a vegetarian cafe & bar with an Indian flare
Coffee, Chai, Smoothies, Cocktails, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
A space created for belonging.
Voted Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Richmond by Style Weekly in 2025, Gold Lion serves Virginia’s largest plant-based menu, blending bold Indian flavors with comforting American classics. Many of our recipes come straight from our mother’s kitchen, carrying stories of home, heart, and heritage.
Everything here is handcrafted with care — from our scratch-made chai and locally roasted Afterglow coffee to smoothies blended fresh every morning. Each dish is designed to surprise and comfort at the same time.
As EveryQueer wrote, “Stepping into Gold Lion is like stepping into a warm, vibrant hug from someone you know will be a fast friend.”
Our menu celebrates global fusion: vibrant curries, crisp samosas, dosas hot off the griddle, BBQ sandwiches, pizzas, sandwiches, and all-day favorites that bring people together. EveryQueer called it “a delightful exploration of global fusion, where culinary traditions collide and intertwine.”
When the lights dim, the café comes alive with community. We host drag brunch, comedy nights, poetry readings, live music, and open mics — spaces for creativity, connection, and joy.
Richmond Magazine captured it best: “You feel it when the staff speaks to you with a smiling familiarity and again when you take a look around and notice how many community-building projects they support.”
Whether you’re here for a morning latte, a dosa dinner, or a night of laughter and art, you’re part of the story that makes Gold Lion feel like home.
Duke’s Tab: A Meal for Everyone
At Gold Lion Community Café, we believe no one should go hungry, and that a warm meal can be the start of something bigger. Duke’s Tab is our way of caring for our neighbors, no questions asked. Named after our founder’s beloved dog, Duke, who embodied loyalty and kindness, this program keeps the spirit of community alive right here in Richmond.
Every dollar donated to Duke’s Tab goes directly toward free meals for anyone in crisis — whether they’re experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, or other life events. We don’t make people prove anything. We just feed them.
Since launching the program, we’ve served thousands of meals through the generosity of our guests and community partners. Your contribution keeps the tab open and ensures that every person who walks through our doors is treated with dignity, compassion, and a full plate of food!
HOURS
Mon 10am-4pm
Tues - Th 9am-8pm
Friday 9am-9pm
Saturday. 8am - 9pm
Sun. 8am-4pm