The Lotus Indian Restaurant, set in the beautiful Mercia Marina just outside Derby, was the perfect choice for our works reunion. There were seven of us, and we opted for one of the set Christmas menus. The meal began with a generous basket of poppadoms and chutneys, followed by a delicious trio of starters: turkey tikka, a tender tandoori lamb chop, and perfectly cooked shrimps. For the mains, we were served a rich and flavourful butter chicken, a comforting daal, and a gorgeous lamb railway curry. Everything was accompanied by freshly cooked naan breads, fluffy pilau rice and perfectly spiced chips. The food was absolutely first class, and the waiting staff couldn’t have done more to make it a memorable evening. I would certainly recommend The Lotus to anyone looking for great Indian cuisine in a lovely setting. If you're in the area, it’s also worth exploring the marina and taking a relaxing 20-minute stroll along the towpath to the welcoming Dragon Inn
Overview
If you’re looking for a cozy spot with authentic Indian flavors, Lotus Indian Kitchen in Willington, Derby, is a must-visit. Located at Mercia Marina, 8 Findern Ln, the restaurant combines a warm, welcoming atmosphere with mouthwatering dishes that bring the true essence of Indian cuisine to life.
Stepping into Lotus Indian Kitchen, the first thing you’ll notice is its inviting ambiance. The space is thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home, whether you’re here for a casual meal with friends or a more intimate dinner with family. The restaurant’s location at Mercia Marina offers a picturesque backdrop, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day out.
Now, let’s talk food-because that’s what really sets this place apart. The menu at Lotus Indian Kitchen offers an impressive variety of traditional and contemporary dishes. Whether you’re craving a rich and creamy chicken tikka masala or something with a bit more spice, like a fiery lamb vindaloo, you won’t be disappointed. One standout feature is the restaurant’s attention to detail in balancing flavors. Each dish is perfectly spiced, allowing the ingredients to shine through without overwhelming your palate.
What makes dining here even more special is their use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chefs at Lotus Indian Kitchen take pride in preparing every dish from scratch, ensuring each bite is as flavorful as the last. For those who are vegetarian or vegan, the restaurant offers a wide range of plant-based options, making it a great choice for everyone.
If you’re a fan of seafood, the fish dishes at Lotus Indian Kitchen are definitely worth trying. The fish curry is a local favorite, and the delicately spiced sauce paired with tender fish makes it a memorable dish. For anyone who enjoys a lighter meal, their grilled chicken tikka offers a burst of flavors with a subtle smoky finish.
In addition to the impressive variety of main dishes, Lotus Indian Kitchen also offers a fantastic selection of appetizers. The samosas are crispy and filled with a fragrant mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and herbs-perfect for kicking off your meal. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, try the pakoras, which are wonderfully crispy on the outside and soft inside.
The dessert menu at Lotus Indian Kitchen is equally tempting. After indulging in rich curry and flavorful rice, it’s hard to resist a classic Indian sweet like gulab jamun or mango lassi. The gulab jamun, soft and syrup-soaked, is the perfect end to a hearty meal.
The service at Lotus Indian Kitchen is friendly and attentive. The staff genuinely seems to care about providing a positive dining experience. Whether it’s offering recommendations or ensuring your drink is never empty, they strike the right balance between professionalism and warmth.
For those looking to dine out in Derby, Lotus Indian Kitchen stands out not only for its incredible food but also for its commitment to making each guest feel special. The restaurant’s location in Mercia Marina adds a scenic touch, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed evening. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a meal here will surely leave a lasting impression.
The atmosphere at Lotus Indian Kitchen is another highlight. Whether you’re dining indoors or enjoying the outdoor seating with views of the marina, it’s easy to see why this restaurant has garnered so many positive reviews. The combination of great food, excellent service, and the beautiful surroundings make it one of Derby’s hidden gems.
Next time you’re near Mercia Marina, be sure to stop by Lotus Indian Kitchen. From the warm, welcoming environment to the rich, authentic flavors, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re here for a quick meal or a leisurely dinner, you’re in for a treat.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great wine listPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Halal food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Late-night food âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegan options âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Romantic âś“ Trendy âś“ UpmarketCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Brunch reservations recommended âś“ Lunch reservations recommended âś“ Reservations required âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Really enjoyed this place, good location on the waters edge and the food was excellent. The smell when you walk in the place makes you realise its going to be a good night. Service was quick, we ordered starters as well and they asked if we wanted it all out at the same time which was nice. I was surprised how reasonable the bill was as we had three starters, curries, naan and rice, I have paid a lot more for worse restaurants. I would recommend the malai chicken if you like a creamy curry
First visit this evening. On recommendation by a couple of people. The staff were very pleasant, polite and helpful. Food was delicious, hot and good quality. Large portions. Restaurant quiet as expected this time of year. The only downside for us was the restaurant was cold, I was shivering and others kept coats on. Nice place lovely decor , will visist again in future
The food here is exceptionally good. Every time! We’ve had both the meat and vegetarian thalis, delicate starters and hearty deeply delicious curries. Oooo the Railway lamb!! My favorite. The service is great too, really attentive and friendly without being stuffy or intrusive. I’ve knocked a star off for atmosphere though just because of the acoustics when the place is full. Please get some acoustic panels, it’s too noisy!
Very nice dinner, food and service! We thought of celebrating our anniversary and were searching for a restaurant somewhere nearby to Mickleover in Derby and find this gem of a place! Amazing place. Very good Indian good and really attentive service focused on the customers. Very economical pricing and quality is also good. Comparable to famous restaurants in Derby like Anoki etc.
Always wanted to go to Lotus as I’ve heard great things about it and seems like the go to place for Indian cuisine. Firstly it’s in a great location nestled in Mercia Marina with little shops dotted around and not to mention the photo opportunities. I bet it’s great in the summer! The restaurant itself is very modern with plants and artwork hanging on the walls and you’re greeted with someone showing you to your table. The server was really pleasant and ordered our drinks to start with which was two pints Cobra (draught) because, when in Rome, you gotta have a bit of local brew! For starters we had poppadoms, pickle and chutney with another side of Onion Bhaji’s which was a great start to the meal and went down a treat. For the main I had the Lamb Beliram with pilau rice with a side of Garlic and cheese Naan bread, whilst my partner had the Paneer butter masala, pilau rice and a Cheese Naan bread. We both fully enjoyed it! Fantastic curry and especially liked the Naan bread which we could have ordered more of! Worth mentioning is that the server advised my curry was its mildest but can make it hotter if requested which was a great touch! Finally for dessert we had the chocolate Chai Brownie with vanilla ice cream and the Easton mess, both were delicious and a great way to end the night. Will definitely recommend and will visit again! Overall, our experience at Lotus was nothing short of exceptional. The food was exquisite, the service was attentive, and the ambiance was inviting. I highly recommend Lotus to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. I’m already planning my next visit to this culinary gem!
We attended Saturday 1st November. New to this restraunt. Did not realise no alcahol drinks, as owner explained, he did not want to charge excessive prices for drinks (VERY HONEST) So can take you own. Food was very nice and the price was amazing for 4 people. No starters. 4 mains and sided. ÂŁ117.00 Ambience was a little lacking, although staff were attentive and polite and nice, I think this is just a settling down period. Overall AMAZING and will visit again..
The two of us went for a meal on a Monday evening just after opening time. The place wasn’t busy then, but it really should be. It isn’t the first time we’ve been, but it never disappoints. The menus are descriptive and interesting, the service is warm, helpful and fast, and the food is delicious. Combinations of delicately flavoured, mouth watering dishes from start to finish, served from a very visible kitchen that looks clean and well organised. Lovely staff, lovely food, if you love Indian food don’t miss it.