Cafe Soleil

This small, family-run Madrona restaurant is perfect for a last-minute catch-up dinner with friends or a quiet date night. The relaxed neighborhood atmosphere of the longtime spot is amplified by its brick walls, linen curtains, and big front windows that fill the dining room with soft light. Shareable plates like the smooth yellow split peas, lightly poached kale and tomatoes, and lamb in a berbere and cinnamon-spiked ke’yi w’et will make everyone at the table happy. It all comes with herby yogurt and a few slices of raw tomato dressed with pinches of olive oil, garlic, and lemon—yes, even those simpler sides leave a lasting impression.

On weekends they open around 9am for brunch which differs from their classic Ethiopian dishes. Instead, you’ll find feta and sundried tomato scrambles, fluffy french toast, and breakfast croissants that are equally good.