Potala Organic Café

Such a relaxing experience! The food is absolutely delicious and healthful. The twig tea warms the soul. I love places that specialize in one amazing thing and serve it. The medium plate is plenty unless you actually want leftovers choose large and remember to bring your own tupperware! The owners are wonderful and welcoming. A great place to eat well and healthfully at the same time. Exotic flavors will keep you coming back for more!

I was in the East Bay and wanted to hit a vegan restaurant for lunch as there so few choices in Marin where I live. Chose this since it was on my route and had some good reviews. The interior is plain, but warm and friendly. There's a menu on the whiteboard which lists the meal for the day. You get a choice between medium and large serving. This day it consisted of a lentil soup followed by a plate with salad, garbanzo beans, rice, and two vegetables. I went with medium and all in all, very good tasting and filling. They also have organic beers and wines. I went with a complimentary tea. On my way out I picked up an almond blueberry cookie. I give the food a 4, service a 5, and that extra bump for keeping it vegan and organic.

It is a very calming environment to enjoy a wholesome meal. Sure, they tell you to not use cell phones inside but it's what makes it so nice in there. Put down your phone, eat delicious vegan food and engage with whoever you went with. The regular size plate I felt was more than filling for me. I can't imagine how much larger the big portion is. The menu changes every time I stop by so it's always wonderful and different. (You can check online to see what they're serving today.)) Make sure you grab a mug of the "twig tea". There's always a soup and then a salad with the main plate/ entree.

Delicious vegan food. We visited with our whole family including children (mind you, they can be picky) and everyone enjoyed the whole meal. We liked the cozy, quiet and calm atmosphere. The kindness of the servers did not go unnoticed. Thank you!!!

Didn't know what to expect, but the simplicity and quality is what makes this place stand out. Each of the "side dishes" that make up the main lunch item could be their own separate price point -- and I would've paid for them each. I'll be going back again, then again after that.

Tasty, well seasoned, organic 100% vegan plated lunch & dinner at very affordable prices. Offered in medium or large portions, full meal includes soup, salad, rice, legumes, greens & mixed vegetables. Menu changes daily based on freshest seasonal organic ingredients available, most locally sourced. Sister restaurant to Shangri-la vegan.

Absolute perfection.. All of their items are certified organic and I would describe the fare as Asian/Indian monk fusion. They offer meals in courses or al a carte.. Get the multi course meal; it comes with fantastic soup, rice, curried vegetables. You won't be disappointed. This was my first time here, but it won't be my last. This is one of the first places that is good enough to revel my dearly departed Herbivore. Thank you for such a great experience.

We love it here. Private parking lot. Calm and clean interior. Fast service and very reasonable prices. The food is filling and delicious!! The medium plate is enough for me. Definitely plan to bring in my friends when they visit. Highly recommend.

Food is delicious & appealing. I always leave there feeling full and healthy. Service was great, friendly happy to accommodate. Ambience is better than their previous location but I go there for reasonably priced healthy food!

Amazing ambiance. Feels like you're in a meditation hall. And also the food is delicious and vegan which is not easy to accomplish. Chef Tenzin a master!

Super simple, convenient, and tasty! First time here. Found on Yelp on drive into office. - Simple because the menu changes daily and is chef's choice. I just had to choose medium or large. - Convenient because there are two 20 minute street parking spots right front San Pablo Ave / Solano Ave - Tasty! Felt like I picked up a full meal hot plate from my auntie's house ;]. Lentils, Greens, & Sautéed Veggies were well seasoned, flavorful, and a great combo of different flavors that paired well together. Veggie soup, Rice, and green salad were also great. Portions are generous. I got the large lunch for the extra $2, and probably won't need dinner now. I grabbed to go, but the inside was spacious, clean, and looked modern & comfy. I called in 10 minutes ahead and all was hot and ready to go. Definitely will be coming back.

Shangri-La Buddha Vegan is where Mangia Mangia was. simplistic decor, Dahli Lama pics on wall. Buddhist chants in background.. no outside dining. offerings: single menu served, changes twice a day. lunch: full portion (14.95) moderate (12.95). dinner: full (15.95) moderate (13.95) take out (+1) pies (6): chocolate, coconut, keylime, mango, strawberry, pineapple, kombuca (5):mango, ginger berry, ginger black currant, strawberry mint, eats: full lunch (pricing illegible, charged 15.95 dinner price@11:44 a.m lunch menu: -azuki bean, mixed veggie soup., -long grain brown rice -steamed brocculi, carrot, cauliflower, yellow squash, with shitake -lima bean with onion butter nut squash -steamed collard green kale with brown mushroom onion sauce -green mixed salad with balsamic mint dressing key lime pie (6) -strong lime taste with noticeable sugar content. proabably commercially made. *self serve kukicha twig tea and water **flavorful eats, not bland. probably organically sourced 4 stars cuz i was overcharged. leftovers: -prepped by chef tenztin -server/cashier spent entire time in kitchen, no check ins -didn't get receipt till after i paid. decided not to dispute overcharge.... doubtful return.

This is one of the places I would go when I try to eat healthier and want something that I can call for a quick pick up. The full/moderate size plates offered here feels like a wholesome meal, with some brown rice, protein from beans and fiber from plenty of different vegetables (raw/salad, sautéed or steamed). I'm not vegan but this place makes healthy food taste even better! Their written menu stated the food option changes twice a day. I love their green lentil mixed veggie soup, it doesn't taste too salty and it just about right. There are so many different flavors all in one plate. The mixed green salad usually comes with a dressing that is slightly sweet. The other sides are savory but each with different flavors. The seasoning for the garbanzo beans with onion and kabocha squash taste like curry flavor. To-go orders will charge extra $1 for the to-go box, utensils, napkins, and paper bag. Overall, for a full lunch plate to-go order including tax and $1 extra charge is $17.66.

Fixed menu in two sizes, Full ($14.95) and moderate ($12.95). Menu changes twice a day. Adzuki Bea mixed soup (very flavorful) Long grain brown rice Baked Kabocha. squash celery potatoe yam Mung bean wi onion & carrot Steamed collard green kale sunflower seeds tofu basil sauce Green mixed salad, lemon, beet, mint dressing The restaurant is super clean, and staff is very friendly. A full vegan experience, everything is super fresh as tasty. The chocolate pie was amazing with just the right amount of coconut in the crust. Highly recommended if you like organic vegan.

Tasty and great service! I'd come back for sure. I loved how veg forward everything was. The collards were amazing.

love the food here. definitely going back. although i wish the prices were lower. four stars because of prices.

Very hearty and filling. If self-care were a meal, this would be one. Will be back again!

The best vegan food there is . Healthy and delicious . I wish there was one close to me so I could eat there more often.

I've been here a few times with my vegan girlfriend and feel a need to give this place a review. When walking by it doesn't even seem like much. However once you go in it feels cozy and really gentle inside. The ambiance is very chill. They only feature one item on the menu every night plus hot tea so no need to think about what to order. The food is freshly prepared daily and plant based/very healthy. The night of this review they had sautéed greens(very good flavor), stewed veggies(not overly cooked and decent flavor ), salad(fresh and delish), and bean cake(I didn't really like this as much sadly but they did make an effort to flavor it up.) All in all if you are in search of a fresh, healthy, plant based meal where you can sit down and just relax while enjoying your meal, this is the place.

I go here when I want to feel super fulfilled and healthy. The food is vegan and very filling. I am always full. You get yummy soup and tea for free if you eat in. It is also nice to be around a Buddhist vibe.

one of the best restaurant vegan food i ever had, hands down. as per server- they all use all organic ingredients and use olive oil, and they also change their menu twice daily, the moderate size is just perfect, and of course eveyrhing is super good, it makes me happy

The food is very flavorful. Every night they serve a different set menu, in two sizes depending on your appetite. The meals are always well composed. We are not full time vegans but really enjoy seeing how flavorful the cuisine can be!

I really liked Potala Vegan when it was open and appreciated the family-style approach they took to their meals (review: https://bit.ly/3420qAy). They didn't put on airs, and it felt like I was living in a commune just finishing my shift making love beads to sell at the next Woodstock. When it closed and became a Thai restaurant, I shrugged my shoulders thinking I'd have to go to Souley Vegan or Vegan Mob for my next vegan meal. However, I was mildly giddy when I passed by this spot. They reopened for business on San Pablo closer to Solano. It was great to find out Chef Tenzin was back in the kitchen, and out of pure convenience, my first attempt at a meal was actually a Door Dash delivery. For $15.50, I received the Full Dinner Plate in a compostable tray. Their specialties that evening were a flavorful mashup of baked kabocha squash, celery, turnip, and yam; mung beans with onion & carrot; and steamed collard kale with shiitake mushroom beet sauce. It was complemented by a scoop of brown rice with quinoa, and a mixed green salad with brown rice vinegar mint tahini dressing (photo: https://bit.ly/3mJ0TOv). it also came with a satisfying cup of yellow split pea soup with mixed veggies (photo: https://bit.ly/3Hpj2sB). For an additional $6, I treated myself to a slice of their homemade coconut vegan pie (photo: https://bit.ly/3mMFvIo). Quite a treat. A few weeks later, I took a long walk to the restaurant for a late lunch. It was empty save one couple who looked like they were just finishing when I walked in. I went for the $13.95 Full Lunch Plate. The soup and salad were the same as before as was the brown rice and steamed collard kale. No complaints from me as I enjoyed them a lot. The new items this time around were the sautéed red cabbage, carrot, yellow squash, and cauliflower with ginger; and the garbanzo beans with onion and butternut squash (photo: https://bit.ly/3EL74In). Both were very tasty substitutions. And oh yes, I had the coconut vegan pie again. Some things I just won't sacrifice for Lent. FOOD - 5 stars...really satisfying homestyle cooking and you don't need to be a Tibetan vegan to appreciate the quality AMBIANCE - 4 stars...sparse and spacious SERVICE - 5 stars...I believe Chef Tenzin was serving me personally TOTAL - 5 stars...stellar vegan eats...and love that coconut pie RELATED - Looking for vegan eats? Here's a collection of places I've tried and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2Gsrryj

Wholesome and healthy I don't go often but when I do I'm always satisfied. The food is hearty without being heavy the atmosphere is also always warm.

Absolutely delicious vegan food and lovingly served so wonderful to eat there. Quiet, peaceful space with delicious food.

We had amazing food here. Service by Doka. Want to go back as soon as possible with another vegan. We shared three pies, Chocolate, Mango and Kiwi Lime. Ooh la la.

One of my favorite places to eat dinner. This place and the food have such a homey vibe. I feel like I'm coming home to a home-cooked meal. So nourishing, healthy, and filling. I'm so glad I live nearby.

Ordered food to go. Received two large meals of tasty well balanced vegan fare. Seems a bit pricey considering cost of ingredients but someone put in some effort to make us nice healthy food. Not a lot of similar options around. Quite satisfied. I'll be back. Maybe try some pie next time.

This is by far the best vegan place I have ever tried. It's healthy and really delicious. It's not junk food vegan it's healthy and tasty. I really think the chef puts lots of thought in the making the dishes. I always had a great experience here. I eat here at least once a week. I would say sometimes they have a lady at the register and she is terrible. Always making mistakes. So if she is there make sure you get a receipt. Love this place

Clean calming place, wonderful tasty wholesome vegan food arranged so harmoniously on the plate, self serve free tea & water, friendly gracious service...fills the void left by Potala

Delicious, wholesome food. Looks unassuming from the outside, but inside is homey and welcoming. They are fully plant-based and prix fixe (only options are two sizes and you get a mix of all their menu items). They do mostly whole foods that are organic, but use flavorful sauces (had an unusual beet and shiitake sauce on steamed collards for example that was surprisingly delicious) and cook to create umami (like roasting their veggies). Service is prompt and friendly. There is complimentary water and warm tea stations. Overall, a fantastic option for a healthy meal, and a great find for a vegan!

A simple peaceful and DELICIOUS place. The owner is from Bhutan, a totally Buddhist country and the atmosphere reflects this. It's clean and conscientious. We came for lunch and came back for dinner. No need to think about what to order, just plate size. We shared the large size and we're completely content and not overly full. The sauces were flavorful and the vegetables including the greens were cooked perfectly for our taste. Some might think it's a bit salty but the salt is evenly distributed and made it even better. And the coconut pie! It's not sweetened with sugar but with agave, was absolutely wonderful. Looking forward to the next time we're in the area! A new go-to place after climbing! Closed 3-4:30. Dinner is 4:30-8. They close on time. Lovely kukicha twig tea is included.

Always have loved this place. Very flavorful but simple meals of healthy vegan food. This is owned and operated by buddhist monks that serve one meal. You get the moderate (regular size) or the full (larger size). The meal comes with a side soup. The soup normally is a lentil or bean soup. The meal comes with a salad with a tasty fresh made dressing. Today was lemon agave (so good) some sprouted brown rice, mixed vegetables in a flavorful sauce, steamed kale with a creamy vegan sauce on top, butter beans. Ask the dishes had their own flavor and each was tasty. #vegan #Oakland #yelpelite #simplemeals #fresh #buddhist

Simple vegan food, fixed menu changes daily - you basically get a plate with soup, salad, rice, beans and veggies, usually some greens. I've been to several of the "Shangri-la"s around the area and used to think the food was too bland but the last time I went to this Albany location it was quite good and had lots of flavor. Decent space, booths, homey, and friendly service.

VEGAN REVIEW I was a big fan of Potala. I love that I only need to make one decision. My parents told me that this place opened up and it was by the same chef as Potala, so we went to try it. We walked in and ordered. Food was ready in 5 minutes. We ate at home so I don't know if there was indoor seating available or not. I got the large plate which was very hearty. It came with soup which I loved. It's pretty much the same style cuisine as Potala. I felt so clean and guilt-free after eating.

Food is above and beyond excellent! Super delicious, nutritious;organic, beautifully prepared and presented. Served with Tibetan hospitality and gracious spirit. A real win! I've had my birthday there several times. Ambiance is warm, simple and welcoming - No frills. You'll most probably love it!

My favorite vegan food in the East Bay. Reliable, fast, delicious! The freshness and textures and sauces cannot be beat.

Delicious vegan food! I enjoyed every dish in the platter. A little on the pricey side but I would come again.

We're from out of town. The food is delicious, healthy and varied. It's our first stop in the Bay Area. Save a bit of room for the vegan pie. Our favorite is Key Lime. Staff is always pleasant. Ambiance soothing. Service quick.

Great quality ingredients, very nice customer service. And awesome meals highly recommend

This restaurant makes vegan easy and if your indecisive it's even better! You come in and they inform you that you can get your own tea and water before sitting down. (Tea was very good) The day's serving is on the wall. No need to choose because what's listed is what you get on your plate it is a little bit of everything. Only decision is what size (amount) you would like. Either moderate or large basically. The food we received was very good all around especially since we eat more than vegetarian/vegan food. I could easily convert if all tasted like this and if I could cook it as well to be that flavorful. The service was also very good. Everyone is very nice and pleasant. It was quick but also be patient if they get busy as they serve and cook. No complaints! The ambiance is simple as it should be for this type of restaurant. It is no frills which aligns with there beliefs. A picture of the Dali Lama is on the back wall. Also their restrooms are very clean. You can smell the cleaning products faintly when we were there but I can't complain because it showed they did a great job. Many places do not do the same upkeep nowadays. I will definitely be coming back! Oh did I mention the prices are very reasonable!

Food is very simple and is gluten free and vegan. It was super flavorful, filling, and nutritious! Service was very genuine and kind. The ambience is very peaceful and I would recommend this to anyone wanting to cleanse their tummies and really give their body loving nutrition. Also tried their pies and all flavors are good but key lime and chocolate were definitely the creamiest and most flavorful. Will be back :)

This seems to be the only Shangri-la location in the Bay Area that has mango pie, strawberry pie, and pineapple pie! I've seen the mango pie before, but only in Sacramento. Pineapple and strawberry seem to be unique to this location. And the meal of the day was great as usual. Service was just okay, the lady who took our order was playing on her phone most of the time.

This Vegan spot is always good for your soul. Organic vegetables and it's very light. You know you're not eating any preservatives. The lady's favorite spot that we use to order online during pandemic. Today, it felt good to actually sit there and dine. If you want that healthy Vegan food, this is definitely a place for you. They don't sell any fake meats of sort, nor tries to imitate animal products dishes. Buddha way of eating.

Just leaving a bad review because trying to discuss with them accomplished nothing. My wife wanted this for her birthday. I walk in, stand 3 ft from the woman at the counter. She made no eye contact and walked into the back, not exactly what I was expecting, but what I really wasn't expecting Is for her to come out and continue to ignore me until, without any eye contact, she asked for my order. "Two full meals, soup a la carte", I said "Two full meals and vegetables a la carte", she replied. " No, soup a la carte", I said "Soup a la carte, ok". She continued, "so one meal, soup a la carte" "No, two full meals, soup a la carte". Then she entered those three items. Then I asked for kombucha. "What flavors do you have?", I asked. She pointed to the sign at the front door, far away from where I could see, so I walked closer to it and ordered. The whole thing cost quite a bit over $60, needless to say I didn't want to start a debate over what I was being charged for. After that ordeal I sat down and waited. She brought out the food. It came in three different bags, ok I grabbed them and go. I wasn't really thinking I should check. All they sell are just a few items on the menu: 1 kind of meal, large or normal, some desserts, and some drinks. I come home to celebrate my wife's birthday only to find out we get two normal size meals, no soup a la crate. I called to at least get a refund for what was missed because this is frustrating and I just wanted to talk to the store and put it behind me. All I could do was talk about the soup with her, it was exceedingly difficult to get her to understand what happened. Finally, she figured out I was missing a soup, so she asked for my name. I repeated it over and over, spelled it out. It's four letters. Finally I handed the phone to my wife and after much struggle she managed to be able to repeat the word my wife was saying. Then she said "okay see you soon" and hung up. I've been going to this place since it had a different name, at the Linden st location. I worked for the construction company that renovated this branch's original location on San Pablo. I'm a Bay Area native, and I speak like one. I mean, I ran a cash register decades ago, if she hadn't been there, I could have done her job in half the time, and I don't even work there. I could have recruited the one other customer in the store to take my order.

Fresh, organic vegan food, served with soup and lunch, offered in two sizes, moderate & large. I had the moderate option with a thin pinto bean soup, salad, greens, lentils and mixed vegetables with a variety of squash & cabbage. Served with tea or water for a little over $13. Kombucha and desert available for an additional fee. The atmosphere was quiet. There were a few diners on a Sunday afternoon and several people stopped by to pick up to go orders. Easy street parking on Sunday.

Awesome consistent delicious food. Have been going here for years and have never had a bad experience. Friendly staff

My first meal at this restaurant today was absolutely delicious. The meal, plus chocolate pie, dessert, was so satisfying and filling. The steamed vegetables were crunchy. Every item in the meal was flavorful and delicious. I'll definitely become a patron and bring friends with me.

Healthy, nutritious vegan food that is comforting and filling. And there's delicious complimentary hot tea when you dine in! Also, as an indecisive restaurant go-er, I kind of love that there's only one meal to order and that meal comes with a lot of different things. I loved it.

I love simplicity, less is more. I go in hungry and the only decision I have to make is medium or large. And let's not talk about the food, it's off the chain. When my wife and I eat here, we simply inhale the meal. You can't go wrong here.

The best I just happened to pass by & I left feeling great ! Food was fresh taste great

I'm not a vegetarian and I usually feel like I'm taking one for the team when I have to go to a vegetarian restaurant with friends, but I was pleasantly surprised here. I couldn't believe how good each bite of my meal was. Then the coconut pie was just a final perfect ending to the meal. Needless to say I've been back and I have been recommending it to all my vegetarian, vegan and even carnivorous friends.

Delicious, no-frills, and wholesome vegan food with a simple menu that changes daily. I got a full-size order of the daily menu, which included a very generous portion of rice, kabocha, kale, and a cup of soup. I also ordered a slice of vegan key lime pie, which I was very excited to try out. The lentils and kale were delicious, but the soup was a little salty. I love the way all of the little dishes were seasoned uniquely; even the salad dressing was so rich! I will definitely take my friends here in the future and can't wait till they open up for dining so that we could get the full experience. The pie was okay (especially considering the fact that it was vegan), but it tasted overwhelmingly like coconut milk. The overwhelming taste of both lime and coconut simultaneously just didn't agree with me. I can see its appeal, though.

WOW this is definitely a hidden gem! I am not vegetarian, vegan, or someone with dietary restrictions...just pregnant. I saw all the positive reviews and have been scoping the menu each day for the perfect opportunity to try as they only have one prefix menu a day. Today was the day. I ordered a full lunch and was presented with a large individual soup and heavy take out container. The soup was Lima bean and very savory. It was nothing outstanding, but a really good lunch soup. The main meal was exceptional. Today there was a small spring salad with beet salad dressing (mixed greens with a very tasty dressing), sautéed veggies (onions, zucchini, carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli in a savory sauce), greens with a mushroom sauce (so tender and tasty), black eyed peas with butternut squash (my favorite), and brown rice. Shockingly, my picky 6 year old LOVED the sautéed veggies, greens, and black eyed peas. She even asked for her own meal the next time we go. Hands down, one of the best take out options in the area. Super fast service. You can walk in, order, and walk out in less than 5 minutes. Major bonus points that is super nutritious and packed with healthy options. This is now in my monthly rotation. I will be back regularly. Credit cards are taken too!

Very tasty vegetarian food. It makes me feel healthy but also tastes really good. All the different veggies had good flavor and the lentil soup was good too. Would definitely come back again since I hear they switch up some of the vegetables each time. I also really like how there's no choice of what to order, just medium or full. I don't like to make decisions so that's perfect. The (vegan) pie is good if you like coconut flavor.

This is the kind of vegan food that doesn't make you miss meat. As others have noted, Potala has closed but the same chef - and same great food - are at Shangrila Buddha Vegan. The fare is the same - lentils, rice, veggies, salad and lentil soup; all very simple, all very delicious. The soup is always particularly good. Last time I splurged and also got the mango pie which was creamy and tasty. **I'm not normally vegan but have decided to eat plant-based for a short period of time**

Delicious. Simple and healthy. The decor is not the most exciting or interesting but the experience of having a tasty meal prepared with intention is worth going back again and again.

Always delicious Always vegan Always macrobiotic This is an easy choice for dining out with my friends. Staff are very friendly too