Cafe Soleil

01/24/09

Amazing Ethiopian food

by archiepz at Citysearch

I love this place, and have since I moved here five years ago. The chef (and I think owner) is wonderful. Her cooking is simple yet utterly delicious, and I've never had a bad or even mediocre meal here. I like the fact that it's not a chichi spot like so many places in the city, but the space is comfortable and homey. Her focus is the food, which is flavorful and always tasty.

• Pros: Some of my favorite food in the city, supporting a local businesswoman, easy parking
• Cons: It can get cold but they're quick to turn the heaters your way when you sit down

05/21/08

Best Ethiopian in Seattle

by susaneats at Citysearch

The food here is fantastic! The dinner menu of Ethiopian items is better than any of the other Ethiopian restaurants I have eaten at in Seattle or LA. It is a fresher take on Ethiopian, less cooking the veggies into unidentifiable lumps, and more using the flavor the veggies came with. The meats are higher quality cuts than one usually finds in many ethiopian restaurants as well, which also may have to do with not cooking them forever. I haven't even ever tried the non-ethiopian items on the menu, (pasta and salads are offered as well) because I can't get enough of the stellar items I already love!

The breakfast/lunch menu on the weekends is a little small, but the egg dishes and potatoes are great: homecooked and non-pretentious, simple combinations of flavor. I think far better fare for your money, than the last few brunches I have had at the other restaurants in Madrona which either are trying too hard to impress or feature a huge wait time.

I am not sure why others have had issues with finding this wonderful restaurant open. It is always open when the hours posted on the door say, aside from what seems to be a regular summer vacation. Understandable for a small owner-run buisness in my book! I love the dependability of Cafe Soleil because the owner is always the one cooking your meal!

All said, great value for good food!

• Pros: Great food and service, kid friendly
• Cons: small space can be a little loud, sometimes warm on hot summer days

12/02/07

Is this place ever open?

by strangersseattle at Citysearch

Is this place ever open? I hear from the (unlucky?) few who have happened upon the restaurant open have been sorely disappointed. Madrona can do better. Just look across the street at the jewel of a place in Cremant. Too bad someone with a corner space can't put in a better effort.

09/25/03

Microwaved meals?

by infarct at Citysearch

I had heard nothing but good things about Cafe Soleil but was severely disappointed with BOTH meals. Our ethopian chicken dish was obviously microwaved and tasted like it! Our second attempt was no better.. the meal was bland and rubbery. The waiter was very nice, but didn't make up for the poor food quality.

• Pros: Inexpensive
• Cons: Poor food quality

07/20/02

Great Value

by Alex_SP at Citysearch

We have been going to Cafe Soleil for the last two years. Every time we go the service is great regardless of the crowd. The food is always fantastic and never expensive. I believe this is one of the best value and quality meals you can get in Seattle.