Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Cafe Soleil – Seattle
Cafe Soleil - Seattle
Photo from Cafe Soleil
Cafe Soleil at a glance
Seattle Madrona
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#73 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#3 American Restaurant out of 38 in Seattle
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
259
Reviews
91.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Warm hospitality
- Unique cuisine
Frequently criticized
- Portion issues
- Potential waits
The cafe Cafe Soleil in Seattle’s vibrant Madrona neighborhood is a beloved American restaurant known for its great coffee. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for starting your day or enjoying a relaxed meal.
With healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, it caters to diverse tastes, making it a true neighborhood gem. It’s a spot where you can truly feel at home.
Overview: Introducting Cafe Soleil
Cafe Soleil offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its delicious Ethiopian food and a generally chill atmosphere. Guests frequently highlight the warm, friendly service, making for a pleasant visit.
While many find the offerings satisfying, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly with portions on certain dishes. Occasional feedback also points to potential wait times during peak hours.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
259
Reviews
91.5%
Satisfaction
14
negative
8
neutral
237
positive
Cafe Soleil earns a strong overall rating of 8.7, reflecting a generally positive guest experience. This is further supported by an excellent 91.5% customer satisfaction, indicating most diners leave pleased.
With 237 positive remarks against only 14 negative out of 259 total opinions, the sentiment is overwhelmingly favorable. Diving deeper, Service stands out with an impressive (9.1) score, consistently praised for its warmth and efficiency.
The Ambience (8.8) also contributes significantly to the pleasant dining experience, often described as cozy and inviting. Food (8.5) is well-regarded, though some specific dishes receive mixed feedback, while Value (8) is considered good, with many finding prices reasonable.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Delicious Ethiopian food
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish portions
- Occasional long waits
Cafe Soleil offers a genuinely pleasant dining experience, particularly if you appreciate warm service and a cozy setting. It’s a solid choice for those seeking unique Ethiopian flavors or a satisfying brunch in a relaxed environment.
With a strong recommendation score of 9, this spot is certainly worth a visit. Expect a welcoming atmosphere and generally good food, though be mindful of potential inconsistencies in dish portions or occasional waits.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cafe Soleil
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a strong 8.5 score and a solid 88% customer satisfaction. Guests consistently rave about the fresh ingredients and amazing food, particularly highlighting the delicious Ethiopian cuisine and great flavors. With 117 positive remarks out of 133 total, its clear the culinary experience is a major draw.
However, a few diners noted some areas for improvement. Concerns occasionally surfaced regarding the plating and the size of portions, with some feeling there were too few key ingredients in certain dishes. A couple of comments also mentioned a low quality bar' for some items, though these 9 negative remarks are a small fraction of the overall feedback.
Food
133
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
9
negative
7
neutral
117
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing food
- Fresh ingredients
- Great flavors
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Lacked plating
- Skimpy key ingredients
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I love this place; the food is great, and the atmosphere is always chill. They offer a unique dining experience with different menus for brunch and dinner, featuring Ethiopian cuisine and pasta for dinner.
- brunchVisiting from New York, we stumbled into this hidden gem. It was probably one of the finest brunches I've had in Seattle. The experience was simple, elegant, and tasteful.
- Ethiopian foodMy experience at this small, cozy, and beautiful cafe was wonderful. I had delicious Ethiopian food for Valentine's Day and I can’t wait to go back. The service was great, and the chef (and owner?) visited our table and she was so sweet!
- coffeeThe experience was simple, elegant, and tasteful. The coffee was pretty good too.
- breadI savored the lamb tibes, which was perfectly seasoned, while my wife enjoyed the delightful potato ke’yi w’et. Both dishes were served with bread that added an incredible dimension to the meal. We left with full bellies and happy hearts, already counting down the days until our next visit!
- frittatasThe best frittatas of your life.
- mint teaAlso love getting the mint tea
- portionsFood wise, I didn’t think it was anything special or wowed me, but again, if you’re looking for something more simple and light, then this would be a good place. Pricing matches portions, I would say! Their orange slices were so good (I know it was more of a garnish).
- potatoeswe enjoy the scrambles and the potatoes very much
- 100% teff injera100% teff injera is available.
Frequently criticized
- brunch specialthe brunch special I got, some kind of sun dried tomato / feta / spinach scramble -- pretty not-good
- key ingredientstoo cheap on the key ingredients
- orangeThe orange was dried out and old
- platingThis is an unassuming but comforting cafe in Madrona. My experience with the salmon and potatoes was that it was delicious, but it seriously lacked plating or anything that would make it look as tasty as it was.
- portionsthe portions were way too small
- quality barhad a pretty low quality bar
- shrimpsTheir orange slices were so good (I know it was more of a garnish). I got the spicy shrimp croissant which was tasty but had like three shrimps in it, so it was mostly bread.
- smoked ham frittatasmoked ham frittata has the same issue…so little ham
- wild salmon sandwichwild salmon sandwich contained barely one small piece of salmon
If you're looking for genuinely delicious and flavorful food, especially Ethiopian cuisine, this spot is a strong contender. While minor concerns about plating or portion sizes occasionally surface, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a highly satisfying culinary experience.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 9.1 and customer satisfaction soaring at 95.1%, its clear guests are consistently delighted. Based on 58 positive remarks out of 61 total, patrons frequently praise the "friendly staff, " "attentive service, " and "welcoming owners, " often noting theres no line even during busy times.
While overwhelmingly positive, a mere 3 negative comments were noted. These occasionally mentioned ridiculous wait times or a less-than-ideal interaction with a server. However, these instances are rare and don't reflect the overall excellent experience most customers enjoy.
Service
61
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Welcoming owners
What people don't like
Often praised
- servicethe service has always been friendly and efficient
- staffI usually add hot sauce to my breakfast, but I felt it would detract from the quality of this meal. The food is excellently prepared, the staff is super nice, and the atmosphere is charming. I highly recommend supporting places like this.
- ownerthe owner is a lovely Ethiopian woman who we always enjoy seeing
- waitI think this is a good neighborhood gem! Went for brunch and the place was cute, had lots of natural light and plenty of people, but no wait on Mother’s Day. Food wise, I didn’t think it was anything special or wowed me, but again, if you’re looking for something more simple and light, then this would be a good place.
- ServiceService was friendly and very inviting
- chef and ownerKhuri, the chef and owner greets everyone with a smile, a warm welcome
- serversAlthough I am vegan at home, this is one of the few places where I'll break my diet. The coffee is good, the OJ is fresh squeezed and delish, the servers are nice and efficient, and the owner, a lovely Ethiopian woman, is always a pleasure to see. It's pleasant to sit by the window in winter, enjoying the warmth of the heater, or at the outside tables in the summer.
- chefI had delicious Ethiopian food for Valentine's Day and I can’t wait to go back. The service was great, and the chef (and owner?) visited our table and she was so sweet! I love this place!
- coffee/water refillsLots of coffee/water refills whenever needed
- cooksthe cooks are wonderful
Frequently criticized
- ridiculous wait timesalways found the wait ridiculous
- servermentioned it to the server and he shrugged
- waitMy experience at this restaurant was a pleasant surprise. Unlike the nearby cafe with a huge wait, this place was completely empty, which is a shame. My partner and I visited on a whim, and I can already see this becoming a future craving destination.
If you're looking for a place where the service is genuinely top-notch and makes you feel right at home, this restaurant is definitely worth trying. You can expect a warm welcome and attentive care, making for a truly pleasant dining experience.
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
The ambience here is a real winner, scoring a fantastic 8.8 with an excellent 98.1% customer satisfaction! Guests consistently praise the cozy restaurant and beautiful setting, often highlighting the natural light and jazzy French bistro vibe. With 53 positive remarks, it's clear the atmosphere creates a relaxed and warm and bright experience.
Out of 54 opinions, only 1 negative detail emerged. While the overall environment is celebrated, one customer mentioned a knife being dirty. This isolated comment, though not about the general atmosphere, suggests a tiny oversight in an otherwise stellar experience.
Ambience
54
Reviews
98%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, relaxed atmosphere
- Abundant natural light
- Jazzy bistro vibe
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I love this place; the food is great, and the atmosphere is always chill. They offer a unique dining experience with different menus for brunch and dinner, featuring Ethiopian cuisine and pasta for dinner.
- placeI think this is a good neighborhood gem! Went for brunch and the place was cute, had lots of natural light and plenty of people, but no wait on Mother’s Day. Food wise, I didn’t think it was anything special or wowed me, but again, if you’re looking for something more simple and light, then this would be a good place.
- cafeMy experience at this small, cozy, and beautiful cafe was wonderful. I had delicious Ethiopian food for Valentine's Day and I can’t wait to go back.
- restaurantThe restaurant is in a cute part of the city and has French aesthetic!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Madrona areain the Madrona area
- aromasyou are immediately greeted by lovely aromas
- beautiful atmosphereBeautiful atmosphere.
- beautiful settingBeautiful setting as well
- brunch spotGreat brunch spot
Frequently criticized
- knifeAnd the knife was dirty
If youre seeking a place with a truly delightful and inviting atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Its charming and relaxed vibe, often bathed in natural light, promises a wonderful experience. Youll likely find it a hidden gem.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 8 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 81.8%, its clear guests feel theyre getting a great deal. Many of the 9 positive remarks out of 11 total praise the reasonably priced and inexpensive options, often highlighting the good value for money and the flexibility of a la carte ordering.
However, its worth noting that while most find the pricing fair, one of the 11 comments did mention the price point, specifically noting that each plate is 12-15 dollars. ' This suggests that while generally well-received, some might find individual plate costs a bit higher than expected for the overall value.
Value
11
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
- Flexible ordering
What people don't like
- Individual plate cost
Often praised
- priceEverything is so reasonably priced.
- a la carte orderingAll dishes are ordered a la carte which makes it easier
- good value for moneygood value for money meal
- inexpensivefood is delicious, inexpensive
- pricesthe prices are very reasonable too
- pricingFood wise, I didn’t think it was anything special or wowed me, but again, if you’re looking for something more simple and light, then this would be a good place. Pricing matches portions, I would say! Their orange slices were so good (I know it was more of a garnish).
- very reasonably pricedI was delighted to find no line, which is a rarity in this town filled with mediocre breakfast spots that have long waits. The cafe offers standard breakfast fare, perfect for a Sunday morning, and it's all very reasonably priced. What truly stood out was how super duper nice the staff were.
Frequently criticized
- priceEach plate is 12-15 dollars
If youre seeking a place where your money goes far, this spot is a solid bet. Most diners find the pricing very fair, offering good value for a satisfying meal. Its a great choice for budget-conscious dining, even if individual plate prices are noted by a few.
How are the prices at Cafe Soleil?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 32 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests spend in the $11–$20 range. Some opt for the $21–$30 bracket, and a couple even go for $41–$50. This shows a good mix, but prices generally cluster around that mid-range average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
Compare the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an American Restaurant. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cafe Soleil
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Favorite Spot with Amazing Food!
My experience at Kuri and her staff's restaurant was absolutely amazing! This is my favorite spot in the neighborhood. The service and atmosphere were incredibly welcoming and pleasant.
The food is outstanding, with both the brunch and dinner menus offering great flavors. I highly recommend the Yellow Split Pea Alit'cha W'et and the Eggplant Tomato Alit'cha W'et.
- service10
- atmosphere10
- food10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Spectacular Ethiopian Cuisine Experience!
My wife and I were excited to dive into Ethiopian cuisine, and we stumbled upon this charming spot that exceeded our expectations! From the moment we walked in, the vibrant ambiance and warm, courteous service made us feel right at home. The culinary experience was nothing short of spectacular; every bite was bursting with flavor.
I savored the lamb tibes, which was perfectly seasoned, while my wife enjoyed the delightful potato ke’yi w’et. Both dishes were served with bread that added an incredible dimension to the meal. We left with full bellies and happy hearts, already counting down the days until our next visit!
- vibrant ambiance9
- warm, courteous service10
- lamb tibes9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Incredible Service from Lou!
During a motorcycle ride, I found myself without my wallet. Lou, one of the servers, went above and beyond and paid for my coffee. This was truly incredible service.
Thank you, Lou!
- incredible service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
A Wonderful Breakfast Find!
What a treat! I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant, discovering it as a great little find for breakfast/brunch. The beautiful setting complemented the amazing food perfectly.
The service and food were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere also received a 5.
- amazing food10
- beautiful setting10
- Food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Consistent Scrambles and Friendly Service
I've been coming here for years on the weekends and always order the scramble with my choice of ingredients. While I can't speak to other menu items, I thoroughly enjoy the scrambles and the potatoes. The service is always great and friendly, and the owner is consistently present, cooking and greeting guests.
They occasionally offer a special scramble with tortellini that is super tasty. I also love the chicken sausage they use.
- scramble with choice of ingredients8
- potatoes8
- service9
What Cafe Soleil offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Cafe Soleil in Madrona, Seattle?
When you visit Cafe Soleil, you’ll step into a space that feels both cozy and casual, yet undeniably trendy. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy your meal in a welcoming environment, whether you’re dining alone or with friends.
Does Cafe Soleil offer options for various dietary preferences?
Absolutely! Cafe Soleil prides itself on its diverse menu. You’ll find a range of healthy options, alongside dedicated vegan and vegetarian dishes, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy during your visit.
How does Cafe Soleil generally perform?
Cafe Soleil holds a strong overall score of 8.7. Its Service (9.1) and Ambience (8.8) are particularly well-regarded, with Food (8.5) and Value (8) also scoring well.
What do customers enjoy most about Cafe Soleil?
Guests frequently praise the friendly service, the cozy and beautiful atmosphere, and the delicious Ethiopian food, especially for brunch.
Are there any common concerns at Cafe Soleil?
Some diners have noted that portions can occasionally be small for certain dishes, and there can be ridiculous wait times during busy periods.