Sunlight Cafe

Vegetarian restaurant · Roosevelt

Sunlight Cafe

Vegetarian restaurant · Roosevelt

3

6404 9th Ave NE Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98115

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Sunlight Cafe by Sunlight Cafe
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null
Sunlight Cafe by null

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Vegan & vegetarian dishes in a space with a hippie vibe  

Featured in Eater
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6404 9th Ave NE Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98115 Get directions

sunlightcafevegetarian.com
@sunlightcafe

$10–20 · Menu

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6404 9th Ave NE Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98115 Get directions

+1 206 522 9060
sunlightcafevegetarian.com
@sunlightcafe
𝕏
@sunlightcafe

$10–20 · Menu

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Aug 16, 2025

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@eater

The Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Seattle | Eater Seattle

"Tucked away in an unassuming corner of the ever-evolving Roosevelt neighborhood is this Seattle vegetarian institution that has been going strong for over 45 years. Long-timers swear by the Vegan Highlander (tofu and tempeh on top of a bed of spinach, served with home fries and an English muffin). Don’t sleep on the huevos picante burrito with actual tofu chunks instead of crumbles, which makes all the difference." - Sean Keeley

https://seattle.eater.com/maps/best-vegan-restaurants-seattle-vegetarian-friendly-plant-based
View Postcard for Sunlight Cafe
@eater

Seattle’s Best Vegetarian Restaurants | Eater Seattle

"After four decades in the same Roosevelt location, Seattle’s oldest vegetarian restaurant is moving around the corner, expecting to reopen in a gorgeous space with outdoor seating and a mezzanine in August. “Hippie” is a way of life here, fueled by tempeh burgers, veggie lasagna, and fresh-baked breads." - Matthew Lombardi

https://seattle.eater.com/maps/best-seattle-vegetarian-restaurants
View Postcard for Sunlight Cafe
@eater

Governor Inslee’s Favorite Pancakes Land in Eastlake - Eater Seattle

"Forty-two-year-old Sunlight Cafe has relocated within Roosevelt, moving just one block west of its original location. The business, which claims to be Seattle’s “longest-standing vegetarian restaurant,” now sports outdoor dining and air conditioning, plus beer and cider on draft. The cafe serves brunch, lunch, dinner, coffee, and happy hour, with options like lemon poppy seed waffles, homemade granola, polenta and eggplant marinara, and a portobello mushroom burger." - Megan Hill

https://seattle.eater.com/2018/7/19/17591028/seattle-restaurant-openings-summer-2018-bars
View Postcard for Sunlight Cafe

Alejandro moreno

Google
The garlic ginger tofu was some of the best marinated tofu I’ve ever had as a vegetarian myself ! Huevos rancheros was delicious! French toast was great as well! Definitely would come back Great customer service

shivani agarwal

Google
The food is oh so good. Couldn’t believe that we are eating tofu. Served fresh and hot, plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to choose from. Would 100% recommend. Service is super nice. Staff is friendly and attentive.

Lanae Moreno

Google
Visiting from Atlanta , Ga and let me tell you how amazing our breakfast was! I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed the tofu. The marinade was top tier and I’m eager to know what it is so I can make it at home. Everything had a so much flavor and our waitress Johanna was extremely sweet. We need a Sunlight Cafe in Atlanta.

Hotsauce

Google
Unfortunately, Sunlight Cafe has been mid for some time now. The bar for brunch in Seattle is low relative to other comparable cities, and I’ve made my peace with that. Sunlight Cafe used to stand out amongst the mediocrity, serving good food with a homely, unpretentious atmosphere. However, with the increase in prices and hit or miss service, it’s hard to rate this spot as a highlight. I know this trend is not an exception to Sunlight, but it’s hard to justify paying over $80 for two for decent brunch. Maybe that’s what the reality of dining in Seattle is nowadays, but for that price I would expect a great experience, not decent.

Chris A (SimplyAvina)

Google
Girlfriend and I were looking for a good vegan/vegetarian spot to try out new food and study at. We came across this spot while surfing the web and gave it shot. We were both very impressed! The inside is filled with local artist’s art that are sellable (able to be purchased) and not for sale. It was a very awesome experience and the atmosphere is very upbeat! Staff was amazing and their food was delightful! Even their desserts were top notch. I loved everything about this place and can’t wait to try out more of their menu! Would definitely recommend.

Jatin Batra

Google
Absolutely hidden gem in Seattle! My recommendation would be poppyseed lemon waffle, Vegan Highlander but everything here looks clean and healthy with a nice chill vibe! I have been here several times and never disappointed!

Lucien Valentine

Google
Fantastic service. Good food. Cozy atmosphere. What more can you ask for? Love Sunlight Cafe!

Silke Fleischer

Google
Had the Highlander and basic eggs. It wasn’t full but the wait for the food was surprisingly long. Highlander was way over salted, potatoes not crispy, onions not fully cooked through. Scrambled egg was like getting it at a cafeteria - too baked through and dry. 7 people staff but you feel a bit ignored, unable to make eye contact with any of them. Neighboring table had the same problem and it wasn’t even busy. The coffee was very good but we won’t come back for the food.
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Sarah S.

Yelp
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.

jayraj t.

Yelp
A great place for a huge vegetarian food menu! The Mac and cheese, small portion, but very tasty!
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Alison B.

Yelp
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.
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Ellie Noelle H.

Yelp
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 :)

J S.

Yelp
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!!
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Karen O.

Yelp
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.
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Kelcie Lei A.

Yelp
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!
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Lana S.

Yelp
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!
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Godot W.

Yelp
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.
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Martha S.

Yelp
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!
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Maureen M.

Yelp
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~
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Sahitya M.

Yelp
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 !
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Ashley P.

Yelp
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!
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Martin L.

Yelp
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.

Josh L.

Yelp
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!!
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Walter P.

Yelp
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.
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Marissa A.

Yelp
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.
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Sydney B.

Yelp
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!
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Lauren A.

Yelp
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.

Gina T.

Yelp
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!
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Marna K.

Yelp
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.
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Daniel R.

Yelp
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
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M W.

Yelp
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.
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Alana K.

Yelp
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.
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Martha D.

Yelp
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!
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Artemis L.

Yelp
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.
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Ka S.

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

Yelp
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.

Darlene C.

Yelp
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.
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Daren D.

Yelp
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 ***
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Matt B.

Yelp
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.

Elizabeth W.

Yelp
Sunlight Cafe is a mainstay of our community! We LOVE the food, service, and vibe. So much more than a restaurant!
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Danielle H.

Yelp
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.
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Tina N.

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

Eric G.

Yelp
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!
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Victoria G.

Yelp
Really great vegan options. I always end up sitting at the bar since it's always packed, but I don't ever mind. The tofu scramble is delicious!
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Richa P.

Yelp
Wow! I am vegan and saw the highlander on the Sunday breakfast menu. I thought based on the description it was going to be a simple tofu sautee but it was not. The tomato sauce the tofu was cooked it was so delicious!!! Also, replace the fries and eng muffin with their home made toast. The bread was SOOO good I ordered two sides of it

Nimcy S.

Yelp
I've been vegan for about a year. I almost never look for vegan restaurants as I find them overpriced or limited in options. Not sunlight cafe though! I LOVE tempeh tacos and deluxe for breakfast. The flavors are spot on.
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Natalie M.

Yelp
I give this place props for being vegetarian with solid vegan options. I also like that they weren't concocting a lot of fake meat/cheese substitutes, but just using more veggies! I came here for brunch with two friends on a busy Sunday. This place is fairly large, so the wait wasn't too long despite three or four parties in front of us. We ordered a breakfast burrito, eggs & salsa, and my vegan friend got the vegan highlander. The food was big! Best of all, the potatoes were so flavorful. The prices were also affordable. I was really blown away by the politeness of the staff. They thanked us for our patience, for the initial wait and again for food being a little slow. It was totally reasonable for how busy it was, but very considerate nonetheless.
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Sydney E.

Yelp
The food was absolutely amazing. The wait staff was very accommodating and attentive. Definitely recommend!
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Robert S.

Yelp
Soup, salad and bread with their famous Tahini dressing. Can't beat it! Get there early if you need to park anything, large.
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Jezebel P.

Yelp
I've eaten here for the 30+ years i've been in Seattle but had not tried since they moved to the new space (directly across the street from my demolished first apartment here). A good friend of mine moved to the old neighborhood, which sparked my return. I'm happy to say i'll be a regular again. Their food is definitely what I would call hippie, which is by no means an insult. It's hearty health food, w whole grains and variety. I like that they have the ability to cater to all (meat free) dietary constraints; and as someone older whose food sensitivities are frustratingly increasing, I feel good about their options. I remember that their nutburger was my go to in the past, but also enjoyed the nachos, pasta, soups, salads, and full dinner meals. Frankly, their entire menu is good. Their home made dressings are SO delicious, I always get a few bottles to go. Their baked goods are good as well, and wholesome. I'm also a fan of their breakfasts, and of late the waffles and tofu w veggies fare. My latest food allergy now has branched to eggs (really, my traitorous body?!) so i'm so thankful for the tofu options, and at some point will (grudgingly) re-try tempeh. I'm not sure one can claim their Mexican inspired fare is authentic; but it is filling, healthy in the right way, and delicious! Their ingredients are fresh, local, and flavourful. The space and bathrooms are clean. Keep in mind the new location is smaller, and since they're good/popular you can expect a wait. Their hours are also a bit limiting (closed on Mondays, and morning hours are pretty much on weekends only), As you've already read, the service can be hit or miss (like everywhere). I personally have always had friendly and attentive servers. I feel like this place lives up to everything I am looking for when I come. I haven't been vegetarian for over 20 years, but I do obey when my body craves clean veg protein & heaps of vegetables. I'm not above the bad things we all try to limit (from carbs to fried & junk food) but I always feel well fed and healthy when I leave.
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katherine s.

Yelp
This place is worth it for the bread alone, so good! My favorite is the tempeh tacos, and I used to think I hated tempeh. They are amazing! It is also very reasonably priced, and fulling and hearty compared to other organic / veggie places around Seattle. You get what you pay for and more! Vibe is colorful and funky. Love.
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Alexis F.

Yelp
Sunlight Cafe is the best brunch spot in Seattle. The McKenna and Euripides are both so incredibly delicious. I've never had better homemade fries. The service and scenery are nice as well. I love going there.
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Paula E.

Yelp
Love this place for breakfast/brunch! To be honest, I've never eaten the lunch or dinner food, as I feel it's a waste of my eating out experiences to miss out on my sesame crunch waffle with blueberries and bananas! They have great other choices as well, but I get the waffle every single time I come. Good food, good coffee, and good customer service. You can't go wrong by coming here!
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Jazz M.

Yelp
This was the highlight of our time in Seattle. We originally planned on going to another vegan restaurant nearby but were thrilled we ended up at Sunlight cafe. The food was beyond amazing and we enjoyed the best cooked tempeh we have ever had. Sheryl and her husband were so accommodating and made the experience so much better with their warm hospitality. They double checked ingredients for us and customized our meal to make sure it was just right. We even had the pleasure of enjoying a complimentary salad and lemon tahini dressing. We are already looking forward to our next visit to Seattle so we can visit again. The only thing better than the food was the service.

Holly L.

Yelp
Had the most delicious blueberry pancakes during the Saturday brunch. Later, For dinner, had a great nut burger. We will definitely be back every time we're in Seattle.
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Annie R.

Yelp
So it's been AN HOUR since I ordered and I STILL don't have my food. I was going to wait to write a review until after I eat because maybe the food will be amazing but at this point it's too late. Apparently the waitress told me "she's cooked yours wrong 3x do you want her to do it again correctly or take it incorrectly" and I'm like "hmmm. I would like to eat how I ordered it, so she can fix it." All I didn't want... were red peppers. Confused why this is so hard and how you could mess that up 3x. So the food was pretty good but still wouldn't wait an hour. The waitress was very kind and gave me a free apple pie slice to go for the delay. Good customers service. Still would probably not come back though, for the price and wait time not worth it.
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Corliss H.

Yelp
The Sunlight Cafe has been my favorite eaterie since the early 80's. The best healthy vegetarian comfort food in the world, in my experience-- especially the brunch, which includes real maple syrup for those blueberry pancakes and hearty waffles. The atmosphere is warm and nurturing. I leave with a sense of well-being.