I've only been here for brunch, and haven't tried their Ethiopian menu yet because, well, it's hard to beat other Ethiopian places in the area. But the brunch is wonderful! This place has a very friendly atmosphere; cozy and intimate but not cramped. The servers and chef/owner were attentive and pleasant; I didn't experience any of the waits that were alluded to by other reviewers, and the place was about 2/3 full. Fresh flowers adorned the tables. I had a delicious egg-toast-potatoes combo, and my partner had a sumptuous veggie sandwich with outstanding bread. Wonderful coffee & mimosas! Note to people with kids: Like I said, it's not big; please be respectful of the other diners if you must bring your offspring. The Madison area is a little overrun with the stroller set and even though this place is technically kid-friendly, it's nice to enjoy a weekend morning without being abused by misbehaving children. If yours are screamers, please consider staying home or going to McDonalds or whatever. Keep Cafe Soleil fun for the big kids! read more

I'm sad to say that my husband and I did not enjoy our food at Cafe Soleil. After skipping it often in favor of the other very tempting options in range (St Clouds (!!!) or High Spot) we decided to finally give it a shot and honestly... sort of regretted it. My chicken sausage frittata was lifeless and bland... slightly charred on the bottom and just really flavorless. My husband's meal was not much better. For the price, I'd have rather gone anywhere else as it wasn't at all what I had hoped for. Will say that the light filled dining room was welcoming and pleasant, the server was attentive and sweet. read more

I adore this place! The staff is always fantastic and the food is good. The ambiance is pretty; with tall windows for walls, it brings so much light to the place. I think it's a great place to take a date, or a couple friends, even your parents if they are visiting. Love! read more

Their garlic & sundried tomato croissant is rather tasty as well as their homemade chai. It was just the 2 ladies working Sat morning (the owner[?] and waitress) so waiting was ok. A neat cafe next to the High Spot. read more

Cafe Soleil is probably the best Ethiopian food I've eaten. We got several different dishes to share. Each had a distinct flavor, looks, and experience. I am used to most dishes tasting like the split pea / carrot action. It's a small, nice place in Madrona. I am definitely going back when I am in that neck of the woods. read more

I agree with Jacob--this is a fantastic restaurant. The items we tried were amazing, and the injera was perfect. Warm host and cook. Romantic setting. Two caveats: 1) I was expecting the usual Ethiopian everything-on-a-single-platter with much sharing, and they bring out the dishes in discrete dishes. For me, this takes some of the messy fun and (more importantly) bonding out of the experience. 2) The items are very good, but each is not necessarily something to make your entire meal out of...having samplers (particularly of the vegetarian items) would make eating solo or in a couple more interesting. read more

My brother frequently tells me how bad the service is here in Seattle. He used to visit me when I lived in Chicago years ago and be amazed at how friendly people were then. Hubby & I have only been here for a few months but have yet to be subject to this type of service, until Cafe Soleil. Our waitress was just there. An automaton at best. Yeah, we got our beverages & brunch items with nothing burnt or really icky. It was just her general attitude- oh well. You're here. Guess that I'll serve you. At one point she just sighed moodily when more people came in and she had to clear the table next to us. Damn. It is brunch! Just be happy that you are turning tables! Today's specials were scrambled eggs with cheese tortellini, basil & mozz. I thought that I was reading the blackboard incorrectly. Eggs and pasta? hmm. Okay. . . It was actually quite good! I got the chicken sausage frittata with mushrooms & parm. Both came with a side of toast, garlicky home fries, and orange segments. Despite our robotic waitress and a drafty room, I'll be back. Brunch items were $5 and up. All told, we spent less than $25 which somewhat excuses the not-quite-but-almost-frosty service. read more

Breakfast scrambles and frittatas are delicious! Cozy and inviting. Kuri and her friendly, personable staff are just the icing on the cake.

I absolutely love the spare decor here. There's nothing to distract you from the light coming in the massive southerly windows, and the trees and flowers outside become part of your experience. I've only been here for brunch, and the food was totally unexceptional. It was on the greasy side, and seemed like something I could have made easily enough myself. There are a handful of places within half a mile (or a quick walk) that offer tastier fare. I would give it a shot for dinner, which it sounds like they might do better. The coffee, roasted in a pan, tastes like what you'd expect at a diner. I understand this is traditional, but in Seattle your coffee needs to actually taste like something. The wait staff was perfectly courteous, though we kind of wondered if they were stoned. The food came quickly given how swamped they were. read more

If you love Ethiopian, you will like Cafe Soleil. Our visit here was such a treat - the ambiance and friendly service were worth the visit alone. For dinner, we shared the lentil, spinach garlic, split pea, and spicy chicken dishes. We were a little ambitious, and definitely couldn't finish it all in one sitting. We've had Ethiopian in the past, and unfortunately just aren't huge fans in general. However, we thought everything at Cafe Soleil was flavorful and made with care. We especially liked the balance of fresh tomato and yogurt that came with our meal; this was a nice counter to the heaviness that typically comes with Ethiopian food. I think what made the experience four stars for us was just how cute the restaurant was. The owner was as sweet as could be, and our server was chipper and helpful. Oh, and my goodness, the Ethiopian spicy tea is great. My partner usually hates tea, and he couldn't stop taking sips of mine; he said he may have to become a "tea convert." The crowd was very small for dinner, which breaks my heart a bit. We were alone in the restaurant for most of our meal on a Saturday night. If you're looking for an endearing place and a good quality meal, please give Cafe Soleil a try. read more

We dropped in to try this place out. Had a really great experience. Our server Renee was incredibly friendly and the food was delicious. I got a spinach, garlic, and goat cheese omelette. I would get it again and we will definitely return. Yum! read more

Café Soleil - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I have nothing but great things to write about the owner of Cafe Soleil. Kuri was amazing in opening up her restaurant on a Tuesday evening for a work dinner meeting for a group of 20 of us, and boy did she do a fantastic job in serving the food, preparing delicious dishes, and even hosting us until about 9:30 on a night that usually has this placed closed! We ordered 4 Ethiopian dishes with a starter salad and dessert and everything was really good! The salad was fresh and had a really tasty ginger and lemon vinaigrette which was a perfect start for dinner. The dishes with the injera bread was perfectly spiced. My only gripe was that some of the dishes felt a little heavy, but this could be a gripe with Ethiopian food, in general. I certainly couldn't each much of it without feeling my lids close and my gut expand while in the middle of our meeting. However, with that came plenty of flavor which I enjoyed. For dessert, we had a passion fruit tart which was so mouthwatering, I found myself wanting to ask for a second piece. I think the owner said she ordered from a local shop so next time, I'll have to get that info. I would certainly come back for brunch! read more

Delicious potatoes, tomato basil frittata, good coffee. What a lovely neighborhood spot! read more

Café Soleil - Basil Parmesan frittatas. - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Great neighborhood spot! I had never tried Etheopian food and it was great. Definitely coming back again.

I love the traditionally based brunch here, tasty and simple. Great food at a better price and usually far less wait time than the rest of the neighborhood. But the brunch isn't what is the star at this restaurant. Dinner is amazing. The best Ethiopian food I have ever eaten. Wonderful use of fresh ingredients. It honestly can't be beat. It is a slightly fresher, more distinct flavor to every dish, rather than most items on the traditional Ethiopian restauran menu tasting the same. She is a wonderful chef! A small beer and wine selection is available. read more

What a lovely sweet gem of a restaurant! We were looking for a good quick breakfast on our last day in Seattle and come across this restaurant. The Ethiopian spicy tea is so good! Frittatas light and delicious and bresd tasted fresh. Highly recommend!!! read more

Wonderful place for breakfast! The Ethiopian Tea is my favorite. My 5 year old LOVES the French Toast! Staff is very friendly- read more

Great breakfast! Quick and attentive service. Came here on a Sunday when the line at Hi-Spot was way out the door. Me, my brother, and our combined brood of six kids were seated quickly without a problem. Everyone enjoyed therir meals - french toast, scrambles all were great. Coffee was excellent. Highly recommend this place. Great local Madrona establishment. read more

This restaurant is where one takes out of town friends for breakfast. It's where I take myself for breakfast. It's catty corner to the "Hi-Spot" which is a fun breakfast joint if you get there early and are willing to stand in line and then pay too much to eat breakfast in a really crowded and noisy place. Go to the Hi-Spot for the cinnamon rolls, but go to Café Soliel for breakfast. If you read the menu/chalk board there is a fine selection, but you eventually just learn to ask for "the special." The "special" rotates around a half-dozen dishes that I can not even bother to cook and don't think I could prepare as well as Mama does. And I am a good cook. Order what you like, it's all good. I lean to the fritatas. I am always served by attractive and eager to please staff. And where else does the Chef come to your table and ask if your meal is to your satisfaction? read more

This is by far our favorite place to hang out for brunch. The restaurant has 4 outside tables on the south side of the restaurant that get an amazing amount of sun on those SUNNY days. The scrambles and frittatas are all fantastic. - my personal favorite being tomato, spinach and cheddar cheese. The owner is amazingly friendly and helpful. She makes a great ice tea w/ mint! Can`t figure out why people prefer Hi-Spot over this warm, personable gem. read more

A wonderful neighborhood cafe with food that satisfies and surprises. A smiling, competent and always friendly service staff that create a loving and neighborhood ambiance. Our family eats at Cafe Soliel on a regular basis and remain very grateful for this sweet, consistent and very enjoyable eating experience. read more

First, this is a breakfast review. I know nothing about the rest of their menu. When my wife and I entered, there was only one occupied table, with two couples and two babies. So we figured service would be fast. We were wrong. I ordered a frittata with smoked salmon, caramelized onions and asked to substitute cream cheese for the feta that was on menu. Our server was happy to allow the substitution. A few minutes later, the other table received their first plate of food. There was about a 2-minute gap between each of their remaining plates. I smelled what I thought was burnt toast shortly before my frittata arrived, with feta. As soon as the server put it on the table, he noticed the feta, picked up the plate and went to see if it belonged to the other table. They said no. I said I would rather eat it than wait for another one. He went back to the kitchen and then told me that they had one with cream cheese for me. It was burned on half of the bottom, like BLACK. I think they originally scrapped the burnt one and made me another one but forgot to sub the cheese. They apparently thought I would prefer burned eggs to feta cheese. The burnt taste was noticeable in the rest of the egg. The salmon, onions, and cheese were tasty. I'll give them 2 stars because our friendly server saw to our water and kept the very good coffee coming. I can't get past the burnt food, though. read more

Most excellent, kind of nuevo Ethiopian. great dinner, nice and romantic. and an excellent brunch on weekends. The owner is super nice and the staff very attentive. one of my favorites. read more

I returned to Soliel this weekend for breakfast the first time in a couple years. I just can't be asked to wait in line at Hi-Spot all day so when we saw the typical crowd we walked 2 doors down to Soliel. The decor is sparse and a few shares browner than pristine. I've never seen it crowded, but it definitely gets enough people to stay alive. I had the smoked salmon/onion/potato dish and it was sublime. Knock a few points off because it was served with Pace Picante sauce along with the tasty sour cream, but it was great anyway. My friend had the day's special which was a frittata with carmelized onions and red peppers. I wasn't into it because she ordered it barely cooked. Only other points decrement come from their offering ketchup and jelly in open little dishes that sit out all day. Great foreign music played while we ate tasty food and got in and out in the time it'd take to put our name down at the Hi Spot. read more

Long time favorite! Comfortable place to go alone. Fabulous food (some organic) at night, whether Ethiopian or pasta. Great brunches. This place captures the warmth and hospitality of Ethiopian culture better than most. Authentic food, which a touch of the nouvelle. This is a neighborhood place, and many of the customers are friends with Kuri, the owner and cook. Many kids in the neighborhood have worked for her. I've never been disappointed there. read more

This restaurant is awesome! I see no reason to go to any of the overpriced breakfast places on 34th when you could go to unassuming, delicious, reasonably priced Cafe Soleil. The servers here are beyond nice, and the atmosphere is delightful. Outdoor seating too. Not to be missed! read more

This Madrona neighborhood corner restaurant has been our family's go-to Sunday brunch spot for a few years. The American breakfast food is consistently high quality and very tasty. Good coffee too. I always get a breakfast Scramble and my sister gets 2 (yes, 2) shrimp croissant sandwiches. The kids like the French toast, which is very good as well. A good family friendly place in a relaxing and not crowded setting. Note: The Hi Spot a few doors down has never impressed me, despite the crowd...so go here instead. read more

We've walked past this restaurant a hundred times, and finally stopped in for dinner yesterday. Two adults, one four year old. The adults enjoyed the Ethiopian food: potatoes, yellow lentils, chicken with spinach and garlic and some insanely delicious lamb. The food was very, very tasty. Our less adventurous daughter had spaghetti and marinara sauce. I'm so glad that Cafe Soleil serves kid-friendly options. Overall, a great dinner in a friendly, low-key environment. We''ll be back! read more

Very nice place to sit outside and people watch in the Madrona neighborhood. The pasta was wonderful and very affordable; the service was expedient and friendly. However, I thought the Ethiopian dishes were an odd addition to a mostly Italian selection. It sort of diluted the experience in my opinion, but a very minor critique to a memorable and enjoyable overall experience. read more

We're regulars here almost every weekend. The owner is really sweet, and she makes scrambles a lot like my mom used to make, so it reminds me of places that I used to go to in France. I always leave stuffed. My husband loves their special tea that they serve. read more

Great little cafe with a very charming and endearing ambience. With fantastic service and food, this is my favorite breakfast and brunch spot in the Madrona & Leschi area. The French press coffee and mimosas with any of their frittatas with crunchy toast and jam is perfect on a sunny morning. The owner of the restaurant is also super personable and makes every attempt to always visit and improve your overall experience. If I'm ever indecisive on where to go to brunch, this place has yet to ever fall short of anything less than a pleasurable experience. read more

So apparently most people come here for the American brunch menu but I stopped in here for the Ethiopian dinner tonight. The menu is smaller than other Ethiopian places I have been - maybe 10 vegetarian dishes and 10 meat dishes. Plus they offer non Ethiopian dishes like Italian pastas (it seems that perhaps this restaurant is unable to sustain business solely as an Ethiopian restaurant). But the Ethiopian food is really good here. I would say that it is only second to Meskel as far as what I've had in Seattle. The injera is really great - not too hard, not too sour. The wats are really fresh and have clean flavors. I would definitely recommend eating here. read more

I had dinner with two friends, and we got three vegetarian dishes to split amongst us, and they were all awesome. Just get over your hang-up of eating with your hands, because it's fun if you let it be. My glass of wine was splendid, and our waiter was super nice. We were actually the only people in the restaurant (at about 8:30) which makes me sad, this place is great. Dear Madrona residents: enjoy this place. read more

This restaurant is a gem. It's among the best in Seattle in every category: quality, service, ambience, price and convenience. What's amazing to me is that Cafe Soleil succeeds so well with the three very distinct offerings of brunch, Ethiopian and pasta. And what's also amazing to me is that more people don't already know it. Cafe Soleil is the perfect place for a cozy and delicious evening dinner out without a lot of fuss or expense or for a weekend brunch without a long wait. If you haven't tried it yet, you should. read more

Had a pleasant brunch here. It was a bit slow and I didn't get the right food, but it was all delicious, and they were fast with the coffee and water, which was welcome. Beautiful space that reminded me of the Mediterranean, breezy and simple. I'd go back just to sit in the sun. read more

This is one of our very favorites. We've never had dinner there, but the brunch is GREAT! Very inexpensive and delicious. In the summer, there is outdoor seating... nothing like sitting in the sunshine on a cool Seattle morning with a warm espresso or herbal tea to nurse a hangover! In the winter, you can sit near the huge picture windows and watch all the people walk by while you enjoy an egg scramble or fritata filled with whatever gourmet ingredients your heart my desire. The decor is cute and funky, the owners and servers are nice and very laid-back. The best thing of all... when the wait at the High Spot is 2 hours long (as is usually the case on the weekends), you can usually get a table at Cafe Soleil! read more

this place is really cute, it's practically the middle of nowhere, my boyfriend and i were searching for a place to eat and ran across this place and so we ate there. I don't remember what i had but i remember liking it! read more

Great kept secret in Madrona. Very friendly staff and a hearty breakfast. I got the special and thought it was great. Also 5/5 for good coffee read more

Cafe Soleil consistently impresses with delicious breakfasts and authentic Ethiopian dinners. I think the secret is Kuri's experience as a chef in multiple regions of the world, including France, Ethiopia, and the US. At any rate, this is a favorite for the food, laid back company, and decor. read more

Neither great Ethiopian food, nor a great value. There is a reason the only time this place gets business is when the High Spot wait is 2 hrs. There is no ambience, and service is spotty on a good day. Food is south of mediocre and completely uninspired. For Ethiopian, go to any of the many close by on Cherry. For a good Cafe, go to St Clouds or High Spot. How this place survives is beyond me. I look forward to having another great neighborhood establishment in the location Soleil occupies- but it will have to turn over first. read more