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Vegetarian cafe offering a 95% vegan menu. Vegetarian items containing egg, cheese & honey are clearly labeled. Has an extensive menu that includes dosas, uttapam, Am,erican breakfast dishes salads, samosas, and a selection of snack foods. Open Mon-Tue 10:00am-4:00pm, Wed-Thu 9:00am-8:00pm, Fri 9:00am-9:00pm, Sat 8:00am-9:00pm, Sun 8:00am-4:00pm. Closed Mon.
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1012 Hull St (at Between E 10th & 11th Streets), Richmond, Virginia, USA, 23224
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Last update on 24 Mar 2025 by goldlion
Update business info -
Added by Sparkymiran123 on 19 Oct 2023
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17 Reviews
First Review by HungryVeganinDC
Cassmula
Points +696
Great vegan options! Also vegetarian options - Edit
Nice community spot, good menu options, super nice staff. I enjoyed my breakfast and I will be back to try more!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-05-12
Guest
rervais
Points +209
Phenomenal - where to begin . . . - Edit
The friendliest people - the new host (whose name I didn't get), the very nice bar manager Holly, the customers, many of whom were swing dancing to classic big band and jazz music. The vibe - bohemian, kind, welcoming, warm and happening. The food - well, the French Dip Au Jus I had was phenomenal. I went vegetarian in 1987 and often think about one of my favorite dishes - French Dip - that I haven't had in nearly 40 years. This hit the mark except that I miss the horseradish sauce that was included in the French Dips I had at Nick's Roast Beef in Philly in the 70's and 80's. Perhaps next time I'll bring my own horseradish sauce. Okay, and am absolutely BLOWN AWAY by this on the menu: "Gold Lion is dedicated to combating hunger in Richmond. We provide a community meal to those in need free of charge. If you are hungry and in need, please ask for a meal on Duke's tab. Qualifying items are a veggie burger, omelette, french toast, powerhouse or a cup of soup and salad." Makes me cry just retyping it. If I owned a restaurant, I would want it to be this one.
Read morePros: Food, friendly, vibe, caring for the hungry, French Dip au jus was amazing, The staff and the customers are a big happy family
Guest
ElMath
Points +813
So unique - Edit
Got the egg dosa with all the things. Was delish and super filling but pretty oily because I felt a little icky after. The medu vada donuts were unique and flavorful, basically savory donuts. Also got the house chai which was spice filled, maybe a bit strong for me but I enjoyed all the flavors. Friend got the bagel and it came with tots. Overall super fun funky little spot and would enjoy going back again and trying some different things.
Read moreGuest
Librahi
Points +513
Great options - Edit
I’ve eaten here twice. Loved the French Dip w Au Jus and the wings were so good too! It’ll be a place that I return to many times!
Read moreGuest
Chelsea75
Points +307
Magical Community Spot - Edit
Very cool set up and delicious food! I ordered the breakfast Thali and it was really tasty. The staff was very helpful and went above and beyond to help me modify my drink order to exclude any liquors that may contain honey. The whole place was a vibe and I felt like I was part f something by just being there!
Read morePros: The food was tasty, The scene was happening , The staff was chef kisses
Guest
bturnbull
Points +154
Amazing food and mission - Edit
This is a really special restaurant & community space. We loved the Indian dishes and creative drinks. Want to come back and try everything on the menu.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-03-30
Pros: Creative menu, Event space
Guest
DianeMM
Points +1841
Fun atmosphere! - Edit
They were setting up for a swing dance lesson as we picked up our food! A few tables in the bar area for dining in. Many vegan options.
Read moreGuest
bertie112
Points +20
Food review - Edit
Loved the food and the vibe. So much more than a coffee place. Recommend it highly
Read morePros: Food, Vibe, People
Cons: No
Guest
KaylaMcNew37
Points +89
Absolutely wonderful atmosphere and food - Edit
Went with a friend and ordered a T.L.T. Witj a mango smoothie and it was so delicious. It’s a small and cute cafe and will have to come back and bring Hubs to try more items. Absolutely loved it! #Veganuary
Read morePros: Quaint atmosphere , Delicious food
Cons: Parking is difficult
Guest
amcglathery
Points +33
Delicious Breakfast - Edit
I’d recommend the Masala Bagel, it was unique and delicious! I can’t wait to come back and try their dosas. Their lunch menu also has a lot of interesting options
Read moreGuest
joeyhoer
Points +13
Great Faux Meat - Edit
There are few places in Richmond where you can get meatless “meats” and Gold Lion has some of the best I’ve had!
Read moreGuest
MurrBurr
Points +88
Awesome Dining Experience - Edit
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!
Read moreGuest
iampureart
Points +444
I had higher hopes.. - Edit
I remember seeing an article about the cafe opening. I was genuinely super excited. Today I've finally had the chance to try it out and honestly? I was unfortunately very disappointed.
Read moreThe original chai unfortunately barely had any flavor nor spice. it was kinda bland. We spent 42 dollars for basically nothing? The taxes on top of everything were wild. Like we weren't aware we'd pay for 5 different taxes and haven't had that before so it was weird.
The best thing were the original samosas. The mango chutney and mint sauce were good too. The meat samosa tasted too much like beef to me for some reason, but besides that it was good. The samosas are huge.
The hummus platter was so unbelievably disappointing. I honestly would've been ashamed of myself if I would've served that to someone. Stale fried chips.. seasoning was good but I had a hard time eating them at all. Hummus was okay-ish. Kinda dry... Not the best. The cucumber were also not the freshest. I kinda thought it'd come with more vegetables.. it was celery, cucumber and some lettuce. Idk. Didn't look good and tasted even worse. 😆 I usually don't like leaving bad reviews but I was genuinely disappointed.
The atmosphere was low-key awkward. Sadly. 😆 Staff was nice though. #Veganuary
Pros: Samosas are big, decently flavored.
Cons: Pricey , Flavorless , Weird atmosphere
Guest
EileenRodan
Points +28
Nurturing atmosphere and flavorful food - Edit
I had lunch today at the Gold lion, and was delighted at the menu, which was almost 100% vegan except for two items that had cheese. It is also a nutritious freshly made menu with diversity of Indian and American selections. The atmosphere was very homey and welcoming.
Read morePros: Food, Atmosphere , Staff
Cons: Not enough gf vegan meats
Guest
hikeologist
Points +76
Friendly vibes and delicious, unique food - Edit
We had the Wayside Rolls, Chick'n Salad and Butter Chick'n. Everything was delicious but the Butter Chick'n will haunt my dreams. The Chick'n Salad was a generous portion with perfectly balanced flavors. The service was extremely friendly. Highly recommend.
Read moreGuest
SandyW.
Points +100
Great food! - Edit
Memphis Blues BBQ sandwich was spot on for delicious Bbq eats, yummy fries too. Friendly noodle soup was very tasty and comforting. Keema somosa was good too, tasted like beyond meat (not sure), came with mint chutney sauce- very hot spicy. Can ask to use mango chutney instead, no heat, delicious too. Owner Matthew was very kind and informative as was his staff. We will make this café a regular stop for us!
Read morePros: Food was delicious, Welcoming, cozy vibe, nice atmosphere, Staff friendly and knowlegeable
Guest
HungryVeganinDC
Points +81
Delicious and a great selection - Edit
Queer-friendly with a great selection of vegan and vegetarian food. They also sell books, plants, and jewelry from local small businesses.
Read morePros: Affordable, Great selection , Cozy atmosphere
Guest
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