Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

White Lotus Thai Cuisine in Albany

4.3 (112) 843 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706, United States

Categories

Thai restaurant
Asian restaurant
Restaurant
Southeast Asian restaurant

Location on the map

Albany, Alameda County, California, US

Phone: +1 510-525-2791

Opening hours

Monday:11 AM–9:30 PM
Tuesday:Closed
Wednesday:11 AM–9:30 PM
Thursday:11 AM–9:30 PM
Friday:11 AM–9:30 PM
Saturday:11 AM–9:30 PM
Sunday:11 AM–9:30 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.3

112 Reviews for White Lotus Thai Cuisine 2024:

Review №1

2023-06-03 22:01:36

I found my favorite Thai Restaurant in Albany, California. There are many choices in the east bay that are so excellent, and I love some of the other Thai cuisine styles and regional flavors, but the freshness, blended spice flavors in her special sauces, and beautiful presentation at White Lotus is just superb. Toi has a gift and her staff are wonderful too.

Review №2

2023-11-01 03:51:57

This place has taken over as my favorite Thai restaurant in the East Bay. The food is authentically Thai. Its spicy as you would expect Thai food to be so. The flavors remind me of the flavors Ive had in Bangkok with fresh peppercorns and other Thai spices. All the dishes that we ordered were very good from the Pad See Eew to the fried fish, deep fried so well that you can eat the crunchy bones. This place is not usually busy. I hope that it would be so that it could stay in business because we need a good Thai restaurant like this.

Review №3

2023-11-05 06:46:00

Probably one of my all time fave restaurants in this area. Weve frequented White Lotus for years!! I had dinner here with my now husband 12 years ago when we just started dating and this restaurant is just as good *if not better* than it was then! Their service is always so great too! You cant go wrong with anything on their menu but our faves are the red duck curry, pad thai, and chicken satay skewers!

Review №4

2023-08-17 17:41:34

I was in the area for an appointment that was delayed, so I decided to get lunch. White Lotus was the closest restaurant near the location of my appointment so I decided to order food from them. I ordered the mango and prawn salad and samosas. Both selections were AMAZING!!!!! It was literally the BEST Thai food I ever eaten. I live in SF and unfortunately am only in Albany approximately once a month, but I will DEFINITELY order food each time I am there. The person who took my order was polite and friendly, and the order was processed quickly. The price was reasonable. I would STRONGLY recommend for anyone in the area who likes Thai food to stop by White Lotus Thai Cuisine. I cant wait to go back for another Mango and Prawn Salad, Samosas.

Review №5

2022-09-22 23:33:13

I slept on this place for many years and all I have to say is Roti Roti Roti!The Roti appetizers, are perfectly cooked to golden perfection, crunchy and chewy, served with a small bowl of yellow curry that just makes the whole thing pop. Really yummy.The Khrik King (sauteed meat with green beans), is next level, Smokey, savory, and sweet all at the same time and generous portion size.The Larb salad was fresh, herbaceous, (Herb-y), with lime juice and mint leaves, and all together, incredible.This is Thai food to step up from the norm, in a beautiful open environment right near the corner of San Pablo and Solano in Albany. Highly recommended

Review №6

2023-09-05 17:15:42

Having traveled extensively in Thailand, White Lotus is the most authentic Thai food I have found here. Their menu is extensive with a very wide variety of dishes, each well prepared and delicious.If they have Hor Mok on the menu, try it. It is delicious and Ive never seen it on any menu in the Bay Area except at White Lotus.Many US Thai restaurants just use fish sauce and sugar to make a simple sauce and every dish tastes the same...not so with White Lotus -- this is the real deal.

Review №7

2022-04-10 23:31:29

We ordered dinner for two here on Saturday night for takeout, the larb salad with chicken and green curry with veggies. The green curry was extremely oily and the chicken in the larb salad was gray and didn’t taste quite right. My partner ended up with gastrointestinal distress from this meal later in the evening. We really wanted to love this place since we live close by, maybe it was an off night but we won’t be going back.

Review №8

2023-09-21 02:40:04

With so many Thai restaurants around it’s easy to overlook White Lotus driving by on San Pablo, but it’s absolutely worth a visit for some of the best Thai in the East Bay. Try the hor mok, khao mok kai, and pork rib hung lay curry.

Review №9

2022-11-10 22:29:30

Love this spot, one of my favorite Thai spots for over 10 years. Proportions are generous. I love how much variety of vegetarian dishes they have, great tofu. Also the catfish is fantastic- a must try if you like fish.

Review №10

2020-02-03 04:16:36

We come here a lot and there’s hardly ever more than two or three parties in here... I’m sad that they’ll close down... the food is absolutely incredible! The servers are wonderful and they’ll even let you practice Thai with them! I always get the Khao Soi, but I’ve had other items and they’re all delicious. Please patronize this wonderful restaurant. I can’t stand to see them go!

Review №11

2022-10-09 03:45:14

Munched with a friend for her birthday. Found this place on Yelp! Did not disappoint. Food was fresh, cooked to perfection. Everything was delicious! Bravo to the chef and the server. I would definitely put this place on my radar, next time Im in Albany! Did I say delish?!!!Deep Fried Corn Cake is a must try!

Review №12

2022-08-11 04:49:20

White Lotus is one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants and definitely my favorite Thai restaurant. The food is beautifully presented and can hit different notes. Some dishes are subtle and delicate, and other dishes are fiery and complex. Hot dishes are hot, if you are into that.I usually order a salad, a noodle dish like Pad See Ew, and a curry dish. I think these are some of the best noodles around! However, everything on the long menu is great.Kind, attentive service.My impression is they do a lot of to-go orders, but I usually eat in the dining room.

Review №13

2023-01-23 23:12:52

I have been coming to this restaurant for years. On Saturday I placed an order and picked it up, when I attempted to eat it, the order was wrong. I made a phone call to let them know. The lady said she would fix it. After I got off work. I went back, she quickly came to me and took my order. After I received my order a man came out with his hands folded and staring me up and down, like, how dare you complain. I didnt eat the food, because I didnt know if it was tampered with and the man behavior. I will never support this business again.

Review №14

2019-01-20 03:13:46

Spicy no frills eatery. Nice owners & great 4 groups and family sharing. Great date spot. Beer n wine.

Review №15

2022-03-14 18:22:25

My cousin and I live in Santa Cruz County. We had never been to Albany prior to 3/12/22, my birthday, when we attended a gig at the Ivy Room across the street. We hadnt eaten all day so we were STARVING. The White Lotus was nearly closed but served us an ample meal, plus kept the kitchen open for our dessert orders an hour after closing time. We had Pad Thai with Tofu, Sweet & Sour (sauteed) Shrimp, fried calamari, egg rolls, and took plenty of food home. We had mango sticky rice and fried bananas and coconut ice cream for dessert. Forgive my menu choices but I loved fried food. They had pages and pages of other choices. Service was excellent and our orders were delivered quickly and accurately, i.e. no green pepper on the sweet & sour shrimp. We were there until 10:20 even though they closed at 9pm, and never chased us out. Awesome staff, clean restaurant and facilities, food was presented beautifully with large wedges of fresh oranges. Delightful! Now we know where to eat in the East Bay.

Review №16

2022-04-27 20:55:02

I work in the neighborhood and go to White Lotus at least once a week for lunch; we always receive a warm welcome! Best peanut sauce in Albany!!! Delicious chicken satay and pra ram tofu. Strong Thai iced tea. Good prices and great service.

Review №17

2018-01-11 03:52:29

Weve been coming here for years. Its a genuine family run restaurant with a sophisticated menu.In the years that weve been eating here, Ive never had a bad meal.The dishes are not only delicious but also beautiful.The chefs have an amazing style and take on traditional Thai dishes.I highly suggest giving them a try, this place a hidden gem!

Review №18

2019-06-28 01:30:01

Pad see ew was on point.I did a combo prawns and chicken, which was perfectly prepared.Service was friendly and accommodating, despite the small language barrier

Review №19

2021-12-14 08:42:44

Sadly this was worst takeout I’ve had. Very little flavor in the veggie Tom Ka soup or the tofu spring rolls. The papaya salad wasn’t bad, but there was very little of it since it was placed on top of a high bed of lettuce. I feel bad writing this, and I hope it was just an off night for them, but given that my mom paid $60 for this, I really felt like an honest review was called for here.

Review №20

2021-04-11 00:54:47

Weve been coming to White Lotus for years. The food is consistently excellent and the owner and staff are friendly and accommodating. The duck, the curries, and the appetizers are all wonderful. Weve been getting take out from them during the pandemic and look forward to dining there again soon. We even bought the cookbook authored by the owners family, though I will probably just scoot on over when I need my fix!

Review №21

2022-06-27 04:24:42

Service was SOOO slow, and there was only one other table. Made no sense. Food was fine, but not good enough to make up for the ridiculously slow service. Red curry was the standout dish at our table. Other food very mediocre for Thai.

Review №22

2019-04-10 21:50:54

We come here all the time! Food is delicious and the service is always good. Love their noodles and fried rice, my husband likes their peanut-ey entree. I also appreciate that they dont use plastic bag for the takeout, get a cardboard box tray instead.

Review №23

2021-10-04 15:09:02

Based on watching them hustle, theyre quite popular. Lots of takeout orders. I love everything Ive had here, and after 4 visits Ive sampled quite a bit.My only complaint is that several times Ive come in and waited at the cashier stand for several minutes without anyone popping out to notice me. So Ive left. They really need some loud bells on the door to alert them to customers coming in.

Review №24

2019-05-23 17:39:25

Dont overlook this great place just because its not onSolano, but rather around the corner on San Pablo. Food is consistently fresh-tasting and well prepared and the people are friendly. The noodle dishes, in particular, are better than at other Thai places, in my opinion. For something fancier, try the bass fillet with fresh mango sauce. Their storefront is more spacious inside than it seems from the outside, so theres usually no wait for a table.

Review №25

2019-04-05 05:12:56

Good food. Green Pumpkin curry was supposed to be the really spicy curry it was tasty yet not spicy hot. The temperature of the curry was not hot either. The sticky rice was steaming when I removed the top. Nice. We came in around 830pm so not too busy. More people strolled in after 9. Main objective of this outing was the pumpkin curry and it was not spicy even after asking for super spicy. Nonetheless, I finished all my curry and all my sticky rice and was satisfied.

Review №26

2022-12-19 02:45:35

Quick service, plenty of tables inside. Rice comes separately from curries. Pad kee mao and pad see ew were both delicious. Street parking only.

Review №27

2018-12-05 11:51:15

Good Thai food; it was our second visit. We will definitely go back, but its not a place I would feel completely comfortable recommending to friends. The restaurant space is too large, and the wait staff person is sometimes hard to find when you need her. Good value, large selection, dishes arrived rapidly.

Review №28

2022-01-15 18:26:30

Owners are very nice . Their Thai tea is very good! My favorite dishes was the duck in red curry and the pumpkin curry. Highly recommend!

Review №29

2020-06-27 02:46:54

The food lacked flavor. The fried rice was like mush. The Chilis werent even spicy they sent us home with almost like they were watered down. The pork balls were tough and probably frozen. The silver noodle salad had absolutely no flavor whatsoever. It was expensive and I thought it should have been better.The chicken wings were completely and totally under seasoned although the sauces were okay they didnt hide the fact that the food itself was significantly bland

Review №30

2023-01-24 02:45:25

Service is friendly.The food is very lacking, not just poorly prepared but also not fresh.There are so many options in this area for dining, I cannot understand why this establishment exists.

Review №31

2017-07-13 15:12:02

Only got take-out, so I cant comment on service, but the food and portion size was amazing. We got two entrees for two of us and had two awesome dinners! Also, just walking in there, the establishment was very cozy and we were greeted very warmly. We will definitely be back soon!

Review №32

2018-01-05 06:55:50

The food is great. We ordered and shared at least three dishes. The red curry was good and the pad ke mao had excellent flavor. I think they forgot to ask us our preferred spicy level for the Ke Mao, so if you cant handle spicy, make sure to tell them how spicy or not you want your dish. The samosa was fresh and delicious. I highly recommend.

Review №33

2017-07-26 22:25:09

Walked in during open hours and no one greeted me as I stood there with my partner for several minutes trying to get someone attention. At some point we figured it was just open seating so we sat down, still trying to grab someones attention (the place was nearly empty with waiters walking here and there). The menu looked great but we still didnt get any attention from waiters except one who caught my eye then turned away again. It was a strange experience, but we didnt feel welcome. Wont come here again.. I dont like the feeling of being invisible.

Review №34

2018-07-01 03:33:28

We are vegetarian, food is delicious! We always order pad sew ew medium and Spicy basil fried rice. Oh n vegi spring rolls ! They never fail. Service is great! Highly recommend this place!

Review №35

2019-02-06 20:56:11

Many restaurants are rated based on a single experience and a single meal. I have been to White Lotus numerous times and have ordered a plethora of dishes and have never had anything less than a delicious meal with beautiful presentation. Close your eyes and point at a random menu item and you will be more than satisfied with what delicacy arrives on your plate.

Review №36

2018-02-11 09:08:41

I like this little place on San Pablo as it is the closest to authentic Thai food even though it caters to the American palette. The Nam Tok with sticky rice is my favorite. Phad Thai was a disappointment and did not meet my expectations. Chicken satay was good but the peanut sauce did not compliment it. There should be a balance between quantity and pricing.

Review №37

2018-10-17 19:53:31

My bf and I went there on a Saturday evening, there was only one waitress and it was a little busy. The waitress was a little messy and forgetful, but under that amount of stress on a Saturday, the waitress tried her best.The food: I am a big fan of lao papaya salad, however the one i had, it was salty. The crab paste was excessive.The chicken thai basil with rice plate was good but i would prefer a little bit more of the thai basil leaves. I wasnt tasting the thai basil flavor. The green curry dish was salty. We had to add water to the dish.

Review №38

2016-08-24 18:12:34

We got take-out from White Lotus Thai Cuisine on August 18, 2016 and my son and I got violently ill the next day. A terrible case of food poisoning that lasted three days. We reported the restaurant to the Alameda County Health Department. Turns out the restaurant was cited in June 2016 for numerous violations, including a serious violation that can lead to the spread of food borne illnesses. We strongly recommend you avoid it at all costs.

Review №39

2021-05-29 21:00:29

The best Thai food Ive ever had. Vegan friendly too. Very omnivore friendly. I dont care who you are, get some!

Review №40

2013-01-14 03:12:59

Phenomenal eats! .. They have gone out of their way to accommodate my special requests, with friendly, personable service. The food is simply delicious. My Thai restaurant of choice. Check them out!

Review №41

2016-08-05 04:33:34

Good pad Thai, I like mine a little wetter then most. I love my panang with lots of sauce and spicy, this panang was more peanutty in flavor. Had both chicken and beef both were plenty and tender.

Review №42

2021-11-17 18:43:01

Super nice super good pad thai and lady was very nice there. I recommend the pork pad thai and mango drink it is the best I’ve tried compared to every Thai food in the Bay Area.

Review №43

2017-10-25 20:11:43

Food is amazing and services always very courteous with an accommodating personnel. I have gone here for a long time and I recommend it to all my friends. Try it you will like it you cant go wrong.

Review №44

2020-01-08 19:28:59

Not a bad dish in the years Ive been coming here. Amazing flavors, generous portions. Every friend I ever brought here is now a regular.

Review №45

2016-06-22 21:08:07

Good Thai food. Service can be slow because usually only one or two waiters, but they are friendly. Dishes are tasty and portions are good.

Review №46

2022-07-03 17:54:43

Updated latest experience.Food way too salty even for a restaurant experience. Bill was wrong with an item charged twice despite being only one of two dine in party.

Review №47

2023-01-19 01:55:03

A Must stop everytime Im in the bay area.Every dish & soup is excellent!!!

Review №48

2018-02-08 05:04:16

The food is superb. The people are friendly. Ive tried many Thai restaurant and this one is easily the best in the east bay.

Review №49

2018-03-14 19:51:55

This place is a lunch favorite for me and my coworkers. Always tasty, and always reasonably priced. Recommended for people who love spicy food.

Review №50

2019-01-03 03:13:45

We have been coming here for 5ish years. We love Panang and pumpkin curry. The service,is just fine and we are always full with leftovers

Review №51

2022-10-29 22:37:34

Super affordable. Some of the best thai food in the bay area!

Review №52

2019-08-15 23:49:42

Bigger than your average size Thai restaurant, a bit overpriced for the lunch menu and the standard eggplant dish I had should not have had the hint of curry like it did.

Review №53

2017-06-22 03:29:29

The staff go above and beyond to ensure your meal and complete dining experience is perfect. However, ambiance is less than 100%

Review №54

2020-07-19 19:29:47

Great no frills place for Thai food. Pad see ew (tofu or chicken) is excellent. Curries are great too.

Review №55

2021-04-11 12:04:19

Everything they make is seriously flame! Family owned and operated. Cant go wrong if you love Thai!

Review №56

2020-12-12 04:27:45

Got take out from here and the food was delicious. I cant speak to service, but everything was really well prepared.

Review №57

2019-01-08 06:07:27

I love this place! It is my favorite Thai restaurant this side of Bangkok. Very authentic. And the owner is very nice.

Review №58

2021-09-19 22:51:25

In my life i have worst thai food not recommend to have from here. taste is too bad .😞😔😔

Review №59

2022-10-08 21:11:11

Very good. My Thai wife says its authentic.

Review №60

2019-11-24 05:43:04

This place was my go to Thai place. I go consistently with my co workers. Very yummy food and great staff.

Review №61

2017-05-26 15:48:46

Neither the soup or curry dish we ordered were good and the service waa poor. Not going back.

Review №62

2021-06-27 17:55:59

A little bit pricer than you might be expecting, but food is all fresh-tasting and authentic.

Review №63

2017-09-02 04:03:11

This place has great food. The owner is always super friendly. Highly recommend them.

Review №64

2017-01-08 07:14:55

This is a very authentic Thai restaurant. The food is the closest Ive found in the east bay to food I had in Bangkok.

Review №65

2023-03-21 20:28:17

Great food and very gentile service!

Review №66

2018-12-27 01:59:21

No one answers when I call to place an order for take out, then when I pass by on the way to the other local Thai spot and they are OPEN. I guess I’ll never have the chance to try this place...

Review №67

2017-02-18 14:08:07

Comfortable, but largely undistinguished Thai cuisine. Perhaps there are some gems hidden in the menu.

Review №68

2015-11-22 17:29:47

Food was very tasty. Service needs improvement. Customer needs to feel welcomed, not ignored.

Review №69

2014-01-08 03:35:04

Not actually open on Tuesday. Bad Google.Our favorite local thai take-home place. Good stuff.

Review №70

2017-03-31 13:36:33

My wife is Thai and was happy with the food, I liked it too.

Review №71

2016-10-03 03:24:46

Great, quick Thai. Easy to take out and very enjoyable to eat in.

Review №72

2014-09-04 00:45:34

We love White Lotus,The food is fabulous and the owner is super nice and accommodating!

Review №73

2021-07-14 23:18:09

My favorite Thai place and I eat out alot.

Review №74

2016-10-30 00:20:40

Big menu, lots of great choices, good food, good portions, fair prices.

Review №75

2020-08-03 05:29:37

Great food and friendly staff. Our new go to place for Tai

Review №76

2018-08-22 00:18:21

Love the Thai sausage and their noodle soups and the coconut drink

Review №77

2017-05-11 04:10:54

The food and service is always great! We love this place!!

Review №78

2022-02-20 18:40:39

Delicious duck red curry and pineapple fried rice

Review №79

2018-03-05 00:22:50

Excellent Thai Cuisine right after a long day at the white elephant sale.

Review №80

2016-12-04 17:53:03

The food is just not good. Poor choice of ingredients (use of ketchup instead of real tomatoes, etc). Just not worth it.

Review №81

2022-08-14 00:51:02

Great food and with generous portions

Review №82

2021-12-10 01:37:22

Love the staff here, and the food is great.

Review №83

2020-11-17 21:07:06

Great delicious food. Friendly service

Review №84

2023-07-31 01:54:13

Bangkok dangerous ‼️

Review №85

2018-02-24 21:51:05

I love this restaurant and the staff is always so friendly

Review №86

2023-02-08 15:04:44

More dishes, more faster and more delicious

Review №87

2016-01-11 01:06:25

The kao soi soup is off the chart good!😎

Review №88

2020-09-20 02:13:47

Their food great, and service is outstanding!

Review №89

2018-05-21 21:45:42

Good and consistent food and friendly staff.

Review №90

2018-12-16 03:35:13

Love there mango fried rice.

Review №91

2022-08-16 04:55:24

Delicious and flavorful! 😋

Review №92

2014-12-27 20:28:32

The best Thai food in the Bay

Review №93

2022-02-09 21:20:19

Best Thai in town!

Review №94

2012-08-16 17:25:02

Very good Pad Thai!

Review №95

2018-10-25 00:08:14

Lots of flavor on the food!

Review №96

2017-11-17 04:57:44

Every dish is delicious.

Review №97

2018-11-03 20:22:51

Good food

Review №98

2017-12-17 00:23:37

The foods are always good.

Review №99

2023-04-26 22:04:25

Excellent Food

Review №100

2016-04-13 00:08:10

Tasty and authentic Thai food

Review №101

2021-05-19 17:10:04

Loves it

Review №102

2019-04-11 02:30:52

Excellent Thai food

Review №103

2018-03-21 20:53:05

Love that Yellow Curry

Review №104

2019-09-24 03:48:25

This place is a true treasure

Review №105

2017-12-26 19:41:37

Review №106

2016-11-09 06:07:03

Love the food.

Review №107

2017-03-28 14:17:31

Great food

Review №108

2021-05-09 02:02:18

Nothing special

Review №109

2020-01-06 00:39:38

Incredible!!!

Review №110

2023-12-12 01:29:56

It’s still the best food and service! Every dish is perfection. We always start with the Roti and curry and it just gets better from there. We finish off with a dessert like mango and sticky rice. Happy, happy!

Review №111

2018-06-24 00:58:02

Amaz-za-za-zing

Review №112

2019-02-05 12:10:26

Delicious Thai food