Best scrambled eggs in Seattle! (Add pots and beans for a perfect trio) Love the rotating soup options! Vegan highlander (flavorful tofu, peppers, and rice) is a kick! Compostable to-go containers, to boot! read more

We went on a Tuesday morning and it did not look open, but the "OPEN" sign was on - we were the first people there. The staff working were fine, but not incredibly attentive and a little inconsistent. The food was alright, the sesame waffle was good, classic, and the McKenna was decent, but lacked flavor and in my opinion, I think it is always were to have raw spinach under cooked food. However, the drip coffee is oddly AMAZING. Overall, fine experience, but nothing that I would seek in the future. read more

Sunlight Cafe - McKenna in the front, and Sesame Crunch Waffle in back. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Server was very kind and helpful. The staff were attentive and seem to really be integrated into the neighborhood. The vegan enchiladas were good and I loved how many of the items could be made vegan! It was a really chill and sunny place. The vibes were very fun and communal and I'd definitely come back! read more

Sunlight Cafe - Vegetable Cheese Enchilada Plate (vegan option) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We came in as a party of two on Saturday at noon and were seated right away. I love their cozy atmosphere-they have fun art on the walls, cheerful colors, comfortable seating and friendly service. Fun fact that I did not know until this visit-they are the oldest vegetarian restaurant in all of Seattle, and they are happy to make their offerings vegan upon request! I enjoyed a latte and the Huevos Rancheros with tofu. The Huevos Rancheros used fresh ingredients-I do love avocado with everything, and the potatoes were well cooked. I would recommend getting the red AND green sauce with this-why choose between two good things? This was a hearty meal! I was unable to finish my plate but appreciate the generosity with the portion size. We split a Rhubarb crisp between ourselves (perfect blend of sweet and sour), and left with happy bellies. Can't wait to return. read more

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Absolutely wonderful experience. We have been to most of the vegan restaurants in the Seattle area, and this is by far the best. Delicious food and immediate and friendly service. Very nice decor and convenient location. read more

I've eaten here a couple of times and I love this place.its a family ran restaurant and you can see the fresh ingredients delivered and prepared in front of you. I am sitting at the counter and watched my delicious Highlander hash being prepared in front of be. Potatoes, peppers, spinach, tofu tempeh and onions all marinated in harmony to a roasted pepper sambal blend. The potatoes are nice and crispy and the portion is huge as I'm eating all veggies. The smell of veggies brings me back to Choco Canyon and the Globe cafe with putumayo style music playing in the background. The artwork and plants are reminiscent of community meals in Capitol Hill, Madison market, and farmers markets. Service is great and I feel like I'm at the owners house where the food is thoughtfully prepared with care and not just assembled on a line from pre packaged processed you know what. Thanks for keeping the community healthy. read more

This place claims to be the oldest running vegetation restaurant in Seattle so I have been excited to try it. It's nestled on a residential street under an apartment building. It is usually busy for weekend brunch. I came mid week for lunch and there were just a few people in there. The staff was very unfriendly and it took over 10 minutes to take my order. It's also fairly pricey. I had a hummus roll up, which was tasty but basic. I just felt very uncomfortable in the restaurant for some reason. I might try it again but for now there's other options in the area with more enticing menus for the price. read more

Sunlight Cafe - Humous Roll Up - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Hands down one of the worst breakfasts I've had in Seattle. Ordered a vegan dish that gets good reviews and it was a careless pile of tempeh, potatoes, onion and peppers on a bed of raw spinach for a stunning price of $20+. Coffee was black water. read more

I ordered The Deluxe, and I loved!! If you're into sour cream, guac, red/green sauce (I asked for both), cheese.. you'll love this! Flavors melded altogether, and it was so so good. You can choose for either black beans or home fries, and I asked for both too. Home fries were nicely seasoned. I wasn't able to finish my whole plate, so they definitely give a good portion! Service was great. Staff was attentive and nice. I came in on a Saturday morning, and it wasn't busy at all. Definitely a great find in Roosevelt, if you're looking for a delicious, filling meal and to get seated right away. Great ambiance. I would come back! read more

Sunlight Cafe - The Deluxe - loved! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Great breakfast/ brunch spot! I got the Euripedes, and subbed the tofu for eggs, my husband had the lemon poppyseed waffle. I also got the seasonal berry smoothie. Everything was delicious, filling, and fresh. The cafe is just the kind of funky neighborhood spot that I love. Service was friendly. Everything on the menu looked great so I'll be back soon to try more! read more

Sunlight Cafe - Euripedes breakfast with tofu + lemon poppy seed waffle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

A great place for a huge vegetarian food menu! The Mac and cheese, small portion, but very tasty! read more

In a world where nothing is the same... It's nice to know you can still go to the Sunlight and order the Sauteed Veggies & Tofu with Lemon Tahini dressing. Life is that good~ read more

Sunlight Cafe - Sauteed Veggies & Tofu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Love the ambiance of the place. It has a pretty chill vibe to it, showcasing art from a few local artists. The staff were very friendly, cheerful and accommodating. The service is great and the food was beyond our expectation. Loved the tempeh here. It's crisp on the outside and smooth inside. I am not a huge fan of tofu as it is more on the chewy side but i liked the tofu here. The green sauce is great and the sour cream was fresh. This is a vegetarian restaurant (egg included) and several of the items can be made vegan or dairy free upon request. Definitely coming back again here ! read more

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I'm a vegan of ten years, have spent this time in Seattle, and this is my easy go to. Literally my favorite meal in the world is their steamed tofu and vegetables, with lemon tahini, with a side of sautéed tempeh. I cannot tell you how such simple ingredients are cooked so insanely well but it's worth the 5 star review for sure. I stop by every single time I'm in the area. Everyone working is amazing; friendly and hardworking :) read more

SO DELICIOUS!! I was truly blown away by the flavors.. they clearly know what they're doing!! I usually find that that I can create better vegan dishes than most restaurants, but there's NO way I will ever to come close to the skill, creativity and perfected recipes at Sunlight Cafe. WOW! Thank you for such a wonderful meal!! It was such a great experience.. you can tell everyone working there is extremely kind, friendly and warm. The thoughtful and beautiful space is very welcoming and comfortable. Can't wait for next time! Sooo good!! read more

I was excited to try this place, but it was not a good experience. My family and I were first to arrive to the empty restaurant, yet last to be served once people started coming in. We waited over an hour for our food. The food tasted alright, our waiter apologized and offered a discount for the long wait... but as soon as I got home I got food poisoning for three days straight from the vegan dish I ordered. I rarely ever get sick from food. Thankfully we didn't share dishes so no one else got sick. Lastly, it looked like my table was the only table with people of color. I don't want to make accusations but it was something I noticed. I will not be coming back here, sadly. read more

Sunlight provides wholesome, classic vegetarian and vegan food. Their new location, moved into in 2018, is bright and has outdoor seating. This patio was particularly useful to me when I was half-way through my Vegan Highlander plate before a patron accidentally triggered the fire alarm, setting in motion events that would cause several weeks of repairs. Sunlight is worth supporting, especially now that they're opening up again after the fire alarm incident. Great food, perfectly cooked hearty veggies, a varied menu, and friendly staff. read more

Best vegan food in Seattle and warm family friendly environment! I lived in LA for 10 years and have been struggling to find a decent spot in Seattle remotely close to any of the delicious vegetarian restaurants out there. Found it! read more

Ordered the deluxe with over medium eggs and green sauce on the side. I also asked for half beans and half homefries, which they accommodated without a problem. Service was good, coffee was great and refilled often. I haven't been here in years and remember why I liked it so much before! Used to get the vegan highlander. That was great too. Definitely worth it and will be back to show them some neighborly love more often! read more

Sunlight Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This place is indeed a gem. As a vegetarian & also a person living with CKD, this spot really has become a favorite place. Been here couple times & they have never disappoint. Went here with my family last night for their early dinner & we ordered their nachos, tempeh burger, fettuccine & burritos and boy oh boy it was so good. Even their lemonades & smoothies were great. Living with CKD isn't easy especially eating out & with a small window of places I can eat at-this place hands down is my favorite!!!! The service is great as well. read more

Came here on a Saturday afternoon during brunch. I'm a carnivore so coming here I was a bit nervous but I left absolutely satisfied. I had the veggie & tofu breakfast platter. FANTASTIC. Nothing needed additional hot sauce, ketchup etc. it was cooked to literally perfection. Bathrooms are super accessible, clean and have changing stations (nice classic wood ones) Something I noticed was that every single staff member, even the dishwasher was smiling. The people who work here, seem so happy to be here and it's reflected in the food. I will be back. Best breakfast I've had in ages. read more

Sunlight Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Went on a Sunday morning around 10am and it was packed! There was a long line at the front but we were luckily able to sit at the bar with no wait. Overall, it's definitely a diner vibe. Food was hearty but overly salty and my clothes smelled like grease when I got home. It's a good size for the price and the coffee is...coffee. Would be great way to cure a hangover. At least there's a decent amount of vegan options! read more

Sunlight Cafe - Vegan McKenna - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

It's been years since I have dined at the Sunlight Cafe, and I have really missed the amazing menu items. We went for dinner on a Saturday evening, it was obvious they were short staffed, the service was very slow, but our meals were well worth the wait. I had the Polenta Eggplant Marinara, it was so good, and I'm going to get about three meals out of it. I find that a lot of the vegetarian and vegan meals I try at restaurants are far too salty for my liking, but this dish was not, and it was very flavorful. Kudos to the cooks for a job well done. We will return again for sure the next time we are in the area. read more

Sunlight Cafe - Polenta Eggplant Marinara, a highly suggested dish. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I really loved this place! Came in on a Sunday mid-day and they were using the brunch only menu. Worked out fine as they have a variety of selections. There are a lot of delicious looking egg dishes but I opted for the granola and added on the banana and blueberries. Also got a delicious chai style tea. The service was great and we didn't have to wait ling for the food or the table. There is indoor and outdoor seating and a fair amount of space so it wasn't too loud inside. I imagine parking might be challenging at times but I found a spot one block over right away. Great casual but cute spot to meet a friend or take a date. read more

Such delicious food! I am so grateful for the vegan options and for the friendly atmosphere. I go here at least once a week, and never tire of it. The tempeh in the the tempeh tacos is mind-shatteringly good!! read more

Ordené el Vegan Highlander. Muy buenas porciones. Se tardaron un poco, pero valió la pena. Viene con tofu, rajas de chile verde, papas y espinacas. Todo super bien sazonado. También te dan un pan calientito con mantequilla (english muffin). Joe ordenó algo simklar pero con huevo. Buen servicio. El ambiente es muy agradable y me encanta la fila de plantas que adornan las ventanas. Todo muy natural. Recomendable read more

Sunlight Cafe - Vegan Highlander Lunch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Entry level vegetarian diner. By that I mean I would have loved this place 20 years ago. Now? Let's just say I look for a little more flavor and pizzazz these days. The tofu "huevos" rancheros with fried potatoes and both red and green salsas was tasty. The tempeh tacos were pretty awful. No flavor -- not even the "spicy" tempeh -- and a giant pain to eat. Espresso was meh. Service was slow. I like the ambiance and the tunes, and that it wasn't very busy on a weekday late morning. But not my first choice for breakfast. read more

The Sunlight still has the Best steamed vegies-brown rice-and tofu dish in the city. I continue to get it with their other Best: the lemon tahini dressing. I'm "updating" this review after twelve years but saying the same thing: the best. read more

Love, love, love this place and I'm not vegetarian. I go for the egg dishes-so yummy. This restaurant is a Seattle legend-one of the first veggie places in its original location on Roosevelt. Great food, service and ambiance.. The new location is a light and airy space-very nice! read more

This is my first time reviewing the Sunlight Cafe on yelp. I've only been an active yelper since 2019, and the last time that I went to this restaurant (prior to today) was in 2018. However, from 2002 to 2018, this was one of my top-5 frequently-visited restaurants in the Seattle area. I must've visited well over 100 times in the past. The new location of this restaurant is pleasant, and I'm glad that it is so close to where the old location used to be. My friend Katrina and I sat on the outside patio to eat our lunch. Katrina is a Filipina immigration attorney, and her husband works for the Federal Government. We met in 2010 because we both own condos in the same building, which we both used to live in with our husbands, but we both now rent out our condos. We used to hang out so frequently in years past - we went to Zumba classes together when that was a thing, invited each other over to our respective condos for tea and dinners, explored Seattle together, and even volunteered together. Life has gotten busier, though, and even though Katrina is one of my very few friends left who is still local (most of my close friends have ended up moving out of Seattle sooner or later, across the country or across the world), I'm lucky if we get together once per year now (in person, that is... I did attend her church via zoom for several weeks last year). We used to hang out once or twice per week! I'm glad we're still in touch, though. Friendships shift and change throughout the years. I've always loved the song lyric/saying, "Make New Friends, but Keep the Old... One is Silver and the Other's Gold." Our waiter, Jesse, was really sweet and pleasant. He told us that it was his 4th day on the job! At the end of our meal, he said that we were very pleasant and it had been a nice experience serving us! An unusual compliment from a server, but it seemed very genuine, and it was well-received by both of us. Katrina, who is vegan, ordered the Falafel Salad, and she seemed to enjoy it. I ordered the Steamed Vegetables and Tofu, a dish that I've eaten countless times in past years. It was fine, a bit bland (I have a lemon allergy so I didn't get the lemon tahini sauce that is an option to order with it, and in the past I usually ordered it with a peanut sauce, but I forgot to check if that's still an option), so I doused it with the hot sauce that was on our table, and then it tasted great. The real star of our meal for both Katrina and I was the lima bean gumbo soup. It tasted terrific - hearty and very flavorful, with possibly a Cajun/Creole blend of spices. Both Katrina and I were attempting to identify which spices were in the soup, but we couldn't be sure. I would guess possibly paprika, maybe a bit of mustard, garlic powder, and/or mild chili peppers, but I'm not sure whether or not I'm correct. Our waiter, Jesse, kindly took a couple of photos of Katrina and I, but when I checked my camera later, the photos were not on my camera, and Katrina had already left. I felt a bit sad about this since I don't think that Katrina and I have taken any other photos together, which is quite unusual for having been friends for so many years, but I didn't think to check my camera after Jesse took those photos of the two of us together, I just took my camera back from him without checking, so that's on me. My pick-up uber was scheduled for 3:10pm, and Katrina had to leave at 2:45pm for an appointment. Jesse checked in with me and asked me how the photos of Katrina and I came out, so I told him what happened. He seemed genuinely empathetic and we started chatting for a bit (3pm or so isn't most restaurants' busy times, and the restaurant didn't have many other patrons at this time). I found out that both Jesse and I majored in Law, Societies, and Justice / Political Science at the University of Washington, and that Jesse minored in Philosophy. I graduated in 2002, Jesse graduated in 2005. I didn't declare a minor, but I loved my Political Philosophy classes, particularly the classes about Ancient Greek Philosophy. Both Jesse and I had considered going to law school, and neither of us actually did. Law school aspirations are somewhat common in our shared majors. Anyway, it was great to chat with Jesse for a bit after Katrina left while I was waiting for my uber, and I felt that the interactions with him were pleasant, friendly, and uplifting. It was great to go back to one of my former favorite haunts and find it more or less unchanged from several years ago. I'm very glad this place made it through the pandemic. It's been in the same basic location for decades now! I really enjoyed the service and the food. The chairs on the outdoor patio were surprisingly comfortable, too. I don't think I'll be waiting another 4 years before visiting the Sunlight Cafe again. Since my food photos (and a couple of photos that Katrina took of me at this restaurant today) are on my camera card, I'll be uploading them later. read more

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I just love everything about this place! The food is really good, not your average fare. Yummy food cooked from scratch and I wish I could pick my favorite, but everything I have tried is my favorite! I like the laid back atmosphere and service is great too! If you are a fan of places like IHOP, don't eat here! If you are fan of stuff like Buckwheats Pancakes then this is your kind of place! read more

I have eyed this place for years... Been very excited to try it, and finally got to the other day. Holy crap, I think this place takes the cake for the worst meal I've ever spent money on. A gluten-free option for sandwiches and burgers is great, but why have it be cornbread that doesn't hold up? You literally cannot pick up the burger because the cornbread crumbles into 1 million pieces turning into a soggy weird mess. The burger itself wasn't too bad albeit over salted... Soup on the side had the weirdest confusing flavor but not enough salt. Overall a mess of a meal for an expensive price tag. I would give more grace if the burger wasn't nearly $20 without even including a side. read more

There aren't many vegetarian restaurants around town that have local roots as deep as Sunlight. That was one of the initial draws for me coming here. I'd heard and read a few other good vegetarian spots that have come and gone years ago but this place has been in the same neighborhood since the 1970's! I initially stopped by on occasion in their former spot 1 block over on Roosevelt. That location was comfy & cozy but felt rather stuffy and had just enough wear and tear to nudge the owners to relocate to the current new, spacious and modern space. This space is really great. Along with the spacious airy vibe, they kept some of the original color aesthetic from their old location and overall "sunlight" atmosphere (which also happens to get natural westerly sunlight facing west with large windows); yellow, white, dark red, sky blue - even the restroom sinks have beautiful designs. Last summer, I'd hoped they'd add shade screens because it can be too bright. Rotating artwork downstairs and upstairs balcony. The staff has been super chill, friendly and patient whenever I dish up menu questions as I can be a super conscious consumer. One of the owners (Sheryl?) often recognizes me and expressed gratitude for my patronage. She is very nice and homey. Now on to the food! I've probably had 1/3 of the offerings here that are vegan and/or can be prepared vegan. I really appreciate the labeling details and decent organic usage. Everything tends to taste fresh and healthy; some exceptions for me would probably be the potatoes, tofu and tempeh because they often feel "heavy" to me being fried/grilled/sauteed in just a bit too much oil (greasy texture). The highlander is good, the lemon poppy seed waffle is nice (good toppings; the blueberry compote is not bad - tastes canned) with a neat thin crunchy texture, the tofu cheesecakes are quite good, maple cashew cookie, the former kitchen cookie (it used to be vegan, now just vegetarian/vegan with honey), the house whole wheat bread toasted is cool (great with guac and all herbs available like cilantro & parsley), rice salads... I think my current fav item is the steamed veggie & tofu dish with garlic ginger sauce with sprinkled black pepper added. So clean, so fresh, so good. *** This review was written during the local COVID-19 Advisory when many restaurants were limiting operations. Contact the business to verify operational changes *** read more

Sunlight Cafe - Oh yes. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The best vegan juevos rancheros I've had. Wifey liked her poppyseed waffle and we both really enjoyed the breakfast potatoes. Them taters was done to perfection. We can't wait to return. The food here slaps, as the youngs say. read more

Tofu potatoes---total yum! This is something delicious, yet hard to describe all the flavors.

Before the pandemic, I used to come here for breakfast/brunch on most trips to Seattle. I was so glad to see it still here upon returning. I stopped in for a later brunch (1:30pm) and they still had my favourite dish, The Vegan Highlander ($14.50 plus tax), which comes with tofu, tempeh, green peppers, a bed a spinach, and smothered with a rich red pepper sauce; it comes with delectable home fries and half an English muffin. Filling and delicious, though maybe a bit saltier than I remember. I got some coffee (bottomless) to go along with my meal, which is served with a really nice maple sugar. Very friendly, astute and quick service. This place is still awesome. Highly recommended. read more

Sunlight Cafe - The Vegan Highlander - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I will always go out of my way to find a place with good vegan breakfast options! This place has many, and there are so many good things on the menu that it's hard to choose. That, and their sweets options are to die for. We will definitely come back, especially since their drink options are splendid as well. read more

Sunlight Cafe - The Deluxe (vegan) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I use to lovr this restaurant. Couldn't wait to have the blushing salad. They have changed the lemon tahini dressing. It doesn't taste the same or lemony. You change long time recipes, you loose customers. Last time I was there, I thought it was me. I took my husband this time. He wanted to take home two bottles. I said one. We are both so glad we didn't invest more. Will I go back. Questionable Better off raising your prices, but keep the recipes that made your restaurant. Add new stuff. read more

So delicious especially if you're vegan - so good! Also super kind service! I crave the tofu & vegetables it's perfect!

Any vegetarian-themed restaurant is to be praised for even being there in the first place, and this one has more than just the idea going for it. The atmosphere and wait staff are friendly, welcoming and low key, and the menu is quite varied. The textures and flavors are creative and interesting, but I can't honestly say that I have found anything there that I would count among my favorites. I will continue to patronize the place, however, particularly when I am in the mood for lighter fare. It is located in a modern, clean building, and the display of works by local artists is a nice touch. Prices are reasonable by Seattle standards. I just wish the cuisine had a little more "oomph" to it. One problem, unfortunately, which is only going to get worse, is parking. You may have to settle for a spot several blocks away unless you are willing to pay for on-street parking. Recommended! read more