Blossoming Lotus combines all the elements the average yogi could want in a restaurant: fresh top-quality ingredients, an attractive atmosphere, skillful cooking, and reasonable prices. So it’s no surprise that this place has been thriving in Portland for the last decade. Although it started out in the Pearl District, Blossoming Lotus moved in 2009 to the bustling Irvington neighborhood.

The restaurant is the co-creation of Chef Mark Reinfeld and pro-vegan investor Bo Rinaldi. In addition to Blossoming Lotus, the duo has brought the world a sister restaurant in Hawaii, as well as the Vegan World Fusion Cuisine Cookbook.

As soon as you open the menu at Blossoming Lotus, you’ll notice the carefully created dishes. Vegan is a given. But if you’re looking for raw, gluten-free, or soy-free, you’ll find those options clearly marked on the menu too.

Blossoming Lotus mainly features sandwiches, salads, wraps, bowls, tacos, and fresh juices. The Moroccan Collard Rolls use big collard leaves to contain sunflower-sesame pate, carrot salad, beets, spiced peanuts, cabbage, and lemon. The Live Nachos – which are gluten-free, soy-free, and raw – transform a popular junk food into a healthy lunch with ingredients like pecan chorizo and cashew sour cream.

The restaurant’s extensive drink menu runs from smoothies to coffee and wine to cocktails. Those of you who prefer non-alcoholic drinks should choose the Firestarter: a fancy mocktail made with lime, blood orange, cinnamon, maple, and finished with a chipotle salt rim.

If you’re in town for special occasions, reserve ahead for a Blossoming Lotus Thanksgiving or Valentine’s Day dinner. The restaurant also regularly participates in fundraisers for animal-related causes.

blossoming lotus