Who We Are

For decades, Moe Shawa ran popular restaurant Lotus in Gaza beginning in 1985, which even had a visit from Chelsea Clinton in 1998. But when war broke out in 2008, the Shawas family fled their home in a matter of seconds.

Seeking safety and stability, they immigrated to the United States. Re-opening Lotus in Los Angeles in 2009. Working tirelessly, they established their Mediterranean restaurant in this new home. But in 2014, to be closer to extended family, they moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. There, they re-launched Lotus in Oakland. Their hard work was rewarded as they opened more locations in San Bruno in 2020 and Burlingame in 2023.

At Lotus, the Shawas family put their decades of experience using fresh ingredients to create authentic and original flavors. Through perseverance and care, they have shared the cuisine of their homeland wherever they landed, making Lotus a taste of home for many.