Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Lotus 1

    3.8 (186 reviews)

    Order Lotus 1 Takeout or Delivery

    Lotus 1 Photos

    Business Info

    LOTUS 1 ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Quiet
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    More like Lotus 1

    Recommended Reviews - Lotus 1

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Nando F.

    Was excited to have found a Vietnamese place this neck o' the woods. I was surprised to see this little Asian restaurant sitting in my old stomping grounds. Absolutely loved the small business feel the place offers. We ordered a Pork Banh Mi, a bowl of their classic Pho, a Pork/rice dish, a dry noodle dish and a Classic Banh Mi and Vietnamese Iced coffee (Last two items to go). My teenagers liked their Pork items. I had a few bites of the Pork Banh Mi and thought it was pretty alright. The Pho looked the part, but it was unfortunately subpar. The meatballs in it were too soft (meatballs in Pho are usually more firm, with more bit and often with some tendons) and the meat seemed as though it had been boiled in the broth (its consistency wasn't good). The classic Banh Mi I took to go along the iced coffee. Sorry to say they did not hit the mark (either). I was expecting pate and Vietnamese sausage, but instead, I got some sort of minced meat. The iced coffee did not taste like Vietnamese coffee at all... maybe it was not prepared with condensed milk? The stored front was being manned by one guy. Service was timely and courteous.

    Diane L.

    First time trying this place. Nice quiet corner past Steinway St. Ordered the Grilled Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich to go. The baguette was light, airy and chewy. Chicken was tender and flavorful, nice chunks of meat, but had little burned parts. I don't like any blackened parts on my chicken, so I was displeased to have to try to pick these out in a sandwich that I just want to bite into and not deal with any pickings. Otherwise, it came with plenty of pickled carrot and daikon topping, which I liked. Perhaps it was because I made it a point to mention it to the server to include this, so they wouldn't skimp on it, as I read other reviews and wanted to be sure they'd put enough veg and pickled carrots and everything in. Cucumber was a long piece running lengthwise through the sandwich, which was not cut in half, nor was the long piece of cucumber cut. Had to just bite into each bite and bite away at the cucumber. Also, the cilantro was kind of a long piece running lengthwise through the long sandwich. Also, I told him Spicy, but it wasn't really spicy at all. This was fine, as I didn't want a fiery spice, but the spice level specification is a little inaccurate then if I said spicy, and it wasn't spicy at all. Didn't want it too bland, so I said spicy, but it really wasn't spicy. There was a little jalapeno slice in it, but nothing too overwhelming or hot. There was a lot of mayonnaise, which was fine and good with the rest of the fillings. The whole sandwich was not too heavy, and flavors were good to me, so I enjoyed it overall for a nice easy lunch, minus the blackened edges on the chicken. It's grilled chicken, so I guess it's normal to have some blackened parts, but I personally don't like this on any chicken or meat. Portion was good, it was a nice sized sandwich. This is the second banh mi sandwich I've had in Astoria. I would be interested to try the tofu or fish one.

    Grilled Chicken Banh Mi (~$11)
    Aya E.

    Ordered: Grilled Chicken Banh Mi (~$11): Vietnamese-style lemongrass grilled chicken with mayo, butter, cucumber, cilantro, julienne carrots, and daikon radish served on a toasted French baguette; medium spice Aya's take: I came here on a whim as I drove by looking for something quick to eat to hold me for the next few hours. My order was ready within minutes and the worker was kind enough to bring it to my car right outside of the restaurant. My first impression was the French baguette was incredibly fresh, soft, and even a little sweet. The grilled chicken was decent but lacked flavor and there were some fattier pieces that honestly don't belong in a sandwich like this. The real disappoint was with all the toppings. The cucumbers were quite large and overpowering compared to the other toppings. There was literally 1 cilantro stem in the whole sandwich, which is a bummer because I love cilantro in a banh mi. I could also barely taste the daikon radish. And even at the medium spice level, it wasn't spicy so if I suggest going for a higher option if you want a bit of a kick. All in all, it kept me full for a couple hours but honestly wasn't super satisfying or on par with other great banh mi sandwiches I've had.

    31. Beef Pho
    Nikki C.

    The air is getting chilly and we turn to our jackets to salvage in the ball of warmth. Finding a pho spot nearby Astoria is quite a challenge however we stumbled across this local spot. My friend and I ordered the beef pho and her husband ordered the pork banh Mi. We also shared fried shumai for the apps. Starting with the pho, the noodles were cooked perfectly and blended well with the broth itself. The beef balls were interesting as I never really had that in pho before! The broth itself is refreshing and not too bold/deep. We also ordered Thai iced tea & the lychee soda. I'm a big fan of sparkling water so this side really hit the spot. The service itself is friendly and attentive and wants to serve you wholeheartedly ing. I definitely will be coming back to try the banh mi's for myself.

    8. Shrimp Shumai, 38. Mixed Vegetable Pho
    Science S.

    I'm really impressed! The food is amazing and the delivery is extra amazing! Looking forward to ordering again soon thank you!! The first time I ate at this place was in person and I knew it was good! Cute on the inside, true Vietnamese gem!

    32. Grilled Chicken Pho 6. Pork Dumpling 8. Shrimp Shumai 4. Crispy Spring Rolls
    Naomi R.

    Amazing Service Delicious Meal Hip Ambience Everything Fresh Awesome Playlist Highly recommend

    42. Meat Ball Pho
    Amara V.

    The interior is pretty. The food presentation was good, but quality of the food itself could be improved. I ordered a bowl of pho, but the broth was very lackluster. The meatball was not good either, I couldn't finish it because it tasted gross. I'm reluctant to try other items on the menu.

    7f. Fried Veg Dumpling
    Brianna T.

    I came here with my best friend for my birthday and the food was sooooooo good! We both loved the fried squid which we knew we would because we love calamari, so I recommend ordering that! We also got the tofu and fried fish banh mis. The tofu one wasn't as good as the fried fish one so I recommend getting the fried fish one. The service was great no complaints, we were served in at a nice pace and our food was brought out promptly. The space is clean and inviting, as it's easy to overlook this place but I recommend you stop in and get their banh MIs!!! I'm excited to try more from your menu. Thank you guys for my amazing birthday lunch with my bestie! Keep up the great work!

    BBQ pork banh mi
    Stephanie C.

    Ordered this for delivery and the sandwich came still piping hot which was a great sign. The baguette itself was fantastic because it was still warm and soft. The bbq pork had good flavor but I also felt they drenched it in Sriracha and maybe additional soy sauce which made it quite salty. The sandwich was good but left more to be desired. I think the portion was a little on the smaller side. No cucumbers or jalapeños that typically comes with a banh mi either.

    Joyce C.

    The first time that I had Lotus1, I had a Pork Banh Mi to-go. I don't know if I was overly happy about having a Vietnamese restaurant within walking distance, and not having to take the train to Jackson Heights or Elmhurst. The sandwich tasted great. Really liked the daikon & radish slaw and cilantro & the meat had a nice soy lemongrass flavor, very juicy. I've dined in and have had to-go a few orders since then and everything has been underwhelming. Mostly had the Banh Mi (usually pork or chicken). And the Summer Rolls (dine in), which weren't filled with much lettuce carrot or mint, mostly noodle and a few half pieces of shrimp, rolled loosely, served with a flavorless peanut dipping sauce. For $9.00! I really wanted a mint item on a hot summer day! The times that I've waited for an order or dined in, I kept hearing the beep of a microwave. I'm not sure, but it seems like most of the food is prepared at that small counter behind their folding screen, I didn't hear any sizzle of grilling meat from any kitchen! I'm pretty sure that it's cooked in either a microwave or a convection oven. The pork has been more grisely lately and thr meat DOES have that texture of "microwaved meat"! Place is super cute on the inside, and you can tell that they put a lot of thought into interior design - even with the bathroom. I definitely want to steal some of those ideas for my place. It's a nice cute place for a group dinner or even a date, but the food is just very disappointing. Their staff is really nice, but I have to remember not to return there, because each time I'm still disappointed. And it's $11 for a Banh Mi. I'm assuming that their Pho broth is made from the Pho broth seasoning powder that you can buy at the Asian market. Most of the staff are Fujianese Chinese, not that it matters, but it may in paying better attention or having better ownership over the quality of the dishes.

    Fanny C.

    The service was quick and server was friendly but the food was eh. :( The portions were small for the price on the apps (spring rolls and summer rolls), and the beef pho broth was super bland and the cuts of meat were not what I'm used to getting in a typical pho (instead of the rare brisket slices, it's more like sausage slices and thin bits of beef).

    40. Vegan Pork Pho
    Kristine N.

    Cozy spot past Steinway! Small, no frills restaurant with friendly staff. Plenty of vegan options on the menu! I ordered the pho with vegan pork- the staff made sure to double check I also wanted vegan broth which was a nice touch! The bowls are HUGE and they don't skimp on the fillings. I would probably ask to add some more veggies though because there weren't really any there by default. The basil ginger lemonade was refreshing as well.

    2. Fresh Summer Roll
    David G.

    Always looking to try more Vietnamese food and saw this had good ratings in Astoria. Really underwhelmed, the Thai tea was the best thing out of my meal. The rolls were small and not filled with much, as you can see from the picture and seemed doused/wet as it looked like it was vacuum sealed. The pho had a weird taste and really no flavor to the broth-the meat was also not typical or what I've experienced before...even with all the condiments added. I ordered banh mi too and it was mostly 50% carrots-it was decent but not sure if I would come back. Maybe it's good for being one of few Vietnamese restaurants but not my taste.

    Also not grilled pork pho

    See all

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jem B.
    255
    362
    1672

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eddie C.
    42
    123
    76

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of C B.
    67
    17
    11

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kim P.
    329
    17
    5

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sheri H.
    82
    124
    27

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of george g.
    1058
    53
    3

    4 years ago

    mediocre food at high prices , pho is tasteless and spring rolls worst skin ever , grilled chicken very dry

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Really great fried chicken and banh mi, would definitely recommend! Next time you are in Astoria stop by.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Meg H.
    774
    257
    2238

    11 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Leonel Z.
    44
    10
    15

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amanda C.
    5
    102
    29

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Katy H.
    30
    207
    56

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mina M.
    192
    12
    7

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 5

    Lotus 1 Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Lotus 1

    You might also consider

    Sal, Kris, & Charlie's Deli - Turkey & Roast Beef on a Hero Fully Loaded (~$16)

    Sal, Kris, & Charlie's Deli

    4.7(1.6k reviews)
    0.9 miAstoria
    $$

    Where do I begin??! First of all i must thank my Yelp buddy…read moreSuper K for recommending Sals!! Absolutely delicious subs!! Better than Katz and Carnegie!! Sandwiches are huge!! Its possible to share a sandwich with a friend. My favorite is the da bomb or pastrami. I love dipping mine in Italian dressing.... Service is great! Located in the Astoria part of NYC. You might have to wait but its worth it!! They don't take plastic!!! You need cash!! Oh yeah no place to sit ..so take it the park.. so after you eat you can take a stroll and not feel guilty!

    I was recently visiting NYC & knowing my for a top tier sub sandwich, I must try Sal, Kris &…read moreCharlie's. So I did, and ordered "The Bomb", everything except Mayo. Cut in 4 Here's the deal. The service is very professional. Takes a minute because they're extremely busy if you visit during the lunch hours. If you're a foodie and enjoy the view of fresh meats, cheeses, salads, breads, and sandwiches being made fresh..... then the ambiance was bliss. The fact it was in a common neighborhood made it even more enjoyable of a visit! Now to the sandwich..This sandwich itself DEFINITELY lives up to the hype! It really is the REAL DEAL!! Maybe they should change the name to "Da Bomb", because it's that's good! However, through no fault of anyone, this is the learning experience I take back for my next visit: 1) Extra lettuce, tomatoes, onions, hot peppers. Potato Salad IF extra hot peppers! 2) Bring reusable containers for your sandwich, especially if you're not going home/ hotel right away. Next visit, which will be my next visit to NYC, I intend to try the roast beef and turkey hero, extra lettuce, tomatoes, onions, hot peppers. Overall, I still rate 5/5. They do a fantastic job here. Service is awesome, food is fresh, and the amount of food they offer for the price is well worth it. Definitely worth visiting again and again!!

    Photos
    Sal, Kris, & Charlie's Deli - Inside and menu

    Inside and menu

    Sal, Kris, & Charlie's Deli - The Bomb - Split 3 ways.

    The Bomb - Split 3 ways.

    Sal, Kris, & Charlie's Deli

    See all

    Desperately Seeking Sandwich - The truck

    Desperately Seeking Sandwich

    4.9(10 reviews)
    0.4 miAstoria

    Charlie is an amazing man. Clearly passionate about his food, loves what he does, can talk up a…read morestorm with his customers, and is a veteran. So when he mentioned how his burger was the most popular item, I definitely had to give it a shot - $8.75 for a no frills 8oz Angus burger with American cheese, tomato, onion, lettuce (I believe I saw pickle was available, but didn't get it). What I got was the 8oz of meat, but it was on a gorgeous brioche bun, with 2 slices of beefsteak tomato and really fresh lettuce. The red onions were meticulouslu cooked down in garlic butter on his griddle, and the burger patty (100% fresh, by the way) was cooked on grill using wood chip-fueled fire. Like I said, the guy really cares about his food. The meat was cooked to order, and all of the ingredients (bun, produce) were from LOCAL SHOPS freshly delivered every morning, so no unfresh ingredients. He dared me to eat this burger and come back to tell him it's not the best in the area, and I think he has an argument. So if you want to get a really good burger, all while supporting a 1-man show who supports Astoria's local businesses, stop by! This place is a great addition to the neighborhood, and I can't wait to try the rest of his sandwiches.

    Terrific food cart I found along Central Park East. Tried on two occasions. Turkey and egg sandwich…read moreon one day and the burger on the next day. Might need some extra napkins for these things but they're excellent. Super friendly guys, too.

    Photos
    Desperately Seeking Sandwich - Angus Burger

    Angus Burger

    Desperately Seeking Sandwich - Tea, breakfast sandwich

    Tea, breakfast sandwich

    Desperately Seeking Sandwich - Central Park East

    See all

    Central Park East

    Lotus 1 - vietnamese - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...