Gold Lion Community Cafe

Friendly staff and delicious vegan options. They offer American, Indian and some fusion dishes. The new mango samosas are amazing! The bowls are flavorful and filling. You really cant go wrong. This is a great place for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters.

Very cool coffee shop. Im gluten, dairy and soy free and Im not a coffee drinker. They have a lot of vegan items, but those usually contain soy. My wife had the blueberry scone and described it as very good and the coffee was very good(shes a coffee snob). If youre in need of a coat, you can take one from the rack at front. If you donate your clean/laundered coat, you get 10% off your meal

Stopped in for a quick lunch and to check out a neighboring business across the street from where I work. Met Matthew, one of the owners who went above and beyond to ensure a great experience. The food was fantastic- especially the samosas! Will definitely be back. Can’t wait to check out the cocktail club next.

Was looking for a new cafe and so glad I found this one. They have an awesome food menu, delicious pastries, and excellent coffee!So many vegan options. I’ve tried the ramen, the mango samosas, and the vegan chicken noodle soup and a few pastries. All were excellent. So glad we found this place.

Amazing food, fun vibes, great staff and music. Got some breakfast and everything was so good. Delicious vegan choices.

Great cafe with nice community events! I really like their classic samosas. Their Strawberry Fields smoothie is pretty good, and I enjoyed the mango fried rice decently. I have also tried their matcha latte, although I wouldnt recommend it- it mostly just tasted like oat milk. Most of their menu is quite good, however.

I have been there several times and the service and food have been amazing. The staff are super friendly and will help you with recommendations. The food is great and they give you a great portion for the money spent. I had the Gus Breakfast sandwich and it surpassed my expectations. The acai bowls are large and filling. They also sell regular and dairy-free ice cream, both are of good quality and taste.

Gold Lion has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. I love how they support local artists and businesses. The chai is so flavorful, and the drinks at Dukes Den are delicious, especially the mango margarita. Their samosas are my favorite item on the menu, and I can never decide which one to order because they are all amazing (traditional, pizza, keema, and mango)! The owners are incredibly kind and are doing so much for the community. Highly recommend!

Such a welcoming and unpretentious place.The do wish they had better veggie bacon, tho. I know there is better fake bacon out there.

If I am off Hull St, you know this is the place Im going for food! Even if its just for an Iced Chai Tea - I can not recommend this little spot enough. The atmosphere is so calm and usually quiet even when busy. Its a great place to work or write - They also host events that are usually free or at least donation based. Please consider giving Gold Lion a visit!

What a great place. Very welcoming to everyone. The owners are very friendly and the menu is varied from a good breakfast selection to a great lunch/dinner selection. All items are vegan or vegetarian. My favorites are the Gus’s Famous breakfast sandwich which is a fried egg, vegan sausage, and avocado on a bagel. So delicious and filling! And the classic samosas which are perfectly spiced in a wonderful crust that’s light and flaky. The coffee is equally delectable. They locally source as much of their products as possible using LGBTQA + and minority owned businesses. Come down and give them a try!

I ate here for the first time today and thoroughly enjoyed my meal. The Hyderbadi House chai latte was delicious, the Keema Samosa was SOOO good and the vegan meat was both juicy and flavorful, the Chutney Cheeze Burger was a perfect veggie burger with nice flavors and the Masala Salad was tasty and light. The restaurant was decorate in a fun and welcoming way. The staff were kind and helpful. I can’t wait to come back to try more!

It was a wonderful experience! We had the wayside rolls, hummus and powerhouse sandwich. My latte was so tasty I had to get another one to go when I left. Love the vibes of this place and look forward to returning!

Gold Lion is such a gift to the city. From opening, the quality of service, food, & the atmosphere and cafe space have been top notch. I love how the cafe has quickly become an event and meeting space - either officially organized events by Gold Lion, or just a great space that I can bring my small book club to.Not to mention the HOURS! Gold Lion has the classic Richmond curse of not being open Monday and Tuesday, but the days they are open their hours are as late as 9pm or 11pm!! Its so hard to find a place to just *exist* after 2pm that isnt a loud bar.I love how active they are in the community with aforementioned events, clear queer and social activism, and their menu of almost exclusively vegan but delicious foods. I love Gold Lion 10/10 you have my heart.

This was my first time ordering from this place. I ordered Idli Sambar, Buddy Dosa, and Classic Samosa for lunch. The Idli tasted nice but was pretty cold, and the sambar given alongside was insufficient in quantity. The Buddy Dosa was quite disappointing; the stuffing was bland and not at all appealing. The Classic Samosa was crispy on the outside, but the stuffing was overly loaded.I’ll try eating there in person and see if the experience is any different.

Great vibes and a beautiful setting! The food and drinks were delicious. I had the samosa sandwich and pineapple spiced iced tea. Looking forward to returning to trying more.

The bagels they use truly suck. One of the worst bagels I’ve ever had. The masala chai was great though. I don’t think I’ve ever had authentic masala chai before and it was incredible. The service was a little slow but it was a Sunday morning and it seemed like there was 1 person working the kitchen and one person running register and making drinks so I’ll give them a little bit of a break. They also sell books centered around human rights and other important social issues and local art. That combined with all the plant based food options, I think the place is trying very hard to be responsible both environmentally and socially so they will definitely get my money again the next time I’m in town… just don’t get a bagel.

Such good vibes all around! The food and drinks were excellent (had the Hyderbadi house chai, a fresh mango samosa, the chutney cheeze burger—all excellent) and the workers were super friendly and caring—the cook even made the extra effort to arrange my sister’s avocado slices like roses

SO many vegan/vegetarian options! The atmosphere is great, and the staff was super chill. The jasmine rice was maybe a little dried out, but my chai was on. point. I will 100% be coming back.

Just friggin WOW! Firstly, The Yerba Mate Latte is the absolute truth. The mango samosa should be outlawed because it’s so good, all the warm spices set it off. The dosa and uttapum are other worldly. So happy to finally make it to this place and even more stoked I live so close.

I love this place. I’m such a fan! The food is fantastic (not your same-oh, same-oh Indian food), and the owner makes you feel so welcome. You’ll leave Golden Lion with a full belly, new friends and warm memories.

One of the best newer cafes that has opened in RVA. Ive been here several times for breakfast and a drag brunch and have had a wonderful experience every time! Gold Lion offers a variety of drinks and food, with both Indian and American options. I love that its vegetarian first with vegan options available too! Usually, I get a golden milk chai but have been told that all of their chai and coffee are amazing. I like getting the Buddys Dosa to eat but honestly need to go back and try more of their menu 😋 Parking is street only.

I had an AWESOME traditional chai and yummy bagel to go with it. I’d love to come back for their food because it seemed delicious. Welcoming ambiance, service was friendly and fast, will definitely be coming back to check out some of their community events!

I love Gold Lion. The atmosphere is relaxed and I love that they hold space to support other small businesses. Yummy samosas and chai. The masala salad is unique and delicious. So inclusive and kind. 10/10. I encourage friends, family and anyone to go there. ❤️❤️❤️

The SAMOSA is the best one Ive ever had. And I get them from every Indian/punjabi restaurant I go to. It was a slow day when we went, but the aesthetics gave it a great local charm and the owner was very genuine.

Such a cozy place, its really the prettiest cafe I think Ive been in in RVA!Got a burrito, it was really good and so were the tots it came with. Everyone was really kind and helpful to my friends and I as we tried having our boardgame meetup here. Everyone enjoyed their drinks as well.Well definitely be back! Thank you ♥️

The owners are so nice, and the staff is friendly and kind. A welcoming place for everyone with great vegan options. The lupita lupita vegan breakfast burrito is one of my favs.

The staff is very friendly. Absolutely delicious food. Their cold brew is also incredible! My new favorite local spot.

What a gem of a place. Owners are welcoming and food is freaking fantastic.

Golden Lion is the epitome of warm hospitality! I work up the street from them and it’s a pleasure to be able to have a place i can go to away from the Hussle and Hussle of work life!! From the decor to the staff you walk in and you’re immediately transported into a tranquil and peaceful space. The mocha latte is freshly brewed and delightful to the pallet!! I recommend visiting the Golden Lion for all your vegan food and coffee needs!!!

Queer-friendly with delicious vegan and vegetarian food. I love the relaxed atmosphere. You can get coffee, breakfast, samosas, sandwiches, soup, salad, and more! They also sell books, plants, and jewelry from local businesses.

What a beautiful addition to the Richmond community. Delicious food, friendly staff and a welcoming social space for all, especially the LGBTQ+ community. I study here, I eat here, I went speed dating here… they have it all, folks. Get into it!

Over priced vegan food for terrible quality. Seitan sandwich that was ice cold with unmelted vegan cheese and 3 slices of cold tasteless seitan with canned black olives and Kroger spring mix on a stale bun. For $15. For $18 you can get butter chicken with seitan that is uncooked and tasted raw. The prices are outrageous compared to the quality of food.

Love this place. It’s so comfy, cozy and full of friendly people any time you go in. The food is amazing too. All in all a lovely place for community to gather :)

I am so excited to have this cafe as an addition to the community. I have interacted with one of the owners, Matthew, on a couple visits, and he has been so incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful. Absolute gem of a human being. I’ve tried 8 different menu items so far and everything has been excellent. The classic chai and samosas are incredible.Hull Street parking can be a nightmare when it’s busy, but the nearby streets have free parking and most of the sidewalks in the area are accessible.

Every dish looked appetizing , it took me a minute to decide. settled for the Gus’s famous ! This location is very inclusive and friendly , highly recommend .

My family stopped in for a snack @ 5:30 pm. We were warmly greeted at the door and it just got better from there. The staff was friendly and very helpful. We are not a family that is familiar with vegan food and they took the time to guide us through the menu. We ordered classic and keema samosas, spring rolls, an acai bowl, and Gus Famous bagel breakfast sandwich. It was all to die for delicious. And best of all, the price was very fair. We will be back!

I absolutely love this place and Im excited for what more is to come. Theyre always hosting new events from meet ups to drag to karaoke and its such a welcoming space for everyone who steps inside. The staff and owners are fantastic. 5/5 would definitely recommend!

I came here with my mother for a brunch. She got the lupita lupita and enjoyed it very much. I tried her tater tots and thought that they were the best tater tots I’ve had yet. I wanted the mango samosas and acai bowl but they were out of both. Instead I got the oats with all the toppings. I was disappointed I couldn’t really taste the fruit or spices and the oatmeal itself was very plain and tasteless. I took the leftover oats home and added to them later that day. This places was nice. I would come again but definitely would not get the oats.

The food is tasty, priced right, and I am enjoying trying new dishes every time I go there. They on occasion will host an open mic or other event that supports the local artists. What’s not to like, yeah?

10/10! Everything is just lovely. The staff is super friendly and the vibes are cozy and inviting. We had the Gus breakfast sandwich and it was delicious, oh and it comes with tater tots 🤤 Will be coming here often!

The food is so delicious, the team was so kind and friendly, we ate half the things on the menu and drank the other half. What a great meal. The samosas will knock you over, theyre so good. None of us are even vegan and it just absolutely blew us away.

10/10 Strongly recommend!This place has something for everyone and they run a completely nut free shop, which is uncommon for vegetarian/vegan spots. I am super excited to see an inclusive space with great vegan options, and an abundance of them, make a home in my neighborhood!Go check these good people out, you wont regret it!

Cool spot serving indian and American breakfast and lunch dishes. Welcoming space with a selection of great dishes - will come here again!

A beautiful place with friendly staff! The plain bagel with dayum jam and tempeh bacon was so delicious!

Very considerate, great atmosphere, tons of vegan options. The bagel and the medu vada were delicious.

Great eclectic atmosphere, service, food and love the Friday morning Breakfast Cabaret once a month. Matthew the owner is very accommodating.

I went in the day after the grand opening and I was really excited to see a new queer friendly and vegan cafe. I went in and dont remember being greeted, I also know they didnt say anything when my drink was ready. The workers just seemed like..tired/stand offish. Like I said, I was really excited to try them, but honestly I dont feel like dealing with the parking on hull street, let alone mid service to go back.Tldr; Chai was really good, customer service not so much

I love this place! Lots of flavorful vegetarian and vegan options. Welcoming casual environment. Fun activities. Generous rewards.

Nice service and the African American girl can cook! And I also love their African American book collection this place is everything equally

Went here for my birthday and am glad that we did! They have a great menu with lots of delicious options, and the staff was very friendly and helpful!!

I’ll always credit Gold Lion with showing us that we could go plant-based and still enjoy wonderful, nurturing, flavorful meals. It’s a trek for us to go here from Short Pump but it’s certainly worth the drive. Highly recommend.

This place is terrific...! The food was exceptional - first bite of their crispy, creamy samosas made me misty-eyed. The atmosphere is quiet, elegant, neighborly. Looking forward to returning!

So grateful to have a place that is warm and inviting. The food is great and the owners make you feel like family. They host community events that feature fun and education. I visit at least a couple times a week.

The current chikn was unbelievable with some extra shiracha. Nom. Golden latte great too

This place is so cool! Great atmosphere and service. I had the ramen which was so great! Highly recommend the mango samosa!!!

Its a coffee shop *and* an Indian restaurant. Very cool concept and very friendly people. Highly recommend checking it out!

Wow. 8$ for a 12 ounce strawberry acai refresher that I watched them pour out of a grocery store strawberry lemonade jug. No acai in it either.

Amazing super-friendly service and food! And yay for the community Cafe model! So many delicious veg/vegan options that it was hard to choose... I ate w/friends and everyone raved about the food and the experience.

This place is amazing food was fantastic and service was quick. Tons of vegan options!

Great atmosphere, fun and energetic. Quick and Great service. The food is amazing!!!! First time here! Love it! They have livve drag shows and comedies stand ups to.

Samosa was great! Lupita Lupita was a bit light on fillings. The decor and layout are a little weird?Real bummed they took the savory oatmeal off the menu but I guess it might not have sold well.

Classic case of using a culture to exploit its aesthetics. The only thing Indian about this place are the names. The Hyderabadi “chai” isn’t chai. It’s black tea. The “Kerala” Bowl has nothing to do with Kerala. The food was okay, but way too overpriced for something that isn’t even what they’re claiming to be. For a place that focuses on inclusivity, it’s the most white-washed set up I’ve ever seen. You can’t even call it fusion because the Indian half is barely there…

The interior gives me Central Perk vibes, cozy and eclectic. It sounds like they have a variety of great events coming up, and I’m looking forward to trying more of the drink and food offerings!

Love the vibes -- cozy and spacious. The food is excellent! Love the bbq sandwich. Service was friendly and not very long. I highly recommend. A great business and nice owners to support.

Food and coffee are great. Amazing local queer spot with nearly all vegan menu, highly recommended. Met the owner Matthew who is wonderful.

I went here and tried their chai for the first time. It was really nice and spicy. I havent tried their food yet but I hope its as good as the chai. Is a nice and artsy atmosphere.

Love this place so much! Delicious vegan options, great coffee, lovely atmosphere. I’m so glad it’s here in Manchester:)

The Gold Lion Cafe is so inviting when you walk in and the atmosphere is just awesome.

Incredible Hyderabadi chai! Plus vegan ice cream and healthy food bowls. And a great place to hang. Highly recommend!

This cafe is such an unexpected GEM! Their Chai is the most amazing Ive ever had (direct from the cafe owners family recipes).

This place is amazing! Great atmosphere and delicious food! I love that the standard in all their coffee drinks is oat milk.

Chai was very good. Am excited to try their food offerings in the future. I love the vibes and the book selection. Community building is so vital.

Great staff, but the food was very bland. The coffee was okay, but nothing too exciting. The atmosphere and vibes were great, but the actual food and drinks were underwhelming

This definetly the best cup of coffee I have had in a long time …. The oatmeal was real not the fake oats you find in the stores…. Great service great food !!! WELCOME TO RVA!!! #loudamerika

WOOOW!!! Amazing food. I never had tofu meat and I was impressed. One of the best meals Ive had.

The Lupita burrito was amazing. The potatoes? Even better. And the chai?!?! Heavenly. Amazing spot and wonderful folks.

Amazing vibes and very community focused/friendly! The food is delicious and the dirty chai is to die for!

Great food and vibe every time I go there.

Great space for business and personal meetings. Latte & banana muffin were both delicious!

Amazing food and the owners and staff are incredibly nice. Im so happy to have this cafe nearby.

I went there for my first mesl and it was delucious vegetarian and the live music was awesome

Best chai ever and wonderful community space.

Matthew & Nafis are awesome ! I highly recommend this place to everyone !!!

They serve afterglow coffee which is fantastic. Best atmosphere of any place in town imo

Food great and great books for sale

Loved the ambiance, food was delish, and the people who work there are very friendly and helpful.

Great food and drinks and the atmosphere is super warm and inviting!

Friendly staff and yummy treats!

This place deserves to survive in a part of town that suffered many closures due to Covid. The people here are gems.

The best new vegan/veg spot!!!!

This cafe had amazing food, coffee and a great atmosphere!

A coffee shop with samosas! Friendly atmosphere and great food.

Nice cafe, awful parking

Lovely vibe and super friendly staff. Come out and support this place and welcome them to the neighborhood!

Friendly people serving good food

Best chai ever

Amazing food and staff such a cozy place!

The samosas are amazing!

Obsessed. Love the atmosphere, food and drinks.

Love love love this cafe!!

The food menu has excellent variety and lots of great flavors and textures. The breakfast samosa and herba mate latte are absolutely fantastic and Ill be coming back for more! The environment is beautiful and very welcoming. Highly recommend stopping by!

The vegan and gluten free food and bev options are so delicious! V reasonably priced and I love supporting a cafe that elevates often times overlooked voices in the rva community and beyond 🤎