Review Potala Organic Cafe - Albany

Best place, for wholesome whole foods that feel good energy was put in to it and effort. I wish I could eat like this everyday, I and the world would be a better place. Soo good. Thank you

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.

My favorite menu here is black bean noodle. It wasn't good when I tried about 2 years ago. When I ordered it today, I was very surprised. The level of sweetness and amount of onion was well balanced. They must have changed the chef. I still think that Dragon Chinese restaurant in LA has the best black bean noodle. But, I am coming back to this place again cause it's the best one in La Crescenta area.

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!!!

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.

Absolutely love this place the steaks are amazing worth the price without a doubt! I love the live music while i eat as well me and my girl friend used to come here all the time when we were able to afford it and now that we are back on top definitely plan to visit soon! One word of advice to wait staff tho when some one orders a bottle of dom dont come back to make sure they no the price lol that happened to me wich is why i took off a star lol if i order something its probably safe to assume i can afford it lol

A friend and I ate an early lunch a couple of weeks ago at Potala and were very delighted. Delicious, fresh and wholesome foods presented in a large plate or medium plate selection, also with other foods you could buy separately. Our medium plates were satisfying and filling. Brown Rice, beans, kale, salad, and chopped vegetables with sauces and a dressing for the salad were delicious. Tea was delicious. We could talk easily and really enjoy our lunch.

This place is my absolute favorite spot in Berkeley--I'm here multiple times a week...it's that good. 100% vegan and organic...I love it as a vegan, but non-vegans love it, too! Each meal includes brown rice, beans/lentils, a steamed green with sauce, mixed vegetables, salad, and soup! The menu rotates regularly. They accommodate carry out or dine in, and they have free hot tea, too. The atmosphere is very calm and relaxing and the food comes out very fast. I really can't say enough good things...I love Potala!

Potala Vegan Restaurant   1045 San Pablo Ave./Marin Ave., in Albany, (510) 528-2375.  L-D daily; $$.  No reservations.  Named for the striking hilltop palace in Lhasa, Tibet, this all-vegan, all-organic restaurant has only one set menu available each day.  A server with take your order after you select your choices from a white board in the entry, after which you can help yourself to a glass of water or complimentary hot tea—on the day I visited it was Organic Kukicha Twig Tea—from the bar and then seat yourself.  Your choices involve how much food you would like—a simple, medium, or full plate.  I ordered the medium portion and finished it all.  All but the soup is served on a single dinner plate.  An a la carte menu is available; children are welcome and can order from that.  No fake meats are used.  The menu for my visit was kidney bean veggie soup (my favorite item); wild brown rice and green split pea with onion (I also really liked this); sauteed red and green cabbages, carrots, and potato; steamed collard greens with beets burdock onion sauce; mixed green salad with brown rice vinegar-tahini dressing.  Flavors and textures vary, and I felt healthier when I left.  I would have liked some bread, but none is served here.  Cookies and other desserts cost additional, and vegan wines and beers are available.  Decor is secondary but pleasant--some lovely Thai carvings left from a previous restaurant here, flute music, a tiny orchid on my table that I had to pinch to be sure it was plastic--and comfy booths are a big plus, as is the free parking lot.

I LOVE the food here! I can taste the live it is made with by the delightful chef. Simple foods with delicious sauces. I'm so happy that this incarnation of the old Organic Cafe from Oakland had moved down the street from me in Albany!