hour, they don't drink for religious reasons, or because they don't look like they're the ideal cool clientele, but we get the same waiter every time and he's always rude and disinterested. We've had dishes forgotten until the last minute multiple times, and every question gets an eye contact-less, dismissive response. Until he brings the check and decides to be engaged for 30 seconds. I've worked in all arenas of food service for a long time, and I have never written a bad review about a restaurant. Last night I left my first tip under 20%, and I don't even feel bad about it at this point. I'm hoping we can find a replacement where the food is as good, and can actually be enjoyed.
(2)Dayna D.
Amazing food with a delicious vegetarian menu. Super tasty and complex flavors. Very friendly staff!
(4)Casey S.
Went here during the happy hour while visiting in Portland. Was definitely my favorite place we ate during the trip. Definitely recommend the live/raw nachos and the perogies. The service and atmosphere was great.
(5)Alex H.
Live nachos. Enough said. They are the perfect amount of a starter dish and keep you wanting more. I had the vegan Mac and cheez and I was by far blown away. The creamy "cheez" tasted almost like butternut squash with a hint of cashew! Deeelishious! Coming back here? Checking YES
(5)Lake G.
As a Texas-raised meat eater, I was skeptical of going to a vegan/vegetarian restaurant. But I'm always happy to try new restaurants, and Blossoming Lotus had great reviews- so why not? This place is incredible. Meat-eater or not, this place is worth a visit. Everything from the apps (live pizza/live nachos) to the entrees (anything, but get a side of cornbread) is wonderful. Other restaurants cheat and make 'tasty' food by frying it or adding salt/fat/etc to their food, but Blossoming Lotus is forced to be creative since their stuff so healthy. My hat is off to them for how well they do. The only reason I didn't rate this restaurant 5 stars is because of the uneven service, especially at lunch time. A few times we've come in and been more or less ignored by the waitstaff, despite it being a very small location (and not many people were present at lunch). Acknowledging your customers and being polite goes a long way to engendering repeat business
(4)Brooke G.
First of all, I'm not a vegan, but I can appreciate vegan or vegetarian food. Blossoming Lotus was great from the beverage options to the cheesecake. They have gluten-free options, as well, and because of my personal dietary restrictions, I was thrilled to have so many options. The service at Blossoming Lotus was typical of many Portland joints...mediocre. Everything I tasted was fantastic. I ordered the lavender lemonade, the beet salad and the live pizza. Then, I tried bites of the wok stir fry, the live falafel wrap, thai BBQ salad and the live cheesecake. All of them were incredible! I left full, but without the gross, bloated feeling that comes from over-eating or greasy food. As a bonus, they take reservations. Love that!
(4)Tommy T.
This spot is a great choice for healthy eating with no sacrifice in flavor. I've been in a couple times so far. The last time I went it was Happy Hour and there were a lot of awesome, inexpensive options on the menu. I had been there before when it wasn't Happy Hour and the price of the food is expensive, but relative to the area and the increasing cost of living in an amazing place like Portland. We split the taco sampler and the creamy ones were especially delicious. I believe the mole tacos are one of them. We also had mac and cheese which was creamy goodness and a BBQ thai wrap that was large. fresh, and loaded with tasty veggies and soy curls. The Thai dipping sauce that came with it added a nice spice. We also ordered a smoothie that is on the expensive side. but very tasty. We had the Plant Firm one which had bananas, protein, and almond butter and was a bit grainy. I've also had the whiskey BBQ sandwich which was amazing and the blueberry blast smoothie (super coconut) that is crazy good. The service was good and friendly and the establishment is clean and pleasant, except the bathroom wasn't as nice as the rest of the place partially because it is shared with other businesses connected to the building. I'm not sure if it was their choice so I won't hold it against them. Really a great feeling after eating their food and a place to frequent as often as the wallet can provide.
(4)Kimberly C.
I was really excited about eating here since vegan Chef Chloe raved about it. It's located on a small side street in the Irvington neighborhood, so just be patient when trying to find a parking spot if you're driving. Upon arriving, we signed in and after 30 minutes of waiting, we were seated. We started off with a round of lavender lemonades. Those drinks were perfect, just the right amount of lavender to lemonade...super refreshing. My sister and I split the Vindaloo masala and my friends ordered the "live nachos" and a salad. Our food came out beautiful arranged on white plates. They enjoyed their live nachos and my sister and I liked the Vindaloo masala. Not super spicy; good ratio of tomatoes and potatoes. My only complaint with the dish was the kale. I love me some kale, but it was kind of awkard in this dish. Maybe a bit overcooked and just weird to chew. Maybe they could have removed the stems or served a nice kale salad? The restaurant is modern and trendy looking and has a calm ambiance to it. The servers were prompt and helpful. I might return for the Lavender Lemonade. It was epic.
(3)Taylor Renee T.
Tried this vegan restaurant for the first time tonight and absolutely loved it. Food tastes and looks like 5 star cuisine but is affordable enough to have on any occasion. Was especially thrilled with our manager/server, Saci. Sometimes you are just lucky enough to have someone who really cares about the experience of the diner, the quality of the food and the vegan lifestyle- and she was definitely that person. I think she is newer-ish (within a year?) so if you happened to have had a negative experience in the past I would try going back, looks like Blossoming Lotus is just getting better. Happy dining, ya'll!
(5)D J.
One word to sum up my Portland dining experience this weekend - Kale! I've seen my new friend Kale more the last couple of days than I ever had in my adult vegetarian life until now. Not that I am complaining! A wonderful looking and tasting root vegetable hash at the purported best vegan restaurant in Portland, came served on a bed of leafy green kale. My second best friend brussel sprouts tasted incredible given it was accompanied by a heady mix of roasted sweet potato, carrot, beet, onions, garlic, peppers and topped with chipotle hollandaise and pecans. If the riot of color on the plate wasn't enough, another band of veggies (tomato, carrot, beet, celery, lemon, parsley, garlic with a touch of salt) packed a punch in a glass. The environ itself was rather in keeping with the food - simple, tasteful - concrete floors, large glass windows and mirrors make the space look larger than it actually is; service was warm and friendly. The crowds kept piling on... The Blo-Lo experience hit the spot - it's a vegetarian's threesome dream - great root hash, great fruit juice in a perfect setting ;) Why not more stars - their brunch menu is a rather small subset of their regular lunch/dinner menus - oh well, doesn't hurt to keep the craving alive!
(4)Edie M.
My favorite go-to for guilt-free, delicious dining! Thank you, Bo, for your foresight, good taste, and commitment to the environment!
(5)Kim H.
I had the Crispy Thai Wrap $8.5 thai spiced barbecue soy curls, crispy rice sticks, carrots, cucum- ber, red cabbage, and romaine lettuce, with sweet ginger dressing, wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla add avocado for $2. Amazing hands down on the food. The food I would give 5STARS. The service was HORRIBLE. I've been here a few times and every time the services is terrible. The waiter is super slow and unable to MULTITASK. He should not be in the service industry. Example: he would take the order from the table next to us (table of 2ppl), went to the register input it in. go back to our table, take our order (table of 2ppl), go back to the register to enter it in. It took him 15 min to bring me my water. Unacceptable! Last time I was in, I watched him set the table and dropped my jaws. He grab 2 glasses place them on the table, went back to the counter grab forks and knives brought them to the table, went back to the counter to grab napkins place them on the table. Made another trip back to the counter to grab the menu which is made out of regular thin paper. I've notice he did that with all the tables he needed to seat. The forks, knives, napkins and menu could of been in one trip. If it wasn't for the food, I would never come back. Im beginning to think I should order Togo instead of dinning in. What's the point of tipping when you get horrible services.
(1)Shel G.
We were just passing through town, but decided to stop and try this for dinner since they were open Sunday and close to I-5. I would have loved to linger in this vegan oasis. I tried the Thai salad. It was piled high with veggies, topped with cilantro and every bite was unique and full of flavor. I'm not a huge fan of soy curls, and could have done with less, but they didn't deter my enjoyment of this gorgeous munchable. There were many tempting options on the menu (vegan pirogues) including intricate cocktails and mocktails and tasty looking dishes on the tables around us. If only we'd had room for that raspberry pie! I'll be looking for an excuse to return to Portland!
(5)Sarah W.
There is nothing bad to be said about Blossoming Lotus. All the food I've ever had there has been amazing. The atmosphere is nice. It's a little expensive, but worth it. The french toast is to die for, and this is coming from someone who generally doesn't like french toast at all. They also have a killer Bloody Mary that might be too spicy for some people, but was just perfect for me. Also, everyone who works there is really nice. Everything is vegan, and there are plenty of raw and/or gluten free options.
(5)Denea Y.
As an omnivore, I'm apprehensive about vegan fare, expecting to leave hungry and still confused about the faux meat textures. That said, I was blown away by Blossoming Lotus. Yes, a fresh juice will run you more than a glass of wine, but it's made to order and so full of flavor that it almost could substitute for a meal. I ordered the creamy peach smoothie, and while the peachy-ness was a little too subtle, the drink was still awesome. I tried my tablemates' drinks as well and can vouch that the apple/carrot/orange and apple/carrot/ginger are worth ordering too. The ginger shot is sooo not my cup of tea, but it's just like you'd expect: your eyes turn into waterfalls and it's so spicy it burns everything it touches. Appetizers: We tried the fried artichokes, which were amazingly crisp and came with a creamy, zingy dip. The hot pesto white bean dip with various veggie sticks and pieces toast was also good, but didn't get finished as fast as the 'chokes. Entrees: I ordered the Vindaloo. I agree with a previous review that there's no spicy hot factor, but it's still mouthwateringly good and as satisfying as any Indian meat curry dish. The cold pasta special was my second favorite and had these thin corkscrew noodles with plentiful green olives, herbs, and other yummy bits to balance the dish. We also ordered a butternut squash hot pasta dish and BBQ tempeh, which were both better than I was expecting but I wouldn't rave about it as much as the first two. Dessert: We wrapped up with cinnamon almond ice cream and a piece of pear-strawberry pie. It'd be nice if they popped the slice in the oven, but it was still delicious. It wasn't as much of a table favorite as the ice cream though, which was refreshing, flavorful, and the perfect end to the meal. Total bill for four with 2 apps, 4 entrees, 3 desserts (we got two orders of the ice cream), and drinks came to just over $100, which I find very reasonable for 5-star vegan cuisine in a semi-fancy setting.
(5)Heather C.
I went here during the afternoon to order take out. Everyone there was super friendly and even offered me a seat while I waited for my order. It took about 15 minutes to receive my food (it was relatively full inside). I ordered the Garden Greens salad - awesome! and the soup of the day - Coconut Ginger. The soup was so good, just the right amount of spice from the ginger and plenty of veggies in there, so it felt more filling. Good portion sizes: not too small and not too big. Did I mention everything is vegan? Ch-ching! They were also serving Peaches-n-Cream soft serve ice cream! I need to come back here ASAP.
(5)Demelza W.
I visited this place while I was passing through Portland, so ended up ordering to go. When I arrived I was surprised and impressed by how busy it was inside. They definitely make use of the small space, as soon as you walk through the doors there was a really pleasant energy. Really nice decor and no harsh lighting. I really liked the natural use of light from the skylights. It's very intimate and I liked that. My to-go order was ratatouille w/ polenta and a an appetizer of crispy plantains. I have never had polenta before so I was pleasantly surprised, but the best part about it was the sauce that came with the ratatouille. That sauce was incredibly delicious. Honestly, I could have eaten it on it's own like a soup. Without the sauce I don't think I would have liked the dish as much. The plantains were cooked perfectly: not greasy or oily or salty. I hope to try more of their menu next time I'm in the area since there's such a diverse range - it's so hard to pick just one thing.
(4)Sandy N.
The best food I ate while in Portland, and I'm not even vegetarian. The green salad was soooo delicious and spinach waffle undescribably good! Loved it!
(5)P. C.
I'll keep this short, good food, bad service. I would like to know what the "owners" think; I have a feeling they're back in the kitchen? Time for the person in charge to move out front and light a fire under their not so enthusiastic wait staff. I get better service at Chipotle, and I don't have to tip!
(2)Tara W.
This place is awesome! They have a ton of all vegan options, plus several raw entrees and appetizers. The live spicy nachos pack quite a kick! I'm a big fan of the mac and cheese (I get double orders to go all the time) and I love building my own bowl of brown rice, tempeh (seriously, they have the best tempeh) peanut sauce, avocado & veggies. Heaven. They also have cheesecake. What else do you need?
(4)Danielle D.
The cakes are everything to me.
(5)Sharon B.
We had a party of 11 and couldn't believe how attentive the staff was. And we all enjoyed the food, vegetarians and non. However, I did hear that the veggie burger tasted like a falafel. I had the green bowl and it was delicious. I would definitely come back next time I'm in the area.
(4)Theresa B.
This is a great all vegan restaurant! When I'm in Portland, I eat here at least once during my visit. The weekend brunch is the best - get the cinnamon roll! The service has always been good and the atmosphere is nice. There are some misses on the menu. For instance, I'm not a huge fan of the live nachos, but I'm sure it's hard to make nachos raw AND vegan. The desserts are excellent as well.
(5)Lisa S.
Bravo. Again...BRAVO. I eat meat and I eat vegan / vegetarian. I eat it all, as long as it's A+. And Blossoming Lotus is A PLUS. I went there for the first time last week and got the $19 sampler plate and it was worth every penny. Raw falafel wraps with tomatoes and cashew sour cream, pizza with sautéed portobellos on a raw tomato / walnut crust, almond cheese that rivaled chevre, a superb kale / seaweed salad, apples, cukes and other little delights. I had enough for lunch the next day, too. I also got to sample my dining companion's vegan nachos and zucchini pasta. For dessert we had raw fudge, pomegranate cheesecake and an apple crumble with homemade cinnamon ice cream. Folks, all of this was Live, Vegan, Gluten Free and Soy Free. Believe it. Go.
(5)Karen V.
Fantastic food. We took a carnivore there as well and he said he'd go back anytime. We thought it was very reasonably priced for the quality of food, service and fun but nice atmosphere.
(5)Israel R.
I had the chilled vegetable noodles and soy curls on the side. Both were delicious! Since the noodles were raw they Truly a wonderful environment and the service was great. I immediately was seated (which was a surprise since it was so busy) and the servers were super friendly. Definitely won my heart and will most definitely be returning. I can't imagine how good their brunch and lunch options are. I recommend this restaurant for fellow vegetarians and vegans.
(5)Paerie S.
First visit to Blossoming Lotus! The entrees are a little steep, expect to pay $12-14 per entree. My friends and I went for brunch. The food is pretty good...pretty standard for vegan cuisine! Few things to note: Pros: great breakfast potatoes, awesome vegan-hollandaise sauce, fresh veggies, interesting and hip decor. Cons: service is somewhat aloof, the restaurant is not potato-sensitive friendly (a person in our group is allergic to potatoes, the staff wasn't very keen on suggesting an alternative), and the hot chai tea and chai toddy is very questionable-tasting (either due to the spice blend or coconut milk or whole chunk of star anise in the toddy). I might suggest another option in the city for better value. There's a restaurant at Portland State University's campus called Food For Thought Cafe. They have amazingly priced vegan food - it's incredibly tasty and very original (1825 SW Broadway.) Enjoy!
(3)Meagan J.
The service at this place is terrible. The host (at least I think he was the host) was gruff with us when we came in. He had a tone about our table being ready. We shrugged it off. The food was yummy, but far too expensive. Their cocktails are delicious and also VERY overpriced. They put the drink in a small glass with a HUGE ice cube or ice ball. Then we thought we would be clever and get our money's worth (our drinks were $8 and $9) by stating no ice in our next drinks. The bartender brought our drinks this round and looked irritated. No joke, our glasses were HALF FULL. Our server was friendly and helpful, however he disappeared shortly after asking us how our food was, never to be seen again. By the end of the night we had dropped at least $100 for three of us. This included an appetizer, three entreés, one beer (bottle, not draft), and four (rip-off) cocktails. Our service should have been exceptional. The entire time we felt the the attitude was as though our mere presence was inconveniencing them. [Sarcastic tone needed for the following sentence] Oh, I'm sorry for coming in here expecting some sort of gratitude for choosing your vegan restaurant over hundreds of others. I will be sure to never do that again. Two stars awarded ONLY for the food. The servers need a lesson in friendliness to say the least.
(2)Mayan S.
Simple yet elegant interior and meals the way my tummy likes it: fresh, raw, live, and presented beautifully. It's amazing what they do with vegetables! I had the green curry with zucchini noodles and it was absolutely delicious and more than enough for one person. For a drink I decided to try their "mocktail" with peach, ginger, lemon and sage. Perfection! I walked out feeling satiated, energized and so blessed to live in Portland.
(5)Breylan D.
Such a great place for a date! The service was perfect, the wine list was good, and the food was incredible. Definitely making it's way onto the short list for dinner options on the fly.
(5)J B.
Two stars for the fact that they serve raw, organic food. Yesterday evening, we had the Live Sampler and the evening special, a mushroom gratin. The problem was the flavor - both dishes were mediocre at best. And the volume of salt - both dishes were incredibly salty, almost to the point where I sent the gratin back. They felt lacking in care. I've enjoyed the original Blossoming Lotus in Kauai, and Prasad, which used to be called Blossoming Lotus, and both had exceptional vegan food compared to this. Also, I was frustrated with our waitress - she seemed to be trying hard to be nice, but every time we asked for something, she had sort of an angry glare, so I couldn't shake the feeling that she resented us and really didn't want to be there.
(2)Kathleen R.
I really loved this place. My only meh is an unattentive waitress. The panko flakes were causing me to cough as they waived around in my throat but my bone dry water glass could provide no relief. Once I got my water and lemonade (after the second request) I was a-ok once again! The live nachos are out.of.this.world . So fresh and delicious. Everything is very fresh and delicious. Looking forward to my next Portland trip and stop here!
(4)Elizabeth R.
You do not have to be Vegan to eat here. I like how the menu changes regularly. Downsides: Kind of spendy and sometimes I have a belly ache afterwards.
(3)Iana A.
Had brunch here with my sister--AMAZING! The portions are pretty large, but it's such excellent quality food. I ordered the biscuits and gravy since I had to splurge, my sister order the Florentine scramble. We shared a GIGANTIC pumpkin cinnamon roll and each ordered flu fighter shots--to protect us from all the sugar we just consumed ;-) Overall it's just amazing food and yes brunch is crowded, so except a wait but it's well worth it. Oh yah, service was stellar! Even though it was a packed house our waitress was more than attentive, incredibly pleasant and breath of fresh air. Can't wait to return!!
(5)Veronica D.
This was a nice surprise. I assumed from reading reviews that they used to be in a yoga studio and seeing that the menu was half raw, it would be a yoga hippy run down kind of vegetarian place. We decided to check it out anyways after 2 horrible experiences at Portobello and wanting somewhere else to eat for dinner and I was glad I picked Blossoming Lotus. We came just before 6 and got a table. After that the people started piling in. Get here early! We started with a side salad, which was nice. I think the arugula is too strong for that tangy dressing and was a little too bitter. I got the lasagna and my husband got the moussaka special. The lasagna was pretty good. I've had some really bad lasagna's at veggie restaurants before and this one actually had vegetables in it, which was nice. The zucchini was a little too thick and crunchy though, it would be nice if they veggies were in smaller pieces so it could be eaten easier. It's also pretty pricy, when it's just lasagna on some kale. I was still hungry after, so we shared a side of brown rice, not knowing what else to get. The moussaka was really good, it's kind of layered like lasagna but with potatoes instead of noodles. I think it should be on the regular menu, it was better than the lasagna. The sauce was not so salty and bitter like it was in the lasagna. It's a fairly small portion as well. This may be the kind of place you have to order an appetizer or dessert a long with your entree because it's a smaller amount of food. However I did see a lot of people getting the tofu and greens which comes with corn bread and they seemed to be full from just that plate. I would come here again next time we're in town. I wish they had more cooked options, as I am a raw and vegan chef and I tire of eating raw restaurant food when I can make it better at home. Things came fairly quickly here and the place is new and clean and contemporary. I think this place is much better and healthier than Portobello, the flavour is much better and they don't over salt and over cook the food here like they do there. The clientele seemed to dress fairly casual if not shabby for coming here. I was surprised to see a couple dressed in over sized sweatshirts and loose pants sitting down to eat. Is that dressing up nowadays? Wearing pyjama like clothing at a trendy restaurant? Yikes!
(4)Leslie K.
Much smaller footprint than I thought and for some reason they had no record of my voice-recorded reservation so we had to wait a bit longer than I'd anticipated. I was glad to see they had cooked food as well because I'm not a fan of the raw. One member of our party of four had a raw platter and seemed to enjoy every morsel of it. I had a veggie tofu bowl that was quite tasty though I left the kale -- too chewy...a problem with barely cooked kale. Two friends shared a Thai salad they continue to rave about. Interesting cocktails were had as well as beer and wine. We stayed for 3 hours and the service was great...never got the idea that we were overstaying though there was a huge thunderstorm at some point. I got lost in the conversation and didn't notice. My local friend was glad to be introduced to the restaurant since she lives a couple blocks away; she plans to return.
(4)Jeremy J.
Coming from a person that is most definitely not a vegan or vegetarian, this place really has tasty food. The biggest draw for me to come back is the fact that the happy hour food is reasonably priced with good portion sizes. We had a complete and filling meal for $20 even and really enjoyed everything. The must have on the HH menu is the taco sampler. This is the dish I was most hesitant about but each of the three tacos are unique and scrumptious. We also had the thai BBQ wrap, which was great and the best bang for your buck in terms of portion size. The only item we ordered that I didn't love was the artichoke heart fritters. They were tasty but too greasy and heavy for me. We had a lavender lemonade to wash it all down which was unique and refreshing. Just don't ruin the subtle flavor by adding the lemon! The service here was quick, friendly, and inviting. I would definitely come back if in the area or in need of a meatless meal, and I bet for a vegan this could be a staple restaurant for their nights out.
(4)Ronald A.
We had a very nice meal here tonight. It is nice to have it within walking distance. This place has a nice feeling about it. The service was good. Our sauvignon blanc from Argentina was better than expected. This place is advertised as vegan and gluten free. I had a great moussaka. It was very good. Rebecca had a nice vindaloo; unfortunately, it was not hot enough. It needed a bit of spice to make it a real vindaloo. Nice fllavor, but not a real vindaloo. We enjoyed the salads, simple greens with a nice dressing. It was not over dressed. I forward to coming back and trying other parts of the menu. Give it a try.
(4)Robert G.
Another trendy and expensive hipster Bohemian restaurant in Portland. I'll return, but I'm not running.
(4)Mark L.
Loved the food. Nice ambience. Great healthy interesting food, fair prices, nice portions. Will go back. Tip: some of our party, after ordering raw dishes - which were great, but room temp or cool- regretted not getting a hot dish on a cold damp night.
(5)Madeleine T.
After a long day of driving up from Oakland, my sweetheart and I headed out to Boke Bowl - how good is Ramen on a cold and rainy day? - but they were closed for a special event. "Let's just drive around and see what we find!" said my sweetheart. Now, that's the kind of thing that sometimes ends in tears, but not this night! In fact, this night, I learned two important lessons: I like kombucha and I don't like liquid smoke! I got the Southern BBQ Plate; the mac & cheese was deliciously creamy, the cornbread was remarkably savory, the greens were simply prepared and generous. I'm not a super fan of soy curls, but the taste of the whiskey ginger BBQ sauce was pretty intense! The black-eyed peas, unfortunately, were where it went wrong for me, but I think I just don't care for the taste of liquid smoke. At least, that's what I think they use. The texture of the beans was perfect but I just couldn't eat them. My sweetheart and I split the Peanut Butter Surprise cookie (surprise! it's peanut butter!) and the chocolate cheesecake. Be warned: the cookie is huge! Super tasty, though. The cheesecake is a cheesecake of the light and fluffy variety, like a mousse, rather than the dense kind. Very rich and decadent. Our server was very nice and the overall atmosphere seemed pretty laid back even when it was packed, so that's a plus. And the evening didn't end in tears!
(4)Dwayne L.
We're visiting from Greenpoint, Brooklyn and were looking for a vegan spot for lunch today. Quite a few people recommended this place so we decided to give it a try. The vibe was really nice. Classy but chill; with a really friendly staff. The food was DELICIOUS! We ordered the Live/Raw Nachos (hold the onions), Mac and Cheese, Perogies, Taco (Black Bean), a smoothie (Maca Mocha) and a juice (Citrus). All of it was SO good and reasonably priced; this place was hands down the best veggie food in Portland. Def recommend!
(5)Mrs M.
Quick, delicious and nothing tastes odd. My carnivore husband enjoyed the soup & salad. I found the black bean tacos amazing.
(5)Heather H.
We had just arrived for an early 5 pm dinner only to find a small line formed outside the door - surely this is a fantastic sign! We all were to seat ourselves and promptly our waitress gathered what we wanted to drink. I started off with a fresh apple and ginger juice that gave quite the kick without the over bearing taste of kale hidden in. I had wanted to slowly introduce the boyfriend to some fine vegan eats, my only mistake in that is that most vegan foods contain lots of nuts or nut based foods. And of course I so happen to have a nut allergy. That left me unable to enjoy most of the menu offerings. Our waitress was still accommodating and I ended up ordering a salad with plenty of sides. All of which were savory and yummy. The lasagna would be on a high recommendation to get! Some quick little advice: do your research before going to a more specialized restaurant. Whether your vegan or not, sometimes there are lots of allergens in foods i.e. heavy nuts in my case. Also beware that it is usually more pricey. Good food can make it a great justification, but it always helps to know just up front what your pricing looks at, especially if you're on a budget. Freshness Reigns here!!!
(4)Ashley L.
I totally agree with the other people that say the reception is luke warm at best. There are a very few servers here so if you go a few times, you'll know them and see what I mean. So, I'd say the service on the front end is pretty mediocre. That said, there is one gem of a woman who sometimes runs out the food from the kitchen. She's absolutely fantastic and gracious and smiling. Not sure if she is the owner or just a cook or both. She sort of saved this place from a lesser review. I'd say the rest, as mentioned, can be a bit on the snooty side of things. The food is really good though. It's nice to find a raw food/option place here in portland after so many back in Twin Cities and other bigger metropolis' I've lived in. They don't have the biggest menu, but what is on their menu is really yummy.
(3)Tom A.
The list of restaurants I've voluntarily gone to for two meals in one day is a very short one, if you leave out those in the lobbies of hotels. So when I tell you that after Ms. A convinced me to go to Blossoming Lotus for happy hour I was the first to suggest we go back there only a few hours later for dinner, it's kind of a big deal. I eat enough meat & dairy that I won't be mistaken for a vegan anytime soon, but that just means I feel like a truly awesome person when I have a meal made entirely of vegetables, no less so when it's delicious and I wash it down with a quality cocktail or choice craft beer. While everything I tasted at Blossoming Lotus was pretty much exploding with flavor (in a good way), the item I can't get out of my head is the happy hour taco selection. You can order one at a time but I recommend you just spring $11 for the all-four sampler. I can't even decide exactly which was my favorite but I think it might have been the Thai taco, with its spicy soy curls and peanut sauce. Certainly the most unusual is the raw lettuce wrap, with yummy walnut chorizo. Sadly, these amazing tacos are only happy hour offerings, but the lunches and dinners offer their own special treats. Take the Whiskey Ginger BBQ sandwich for example. It's just outrageously good and without a scrap of meat or cheese. Yeah, this is me gushing about a sandwich made with soy curls. That's two soy curl-based raves in one review if you're counting. Didn't see that coming.
(5)Robyn A.
How wonderful it is to have more than 1 or 2 choices on a menu! My husband had the Southwest Bowl and loved it. I had the Live wrap & the Carrot Ginger juice and was so energized! We will be back, and often. Service was so nice, no rush, and the food was fantastic.
(5)Doug S.
This is the most awesome restaurant in Portland! If you didn't know it was vegan you would believe it. There isn't a dish I've disliked yet. Drawbacks are that they are small and don't take reservations, so there are times you have to wait for a table but it is worth the wait!!!
(5)Cora P.
Super tasty vegetarian/vegan fare. It's like the veg equivalent of a steak dinner. Sometimes you're just craving a big pile of steamed kale or roasted root vegetables and this is the place to get it, with dressing. I'm pretty sure this is the restaurant that inspired the fart patio parody on Portlandia though. We've taken to calling in Blossoming Anus. But, if all you get is gas, you're lucky. Last time I was there I'm pretty sure they put some unpeeled sunchokes (that I failed to identify until too late) in with the root vegetable medley. Peel those suckers and add winter savory to combat the resulting inulin bloat and purge guys! But, even after my evening spent in the latrine due to the aforementioned sunchoke faux pas, I still crave their food on occasion, which I think is a testament to how good they manage to make it taste.
(3)gotham ..
Great little restaurant with tasty cocktails and clean, healthy food. Definitely made our short list of go-to spots.
(5)Ocean S.
Blossoming Lotus is a cut above the vegan/vegetarian competition in Portland. How refreshing it is to find a clean, well put together store coupled with a nice menu, tasty food and courteous wait staff. How great is that. We absolutely loved sharing the soup and steamed greens appetizers. Sipped cold Caldera IPA's and savored every bite of the live roll and green bowl entrees. Walked out with cookies to go. Despite all the competition throughout the greater Portland, OR metro area, BL has most def captured the our "Favorite Portland Vegan Plate of Choice" award.
(5)Savvy G.
The green goddess bowl with soy curls is to die for! I swear the soy curls taste like fried chicken! I recently branched out and tried a BBQ dish it was legit like southern comfort food!!! To die for!!!! The corn bred was like cake love it!!
(5)Liz C.
The food in this restaurant is not only vegan and therefore healthy, but it is extraordinarily delicious and beautiful on the plate. While in Portland for an event at the Convention Center, we walked to Blossoming Lotus for dinner, and loved it so much we went back the next morning for brunch. Highest possible recommendation!
(5)J D.
Oh my god, this place is freaking amazing. Try the Live Nachos, the Bread Pudding, and the Irvington Margarita. Make a reservation because it gets packed, and you'll be waiting for a while if you try to walk in. One of the best vegan restaurants that I've visited, and I've been to a lot!
(5)Jennifer G.
I LOVE this place. My favorite is the live falafel wrap and live fudge. My husbands favorite is the Whiskey Ginger BBQ sandwich (the soy curls taste like BBQ pork). Their coconut peach smoothie and Thai Green fresh juice are fabulous. I love the guilt free, fresh, delicious food. Wish this place was closer to me, but sometimes I make a trip to Portland just so I can eat here. There is Latin dancing across the street on Friday and Saturday nights (for just five dollars), so I combine the two for a fun date night with my honey.
(5)Rachel S.
BloLo is one of my favorite guilty pleasures - you never have to twist my arm to get me to go there. Delicious, fresh, creative dishes and fantastic cocktails. Unfortunately, I only live a few blocks away, so it's easy to fritter away all my money at this place. I rarely escape for under $30, which is pretty expensive for Portland. You could get away with less if you are more disciplined than I - entrees are generally under $15. They often have great specials (like the lasagna I had a couple of months ago, ohmygod) and I am always tempted into getting an appetizer, entree, dessert, and drink. My new favorite appetizer is the fruit and "cheese" plate - creamy, delicious, decadent. They change menus with the seasons, so you never get bored (and don't get too attached to your favorites). Brunch is fab as well. I rarely order sweet brunch dishes, but the coconut French toast is incredible. The scrambles are delicious too, and never boring like in other restaurants around town. The loaded potatoes have, I believe, been replaced with loaded sweet potatoes, but they are still delicious. Skip the Bloody Mary - it's not spicy or flavorful enough for my picky tastes - but have a Rum Chai or, if they still have it, a Chai Swizzle, yum! However, BloLo recently changed to their winter menu (for brunch and for dinner) and eliminated my all time favorite brunch dish, the Seitan Rancheros, and stopped making their butternut squash chili altogether. I may never recover. Amazingly, even though it's not a big place, we usually don't have to wait long for a table, even with 6 people. If you're a couple, you'll be seated even faster. Plus, you can order takeout at the register if you really don't want to wait. The service is pretty good, and food usually comes fast. One of my favorite things about BloLo is the atmosphere - you can get all dressed up before a night out, or wear jeans and a t-shirt, and no one will care either way. I've even seen people bring kids (not that I advocate taking children out in public...). Desserts are to die for - creamy chocolate peanut butter cake, delicious raw cheesecakes (key lime is my fav), and a rotating selection of soft serve. Also, don't miss their prix fixe specials on holidays. I can't wait to try the New Years menu! All in all, you really can't miss this awesome Portland staple. I've never had a bad meal here; there is something for everyone: vegans (of course), gluten free folks, raw foodies, and unsuspecting omnivores.
(4)Sara M.
Vegan brunch. YAY! I started with coffee sweetened with agave. Agave? Yes please! My pal (Zilya S.) had the chai which smelled amazing and tasted like dessert. I had the benedict with tempeh bacon & butternut hollandaise..... and it rocked. I was so pumped to have a vegan benny! The potatoes and kale were lovely compliments to the meal.... oh kale, it's a splendid thing. I also had some house made hot sauce on the side - highly recommended if you are a fan of hot sauce, and awesome. I would like to come back and try the dinner menu when I revisit Portland. The kids in this neighbourhood are lucky to be able to enjoy brunch here whenever they want!
(5)Cat K.
I'm not vegan but I still love this place!
(5)Lindsay L.
Love this place. The Maca Moca is the best smoothie I've ever had. And the Perogi. (russian dumplings) are my new favorite.
(5)Mary M.
I've been wanting to check out Blossoming Lotus ever since it moved to my Neighborhood, and it is good to see that it is always busy! I'm not a practicing vegan or vegetarian, but I'm never opposed to trying different stylings/ethics of food, so I was happy when a few friends planned a dinner here. I ordered the White bean pesto dip w/crudite and brown bread. It was very delicious and I ate more than I should have of it! For my main dish, I had one of their specials for the night, a wild mushroom alfredo with herbs. The herbs really set if off and was very vibrant. I was too full to enjoy a desert, but hopefully next time! I highly recommend reservations. We were there on a Thursday night, and there was a long line out the door, that was easily 1 to 1 1/2 hr wait to get in.
(4)Jasper M.
This is very sad for me to write. I have been eating at Blossoming Lotus since the first day they opened a few years back. The food at this establishment has gone completely down hill. When Wes was the head chef (and I believe part owner) the meals were amazing and BL was one of the best vegan restaurants in town (and comparable to vegan restaurants in NYC and Los Angeles; and better than San Francisco). Now, the meals are tasteless, or worse, awful. Two months ago I went in for lunch and had their Mexican offerings. This was a huge mistake. The subtly and complexity that used to be BL had disappeared behind a veil of what tasted like canned beans and store bought tortillas. I mentioned this to my wife and the women in the booth next to us started up a conversation. She too said that she had been eating here since they opened and that she too was deeply disappointed at what appeared to be the restaurant's eventual demise (if ownership or chef don't change). Today, hoping beyond hope that somehow I had simply hit them on a few bad days, I ventured in for Sunday brunch. I ordered the tofu scramble over biscuits. This meal was not edible. I seriously took one bite and pushed the plate away. The vegan hollandaise sauce was pathetic and vegan sausage way way way too salty. The steamed kale was good and the potatoes weren't bad. The last two brunches the potatoes were hard and under cooked. Consistency? I also ordered the pumpkin sweet roll which didn't have even a faint taste of pumpkin. Portobello, Natural Selection, and Vita all blow BL out of the water. I used to put Blossoming Lotus near the top of my list with only Natural Selection being better. Now, BL is completely out of the running. I so want this Irvington restaurant to succeed. I want any and every vegan restaurant to succeed. Unfortunately, I'm done with BL until the current owner and/or chef sell to someone capable of culinary acumen. Portobello is my new favorite go-to for a great a evening meal (their pizza is amazing) and Natural Selection my favorite choice for a special dinner. Let's bring back Wes...and his amazing lasagna. So sad to watch Blossoming Lotus fade away.
(1)Cheryl H.
I can't believe I have never been here before. What excellent food! We started off with the pesto & white bean dip which came with bread, carrots, and celery for dipping. Delicious! I ordered the carribean phyllo roulade, which was stuffed with mashed sweet potatoes and other veggies and was so filling that I had to take the rest home. My companion ordered the southern BBQ plate, which had tender soy curls in BBQ sauce. Everything was delicious! We didn't have room for dessert. Next time! This place has a really good beer and wine selection as well.
(5)Sara M.
I was so excited to try Blossoming Lotus. Reasons for excitement: I live in Central Oregon (CO) = No one in Central Oregon understands why you would not eat steak ever night for dinner. Everyone in CO gives me crap for not eating cute animals. Most restaurants in CO have cute animal based menus, which makes options limited for myself and my life partner. I knew spending a few days in Portland meant there would be amazing Vegan/vegitarian joints. We arrived at BL. on Friday night, six o'clock, there was no wait for us, but right after that, the waiting room was overfull. We shared a live pizza. The pizza was amazing and flavorful. The waitress recommended the cashew cheese with it, she was right. I love it when the wait staff can speak for the food. For an entree, I ordered the Chana Masala, it was delightful and just what I expected. The portion size was very large, I could barely finish half. He ordered the southern BBQ plate. It was humongous! It came with two huge pieces of corn bread and tons of those soy curls. It really did taste like slow cooked BBQ. If you normally eat meat, you could close your eyes, eat a soy curl and probably believe the soy curl was soft, snugly baby cow. We decided to go for dessert. Vegan desserts are usually hit or miss. This time it was kinda both. We shared the chocolate peanut butter tart. I kinda guessed in my head it was going to be too thick and rich, but the man really wanted the tart. I was right, it was so rich and chewy, we could not finish it. I could only eat 2 bites before I gave up. Maybe a different dessert next time. When I move to Portland, I will come here often and reminisce of the days when I lived in CO.
(4)Sophia T.
met the chef, sweet guy. had food on two occasions: brunch and lunch. both good, both super large portions. I had the benedict - (gluten overload) but so good and a sandwich which I can't remember but it was delicious. I had a mocktail that was too sweet but the bartender was cool about adjusting it here and there. I'd come back for sure. arrive early for brunch to beat crowds.
(4)Chris H.
Had the BBQ plate. It was great!
(4)Tim A.
Great location, and usually we really enjoy our meal here, but today the service just wasn't there. Also they took both of our favorite items off the menu! My wife had a $14 dollar dish that was the size of an appetizer, and my sandwich was really good, but didn't even come with a garnish. So sorry to say this place has slid down our list of favorite Vegan Restaurants to frequent. It goes from number 2 to number 6. More and more new Vegan restaurants are opening up there in Portland, we are lucky to have so many here.
(3)Terence R.
When I ate at the Blossoming Lotus, the complex abstractions layered atop the essentials of my existence dissolved, and I experienced visceral bliss. For one blessed hour, I was no longer a programmer; I was simply a human being.
(5)Anna B.
The new Blossoming Lotus location in Irvington is up and running! We had a great time there, the setting is really lovely and our service was excellent. I am by no means a living foodist, but I certainly could be after a refresher course in raw foods. They do not yet have their booze license in place, but had a whole selection of n/a fancy drinks like a kombucha lemonade, a virgin mojito, and a whole damn coconut with a straw! I really wanted to make fun of the people with the whole coconuts but secretly I wished I had one, so I kept the comments to myself. We tried the live cashew hummus to start with (in addition to the bread and olive oil they brought), which was awesome. The cashews added a really nice, rich flavor and silkier texture than traditional. That came with a pretty arrangement of cucumbers, carrots, celery and some very tasty flax-seed crackers. On the table, we had a Mediterranean Sampler, with tabbouleh, falafel, more hummus, more veggies, etc; another Sampler with some of the Mediterranean stuff plus a live "pad thai"; and a BBQ Tempeh Platter. Thumbs up on the entire BBQ platter- that was my fav out of everything we tried, and probably the best value with a heap o' tempeh, a salad, chili, AND cornbread. The tempeh was the perfect texture, and the sauce was smoky, caramelized onion-y, and tangy. Chili and cornbread were both great, too- cornbread was a funny texture (it's tricky to make that vegan, yo) but super delicious. Let's talk dessert: I rarely eat sweets, but we wanted to check out the live fudge I'd heard so much about from the Pearl location. It was pretty damn good. Each piece came with a different "topping": a blueberry, a raspberry, salt, lemon peel. Dark, velvety, smooth, melt-in-your-mouth bites. More like a truffle than a fudge, really. Our server was excellent: totally attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the food. At the end of the meal, he approached us to ask if we had any comments/feedback about the food. How often does that happen?! I asked how long they'd been open- just a couple of days he said, and they weren't even fully "open" yet (grand opening is later this week), still testing the waters. Hats off to Neal W for being so on the pulse and taking me there before they were even official! A good experience overall, will definitely go again. We dropped a pretty penny, in the spirit of trying new things, but it could easily be a nice app + entree for under $20 kinda place. I eat mostly veg/vegan most of the time, but I also looooove making fun of righteous, pretentious vegans, too. And I have to admit, I wasn't even tempted - everything was very good and sans attitude (from the staff). I would take a committed meat-eater there for sure, and not worry that he or she wouldn't be into it. May even spring for a couple of coconut drinks next time, but only if they let me take the shells home to make a bikini top out of.
(4)Julie P.
We found this place during a lunchstop while travelling through Portland. After spending the holidays consuming too much protein, we wanted to eat lots and lots of veggies to cleanse our body. My friends and I loved this place! We had a really hard time deciding what to get as the waiters kept delivering plates of gorgeous & delicious food and the menu was so exquisite. We settled on the beet salad, kale & seaweed salad and green goddess bowl w/tempeh. Ohmygoodness, everything was so delicious! It was exactly what we were looking for and kept us satisfied for the rest of the day without weighing us down like meat does. Wish we had a place like this closer to home....
(4)Lindsey B.
The tacos were delish!! The Thai tacos were my favorite. My boyfriend had the eggplant sando which he enjoyed and everything had a little kick to it. Good atmosphere, intimate since it's pretty small. Service was good as well! I'd like to go back and try the quinoa salad and Thai wrap as well!
(4)Aaron W.
I ordered their Crispy Thai BBQ Wrap ($8.50): Thai-spiced (sweet) BBQ soy curls, crispy rice sticks, carrots, cucumbers, red cabbage, romaine lettuce, and creamy sweet ginger sauce wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. I also requested (and received) a small container of their house red hot sauce on the side at no extra charge...awesome! The chef cut the wrap on the bias and presented a lovely, colorful cross-section to me. More importantly, the wrap was absolutely delicious. The sweet creamy ginger sauce brought the soy curls, rice sticks, and the already-refreshing vegetables to a new level. Adding the house-made red hot sauce gave the slightest kick to add an even more mouth-pleasing dimension to the dish. A job well done here!
(4)Ainsley D.
Blossoming Lotus serves organic, freshly made, locally grown, healthy, Vegan fusion cuisine with many gluten free options and was suggested by every person that I asked as the perfect location for Sunday brunch when I was visiting Portland. my friend got the Southwest Scramble: tofu scramble with a spicy black bean chili, avocado ranch sauce and creamy roasted butternut hollandaise sauce, topped with scallions and cilantro with steamed kale, house made potatoes and a side of maple seitan sausage. and I got the Scramble Special: tofu scramble in a creamy cashew sauce with roasted peppers, artichoke hearts, herb roasted portobello mushrooms with steamed kale, house made potatoes and a side of maple seitan sausage. I would ABSOLUTELY go back for lunch AND dinner the next time I visit Portland.
(4)S M.
The meals are ok, just not as good as their non vegan counterparts. They do a good job of making creative vegan dishes. But there are flavors that they use here in a lot of dishes that my palette just does not like. If you are a strict vegan, you will probably think this place is wonderful. I recommend eating here to try it, you may like the flavors. I personally enjoy salads that I make much better, I find them more appetizing than how this restaurant combines certain flavors. I also just don't like it when vegans try to make a vegan version of something that's delicious. It never measures up. They could make vegan tacos that taste Mexican just leave out the cheese and meat but the tacos are nothing like tacos. They use kimchi and it doesn't appeal to me.
(3)Karen R.
DH and I spent our last dinner night in Portland here and it was so worth it! We both enjoyed our meals and would love to go back again sooner than later. I had one of the quinoa bowls and it is very filling! I do make soy curls at home but never like this! Also enjoyed the Banana Fit smoothie! Location was great being right on the 15 route with other routes nearby. We ate outside, so I can't speak to inside noise level. Our server was great and took great care to make sure that I received a meal that met my Vegan Gluten free and more needs.
(5)Chee K.
Ok, I want to start by saying I am not a true vegetarian, but I like to feel healthy sometimes too! I've had some awesome, creative, jaw dropping vegetarian food. This is not it. This place would be a 3 1/2 stars if I could. Nothing was terrible but nothing was terribly exciting either. Actually their black bean soup with curry was pretty good. Maybe I should have stuck to that? I also ordered the BBQ tempeh plate. It was decent but I had half leftover which is not normal for me. Their BBQ sauce was ho hum. I also tried their live "pizza". I liked what they were trying. Oh, it's not quite child friendly. Your kids idea of pizza isn't the same as theirs. Some of their chairs are quite high and if your kid is too loud, you may get some vegetarian stares!
(3)Daniel M.
This place was a great find! I was staying at the DoubleTree only a few blocks from here, and in the mood to sample a Portland(ia) style dish...you know, local, sustainable, vegan, organic, etc. Everything on the menu sounded so delicious! I decided to keep it simple and figured if I was going for something quintessentially Portland I might as well play up all the stereotypes. I got a basic bowl with beans, steamed kale and quinoa, and added soy curls and sesame vinaigrette sauce. It was one of the tastiest things I've eaten in a while! Everything tasted so fresh, and the seasoning was light enough to not overpower the dish but strong enough to add some flavor. And the prices were totally reasonable - it was only $11 before tip! Thank you, Blossoming Lotus, for indulging me in my quest for "authentic" Portland cuisine.
(5)Matt D.
My god, this place is wonderful. The moment that you first walk through the door, you're overtaken by this wonderful feeling of serenity. From the earth tone decor, to the paintings of birds on the wall, and all topped off with the soothing sounds of enya, this place just stinks of "zen". I'm really surprised that I hadn't visited here before. In fact, the first time I went was just 3 days ago at lunch and I had to return again for dinner tonight. It didn't fail one bit. For lunch, I had the BBQ Soy Curl sandwich. The barbecue sauce, while quite strong, was smoky, not too vinegary, and very delicious. I personally prefer a rich, strong barbecue sauce like this but I can tell why it wouldn't be for everyone. The soy curls were very meat-like and not too dry, and the bread was hearty and flavorful. When I returned for dinner, I went with the Southwest bowl as per the recommendation of many other Yelpers. They sure didn't steer me in the wrong direction! It was covered in those wonderful soy curls, their delicious black bean chili, kale, cashew sour cream, and mounds of perfectly cooked quinoa. After mixing it all together, I dug in and immediately reached a vegan state of enlightenment. DELICIOUS. The prices may seem steep, but based on the quality of the food it is a damn steal. HOORAY
(5)Chris A.
Blossoming Lotus was the first Vegan restaurant I've ever tried and it exceeded every single one of my expectations. I truly started to appreciate it when I continued my exploration into all things vegan and found out not all tofu was created equally. The price is fair, the food is beautiful, and the beer selection is top notch. I'd highly recommend the Thai salad and Mac N Cheese. Oh and the staff is very polite so polite that they didn't make me feel like an idiot when I ordered the Thai chicken salad...you can only teach a carnivore so many new tricks =)
(5)Nicole G.
I've been vegan for nearly 4 years, yet I will not eat at any vegan restaurants because they are usually too "granola" for me. I was back in Portland visiting for the first time in almost 7 years and a very good friend (non-vegan), suggested trying out Blossoming Lotus to which I was very hesitant, although I agreed. Much to my surprise I had one of the best meals I've ever had! Blossoming Lotus definitely convinced me that vegan food does not have to be granola. For the appetizer we had the creamy pesto & white bean dip, my friend's dinner was the crispy artichoke fritters and I had the live falafel wrap. The flavors, spices and textures were amazing! I truly hope to find something equally pleasing in Los Angeles, because if it were up to me - there would already be a Blossoming Lotus exactly like the one in Portland here in Los Angeles. The service was great, the staff was very friendly & helpful with suggestions before we were able to make up our minds. This will be the first place I go back to eat at during my next trip back to Portland.
(5)Sam A.
The 'Wok Tossed Tofu and Vegetables' was perfect! The blueberry pie incredible. The service was friendly.
(5)Bryan I.
Holy Cow, this place is amazing!! and yes, cows, and any other animal are holy enough at this restaurant that you'll never see their meat or any animal-derived products on the menu! Being a cheese-lover, I was very skeptical that you can have delicious nachos without cheese or sour cream, but I was so pleasantly surprurised! What are LIVE nachos & LIVE wraps? No, nothing is moving on your plate; it just means you're eating living food with active enzymes and theoretically maximized nutrient value that is either raw, or very lightly warmed. And yes, I usually have meat in my daily diet, but just about everyone can find something here that's substantial, savory, and scrumptious! Their drink selection is fantastic, including fruit/veggie drinks/shots/smoothies, beer, wine, unique mixed drinks! The apple/ginger/lemon/kale 16oz juice was fantastic...heavy on the apple/lemon, balanced well with a touch of ginger, and the kale to bring it all together and give it an earthy base. I'm tempted to drop it to 4 stars d/t the cost (expect to spend ~$15-20/person not including drinks), but I was impressed enough with the atmosphere, service, and food quality that for now, 5 stars is fair!
(5)Kate C.
I'm mot vegan or vegetarian but typically enjoy that type of food. Had the live nachos- very tasty but the cracker was large and difficult to break up into bite size portions. Beet salad was delicious! Service is only ok- I really hate when a server drops food and doesn't ask if the guest needs anything... I had happened to need a napkin and hot sauce. I waited a few minutes and decided to grab the napkin myself, but luckily a waitress was dropping a check at a table nearby and I caught her attention. Also, I ordered a beer to start and it never came, waitress simply forgot. She remembered once she brought the check and gave a little discount to compensate. Thus, the 4 stars.
(4)Karl W.
Not impressed. Overpriced.
(2)Hollye H.
Two words: live nachos! Also, the seasonal kimchi broth gazpacho was wonderful. Next time I'm in town, I'll be visiting again.
(5)Jeanette L.
Oh my delicious! Great first experience dining at a vegan restaurant! Here's what we got: Coconut Chai drink - DELICIOUS. We ordered this hot b/c it was a cold day but I wish I lived nearby to be able to try it cold. Good thing I think I can make it myself. :) YUMM! Live Pecan Pesto and Portobello Pizza - OK SERIOUSLY. THIS WAS THE BOMB. Soooooo good. MUST TRY. Everything (texture, taste) IS DELICIOUS. Green Goddess Bowl - I thought this was kind of on the bland side but my friend devoured. Yummy if you're into the ingredients! Overall, a must try even for peeps that don't usually eat vegan!
(4)Sarah H.
Although I miss the Blossoming Lotus in the Pearl, I really enjoy this location, too. The lasagna is really good. Before Blossoming Lotus I thought that vegan lasagna was gross, but this is so amazing you don't miss the cheese. I went in on Friday and had one of their specials that was really good. It was so good I came back Sunday for the brunch to have blueberry almond pancakes. Both times I indulged on a piece of live fudge. So amazing! I love going to a restaurant where I don't have to worry about what I order. I know that anything I get will be healthy for me. Also, there's it's a good atmosphere. Everyone was very friendly. I like the local artwork on the walls.
(5)Patti F.
I was a fan of BL when they were in the Pearl, at Yoga Pearl. It was my first taste of "raw" food, and I couldn't believe how tasty it was! I dined there often, usually after a workout and always enjoyed both the vegan and Live/raw entrees. I hadn't been to the new location until a few weeks ago when I brought my two carnivore foodies with me for dinner. I recommended they try some of the "live" entrees, which they did. I had the Live Nachos, my friends had the falafel wrap, and the Live Sampler. I returned two weeks later again for lunch, had the falafel wrap and the Live soup - creamy zucchini. The food is FILLING, delicious, creative, and well... healthy. I own their second cookbook, which I HIGHLY recommend. You will not leave hungry, although you may wait for a table. I have found going a bit earlier in the evening to beat the dinner rush lightens the wait time. Although, it's worth the wait.
(5)Holly D.
Raw friends are good find. Especially when they travel all the way from Chicago and find a place I have never heard of. I was skeptical to say the least and expected some kind of a garden arranged like a sushi bar that floated by while we pull up a carrot and plucked some fresh kale. But low and behold, I was saved! The BBQ plate was wonderful...I smacked my lips on every bit of it; the cornbread with agave, kale salad, mac and cheese and bbq soy curls that I am not kidding, tasted like the real deal. My friend had a Kale salad with a fermented cashew dressing she loved. When she asked for the recipe the waiter was very gracious and said that the chef would share the ingredients but not the recipe. She was happy with that. She ordered some kind of a shake for dessert with a ton of ginger in it. I didn't care for it, but she loved it. Service was great, ambiance very nice for Sully's Gulch. This place can probably credit a whole lot of converts!
(5)Caleb K.
Excellent vegan food! I ordered the Bbq bowl and was really impressed. Also the pumpkin bread pudding was killer!
(5)Aleksandra E.
Three friends and I chose the Blossoming Lotus for our girls night out tonight. We arrived at 7, were seated at 7:30 and were still dreaming of dinner at 8:40! The hostess thanked us for our patience, but not once did the waiter apologize for the wait. I ordered the BBQ Tempeh Platter, which comes with spicy black bean chili, cornbread and a side salad, which never came. I didn't realize until we left; otherwise I would've asked for it. The service was atrociously slow, so out of curiosity I walked to the bathroom in hopes of sneaking a peek at the kitchen. Maybe their kitchen is tiny. Maybe someone called in sick at the last minute. Maybe there was a lone, overworked chef, struggling to ferment the soybeans himself! Nope. Four cooks, in a HUGE kitchen space, none of whom were wearing hair nets! One guy had nasty dreads, some of which were tied back, some were loosely dandling about. Gross. Other than the food being fine, the only positive about this place is the low lights and cozy atmosphere. Sorry, Budding Corpse Flower, never again.
(1)Emily G.
Amazing food and service. Saci was incredibly friendly and helpful! Will definitely come back.
(5)Madeline S.
Food was great, service was great. I am not vegan or vegetarian and I loved the food. Try the live nachos as an appetizer. I had the tofu wok with black bean sauce and it was so good but beware: I had the most offensive garlic breath I have ever experienced in my life. There were at least 20 cloves of roasted garlic in this dish. Wow! Don't skip desert. YUM. Fig and rosemary "ice cream"!
(4)Ari R.
Truly delicious live, vegan, and gluten free food. They have a great selection of options. Soy curls are a must have, with cashew cheezecake for dessert. The decor is very hip, and so are the servers/managers. Kind of aloof, at that. Make sure to go there before you are hungry, as there is always a wait. A bit pricey, but nice for a special occasion. It is true that it is a Portland must try.
(4)Food A.
I'm not really sure what has happened here since the last time I ate here awhile ago (maybe 6 months), but I was really surprised today at the level of customer service and the quality of the food I had. My server was too distracted by who might be coming in the door next to pay very close attention to what I was asking to order and when I got home my order was not what I had asked for. Their prices have also gone up significantly, I know you have to pay for quality food, but $8 for a smoothie?? I doubt I'll be coming back after tonight's experience.
(2)Theora M.
DANG! I was a vegetarian for several years but have reverted backed to omnivorism and though I'm selective about food I'm not really picky. This place is just dang tasty. It doesn't matter what your food preference or allergy dictates. The breakfasts we enjoyed were bursting with flavor and I've recommended it to vegan and omnivorous friends alike!
(5)Anjelah S.
I'm wanting something unique and healthy to eat, SooOo... I decided to take my meat-eating hubby to a vegan restaurant. Am I cruel or what? Buhhahahaaaa Honestly, I'm just trying to get him interested in eating healthier. SoOOo we went on a Thursday evening. Cute little place. Not packed at all. Only a couple in the corner and a family of 6 sitting in the middle of everything. Ok, before I move on... I must tell you a little about this family. This family consisted of a mother, father and 3 pre-teens. This family really bugged me. No... the kids were not rude or annoying . The parents were fine. It was just that the family looked as if they hadn't eaten for many years. All of them were super skinny and their eyes were sunken in. They were extremely quiet and when they were served, they ate as if they were starving. It was just plain odd. And yeah, your probably thinking I was odd watching them eat, but I guess I was just in disbelief of what I was watching. Now I understand that most Vegans and Raw foodist are skinny, but the ones I know are healthy looking too. If people want to live the Raw food lifestyle, that's fine with me, but seriously, do it right and don't starve yourself...OR.. I just might slap a grilled hamburger on your plate. After a bit, I just focused on the cool art work hanging up on the walls while I waited for my own food to be served. Ok..Moving on.... For some reason, I expected to smell the grilling of veggies or baking of bread, but DUH on my part, this was a Vegan/Raw food restaurant. This was a "no smell" sensory place to go. It's mostly RAW, which means they don't cook, fry or grill anything in their restaurant. My nose actually had to go "Cold turkey" for this time out. Our waiter was fine and served us promptly. For starters, I ordered the Creamy Pesto & White Bean Dip for $6 It was served warm with organic blue corn tortilla chips. Very Yummy!! I also ordered the Live Wrap for $10 It was loaded with tahini-cilantro pate, cucumber, sprouts*, carrot and avocado goddess sauce...all rolled up a leafy green wrap, served on a bed of mixed greens with cashew sour cream. Very tasty and freshly made. I had more than enough, in fact I ended up taking half of my wrap home. My hubby ordered the Live Falafel Wrap $12 It was made with walnut & brazil nut falafel, tahini-cilantro pate, cucumber, onion and fresh tomato, wrapped in a leafy green, served on a bed of greens with cashew sour cream. He was greatly surprised how much it did taste like a falafel sandwich. He really enjoyed it and had enough to take home. I will probably go back again and try their vegan chili.
(4)marcy g.
Delicious fresh interesting and tasty foods. Went with my 4 and 7 year old daughters. They loved it, but I wish there were a kids menu. We wended up ordering a lot of different things to taste so it was pretty spendy, but we all had fun trying everything. My favorite was the collard fresh wrap and my girls liked the live nachos. Mmmmmmmmmm, mmmmm,mmmm. Still dreaming about it. Oh, and I'm sugar free and many items contain sugar, but our server worked with me to find the best choices. Great service by the way.
(5)Kristin R.
AMAZING. You cannot go wrong with this place. For example, they were out of the vodka I asked for in my vodka tonic...the waitress promptly recommended the house infused lemongrass version and it was awesome! She even mentioned if I didn't like it they would find something else. Such great service! The fresh pasta was amazing and the live wraps do not disappoint. Great atmosphere too and easy to find street parking!
(5)Tommy T.
The last time I ate at Blossoming Lotus they shared a space with a Yoga studio in the Pearl. You had to take your shoes off before using the bathroom and yoga hippies were abundant. I went to Blossoming Lotus a few nights ago to celebrate my 10 years of being vegan. I wanted to go somewhere that was sort of fancy and special. This was definitely the case. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food and special that I had was overly flavorful. My brother eats meat and was weirded out (in a good way) by the flavor of the BBQ platter. The prices were steep but worth it.
(4)gwendolyn b.
I ordered a bowl of soup, for $7. Before I did this, seeing many other appetizing items on the menu, I asked our server if it was a pureed soup or if their were big chunks of vegetables in it, and she said the latter was a true. My friends, she lied. Well, let's just say she was misinformed. This soup couldn't accurately qualify as a pureed soup, either. It was like bland broth. For $7. Super disappointing. My friend, however, got a southwest bowl, and it was reeeealllyyy yummy. I would go back for that if it weren't so similar to the meals I cook at home all the time. Sometimes you just gotta disagree with your friends and state your true opinion, so here it is: I hate Modest Mouse, and I was unimpressed with Blossoming Lotus.
(3)Bunny J.
Three words: LIVE KALE WRAP. I could eat this every day and never get tired of it. Actually, I TRIED eating this every day, didn't get tired of it. How's that for a positive endorsement? This is a great place to take your parents, who have never had vegan food. I appreciate the wine pairings suggested for each dish on the menu. Their happy hour menu is pretty kick-ass too.
(4)Jeannette N.
My rating is reflective of the service, not the food. I have had much better service at the NW location, but I live in NE, and the past few times I went to the NE location I was treated horribly. One time I specifically asked for nutritional years on my tofu bowl and they brought it to me without it. They made some excuse as to how the particular dish I ordered does not come with nutritional yeast, which is WHY I specifically ASKED for it! After I asked them kindly to rectify my order, the waitress was really really awkward and gave off extremely negative energy. She made a much bigger issue out of what was a small mistake. Another time I went in with a friend and we ordered juices. After placing our order then being ignored for twenty minutes they brought my friend's juice to her. Shortly after, I saw that a juice that looked similar to what I had order was placed in the refrigerator. I figured they kept some on stock and didn't think that was my juice. After another ten minutes has passed I asked if that was my juice in the fridge. Someone grabbed it and handed it to me and said "enjoy." And I was like "what?" They acted as if nothing happened. As if they didn't ignore me and forget my order and that they had a communication break-down. No one even thought to apologize. I was pissed and I will never go back. WILTING LOTUS if you ask me!
(1)Nadine L.
Yum yum yummy yum yum! I am a meatasaurous and did not expect to leave the restaurant full! I did!!!! Full... Satisfied, amazed and happy! I didn't feel overly full and dragging, I felt fantastic! I will come back asap to try the other menu items! I had the Quesadilla with squash and beans...my friend had the lasagna. They were both super good! This place is a must try!!!
(5)Saskia S.
Very good restaurant! Healthy cuisine and friendly service.
(4)larry w.
100 percent the best place i have ever consumed food in all my 36 years of living.Great food great people great enviroment.You just feel better after you have eaten the best food ever!
(5)teresa m.
we have been wanting to come here for quite awhile, since it opened, but couldn't find the time. we finally did try it for lunch. we began with the hub ale, and samuel smith lager. looking for lighter lager, but this sufficed. we absolutely loved the veggie wrap and bbq wrap. very potent, fresh, flavorful, and filling. we aren't vegan, but are primarily veggie, so this was a bonus. the staff were friendly and informative. the space is relaxing. we will be back.
(5)T C.
Simply the best food we have ever had. Not the best vegan food. Just the best flavor... ever! Incredible. We visited Blossoming Lotus per a friend's recommendation and were so pleasantly surprised, what a delight. The wine selection is great, the entrees very flavorful and the desserts... well we had to have more than one. Should be a Portland landmark.
(5)Ludo N.
This place has really great food. I've eaten here about 4 times, for dinner a few times and breakfast a few times. All I really want to do is try their lunch menu, but for some reason I've always only been there for dinner or breakfast. Don't get me wrong, dinner was delicious and most recently, the breakfast burritos and cinnamon rolls were TO DIE FOR. Better than any breakfast I ever ate as an omni. That said, I am seriously wanting to try the bowls and tacos they have on the lunch menu! I live about 45 minutes away and work during the week so I have no idea when it's gonna happen, been years at this point. :)
(5)Allee L.
I was introduced to this place and have been back many times since! The food is amazing! Their coconut bacon tastes so good! I highly recommend their nachos as well! You leave feeling full and healthy!
(5)Nathan M.
Happy Hour (3-6, M-F) is an excellent value. You can get enough food to nearly stuff yourself for under $10. I had the Pesto Mac ($6) and a Raw Chorizo taco ($3). The mac was super filling and flavorful. It had a tinge of the sourness I generally associate with vegan food, but it was well managed. The taco was a surprise in that they somehow seasoned chopped pecans into tasting somewhat like chorizo. My friend ordered an almond themed protein smoothie that was also way too good for what it was. Though I am not a vegan food person, I would return here. The food was very good.
(4)betty k.
A delicious variety and huge portions. Friendly staff and an inviting atmosphere. I'm hooked on your smoked coconut!!
(5)Alden R.
Excellent food, small, funky restaurant. Often crowded, and reservations can be a big help. Bibimbap bowl was good, but just short of great. Their Chili is also good. Still one of Portland's best Vegan / vegetarian restaurants. Parking can be mildly problematic, but the location is central and good.
(4)Karen F.
Omg if you are vegan, you need to go here. Fig and Brie, yes vegan, sandwich. Incredible. Best thing I've ever eaten.
(5)Mark H.
Still great food and service, but oh my gosh it gets loud in there. I measured 106 db , which is getting into hearing damage territory. Seems like it's more of a bar that serves food than a serious restaurant.
(3)Mike G.
Superb vegetarian food, delicious smoothies, (try the lean green machine) the spaghetti squash dish and the empanadas are both worth the visit! I'll easily come back.
(5)Jennifer H.
Great experience! Food was wonderful, service was great! Prices were good. Definitely recommend this place and will be going back!
(5)Jackie F.
I was so excited to find this place during my recent visit to Portland! I had the kimchee tacos, which were delicious! They were a lovely blend of spicy and creamy, with just a hint of acidity to balance out their subtle sweetness. These were delicious, and I'd highly recommend them to anyone who loves a Korean flavor profile! Additionally, I had a chai/coffee blend that was decent. The waitress recommended it when I was debating between the two. If I were to return, I'd probably stick with either coffee or chai, and not a blend of both. I understand, however, that many people love this combo. Since I was having an after lunch coffee, I also decided that I needed a sweet treat. So, I ordered a trailmix cookie (yes, I pretty much stuffed myself silly!). It was out of this world. The cookie had sesame seeds, chocolate chips, raisins, chia seeds, peanuts and several other yummy ingredients. It was almost like a granola bar, but with the distinct texture of a delicious, hearty cookie. It was huge and I ended up taking most of it with me. Just the mere fact that everything on their menu is fresh, healthy, mostly organic, vegan fare merits four stars. The fifth star is for their prompt and friendly service, and the quality of my dish! I'll definitely be back during my next visit to Portland!
(5)Lucky B.
We started off with the live nachos which did not disappoint . I ordered the fig & Brie sandwich and my date had the tres tacos. The sandwich was good but not amazing. Good combination of flavors but a little strong on the Dijon mustard. The tres tacos were delicious. Full of flavor, good variety and satisfying. We both left with our bellies full and enjoyed our lunch. Also had the green lantern juice which was delicious and tasted just like the fresh juice we make at home.
(4)Kate M.
Super excited vegetarian walks into Blossoming Lotus. Said vegetarian scans the menu and begins to worry. At first glance I began thinking the dishes might be too "out there hippy earth mama vegetarian" for me. I settled on the tofu & kimchi quinoa bowl with a side of vegan mac & cheese. Much to my delight both dishes were bursting with flavor. The bowl was a delightfully surprising mix of spiced tofu, quinoa, kimchi, raw kale and fresh cole slaw. It was delicious!! The mac & cheese was also fantastic. Simple, but super tasty and light. Not a Ptown resident, but would definitely visit again on my next trip to the city!
(4)December C.
Wonderful neighborhood restaurant! I love the atmosphere and the artwork! The staff is kind and helpful. The menu is vegan and vegetarian friendly. The food is wonderful! Even for omnivores! Wine, beer and cocktails too. I enjoyed their "mocktails!"
(5)Cailin B.
This place is perfect, or would be if it had extended hours. I tried Blossoming Lotus in Irvington for the first time with my mother-in-law-to-be, as my fiance would only mutter something about "pale, anemic grass-fed hippies" when I suggested the place. She couldn't finish her food and so it made its way into our refrigerator where, miracle of miracles, the fiance unknowingly ate it and declared it the best food he'd had in ages. So, we've been back. Neither of us have had a dish yet that wasn't absolutely delicious. My current favorites are the pastas (Live Pasta and Pasta Fagioli) and the Coconut Chai specialty drink, which has just replaced all of my favorite desserts. In addition to the fabulous food, I love that tables are set up in groups of two with shared booth-side seating, which lends itself well to a community-feel and conversing with your neighbors. The street-side windows are enormous and let in plenty of light and warmth and the staff are funky and friendly. This is one of my topmost favorite places in Portland.
(5)Mark C.
My wife and I used to love eating at the Blossoming Lotus on Kauai Hawaii, until it closed! We loved our experience in Portland. The food was fantastic. The cheeseburger was delicious, very tasty, the best veggie burger I have eaten! Everything was great, just don't be in a hurry, the food takes time to come out, but worth the wait!
(5)Stephanie H.
Not impressed. Ordered the pesto macaroni. Edible but too heavy for my taste. Didn't taste like pesto. The samosas (NOT worth $16, What the f*ck were they thinking.) were terrible. Thai taco tasted okay but was just a mess to eat. The raw chorizo taco was just...bad. This place serves Asian-inspired dishes such as bibimbap, udon noodle stir fry, maki rolls, etc. but they are FAR from the original concepts. By all means, come here if you want to eat vegan food, but there are better establishments you could patron.
(2)Rachael M.
I just wanted to update review, since we have gone for brunch. GO FOR BRUNCH. It's amazing. And super worth waiting- even though our wait was only about 20 minutes. Whether or not you're vegan, this is just a good spot with good food. It doesn't hurt that the waiter we usually have is quite possibly the nicest guy in Portland!
(5)Elizabeth W.
Probably one of my favorite (if not my favorite) brunches in portland. I've only eaten here once but yes, it was THAT good. We had the Benedict and French toast. I enjoyed the Benedict with the large portion of steamed kale. We tried and iced chai which was also very delightful! I look forward to sneaking back there for happy hour !
(5)Ron G.
Quite possibly the best burger I've ever tasted, coming from a carnivore growing up and recently converted to healthier, happier, vegan way of eating. If in doubt, get the cheeseburger. You will not be disappointed!!!
(5)Chelsea Ellen A.
This place is really good and fancier than I expected. I loved the live nachos. This was my first time trying a fully live dish. I left happy! The curries are good too. I love the really chill vibe here and our waitress was awesome. Pro tip: They may only be available during brunch, but the bloody marys here are the BEST. I've never had a bloody mary as delicious as the one I had here. Highly recommend!
(5)Jennifer J.
Great service, great food, great beer. This place makes me want to become a vegan! Gotta try the tacos, amazing cashew sour cream! The vegetables are fresh and flavorful. My boyfriend is a big meat eater and loved the bibimbap and the jerk taco. Very reasonable prices during their happy hour. I wished I lived closer to this spot!
(5)Ai M.
Took my friend out for his birthday, we've need been here before, which is surprising as it's near Lloyd and convenient. We were seated without delay. Menu was simple and plenty of drink option. I knew I would be full just from the drink so I went with water and collard wrap. All ingredients were fresh and flavors were nutty, but not too earthy. I could only finish two wraps as it was pretty filling. My friend was happy with his cheese burger too, and atmosphere was calm and great for conversing. It became pretty busy so we did not linger to let other customers in, but overall it was quite an enjoyable experience.
(4)Samantha D.
First things first, please know that outdoor seating is seasonal here. Call ahead to check. Many ppl walk there dogs in this neighborhood, me being one of them, and I had to order to-go because I couldn't sit outside. The hostess/server was pleasant and helpful. She provided us water while we waited. There's so many delicious looking items to choose from its difficult to narrow it down. I got the bibimbap. Super good but on the spicy side. Generous portions so be ready to take a box home.
(4)Paul A.
As much as I try not to be, I'm a picky eater. This place is absolutely amazing! We came at Happy Hour on Monday. I had the Thai Wrap, which bursting with fresh taste due to all of the raw veggies. The coconut pieces were a nice touch and the peanut sauce was perfect. However, the bibimbap was out of this world! It was the perfect combination of flavors: sweet soy curls, sour pickles, creamy slaw, salty mushrooms, spicy sauce, and plain broccoli. It was absolutely divine and I'd recommend it to everybody! Besides the food, the service was great. Friendly and attentive! I can't wait to go back!
(5)Bethany K.
Flew into PDX and unexpectedly needed to pick up lunch solo, so Yelp led me to Blossoming Lotus. FOOD *Curry bowl - which I realize is not currently on the menu! I kind of love that the menu shifts, but I really did like the curry bowl -- yummy veggies and relatively mild curry (I remember the kale mmm) *Also did a mono juice (orange juice) which was not too sweet (should have expected it, given oranges aren't really in season any more) but still good, and I try to double down on the vitamin C when traveling LOGISTICS *Street parking is a little tricky, but I parked a block or so away *Service is very kind, they offered me water while I waited for my to go order Would happily come back, either to sit with friends and enjoy the ambiance, or to go.
(4)Amber B.
This is a nice little vegan spot with a friendly staff and a good variety of menu options. I wish I could have tried more! I'd go back for the jackfruit sliders alone, and the live nachos were interestingly delicious!
(4)Marius B.
I had received a gift card for my birthday to BL. We had come before, years ago, and it was good, but I think we just got some mainstream lunch items, nothing very exotic or different. This time around we came for dinner and it was nothing short of amazing! Everything tasted, looked, and smelled as if someone, with some actual culinary skills, had put a lot of time, effort, and thought into the food! Even the cocktail drinks were 5 stars! The prices a bit higher than most places, but the food IS certainly meriting the cost! If your palette is even slightly developed, this place will certainly give it another good shove forward!
(5)Eden K.
Most decedent and high quality gourmet vegan food I have ever had. Super nice ambience and staff. Different vegan icecream flavors each day, awesome desserts (cookies as big as my face), cakes, smoothies, nachos, bbq, cornbread and so much more. A must taste for anyone vegan or not!
(5)George S.
Superb food! Just outstanding both in taste and presentation. And a full bar with unique mixers. Friendly and informative staff. You can't go wrong. Do not miss this treat!
(5)Jenn C.
In July 2014, I had my second visit to this Blossoming Lotus -- previously, I visited the now closed location in Kauai. My first visit here was a couple years ago with my mom -- we arrived just in time to catch lunch and had amazingly delicious sandwiches and my mom fell in love with "soy curlz" and is now addicted to them. This past July, I took a friend there after we visited Cycle Oregon and we arrived on Saturday just before closing -- and we had the best service and awesome food. Zucchini bread french toast, Red Flannel Hash and Fig & Brie ... plus several helpings of the delicious coconut chai. The food was incredible, to say the least. I even got a raw chocolate cheesecake slice to go. Service and food are always super excellent, and I look forward to going here again on my next trip to Portland.
(5)Kirk M.
Second trip went much better than the first. This time I was greeted at the door by a friendly hostess, was seated immediately, then waited on by a very nice server. The soup was very good and the stuffed peppers were excellent. Glad I went back for a second try.
(4)Stephanie R.
Yes yes yes! Just go. If you're vegetarian or not, there's something for everyone. I think I've tried everything on the menu at least once. You'll leave wanting to return the next day. Customer service is great. Attention to detail here at this locally owned joint is spot on. The desserts are to die for and the green juices are always a special treat. Must go now!
(5)Stephen R.
Excellent veggie / vegan food. Very filling. I had the cheeseburger - huge and tasty. Wife had Mac and cheese with BBQ 'soy curls' - very nice too (and big). We also had the 'live' nachos which were really nice (but don't expect a plate of nachos - it's more like four crackers with nacho style topping). Didn't have dessert but friends swear by it.
(5)Jacqui L.
Researched Vegan restaurants in Portland for recent trip in July, Blossoming Lotus was at the top of my list. I went with my meat eating boyfriend and sister-in-law in time for their Brunch menu on Saturday. The ONLY negative i can say is that we did have to wait a while for our food (about 45mins or so). Also, just thinking out loud, not a deal breaker or anything but , I was hoping to see more regarding the decor of the restaurant such as plants, flowers, colors but that's just what i think of by looking at the name. The style they have is nice and clean looking which is fine. The staff was really nice and the server we had she was happy to explain the details of the food and any other questions we might have had. Now to the most important part and why i went.....The food was AMAZING!!! I ordered the raw live vegan nachos and it was so delicious / creative / unique / presentation beautiful! My boyfriend loved his meal ( Loaded Homefries) and he agreed with me when i said next time we go to Portland...we will 100% be going back to this restaurant!
(5)Jamie S.
I love this place. Amazing. A little overpriced, but they're always packed so it seems to be working for them. I'd eat anything off this menu.
(5)Tim T.
This place was really good. Service was efficient and the atmosphere was very relaxed with a touch of upscale. I ordered the breakfast burrito and my wife got the Thai salad. The burrito tasted great, but was a bit mushy with the exception of the coconut bacon. The salad, while full of crisp, fresh veggies and an amazing dressing, was also full of too many soy curls. This wouldn't have been an issue if they weren't so overpowering. I'd go back again, but with some personal modifications thrown into my order.
(4)Cristina S.
We made 2 trips to this place during a 5 day trip because it was so yummy and cool. The staff is very nice and the location, decor, and vibe were great! The food is vegan and there are plenty of gluten free options. The first trip we had tacos which were tasty and this amazing chocolate cake which tasted of pure heaven (vegan/gf to my surprise). Great job! The second trip was a bbq with mac and cheese (vegan) and a maki roll. Loved bbq/mc and the maki was okay. Drinks were yummy also (caipirinha and something else with bourbon/ginger/pineapple (wow!) anyway....definitely recommend!
(4)Kiki M.
We waited for 25 minutes to be seated, then an additional hour to receive our food. They had issues with their credit card machine, so were only accepting cash that night. Our server was pleasant, and apologetic towards the long wait we had. Given the chance to dine there again, we would have to pass. It was a nice experience, but the wait was brutal. They are in dire need of a more complete staff, they seemed overwhelmed by the Saturday night rush.
(3)Swati P.
I don't eat out much, so when I do, I don't mind going to slightly pricey places. What i do mind is when I don't get my money's worth of food. Blossoming Lotus has a few fantastic options on their menu that are just great for brunch. Their Live Nachos are especially great - the creamy texture of avocados goes really well with the crunchiness of those baked chips that they make. And their service staff is friendly too. However dinner there was a disaster for me three times. Their food descriptions always made me hungry, but what arrived on the plate in front of me was disappointingly small in quantity and mediocre in taste. I hated the soy curls and found The Burger to be too ordinary. Everything felt outrageously overpriced. Every time I came here, I spent close to $20 and still ended up eating at Chipotle later. It's just that my first time here had been so good, I kept giving them another go; sadly, not any more. I wouldn't recommend Blossoming Lotus for dinner. A cautious yes for brunch.
(2)Jamie S.
Yum!! Bibimbap!! The roasted artichoke potato soup was solid. Had the jerk taco and it could've used a little more fresh herbs. The live nachos were fresh raw deliciousness! And I don't usually throw this into my comments, but our waiter was the best waiter I have had in years. Funny, informative, and everything I expected from a Portlandian.
(5)Jess P.
I am confused about my feelings towards Blossoming Lotus. On one hand, the breaded zucchini bites and pumpkin empanadas were excellent. The breaded zucchini had all the right flavors (though texturally, it was a bit on the soggy side). The cashew cheese and salsa paired perfectly with the appetizer. I did, however, feel that the three bites were a bit teensy for the $8 price tag, and not ideal for sharing. I'd recommend the pumpkin empanadas to anyone. Stuffed with pumpkin, pepitas, cranberry, and carmelized onions, the empanadas come served with cashew cheese and a chimichurri sauce of sorts. No complaints on anything here. Note: the dinner serving portion is huge, and can easily be split into two meals. Equally good were our cocktails, once they were finally served (they came out after the appetizer, though they were ordered first). I had the cranberry beret, which packed a lot of cran-punch, and was finished with a sage leaf. I loved it. The boyfriend had the Apple Tom Collins, which was perfect. On the other hand, my boyfriend's BBQ plate was not so great. In fact, it was sort of sickly sweet; that is something mac and cheese, collared greens, and bbq soy curls simply should not be. I understand it's hard to veganize comfort classics. I'm not asking for a perfect duplication. But his plate just did not satisfy. For a lower price, you can find better executed Mac at Harlow or Papa G's. Overall, dinner was enjoyable. I liked the simple elegance of the restaurant. The waitstaff were nice, and aside from the cocktail mix-up, very attentive in their service. I left with the impression that prices were just a bit too high for what you got. This restaurant seems to be touting itself as top-notch vegan food, but I'd place it squarely in the middle. With a smaller price tag (and consequently lower expectations), I'd probably be singing praises for Blossoming Lotus. But as things currently stand, I'll probably just stick with Portabello for my fancy pants vegan food.
(3)Tina V.
Great restaurant on the NE side; food was delicious and reasonably priced. I had the Samoas plate, Maki roll and almond cheesecake. Only reason I can't give 5 stars is because of the annoying little fruit flies that seemed to be hanging out around our table. Maybe it was my perfume that was just so delightful they couldn't resist!!! Lol
(4)Zachary O.
Live nachos, baked Brie plate, mac and cheese, green curry with black sesame crusted tofu, coconut chai, chocolate orange cheesecake, coconut rum brownie with Nutella soft serve - a vegan paradise! Always get some of their sauces on the side for extra yum factor. Always do desert. Always get soft serve. The only place in Portland with better vegan soft serve is Back To Eden Bakery in NE, BUT Blossoming Lotus has unique rotating flavors like Nutella, Vanilla Almond, etc. Get there for happy hour and right when they open. People were lined out the door!
(4)Kaupo K.
Overall good experience. Not what we were expecting atmosphere wise, blossoming lotus sounded thai but the music and decorations fit more of a Hispanic vibe but then the menu was quite eclectic and small. Ordered the vegan udon stir fry which was delicious and the samosas which was a bit small for $16. Pretty pricey but everything was vegan. The flavors were good - would definitely go back for the udon.
(4)Beau T.
The place is really nice but the food is not super impressive. I had the spagetti squash with the faux meatballs the flavor was lacking and the meatballs didn't seem to be as savory as I would hope a little tough to bite into. I have been here a few times and really the only thing I like is the appetizers. The service is very good and I like some of the beers but being expensive and the food not being extraordinary does not compel me to return to this restaurant.
(2)Caitlin S.
This place was absolutely delicious. Despite the good reviews I was still hesitant on going to a place that looked so healthy. The food was deliciously seasoned and I didn't regret eating it because it was healthy! Definitely coming back
(5)Robert B.
Took my wife here for her Birthday and Mother's Day. OUTSTANDING in every respect. Our server was Allie. She was very pleasant and knowledgable...and professional. Guided us to several things on the menu she thought we would like and we did! The food was great, A+. We have vegan guests coming from the east coast in two weeks. Blossoming Lotus is the first restaurant we will take them to.
(5)Brian H.
Over the top delicious food. This is as good as it gets. Vegan food, made with care. Creative, distinctive and I always leave feeling like I did something good for myself. Great atmosphere in a quaint neighborhood. Mellow, intelligent staff. If you are in a hurry (good food takes time/care) you may want to try some place else. If you want a food event with food conscious people this place is great.
(5)Alisha H.
The raw nachos were soooooooooo good! The plate seemed to be small, and I wasn't sure if it would be enough to fill me up. I actually couldn't even finish it! It was so filling! I wish there was a restaurant near me that made these nachos, because I have been craving them!!!
(5)Rachel T.
Everyone should try Blossoming Lotus. It's amazing. We are so lucky to live in a time and place where people have finally figured out how to make truly tasty and savory vegan/sugar free/ gluten free/raw fare. Since that combination usually makes people want to run away, I love taking people here. It's shockingly good. Their live wraps are my favorite, all the juices are perfect, and their sugar free/dairy free cheesecakes are as good if not better than the standard. I had the live nachos - what a snack. I'm headed there for lunch today!
(5)Jason L.
Finally, Portland has a good vegan restaurant. Yes, there are lots of vegan restaurants in Portland, however, they're either just lunch type spots or not very good. Sadly, most vegan food I get in restaurants is awful, bland, chewy crap. The closest to good I had was at Nutshell, but even they were just ok (and out of business). But Blossoming Lotus has done it right. I always loved their restaurant in the Pearl. However, it always felt like a lunch spot and awkwardly shared space with a yoga studio. Their new location in Irvington is great. The atmosphere is nice without being pretentious. While at the same time, you don't feel out of place eating vegan food not having shown up on a fixie and wearing a black hoodie. It feels like a "regular" restaurant and serves amazing vegan food. So yes, the food. Awesome. I mean really good. Amazing, healthy vegan food that actually has flavor and spices. We had several things and every dish was great. The live vegan nachos were really good. My favorite was the vegan lasagna. The lasagna actually tasted like lasagna and wasn't some nonsense like Nutshell used to try to pass off as lasagna - a pile of cold, tasteless veggies. Just because different foods are stacked on top of each other doesn't make it lasagna. Hopefully the success of BL will spawn many other high quality vegan restaurants.
(5)Daniel S.
My favorite restaurant in Portland. If you enjoy raw food it will be your favorite as well, trust me.
(5)Zilya S.
The brunch was super-delish! I tried the chai, and while it was sweet, it was very good. I appreciate that it had coconut milk rather than the ever-pervasive soymilk. The french toast with cashew cream was very tasty as well, though perhaps a little healthier-tasting than I was hoping for. Still, I was impressed and satisfied. My friend was very happy with her benedict - the side of kale with butternut hollandaise made her very happy indeed. Try it out! It's so nice to have a vegan brunch that is something beyond tofu scramble.
(4)Carmen M.
I have turned into a vegan. I have become a Blossoming Lotus! I read Skinny Bitch, watched Food Inc. and can no longer eat meat or dairy. Oh yeah, the vain part of this is that I lost 30 pounds in three months just eating this way....yes fellow vegans I'm still a 'dietary' vegan I found out there's a difference but nonetheless, I feel a sense of community amongst all of you that embrace this way of eating. I went through a mourning phase of not having any chicken or cheesy stuff...and ice cream and dipping chocolate chip cookies in milk.....sad, sad, sad....and then I found Blossoming Lotus! Next to Peete's where I only have soy steamers now Blossoming Lotus had such a wide variety of foods both live (with a long I) and vegan varieties that I was in Nirvana. I had the Buddha bowl which consists of quinoa (kee-nwa), beans and Kale in a ginger sesame flavoring. It was sooooooo good. And perhaps my palate (plate) has changed to enjoy such cuisine but I felt so healthy and I am now ready to explore all other vegan restaurants in town and write about them!!! I love Blossoming Lotus!! The environment ambient for lunch and dinner. Nice airy high ceiling room, very comfortable and very welcoming. I want to go back again soon and try other items on their menu! Even if you're not vegan, this is a great place to know that what you've eaten is so good for you!!
(4)Eric M.
Here is my dilemma: WORST service I've ever had. By far. Zero stars. But Excellent food. And I mean REALLY excellent. 5 stars. Really? You can't ask your staff to PAY ATTENTION? To give a shit about the customers as much as the cooks so obviously do about the food? After much internal debate I settled on 2 stars, because the three-star description is "A-OK" and I just can't give it that because the ONLY reason we stayed to experience the food was because we're from out of town and my partner is on the tail end of a Master Cleanse with limited food options, so we really didn't want to go looking around for compatible foods. Maybe the staff was stoned? They worked randomly, without direction or purpose, starting a task but not finishing it. For example, I watched an employee fill some waters, then clear a table, then deliver a check, then fill some more waters, then take an order, then deliver another check, THEN set the table she had cleared - and she still didn't seat anyone at it until after several other unrelated tasks had been partially completed. And I emphasize, this was after lunch, before dinner, and it was not busy. Given the options that we know Portland has for excellent vegan food, I probably won't be back.
(2)Kirby M.
A nutritionist recommended I eat raw due to my gluten intolerance, and I'm all about the baby steps. However, there aren't any raw restaurants in San Diego so it's pretty hard for me to sample the food without having to drive to another county. I'm happy to report that my experience at Blossoming Lotus makes me want to sample raw a few more times. The food, the service, the ambience---everything was great! All the gluten free options were clearly marked, and everything was vegan so this vegetarian had no problems. It got really busy as soon as we walked in and the parking was a bit of a challenge so be prepared. But I can't wait to take my began sister here when she visits me in my new city!
(4)jane m.
First Visit a Success. I was so happy that the NE Blossoming Lotus opened for lunch since it's in the hood where I work. I remember this space from years back. First it was Vergotis, a wonderful clothing store that then moved to where Footwise is now before they closed of course. Then Paper Garden, such a sweet sweet store. It seems like everytime one of our precious NE gems closes it is replaced with something less than satisfactory. Case in point: the amazing boutique Mimi & Lena that has graced our town for many years closed and days later a store moved in where everything is under $17 (dresses). Hmmmmm, not really what we stalwarts of the NE Broadway neighborhood want to see. That little history said, I absolutely love the old school vibe of B.L. The dark word furnishings, the lovely chandeliers, the sweet little decor items of antique cookbooks on the shelf. There was only one table when I went in around 2pm and they seemed pretty happy. I went in to order my lunch to go. Spent some time chatting with the wonderful server and ordered the Monk Bowl with soy curls (or some word like "curls") which was brown rice, lentils, sauteed kale two different sauces which I tried on the side and the wonderful "soy curl thingies" which were seasoned with nutritional yeast. They serve these thingies as a side, I could eat them everyday! Sooooooooo yummy. Recently on a talk thread there was a post about restaurant service. Granted I did not stay and experience table service but the server had just the right vibe. She was professional and gave me time to peruse and was happy to talk about other offerings such as their homemade loose leaf teas. Next time I shall try the soft serve, I'll have to call since vanilla is THE BOMB of soft serve against which all soft serves are rated. Today they were serving chocolate. I shall also try the Coconut Chai!!!!! And lastly I will be trying the tea. They also sell their cookbook which I've owned for years and is a forever cookbook. Finally an answer to Pizza Schmizza (not so good on the hips)
(4)Janna K.
Another nod to the delectable Blossoming Lotus! I like to dine here to celebrate special occasions. They show that vegetarian and vegan food can indeed be elegant! The goddess bowl surely lives up to its name. We had a reservation on my birthday and they sat us almost 30 minutes late, but kindly made up for it with a few complimentary appetizers. My only critique is that it's really loud. They would very much benefit from some curtains or pillows or fabric to take up the clanking of the dishes and the lively conversation. It would really help add a calm to the atmosphere.
(4)Sabrina P.
This is the type of place I can really get behind. Everything is labeled Raw, Soy-free, Gluten-free which is incredibly helpful for me because I am allergic to everything. The live taco salad, the portobello pizza are both amazing. My only complaint is I wish the used less soy. But I don't hold it against them.
(4)Big Eared M.
An amazing place for healthy, raw, vegan and other food. I really wish this was closer to Eugene so I could eat there more frequently. The raw nachos are super tasty and the raw wrap (can't remember the name) was also quite good. Knowing that I will be back in PDX in a few weeks for a convention, I fully plan to return for my 4rd visit. Thanks for making healthy food that tastes amazing!
(5)Michael S.
The food is great but they never know what's in it, or more importantly to me, what's not in it. I have an allergy so I cannot risk eating something that an employee doesn't "think" contains any of the dozens of items I can't have. I now fight downtown traffic to eat at Prasad because they always keep the recipe book at the register. You should know what you're feeding people. Especially when you cater to health conscious people with dietary restrictions. Get your s#*@ together and I'll be back, Blossoming Lotus.
(2)Meredith P.
Wow, I'm vegetarian, but it is hard to find a truly memorable vegetarian meal. The tempeh was superb. The brussel sprouts were truly out of this world. I will be back.
(5)Hannah H.
Blossoming Lotus was such a pleasant surprise. Great staff and great food! After hearing raves I went and checked it out last week and was not in the least disappointed - so delicious! A fave of many of my friends, my roommate even picked this as her special "birthday dinner" spot last week. Yay Blossoming Lotus! Great food, great staff and convenient location. I'll be back, soon!
(4)Roxie G.
Had the Coconut Oatmeal special for brunch and it was magnificent!!! I wish I could of ate more! All the people that work there are lovely too! Front & back of the house. Love it!
(5)Kim S.
I love meat (and there's a bunch of guys around town chuckling at that) - but I do tend to eat meat and veggies - SOOOOO I was pleasantly surprised to leave Lotus feeling super satisfied. The food was delicious and affordable and the staff was helpful. I like to ask my server to recommend something packed with veggies, low carb and spicy and this server was quick with a recommendation. Will definitely visit again!
(5)Valerie J.
My mom had the Southwestern bowl, which she really liked. She said the greens were made just right. We split an apple-lemon-ginger-kale juice - it had a very strong ginger taste at first that wore off later. I had the falafel wrap, which to me was a little spicy but different. I went here hoping for something different than what I make at home, and there was a lot to choose from. We had to park about 2 blocks away on a side street. Very happy with the prices, and will hopefully be back.
(5)D. B.
This place is amazing: great atmosphere, very accommodating service, and the food is phenomenal (and great for you)! (Definitely try the pizza!)
(5)Connie M.
The $19.00 sampler plate was enjoyed by all... Server could have been a little more joyful...
(4)John S.
What a treat to be able to order ANYTHING on the menu! As vegans, we are lucky to find one thing we could order, minus the cheese. Everything was nice and flavorful. Haven't had nachos in a long time!
(4)Angela S.
We went to the new location as a part of the Restaurant.com deal and ended up spending more than we meant to. Even though the gift certificates were suppose to be good for a year, we were told that they will stop accepting them February 11th. Considering we bought two and you are only allowed to use one per month at the same restaurant, I'm not too impressed. But onto the food... For appetizers we got the beet salad and live nachos, which were both tasty. For the main course we had the quesadillia and four cheeze lasagna. The portion sizes of the were sizable and we both had leftovers for lunch the next day. I am a huge fan of lasagna and I found this one only ok. I liked the bed of steamed collard greens however the lasagna noodle itself was too thick. I should have known better than order pasta somewhere other than Portobello. It's always a challenge for me to eat any of the live dishes, as delicious as they are due to my sensitivity to garlic. Fresh garlic and lots of it is always a major player in the live dishes. The new space is much nicer than being in the yoga studio. The service is attentive and pleasant. What not to miss out on? The soft serve! Which actually this time I did pass up only because by ordering appetizers we had no room left for dessert.
(4)Elaine M.
so over the top (just look at the name!) also, so good! lots of stars and doo dads indicating what's raw, vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, and appropriate for god only knows what other dietary restriction makes you hated at friendly potlucks. that said they did GOOD, and pretty unusual things, with restricted ingredients and I had a fabulous cocktail. something with cardamom bitters, served over floofy ice: a single, large sphere (which i secretly love). the service wasn't amazing, I got a bit a whiff of pretension with my agave, jalapeno cornbread (shocking right), but I was seated, served and attended to in a timely fashion, so no complaints.
(4)kate k.
Blossoming Lotus effing rules. As I have written before, I come from DC where vegan food leaves much to be desired, but sweet Jesus on the cross, I have never had ANY food, vegan or not, so tasty and consistently good! I fully recommend the green goddess bowl, but make sure it is adequately dressed with it's various sauces - sometimes it's a little light which can take away from the full experience. I am also a big fan of their BBQ items, whether it be the dinner tempeh platter (with the nom-licious corn bread) or the soy curl wrap/sandwich served for lunch - you will not be disappointed. My favorite by far, though, is the live pizza with pesto as the sauce and big ass marinated portabellas on top of this delicious thick cracker thing made out of nuts. You do not need to be a vegan to enjoy your meal. In fact, don't be - it'll go the extra mile to blow your sound pork loving mind!
(5)Gigi L.
Very good vegan food! Love this place, interesting menu since I don't see much Vegan restaurant in LA. They have a wide variety and servers are friendly. Drinks on the menu are interesting too. (I had the Kale and Ginger drink and it was very good!) The only down side is the restaurant is very small so either be there early or be patience waiting in line.
(4)K B.
This is a 4.5 star lunch review. This place is really cool. If I lived in this area this would be my go-to lunch spot. I started with the Greens Protein Plus smoothie with coconut milk, and it was outstanding. I could drink that every day. And I ordered the southwest bowl to eat. It was awesome - my first time trying steamed kale. The bowl was a simple yet delicious mix of flavors.
(4)Chinmay G.
good food right next to loyld shopping mall. a must go if u are a vegetarian !
(4)Dana H.
The food is great and I'd like to eat it more often. The service has usually been pretty good and the wait isn't bad. I only gave 3 stars for the fact that I have tried to call in an order twice now and ended up on hold for 10+ minutes and upon hanging up and trying to call back, they don't answer. When I arrived and placed a to-go order at the desk, anticipating a wait, they told me to call it in next time... mmm hmm...
(3)Julie T.
i've been a big fan of the smoothies and juices here for a while. my new favorite is the happy hour tacos. these are quite possibly the most yummiest tacos i've ever eaten. the thai one was my favorite. triple yum! get some!
(5)Geanna M.
I go here for the raw food mostly, although their cooked entrees are good, too. The other day I was in the mood for a hot drink and dessert, and I was able to get both during the lunch hour. The waitstaff is super friendly and the food is delicious. My only complaint is the price.
(3)Darla S.
Raw goodness. Great food and charming atmosphere.
(5)Darren L.
I used to get their bowls over at the place that was in a Yoga studio. Now the one in the Irvington area is way overpriced. I asked the server how much you get for $15 for a lasagne. She said, "Oh it's a huge portion and plenty to fill you up." It wasn't. One little 4" square of lasagne, no bread, no soup, no salad. $15. Ridiculous. I don't see how places can get away with this in an economy where so many people are hurting. Even a little half cup of soup or a piece of bread or something would be OK since the food tasted fine. But it is just way overpriced.
(2)Shannon M.
Yum! Cocount Chai is a must have. Food is consistently excellent.
(4)Ann m.
I'm not a raw food fan, so I was a bit hesitant about dining here but ended up really satisfied and longing to return for the Live Falafel Wrap. Also really liked the taste of the Roasted Beet Salad I had. No reservations so come a bit early to get your name in!
(4)Jeremy H.
Excellent new location! Very nice atmosphere. We went here when it was at the old place and they were out of half the menu and we didn't eat anything memorable. Years later took the wife to the fixed Valentines dinner and everything was great. The soup we had was epic, even tho I don't remember what flavor it was. It was pricey but good. Not mind blowing, but very delicious. We'll be returning.
(4)Julia R.
Eating here makes me happy. Delicious cocktails. I love the White October. Also, the food is crazy good. Love the grubbin' vegan sustainability. xoxo
(5)Stephanie P.
Beautifully presented and tasty food. Attention to detail with everything on the plate. Nice portion size. We had the bbq plate and the Thai salad; both amazing. cookie for dessert was good too.
(4)Art V. B.
Food is quite good. I particularly enjoyed the lentil soup of the day. They took a while to serve the food but everything was tasty and good.
(4)Rosemary R.
YUM! The food here is delicious. I'm addicted to it and it's good for me, weird. I love the lavender lemonade and the live pizza.
(5)Kim B.
My fave Portland restaurant for brunch, lunch or dinner. Prices are SOOOO reasonable for the quality of the ingredients. The portions are plentiful and I always leave feeling pleasantly full, and not like I need to either barf or take a nap. Servers are good, atmosphere is good. I wish BL closer to where I lived. On my block. Or at least in my neighborhood. Or city. Or state. Luckily I visit PDX enough to get my fix.
(5)Jen J.
I really like this new location! I've been going for over a year and have not been disappointed. I took a friend on a Sunday and did not realize it was brunch. My daughter got the tofu Florentine scramble and I thought she wouldn't be able to finish it so I just got a side. She would not let me have any because it was so good! Even ate her side of braised kale. Now I have to go back for some.
(5)Jeanette D.
Lovely and Delicious vegetarian good with a touch of class. The live nachos were particularly delicious. I also had a salad and we ordered a great bottle of wine. We shared a piece of cake for the whole table and it was huge. I wasn't sure about it before ordering as the combination sounded odd--turkish coffee and cardamom--but it was absolutely delicious. I do wish there were more soy free options, hence 4 stars instead of 5. .
(4)Steven K.
The food here is amazing. I had a friend tell me she was vegan and needed some options and this was the first thought. She loved it! The smoothies are amazing and my favorite has to be the Thai wrap.
(5)Chloe B.
Some of the best ever.Very creative menu . the chocolate,peanutbutterglutenfree cupcakes were soooooo good
(5)ruthie m.
Very creative healthy food with amazing spices. I always appreciate chefs who can create dishes with unique combinations that actually work. It's very popular so if you go during a common dining out time you will have to wait. It's definitely worth it though.
(5)Malea X.
hmmm...i really wanted to like this place. first of all, with a name like blossoming lotus i thought it was asian food. ummm.....nope. it has an upscale ambience and upscale prices, but not upscale food. i had the bbq tempeh platter which comes with a side salad, black bean chili & cornbread. the salad was the best part of the meal, sadly. it was a great salad, and i thought a sign of what was to come. the tempeh was ok, not nearly enough sauce. the cornbread was the driest i've ever had, and the chili was ok. hubby had the lasagna. i would have liked the kale cooked - even just a little - but the sauce was definitely fresh. i could tell it was made from fresh tomatoes that day. i wanted to love this place...i really did.
(2)Bobbi B.
The lasagna at Blossoming Lotus is so good and filling that I've had the leftovers for breakfast. More than once. And I'm not ashamed. The soft serve ice cream is excellent, the trail mix cookie is divine. I went with a friend who eats meat and he had the raw falafel, which made me a little nervous, as it's a kind of dish that might be so unusual for a meat eater than they would back off from trying more vegan food. No need to worry, he was so thrilled with his food that he invited me to go back there a few weeks later. And yes, I had the lasagna again.
(5)Melissa S.
Great place to have lunch. Live Nachos were extremely good, as well as the white bean dip. I also tried the Southwestern Bowl, which was pretty good. I'm not really into cheesecake but I did try the Vanilla Chocolate Fudge and the Lemon w/ coconut on top. Could be the best vegan desserts I have ever had. They were flavorful and creamy, very impressive.
(5)Lynn S.
I don't get to eat at Blossoming Lotus as much as I used to, but it is one of my fave restaurants. Everything I have tried is delicious. I recently went there to treat a friend for her birthday. I got the live sampler platter, which had a sampler of all live things from there menu. Another favorite of mine is the live nachos and their smoothies and shakes. I also get a goodie to go like one of their delicious cookies or brownies. Service is always good.
(5)Kabra M.
ive already said it once but I LOVE PDX!!!! so many vegan options! im not exactly vegan but I am gluten/dairy free and this place was soooooo up my alley! its super chic inside! love the polished cafe style! and the staff was hip as can be with super smiles! it could have a bit of a pretentious vibe im sure but i didnt feel it ;) i got the thai salad with bbq soy curls (meat sub) and it had soooo much flavor! perfect portion too! im practically a rabbit and love my lettuce so this hit the spot! my friend got the pesto live pizza w/ portobello mushroom and being allergic to gluten i ouldnt have been more stoked. we were supposed to split our dishes but we each loved our own too much! we did offer bites though ;) that pizza was NOMNONMNOMNOM
(4)Sandie H.
This place will make you forget about meat. It's so tasty and good for you! We always get the quesadilla, nachos and lasagna. But the lasagna is only available for dinner. It's amazing the kinds of food they create using non-meat ingredients. Oh and I LOVE the fried tempeh!
(5)Tara N.
YUM!! This food is so good and after you eat you also feel good too! Not heavy or greasy at all. Plates are beautiful in color and presentation. They also have a great drink menu and everyone working there is so friendly!
(5)Kristen S.
I love just about everything on the menu. Their bowls and "taco salad" are fantastic. The sauces, and nut-meats make their dishes delicious!
(4)sursara s.
Super amazing raw fruit/veggie juices and yummy raw food. Very bohemian vibe going on...try the live nachos, they're legit!
(5)Jim M.
I've eaten dinner here twice, and both times was really impressed with the quality of the food. The menu is great, the drinks are good - it was delicious. However, the service during our second visit was horrible, some of the worst I've experienced. The server paid barely any attention to us, was painfully slow, and while we were waiting for our check, went outside, smoked a cigarette, then returned and put our food in to go containers without washing his hands first. Both he and the guy who sauntered out of the kitchen with our juices appeared pretty lit, maybe even lobotomized. It's too bad because like I said, the food is fantastic, and the space is really nice too. The waitstaff (at least the guys) just really creeped us out.
(2)McKenzie G.
If I was in a more eloquent head space, I would write you a love letter. I don't even know what to compliment first. To avoid being ridiculously long-winded I will just say that the food is incredible here. Inventive, delicious, vegan. Damn. Oh, and I really like the new location. The only place in town to serve Bloom hard cider! YUM.
(5)Maeve C.
I have been going to BloLo NW for ages now, and it's pretty exciting to have a new one on this side of the river. I've only been for lunch, and the menu is pretty similar, but the service was much better, and there were soy curls! They are in a Thai BBQ wrap that was honestly too gingery for me, but still tasty. All the classics I know and love were there--tempeh sandwich, live pasta (seriously, try it, even if you are a raw food skeptic), SOFT SERVE. When I went it was vanilla day, which is always a sad day for me, Portland and vegankind (unless you like plain vanilla ice cream, weirdo), but it was still ok. I'm going to start calling them every day and asking if it's peanut butter day yet.
(4)Rachel H.
we visited BL for brunch, after the pearl location closed. the staff are all very nice and accommodating, but they appear to still be working out the kinks a bit. we arrived at about 1:45, and were told that there was a 15-20 minute waiting list. i was assured we would still be able to get brunch despite the fact that it only goes through 2pm, so we sat in the waiting area, hungrily looking over the menu. after about 15 minutes we realized that nearly half the restaurant was empty - a lot of the 4 person tables were 2-person tables pushed together but only had 1-2 people seated there. they would have been able to seat most of the 10 or so people who were waiting if they had separated the tables. a 2-person table sat open for 10 minutes before we were seated there. then, when our server (promptly) came to take our order, we were informed that they were out of home fries and french toast, the two things on the menu we'd wanted to get. i wish they had told us that when we'd sat down to wait over 20 minutes before that, especially given the somewhat limited menu selections for brunch, but by then we were too hungry to go elsewhere. i will say that they look a little understaffed, and since they have just started doing brunch, there are probably some logistics that are still being worked out. in the future i think they would be well served to separate tables to accommodate more parties, and let people who are waiting know what they may not be serving that day. our pancakes were just OK, and the salad was a bit overdressed, something the other location was guilty of doing as well, but the fudge was great as always. we will revisit, and i hope they are able to get the brunch working well. they are the only raw food in town and hope that it's up to the standard set at the pearl location. the folks are so nice i am sure they will work everything out with a little more experience.
(3)Lisa H.
Good tasting food. I felt very satisfied after eating here. Had the special. It was some kind of pizza. The lemon drop cake made me feel good all over.
(5)David R.
I don't give five starts lightly. I am not a vegetarian. I am not a vegan. Nor am I a raw food afficionado. But hands down--this is one of the best restaurants I have EVER been to. The food is absolutely sensational. There is real artistry at work in the kitchen, as far as the selection of ingredients, their arrangement on the plate, but most importantly, the tastes and textures. Do yourself a favor, and check this place out.
(5)Julia G.
I have every food allergy you can think of, and just had the best dinner + dessert I can remember in ages. The live sorrel pesto and portobello pizza was not only amazing, but I can't remember the last time I was this full! Definitely recommend the cheesecakes for dessert.
(5)Steven W.
I am not a vegan. In fact, I pretty much hate the idea of marketing any eating establishment purely on the grounds of being vegan. It's a dietary restriction, not a cuisine. Also I am instantly wary of any restaurant that has "Bowls" as a significant category on their dinner menu. In other words, I came in wanting to be disgusted. But all rants aside, this place has delicious food, fair prices, a lovely ambiance and quality service. Four stars, even if the pretentious overuse of the word "live" did make me throw up in my mouth a little.
(4)terry r.
OK, well, count me out on this one. While I'm not a Vegan or a Vegetarian, I like food, good food. For one thing, it took nearly an35 minutes to get our first dish--an appetizer, "live pate" which basically was raw falalfel mix with cut up carrots, cucumbers, 4 little crackers...another 20 minutes to get the 2nd dish which was basically a salald composed of lettuce, some cashews and roasted beets, and another 20 minutes to get our stir fry. I didn't find any of these dishes particularly good, and it certainly shouldn't have taken this long to be served. I would try Portobello if I were you, a terrific Vegan restaurant that I've heard is moving into new digs on Division. Truly tasty vegetarian food, good service, etc.
(2)Amanda A.
Friggin awesome, from the agave sweetened margarita to the cashew sour cream, everything was simply fabulous!
(5)Frank F.
It's great there is a Vegan restaurant close to our house. Yay. The portions vary from ample to too small. Watch out. Delicious no doubt whatever you order and tremendously creative with a decent wine selection.
(3)Breanna L.
Went here for the first time last night and the food was exceptional. We ordered the artichoke fritters, an Ethiopian special, the BBQ tempeh plate, a few cocktails from their menu (which were probably the best mixed drinks I've EVER had!) and ended with their peanut butter soft serve. It was all perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The soft serve I am still drooling over, by far the best vegan soft serve I've had to date. Our waitress and bartendender were super friendly and the atmosphere of the restaurant was very pleasant. The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is the host/greeter lady. We were coming in as a group of 4, but 2 hadn't shown up yet and were only coming to meet us for drinks and also wouldn't be there for ~30min. The host wanted us to sit in the waiting area and wait for them, even when we explained to her we wanted to eat, they were just meeting us after our meal. After further explaining (almost got to pleading) she finally said, "well I guess it would be okay to seat you." The restaurant was only about half full, so I don't really see her hesitation to let us eat without the rest of our party, but maybe there is something I was missing. We thought that it was very strange and had a weird feeling when we sat down, but after meeting our waitress we were more put at ease, everything else about the dining experience was excellent.
(4)Hollie K.
We stopped in for lunch yesterday. My husband had the Smoked Maple Tempeh sandwich and after taking a couple bites announced, "this is the best sandwich I've ever had". I sampled it, and agreed it was delicious. I had the Live Nachos, a side salad and a piece of the fudge. I enjoyed them all.
(5)Dana S.
Went for happy hour. It was fantastic. We got all of the tacos and they were each super tasty in their very own way. My husband loves his meat and is skeptic of vegan but he loved it! The atmosphere was nice, small and clean.
(5)Josh S.
Had the live Borsch soup, which was kind of like a blended beet smoothie, very good. The best though, was the live pizza with marinated veggies and live sauce on walnut crust. They make live food much better than the cooked variants, and it feels good to eat it.
(5)Jon P.
My wife and I dropped in for Sunday Brunch and were blown away by the quality of the food and service. The table service was a big improvement from the usual line service available during this week. The potatoes are phenomonal!
(5)Evan Z.
If you are going to charge restaurant prices, give us restaurant service. $6 juice and $11 quesadilla and you have to order from the register. The place is loud with no acoustic treament and the tables and chairs are about as cheap as you can get. The napkins are puny bleached white paper. They served our salad without dressing. Such a shame because I love vegan food and the food is good, but a restaurant is an experience and this experience sucked.
(2)Heather A.
I love this place. It's like a vegan Claim Jumper! The portions are big and the food is very flavorful, but it's much, much healthier and tastier. My husband, who eats meat, couldn't believe he was eating vegan food. We'll definitely go back.
(5)Li M.
My boyfriend decided to take me to dinner here for my birthday, and I have to say, I was very satisfied! It's a small, cozy little restaurant, with a quiet atmosphere. The food was excellent, and quite flavorful. They obviously have a really talented chef on staff :) The only reason I'm giving them a less than perfect rating would be the service. Unfortunately, it seemed as if they only had one server on staff that evening, and so we did feel a bit neglected when it came to receiving our drinks, as well as the check. (Not that that's in any way his fault- he seemed to be trying the best he could to accommodate everyone).
(4)Lisa K.
I love the Blossoming Lotus! I'm not vegan anymore, but I still love their food, stands up in any format, meat eating or otherwise. And I always feel better after I eat here, which isn't always the case when I eat out. Also, vegan soft serve! Yum!
(5)Genevieve B.
I have been eating mostly vegetarian for a while, but since I have never made it "official" I never tried any of the vegan/vegetarian places here in town. I met a friend for lunch at Blossoming Lotus who is a self-described "Carnivore." I ordered the Soup Du Jour (Butternut squash coconut) and the white bean pesto dip. It came with a spelt-based cornbread which was really tasty! I had a lavender lemonade that had a really nice flavor. Not the usual overly-sugary sugar headache lemonade. He got this southwestern bowl with soy curls on top that was so good I am determined to get the same ingredients from the store and try to replicate it at home! The staff was very friendly and helpful, and the place had a nice atmosphere. I will definitely try to make it back there again! In fact, it's places like that that make becoming a vegetarian seem much more do-able!
(4)yin y.
please read this. don't be fooled by the hype. this place was terrible. strong word to use, yes. to be exact, the food was so-so (left much to be desired), but the service was HOSTILE... it was my partners bday and we were on our last vacation night in portland. we had eaten at MANY restaurants all over portland on the near week-long trip and i was saving the best for last (or so i thought). we arrived upon their last hour, and the only other table of two left shortly after we sat down (in their least comfy of spots which is funny, because as someone who has worked in the service industry for many years i know it's always ideal to sit people in the best available table when you're super slow and not expecting a rush). anyway, it was slow and i thought that the server wouldn't mind lending her expertise to help us choose their best dishes. she started to act a little annoyed and i thought to myself: maybe she's just tired. and i tried not to let it affect me. it got really uncomfortable when i told her we wanted something full of flavor and spice, she recommended the "south western chilli" and i said, with a friendly smile "i think we'll try something else, we're traveling here from arizona and we eat tons of south western back home." SHE ROLLED HER EYES AT ME. okay. that's a completely inappropriate way for a server to act even if he or she thinks that's terrible humor or you had it in his or her mind i'm being a bit rude (which i really wasn't, i'm super friendly with servers-i love the dining experience and like to make friends, not enemies). i saw her annoyance and felt really bad. we quickly placed our order as to not cause her anymore strife and i kept asking my partner what it was that i said or did and asked if i sounded rude. she kept assuring me that i was in the clear and that the server probably just had a bad day or was judging us because we came in looking a little frumpy... we had just come back from a quick camping adventure. so- long story short - as we were eating our appetizer (a very decent gazpacho soup, the tastiest thing we had there that night)the cook/owner came out and had this angry expression on his face. he asked us how things were but not in a tone like he cared more like in an aggressive and combative. seeing that he was upset over something i felt sooo nervous and my adrenaline started rushing while all these thoughts started going through my head. i was trying to think fast as to what was making him so upset and as i was talking to him i just kept stuttering and stumbling submissively on my words. he seemed to twist whatever it was that came out of my mouth as an insult and it just got more and more awkward. the guy was TOTALLY PICKING AN ARGUMENT WITH ME and i didn't even know what it was about!! my partner just sat there in confusion as to what was happening. i finally just wrapped it up by saying how great the soup was followed by a smile and silence. it was so uncomfortable. after that we lost our appetite. we just sat their in confusion wondering what the heck we did to these people. we pretty much concluded that the server must have told him something. but we don't know what. i figured maybe she thought i said something i didn't, or maybe she mistook me for someone else... i'll never know. but what i do know is that we did not deserve to be treated the way we were. it was the ugliest dining experience of my life...and it HAD to be on a special day!! what a way to ruin the night. my partner wanted to leave without paying right after the soup, but i was adamant about showing this girl she had it all wrong and that we were friends not foes. we picked on our food. and left leaving a FAT tip. i now regret leaving that tip after talking to people about this experience. i think i was just trying to display compassion and understanding, but what i really did was let myself get walked all over and i rewarded very bad behaviour. don't make the same mistake - don't reward nastiness. there are a lot of really great restaurants in portland. blossoming lotus is not one of them.
(1)Abby B.
Don't know why, but this seems to be an underappreciated gem among PDX vegans. My companion and I enjoyed our best dinner in Portland here. We each tried as many things as our stomachs would allow and were impressed and satiated by all. Additionally, every dish that was delivered to the surrounding tables looked just as decadent. Highly recommend for a special evening of delicious food at affordable prices and large portions. Definitely try their chai: it will spoil you for all others!
(5)Evan P.
Great food and service. We had the soup, special chantrelle and root vegetable pot pie, and white bean dip. I will definitely be back.
(5)Yum Y.
So nasty it almost made me want to eat meat again. Actually, I used to love this restaurant. I think it was a selling point to moving to Portland, when it was back in the Pearl District. Recently, I have been there a few times at their new site, which does have a lovely ambience. However the waiters are often slow to notice you, and every time I order a dish it's just been gross and expensive. The last two times, I have actually gotten very sick after eating the food here. I live a few blocks away and really want to like it..... but one of you blossoming lotus lovers please tell me what to order, that tastes like real food and doesn't make you wonder if you have food poisoning. Maybe I have just been ordering the wrong things? Only the salads look like they are pretty good - I would stick to very basic foods like salad and simple sides, that are hard to mess up.
(2)Jen W.
We went for brunch. Loaded Home Fries! Smoked maple tempeh bits, cashew and avocado sour cream and scallions, served on a bed of kale! The cashew and avocado cream was out of this world! If you like cinnamon you will love the warm applesauce (can be ordered as a side). I found the Chai too sweet for my tastebuds.
(4)beatrix p.
My boyfriend and i had one of those conversations last night " so, if u could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life, what would it be?" We chose u Blossoming Lotus! Why? well, first off, money wasn't an issue because we would be on an island that probably looked a little bit like Lost. Secondly, it's ALL ORGANIC !(which costs a little bit more but come on guys, organic costs more, duh) They have such a wide selection of taste sensations depending on what time of day you go. Weekend brunches, weekday lunch and dinner.. All different menus with delectable live and cooked vegan foods. I'm in love with everything pretty much on the menu.. Their quinoa/beans n greens bowls, the bbq tempeh platter, the arugula bleu cheese salad, the trail mix cookies that they bake themselves, the coconut chai, the live nachos made with live sour cream that comes from quinoa sprouts?! And they almost always have some totally amazing special happening. Just take my word for it. If u are vegan or vegetarian and like to eat organic and delicious.. This is the place. The other option? Grocery shopping and prepping all day which inevitably costs the same.. Thank you Blossoming Lotus! We heart heart thump thump you!
(5)sharon s.
Love the service and love the food. After recently minimalizing wheat and sugar in my diet, it's become a new challenge to find places to eat. I am so glad I was told about this one.
(5)Brian S.
Went in for lunch on a Tuesday and the atmo was very quiet, but combo'd with the cool old building's windows and fixtures it was very, you know, Portland. Between 3 of us, ordered the "green goddess", arugula salad w/ candied hazelnuts, and the falafel wrap. The three dishes were tasty and definitely comprised of quality ingredients that were well-prepared -- though perhaps lacking a bit in the seasoning. Service was timely, but it certainly seemed like they need to smooth things out around the edges... I'll have to try back at a different time perhaps.
(4)Deb A.
Blossoming Lotus far exceeded my expectations! This is vegan food gone gourmet. Great wines, too! My only regret is that I don't live on the east side of town.
(5)Rae C.
This location is way above the one in The Pearl. Food was delicious and the atmosphere was great. It was exactly what my husband and I have been looking for. The service was awesome too. My husband has a slight nut allergy and, hello we are in a raw food place, yet they were very careful and made sure they were informed on what kind of nut is in each meal. If you have a serious nut allergy this is not the place for you. The Lasagna was out of the sky! The cheesecake was a sweet dream come true. The only down side was the bathroom is located outside of the restaurant, next door and down a hallway, and the price is a bit steep. But if you are celebrating or put no price on excellent raw food check it out.
(5)Leslie E.
We walked in right as they were closing and luckily they were kind enough to still serve us...great start! I ordered the maple smoked tempeh sandwich...omg, super yum...even more points! The place was quaint and clean. The menu selection was so appetizing I wish I lived in Portland so I could go back and try everything on the menu!
(5)Justyn B.
Great food. Stoner service. = It seems like the people working the register have never worked in a restaurant because they are definitely not in a hurry. I have been there two times, and both times we have had to remind them about the tea we ordered. They do seem a bit under-staffed, but they aren't screaming around the dining room either. And, of course, they don't really have table service so I'm not sure that's an excuse. However, the food is great. It is a bit over priced to be sure, but I'm guessing that is due to the great ingredients and the real estate. Anyway, great place, but I'm hoping they are reading these reviews on their poor service.
(3)Anneliese D.
I'm the kind of vegetarian who craves big messy hot sandwiches, a pile of drunken noodles, or mashed potatoes. And while I love fresh vegetables, they are not what I seek. Last night I ate the live falafel wrap at the Blossoming Lotus and it was SO delicious. It tasted just like falafel, but was light, fresh, and filling!
(5)Chase M.
My favorite vegan eatery of Portland. Why? The price is more reasonable than other fine-ish dining vegan snobberies, ahem, I mean eateries; the deserts are KILLER; and the specials rock my world every time. Trust the specials. A delicious meal for the health minded and consistently better service than many restaurants I've frequented in PDX
(5)Faye F.
This place is great! The restaurant size is a little small so expect a line/waitlist, but I think it's definitely worth it. I've been to other veg/vegan places before but only one other raw food place. I was a little shocked at how amazing the food tasted and kept me full! I tried their Moroccan collard roll and it was really delicious. The dish had three semi-large rolls "filled with moroccan carrot salad, sunflower-sesame pate, beet, spiced peanuts, cabbage, and lemon." The mix of all the ingredients and the juices from the beets made this a really refreshing dish! I also tried the grilled tofu satays with peanut sauce and that was really delicious! The tofu was perfectly grilled (not too burnt/hard) and it went really well with the peanut sauce. I definitely need to return during happy hour since it seems they serve even more different dishes (according to Yelp! photos, which made ordering dinner items difficult). Their service was great and they were really attentive to us (water glasses filled, plates cleared etc).
(4)Warren J.
Some of the best food I've ever had! Wonderful place! Great food in a very elegant spot. You can't go wrong except for one thing. I don't know if they are understaffed or what but it takes forever to eat here. It's extremely frustrating to be waiting at the front for 20 minutes while you can see many empty tables. Some of them need to be cleaned off but that should only take a minute to do. Get people seated and give them menus so that folks can at least decide on what they want to eat. Seriously, it shouldn't take 2.5 hours to eat in a restaurant. Other than that the food is amazing. I changed my rating from 5 stars to 2 because of how long it takes to get in and out of this place. If it wasn't for that I would definitely give it 5 stars.
(2)Shane S.
Vegan, Super healthy, and tasty food. Affordable. Pushing the envelope. 5 stars...yes!! My favorite overall restaurant in Portland. Portobello takes the prize for upscale fine dining special occasion restaurant. In Portland catch two birds w/ one hand and go to both of them (set the bird free after). Hail seitan and don't eat chicken.
(5)MJ M.
BBQ bowl = so Dope!! Best dinner out during our trip and that's saying something in this city! Soy curls are a huge home run. Pierogies apply was delicious, cashew sour cream is unreal. Veggie pot pie was awesome, depth of flavour of the gravy impeccable! Huge recommendation!
(5)Sandy L.
So I'm not a vegan but I eat a fair amount of vegetarian and vegan meals. I've been to a number of vegan restaurants lately and this is one of my favorites. On a Roadtrip you don't normally expect to eat good vegan food, but thanks to yelp we discovered this spot just a couple miles off the highway. And we are so glad we did! Parking was easy street parking, and we arrived during late lunch service so they had already started happy hour! Super bonus. Because the weather was especially cold for this Los Angaleno, I started with a chai that was so great - notes of cardamon that really stood out. We got the mac n cheese which was pretty good - a lot of food so great to share, and we got the trio of tacos -the thai were my favorite, but the best was the eggnog cheesecake. Heaven is what they should rename it. Everything was good, easy to share, The service was great, the atmosphere was relaxing and comfortable. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Rachel H.
AMAZING vegan food! I honestly couldn't believe it, I got a tofu scramble and it was so good! :) YUM!
(5)Mary R.
Enjoyed a plentiful yellow curry vegetable bowl with rice. Very wholesome and filling. Nice setting, good service, and lots of delicious vegetatarian options.
(3)Davey H.
Decent food. Portions were large. We ordered the nachos and unfortunately they were out of chips so we got the nachos with crackers instead. Didn't taste exactly right to me, but still decent. I got a southern-type dish with BBQ soy curls, vegan mac and cheese, and some other sides and my partner got the Cuban bowl. Both were just okay, but quite filling. Service was slightly slow.
(3)Haroun K.
The key may be to have normal-sized expectations. After reading a rave review of their mac and cheese , I was excited enough to go the NE for happy hour. The mac and cheese came out not 2 minutes after ordering, and I don't mind if it's not exactly made to order, if it tastes good. But it looks and tastes very similar to what you'd expect from the iconic blue box. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I'd never order Kraft mac from a restaurant. The live nachos aren't really nachos, so if you order them not expecting nachos, it is a little less disheartening. It is tasty enough, but I think the toppings to "chips" (not really chips) ratio is a little off. Service was a bit absentee, but the place was sort of busy. If this is as good as vegan/raw food gets in PDX, then I'll be back, but with tempered hopes.
(3)Kelly A.
My non-vegan boyfriend said that the Bibimbap was one of the best meals he had during our vacation to Portland! I got the outrageously delicious and fresh Raw Golden Beet Ravioli. I highly recommend both and I'll have dreams about the vegan brie...WOW! You can definitely take your non-vegetarian and non-vegan friends here for great food, a positive atmosphere, and wonderful service.
(5)Mara C.
The only reason I am giving this place 3 stars is because I had a bad reaction to their food. We ordered raw nachos which were very delicious and very filling! My husband had a noodle bowl which was quite good too. I had ratatouille which wasn't bad either, but I was rather surprised with the amount of polenta in the dish. Way too much polenta, not enough vegetables. Still, the taste was quite balanced! Then we split a peace of chocolate cake that had a truly amazing flavour! So we left rather satisfied! Only about 2 hrs later I started having weird sensations, like I really overdosed on caffeine. I don't know if it was the chocolate cake, or the appetizer or ratatouille. I didn't overeat and I only ate several bites of the cake. Perhaps it was all together. My stomach was upset, my heart was in my throat. I only had such reaction to too much caffeine and I have no allergies...............
(3)Jason W.
I live in the Gorge were there are no vegan restaurants. when in Portland, it is a regular stop. love it.
(5)Kelly B.
The Happy hour is 3-5pm Monday-Saturday and features discounted food/drinks. I got the Thai bbq wrap which was huge for $6 bucks and was super yummy. I also a few other things off the happy hour menu with my date , everything was above average. There was only on beer on draft which is a bummer but they do have small bottle selection. I've also had dinner here and Sunday brunch . Some dishes are better than others but overall great food . The atmosphere is casual but nice. Staff is friendly. Great spot for some yummy healthy food !
(3)Perri C.
I am so glad they are here. Vegan restaurants need to be plentiful and this one is always busy. On a recent Monday night we had to wait for a table. Sadly, it's my third visit and I won't be back. It's expensive. The food is only ok. The service is really good. The house wine was not good. The ambiance is good. It's just not a good value. I want something special at a restaurant that I won't make at home. One of my party could not eat her meal. We all tried it and it was horrible. It was a PASTA dish. The meat balls were very bad. We were all really surprised.
(2)Beth K.
Yum. Just yum. This is a high end place for vegan fare but it won't cost a crazy fortune like a high end meaty place. It's so wonderful that it can simultaneously be a lovely place for a nice date (all dolled up) or a place for a casual lunch (think shorts and sandals) or with or without kids. I have never been disappointed.
(5)Angela P.
During my second visit to Portland, the restaurant at the top of my list to visit was Blossoming Lotus. During my last visit to this restaurant three years ago, I was incredibly impressed with their raw organic options and was hoping to find the same on this trip. Blossoming Lotus is known as being the best vegan restaurant in Portland with an array of cooked and raw options. Because they don't take reservations for parties smaller than 5, we arrived at 5:30 p.m. on a Sunday hoping to beat the dinner rush. That plan didn't work. When we arrived, the restaurant was packed and there was a considerable wait. When you walk in you just write your name on a list and at some point, they call you to your table. There isn't anyone there to give you an idea of how long the wait is or anything, so you just wait. After about 20 minutes, I finally asked how long the wait would be and was told 20 minutes. Twenty minutes later, we were still waiting. Finally, after an hour, we were seated. That was slightly frustrating. The restaurant is very small with plain tan walls decorated with local artists' paintings, priced to sell. The dining room was adorned with a funky ceramic chandelier. I started by ordering Levitation's True Mystery. As mysterious as the name sounded, the drink was quite spectacular. Made with Mezcal, Herradura Silver, Green Chartreuse, pineapply gomme syrup, lime juice, and Absinthe rinse, it was enough liquor to last the entire meal. For appetizers, we ordered the Pesto & White Bean Dip as one of my friend is a huge fan of pesto. It was fantastic. We spread it on the toasted artisan bread and devoured it quicker than we could think about it. For my entree, I didn't find any of the raw dishes to be that exciting so I went with a cooked dish and I'm so glad I did. The Caribbean Phyllo Roulade was by far the best dish I had all week in Portland. We are talking sweet potato mash and jerk-spiced veggies wrapped in phyllo dough and served with carrot habanero sauce. As soon as I took a bite, I tasted the broccoli, then the sweet potatoes followed by the habanero sauce. The sauce wasn't quite as spicy as I would have liked so they brought out their housemade hot sauce, which was amazing. I inquired as to which brand it was only to find out it was made in house. I wanted to buy a bottle! On the side was a nice mixed greens salad dressed with pickled onion and hazelnut vinaigrette. One of my friends tried an entree from the daily specials list -- Sausage with Potatoes and Kraut. Wow - this housemade sausage was meaty as could be and when paired with their housemade grain mustard, was as good as a vegan sausage dish can get. Despite our attempts at joking about his large sausage, he really enjoyed his meal. Another one of my friends ordered the Lasagna from the specials meal. This was a large piece of multi-layered lasagna made with seitan bolognese, cashew basil cream, heirloom tomato, sorrel pesto, mushrooms, and olives. He raved about this dish all week. I thought it was pretty good as well. Lastly, another one of my friends ordered the Chana Masala. This wasn't your typical Chana Masala -- this was a gourmet take on that dish. Topped with seared cauliflower and steamed greens, the chickpeas really shined as they were coated in a spicy tomato ginger masala sauce with ginger crema and cilantro mint chutney. Impressive. For dessert, I ordered the lemon cheesecake along with a tawny port. The cheesecake was as smooth as could be with a great nut-based crust. By the end of dinner, I was amazed that not only was every dish we tried very good, it was knock-your-socks-off good. We were all impressed with the level of complexity in each dish and the amazing mix of flavors. The entrees were priced at $14-$16, which was pretty cheap compared to other meals I've had of the same caliber. But, we were in Portland - the land of cheap eats. All in all, the service was good, the prices were great, and the food was fantastic. It is definitely worth the wait though it would be much better if they just took reservations. Highly recommended.
(5)Vee E.
I am not vegan, but I like to eat vegan food from time time. It is interesting how they make meatless food tasted like real meat. I went to blossoming lotus for lunch and ordered their vegan bibimbap. It was realyyyy good... I don't know what they made those tofu curl from. Sure it tasted like real Bulgogi. Everything was good, can't wait to go back there and try something else.
(4)Momi B.
My husband and I went here for lunch. We're both vegan and he is vegan & gluten free. We were very satisfied with their selection and their food was good. I ordered the Lotus Benedict. It came with potatoes, steamed kale, and 2 large biscuits doused with heavenly goodness. My dish was HUGE and it was delicious with a great balance of flavors. My husband ordered the Root Mash. It wasn't exactly what we thought it was going to be. When I think of roots; especially in a restaurant called Blossoming Lotus, I was expecting more...roots. Like actual roots. Instead it's carrots and potatoes. However, it was our fault for not reading the description in detail. The flavor was good; not great, but good. I think we were more disappointed that the dish didn't have actual lotus root in it. We also ordered the Cinnamon Roll and O.M.G. I can't. It was...AAAAAHHHHMAZING! I don't know what they do with the pecans but holy geez...HEAVEN! The atmosphere left much to be desired. It has a cute decor, but the seating is very intrusive. We had two parties flanking us and they were so close I felt like we were all in the same party. One side of us had an obnoxious drunk woman sitting with two guys; one of the guys had major B.O. YUCK. The other side had a mega hipster speaking as though she was perma stoned and saying "fucking fuck" every 5 seconds. Needless to say, the ambiance didn't match the food or the decor. Maybe I'm being snooty, but I just prefer a more calm energy while eating. The cost: Lotus Benedict -entree Root Mash-entree Cinnamon Roll-appetizer Herbucha-drink Pre-packaged Brownie to go :) Total:$38 Not bad. Veggie Grill is cheaper but sometimes I need something different. P.S. Unless I'm missing something, there is no parking lot. We found street parking a block away. The walk was nice so we didn't mind.
(4)Emily L.
Delicious and fast with GREAT service! My boyfriend and I came on a Friday night, expecting it to be super packed and busy. Every table was full, but we only had to wait for about 10 minutes. We got an appetizer that came out pretty quickly, and both of us ordered a drink while we waited for dinner. My boyfriend got the special of the day (a creamy pasta with Brussels sprouts), and I got the crispy coconut tofu. The best thing is that our plates were FILLED with food! I've been to so many places like this that serve the tiniest entrees ever. An appetizer, two entrees, and two adult beverages cost us $47 plus tip. It was great.
(5)Danielle R.
Couldn't wait to try this place, and it was every bit as good as I hoped. I'll be back many times. The nachos were verrry yummy, though a bit heavier than I hoped, for raw food? Ratatouille was pure awesome, as was the hazelnut mocha cake. And our server was the sweetest ever. A great experience!
(5)Jenelle E.
Overall a great experience for brunch on a Sunday. I took two meat-eaters and one flexi-vegan here and everyone seemed pleased with their meals. I got the Benedict and it was super yummy, though it could have used a bit more sauce. But it was a unique and well-done vegan Benedict with good potatoes and steamed kale. A couple of negatives. The Bloody Mary: they seemed to be trying too hard with this one. But if you like a super spicy Mary, this is worth a shot. But the thing that forced me to give it 4 stars was the fact that I found a piece of the paper/wire tie used on the bunch of kale IN the steamed kale on my plate. Not impressive at all and in fact makes me question the cleanliness of the kale. Overall though, I will be back!
(4)Val G.
I think it's safe to say I would let Blossoming Lotus open up a new restaurant inside my mouth, that is, if they were seeking a new inner mouth venture. After finding no Homegrown Smoker on Everett on my Portlandia vegan vacation, my beau and I peddled up to Blossoming Lotus just in time for the Happy Hour that the nice lady at New Deal had recommended to us. If you go to Blossoming Lotus and you want high value for your money, go for happy hour! Coming from a province where liquor is regulated and it basically funds our universal healthcare, it is a complete, complete novelty for me to be able to get a $2 pint of beer. And not just a $2 pint of recycled swill, but lovely, local brew summer ale. In addition to our insanely cheap and good beer, we ordered a 3 taco sampler, an artichoke appetizer, and a green goddess bowl. By accident they brought us a double order of the taco sampler platter(6 tacos, yo), so it ended up being way more food than we expected but it a very good way. The tacos were excellent! Even the lettuce wrapped one, which I would usually feel very meh about. The dressing was heavenly. I completely swooned for these taco and I didn't even order them! The artichoke frites was not as greasy as it looks. I would have it again but i'd say it's not a must unless you love artichokes as I do. The green goddess bowl was probably the least interesting thing we ordered. It wasn't my favourite version of this dish ever, as there wasn't a great variety of textures but still very great tasting and obviously incredibly healthy. I think I can safely say I've never eaten more kale in one week than I did in that week in Portland. I would eat here again in a heartbeat. The staff were friendly and very cool about the taco mix-up. We were not charged for the double order, but being that they didn't take it away, which they totally could have and just left it for me to so enjoy, we left a healthy tip. It was not busy at all for 4:30pm Happy Hour on a Tuesday. Very excited to return to Portland and try BL's other offerings like brunch.
(5)Patrick M.
Organic, healthy food. A must try especially for their happy hour as you can try a lot of their top dishes for 2/3 the price. Very delicious soy curls, mac and cheese and greens. Friendly service as well, some of the better I've found in Portland. I wish they would re-fresh their indoor seating however as it can sometimes feel like you are more on a formal date than eating a casual thai wrap with your friend from school. Everything I've eaten there makes me want more- the pumpkin pie, tacos... this place knows what their doing.
(4)Krissi B.
The BRUNCH IS AMAZING. My husband ordered the Biscuits and gravy and I ordered the Benedict. The portions were healthy and the flavors were....incredible. As always the service was friendly and wonderful.
(5)Tashia F.
I enjoyed the food but thought the Cobb salad would have been easy to make at home. The thing about the salad that was not good was the red onions. It was a little overpowering. The tacos that my husband ordered were awesome :-) I could not have made those at home and we really enjoyed these. The service is the reason for 3 stars. Not terrible but not great.
(3)Brandie D.
Then most excellent service and food. I wish I lived in Portland so I could eat there all the time! Highly recommend! The veggie burger was excellent.
(5)Chiemi N.
Blossoming Lotus is a really wonderful place to get organic, vegan or raw cuisine! I've been here for happy hour on a Saturday. It was a really relaxing afternoon. There are a few select cocktails that you can get for $6. I shared the artichoke fritters and white bean dip with blue cornchips. I also got the housemade pecan chorizo in a lettuce wrap...I'm craving that live taco as I write! Last night, I met a group of friends for dinner. We had a lovely time while enjoying a delicious meal. I had the special of alfredo with wild mushrooms. I'm not sure how they made the creamy alfredo sauce, but the flavor was fresh and delicious. Everyone enjoyed their meals. The service was a little on the slow side, which was fine for us, we could savor the food as we received it and the lively conversation. But there was quite a line of people waiting for a table. I would highly recommend a reservation...our table was waiting for us when we arrived! Friendly staff and awesome food!!
(5)Maureen R.
This used to be a good restaurant. I started eating here about 8 years ago, the food had flavor and was well spiced and interesting. Tonight we went back after not eating here for a couple of years, Now i remember why we hadn't gone back.. We got three dishes tonight{ the something vegan/sushi rolls made with grated cauliflower, the garbanzo bean cerviche and the vegie burger--which has wheat so I can't speak to it. The makena (?)rolls were blah. They give you chopsticks to pick them up with, however the cauliflower is dry so it doesn't stick together so the rolls fall apart when using chop sticks, needed to use a fork, the soy sauce had a nice flavor--it was sweetened I think. They were a good idea with lthe presentation of all the food was lacking The garbanzo cerviche was drenched in vinegar and unedible. I ate the avo off the top and the flavorless tortilla strips. They should take this dish off the menu or get a new chef. My guy's veggie burger came on a huge bun with no dressings on the side or garnish to dress up the plate. It's too bad, I used to love their food and highly recommended it and it was a place I would take out of towners. Cannot recommend this place
(2)Jay S.
thanks for being so sincere and kind. Glad you may the offer to take the food back and didn't want to charge me for it. That means a lot. Sorry I couldn't eat food with onions and garlic.
(5)Irene L.
The nachos are amazing! Had the lotus benedict and breakfast burrito and live nachos. Would definitely come back and also had the coconut chia and it was amazing! Service and food are amazing here, definitely would come back!
(5)Danny K.
Visiting Portland and stopped here for lunch. great creative Vegan faire... had the tacos... recommend the fried avacado. Beer selection is eclectic.
(5)Anne K.
I don't rate service, ambiance, cleanliness and wait times; they are too variable. I can put up with anything if the food is good. It is all about the food- that's it. All of my ratings are based on vegan options only. Notes: Best vegan soups in town, and everything except their bowls are absolutely amazing.
(4)Brian N.
Omnivore's Review. I was satisfied and so will you, fellow omnivore. Carnivores may be a little bit less enthused b/c for all the textures this restaurant is able to recreate, it is still unable to give you anything similar to the toothy texture of meat. That being said, I was thoroughly impressed by the variety of food they offered here. Big range of textures not often encountered in vegan food, which is usually mushy curry... Saucy: Enchilada sauce yelp.com/biz_photos/kiAZ… Soft and squishy: Vegan tatziki and their raw falafel; NO NEED FOR FRYING. Tastes great. yelp.com/biz_photos/kiAZ… Chewy: BBQ Tempeh. The highlight here was the cornbread though, which rivaled any full animal fat cornbread from Southern spots. yelp.com/biz_photos/kiAZ… Crunchy: Dehydrated tortilla chips from their RAW nacho platter. I only wish they gave you more for what you paid. yelp.com/biz_photos/kiAZ… Mushroom Pizza left something to be desired and was way too expensive for just two pieces. yelp.com/biz_photos/kiAZ… As cool as four VEGAN cheese lasagna sounds (tofu, squash, sesame, and cashe), it was hard to distinguish all the four cheeses. It would have been cooler to have some kind of sampler. That would have been a more educational dining experience. yelp.com/biz_photos/kiAZ… I left with a full belly and felt healthy afterwards.
(4)Sophia B.
The food is vegan and delicious. It's creative and innovative. Not too difficult to get a seat on a weeknight, but I'd recommend a reservation for a special occasion.
(4)Yung N.
I went to Portland for a conference and accidentally stumbled upon this place while looking for vegan foods. Despite of having to wait ~20 minutes for a table for two during a weekend lunch, it was worth it!!! This was probably the BEST American foods that I had been served to ever. I really love the style and the environment of the restaurant. I don't remember what my dish was called, but I love the cooked kale underneath with their sauce to go with biscuits. My friend got a lotus Buddah dish or something something like that, and it was great as well. The portion was larger than what I could handle for a fairly average restaurant price, which is always a plus for sharing with friends. I was too full to try the desserts, but overall, I felt healthy and not so weight down afterward. I would definitely return here if I get to be Portland again!
(5)Pani L.
The Crispy Thai BBQ Wrap was a lovely mix of spicy, cool and crisp. The chai tea with coconut milk instead of soy milk adds a richness and mouth feel that is amazing. The peanut butter crisped rice treat topped with chocolate was everything I have been missing in a dessert since becoming allergic to dairy. They were satisfying on the nicest day Portland has had this year, I skipped dinner because I still felt full. Be aware that the wait staff does tend to operate on HST or hippie standard time. Service can be slow; but it is very nice, so be aware.
(4)Tara V.
We've been here many times over the last 7-8 years (including this evening for dinner) and have never been disappointed. The items on the menu are unique, rich, and flavorful. They have an amazing fresh juice selection (my favorite is the Apple Ginger Lemon Kale), tasty appetizers and hearty sized entrees. Tonight we had the live nachos (delicious!), bbq tempeh plate and green goddess salad. All were fantastic! We ended with the vegan softserve ice cream, which I definitely recommend. Plus fun atmosphere and friendly service! We'll keep coming back!
(5)Paul R.
Food is pretty bland.
(3)Valerie S.
the cobb salad is a really nice surprise. the thai salad was good on the onset but left an icky taste in my mouth about an hour later. the flavours were wonderful. the reasons i did not give 5 stars are as follows: everything is way too salty - have a gallon of water beside you in about an hour, the onions are very overpowering and the "slaw" is dry - i wanted some true, wet slaw. not bad, but not sure if we are going there again ... really like the idea however.
(3)T C.
My absolute favorite. I love their Thai salad - the best with a side of cashew cream. The truffles are amazing - try the Goji berry - orange. Everything is delicious, including their wine.
(5)Suma S.
I really just can't even explain how much I love this restaurant. There are no words. The staff is always really friendly, without being fake, and the vibe is clean, but low key. The food, oh man, the food is just to die for. You could throw a dart at the menu and everything would be amazing. I've only ever not loved my entree one time here and it's because I took a chance on an ingredient I historically don't love, so it's really not even on them. My family eats here so much that we call it "The BloLo" affectionately. Highly recommend the seasonal kale salad right now. It's delicious!
(5)Emily C.
I've had way better food and way better service. From the uppity woman informing me about the dangerous blind corner they sat my family of five next to to the twenty minute wait for bland food which included ingredients we asked to be left our (tables seated after us with far larger orders were served ten mins prior). Nasty sour lemonade that none of us could drink, a BBQ bowl that was predominantly Mac n cheese and a $12 kale salad that wasn't nearly as filling or tasty as the kale salad at VGrill. I don't feel a need to come back here $35 for lunch- one salad one BBQ bowl a side of Mac and a lemonade.
(2)Ashley M.
Great place!
(5)Tracy D.
Some of the best vegetarian food I've had, very creative and delicious. There are vegan and raw options, and the vegan raw cheesecake is to die for. The food is so spectacular I would imagine you could bring a carnivore here and they wouldn't gripe! The space is a bit small, so it can get very busy during peak hours. The only reason I didn't give this place a 5 star review is that I found the staff to be a bit brusque and unfriendly. They could work on their customer service a little bit. Otherwise, well worth the trip.
(4)Marissa R.
The Blossoming Lotus was a must-stop when were in Portland, and we weren't disappointed. The live nachos were amazing. I would have been happy with just a plate of those. They were bursting with flavor and just the perfect amount of spicyness. My husband & I had the same thing - it was the BBQ tempeh plate and it was pretty good. The spicy agave cornbread was honestly my favorite. My husband didn't think his was spicy at all but mine was perfect. [I think I got the spicy side] The service was pretty good too. It took awhile to get the drinks we ordered though, but they were definitely strong. We would definitely go again.
(4)Chanda B.
An absolute must for anyone following a plant based lifestyle or simply trying to eat healthier. Many vegan restaurants focus on faux meats as the center point of the meal. Blossoming Lotus focuses on the veggies. The creations are artful and incredibly tasty. I love that they offer several cooked & raw options. I teach plant based nutrition for health & this is where I recommend to my clients.
(5)Patricia C.
My favorite place to eat in Portland. I can not even believe how good the food is. Love the beet and cashew salad and the wraps. yum!!! I wish I lived closer. I would go so much more often.
(5)Crystal H.
"I'm kinda doing this no wheat/no dairy thing," I said. "Don't worry about it, you've come to Portland," The Don said. I've been to Portland numerous times -- I've feasted, I've gorged, I've drank my dinners down drunk. But this time is the first time I've come with dietary restrictions in tow. And fear or fast? Not here friends, not here. Enter our first stop: earthy, warm, and inviting, Blossoming Lotus balanced out a morning spent in-flight. Service came at the same pace as growing a garden in an early spring - slow-going. It did match the pace of the space, which was more sleepy than our speed-craving afternoon demanded. But why dwell when there's food to be eaten? A vibrant menu, popping with colourful veggies of every sort. Add-ons like avocado, tofu or tempah. A cornucopia of smoothies and juices. Loving that I could order anything I wanted, and after a moment of food envy for the Thai Salad, I delighted in my Green Goddess choice. Fistfuls of kale topped with an avocado ranch dressing atop a bed of quinoa, I munched like a happy bunny! Washing it down with a lavender lemonade may have just been my best decision all day.
(5)Ashley D.
Perfect. Just perfect. Everything I've eaten here is the best food I've ever had, and the service is impeccable. MUST try the deserts and the banana-peanut butter-spirulina smoothie.
(5)Roderick M.
This place is phenomenal! Best vegan food I've had in Portland. I've never had a dish that I didn't love. From their cooked options to their live options it just doesn't get any better. My family and I eat there as often as we can. This is how vegan food was meant to be!
(5)Connie O.
My friend gets migraines via a allergy to gluten and cane sugar, so when its time for us to get together I always let her chose the place. Besides, ends up broadening my view of dinning establishments. Today was a happy wow. I would call myself a happy ominvore. I try to do vegetarian entries several times a week. I confess I've never quite understood going vegan. This place offers both vegetarian and vegan choices. Todays lunch was 100% vegan and it was GOOOD. I ordered the Live Pesto and Portobella Pizza, my friend had some dish with curry. I love portabella mushrooms so I figured it should be pretty decent. OH MY. First came this gorgeous little "appetiizer" salad. Just the salad alone was lovely but the pizza was a revelation. The crust was unlike anything I had ever had before. Not at all like pizza crust I am used to eating. This was crunchy and savory, altogether lovely topped with pesto and those yummy mushroms. Each bite was a party in my mouth! Happiness! Joy!. OMMMMMMMMMMMMM. I hear they make killer cheesecakes too but I was just too full. I'll be back.
(5)Danny O.
I've been to Portobello, Hungry Tiger, El Nutri, and various other Vegan Portland joints. I had yet to try out Blossoming Lotus which mysteriously popped up in my Irvington Neighborhood. I walked by and browsed their menu while running errands only to be blown away by how creative and detail oriented their vegan fare was advertised as being. They got it all...lunch and dinner...dessert...AND drinks. Oh and VEGAN BRUNCH @.@ I mind stamped them for a future dining experience around pay day because I couldn't pass their menu up. My partner and I finally made it after weeks of talking about it in passing. We arrived casually around 4:40 pm. Of course we didnt read the sign on the door that clearly states doors open at 5:00 pm for dinner as we tried and failed at entering BL. After using our reading skills we chose to wait because we weren't gonna let this food slip us by. Other folks were also doing the same thing us as. Probably around 10 others waiting to get in. A foreign woman traveling abroad reassured us that the small wait was well worth it. 5:00 came and they let us in for food time! They were totally chill about opening to a group. We all chose our own seats as the staff patiently and effectively got water to all of our tables hand poured and menus for us to look over. The 2 women who helped us were personable, kind, down to earth, and genuine with their service. We got our order in first ish so we didn't have to wait very long for food at all. I got the lasagna along with lavender lemonade(wtf!). The lemonade was refreshing with light hints of lavender and tart lemon. I told the server it tasted like smiles. Our appetizers arrived promptly. We got the white bean dip with home made(?) blue corn chips. YUMMY savory delicious dip of love. My man friend ordered the bbq tempeh platter which came w/salad and corn bread along with vegan chili. Mmmmm. Our food arrived and I was instantly unhinging my jaw to cram vegan dream food into my face. My boyfriends food was smoky and hearty. My lasagna was laid out on a bed of kale. The cashew cream came across like cheese but better. The tomato sauce didn't disappoint and the noodles were thick and chewy in a good way. We traded bites of each others food as our neighbors stared in anticipation. Yeah guys, this place is that good and I welcome it into my choices of wonderful vegan restaurants this city offers. You will not be disappointed unless an atomic bomb hits Oregon while you're dining here. That being said the odds are you wont regret Blossoming Lotus. So tasty! (oh and nice interior design/decor too!) I will try their dessert next time. -this is not a daycare restaurant. leave the kids at home please.-
(5)m c.
I had such great expectations for this place that I am sad to only leave it 2 stars... First off, the service was not exactly warm or even nice. It was cold and a little snooty. The two entrees that we ordered were only marginal- most items on my plate had a similar consistency and tasted strongly of nutritional yeast. While I realize the importance of this food in a vegan diet, this flavor is over used in the restaurant. I was expecting fresh, alive, vital food and most of it was mush. I want to love you Blossoming Lotus but the experience left me with a bad feeling inside. Perhaps try being nicer to your customers.
(2)Stanley T.
I didn't care much for the Pearl incarnation (can I use that word in a review of a vegan restaurant?) of BL for several reasons. I never had anything but good food there, but service was spotty and the whole "take off your shoes to use the restroom" thing really bugged me. I never reviewed it but I would have been hard pressed to round up to 3 stars if I had. They have solved the perceived problems in their Irvington location. We had about a 15 minute wait (Saturday night at 7) for a party of 3 but the staff kept us informed. Overall, service was excellent. I had the BBQ Tempeh platter. This started with a generously sized mixed green salad topped with beets - very fresh and tasty. The main course was perfect - flavorful sauce on the combination of tempeh and red onions. The black bean chili and cornbread sides were both great. I wish my favorite BBQ joint would get BL's cornbread recipe. The Columbia Valley Red by the glass went nicely with this. My dinner mates shared the Live Nachos appetizer and the Live Pasta entree. Tastes I had told me why they both seemed so pleased. I started this out as a 4 star review, thinking to drop a star due to my perception that they are a little pricey. Perusing their on-line menu to refresh my memory, however, deflated that perception and left me feeling that my wallet was treated fairly for the quantity and quality of food we received.
(5)Molly S.
I must admit, I was dragging my heels going to this place. Most establishments like this have a certain holier-then-thou feeling from the staff. I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and promptness of each person there. They were quick and willing to answer any questions we had and the food! The food was delicious and aesthetically pleasing to the eyes as well. Did we wait a lot, yes. Was it that bad, No. This is probably one of my favorite restaurants now. Go.
(4)Nicole H.
My roommate and I tried the live nachos (delicious), the taco sampler (neither of us liked them), and fresh juice and kombucha to drink, both good. I would try it again, as a vegan who is interested in trying different raw foods, but it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. Also pretty pricey.
(3)