A solid local breakfast spot with big portions and good comfort food. Planned for today to be my rest day... but that didn't happen so I stopped by Cafe Soleil for breakfast afterward. Went solo and sat at one of the high tops. Started with coffee, which was actually really good for diner coffee. I ordered the chicken fried steak with crispy hashbrowns covered in Monterey Jack cheese and a sweet cream pancake. The chicken fried steak was well seasoned and flavorful. I just wish the breading had been a little crispier. The gravy was definitely a highlight though. The hashbrowns had good flavor but were a little soft in the middle compared to how crispy I personally like them. Now the pancake... HUGE. Basically plate-sized. The sweet cream batter already gives it sweetness on its own, but once you add butter and syrup it really takes it over the top. Overall, a really good breakfast and definitely a solid option for breakfast or lunch in the area. They can get busy, but if there's a wait it's worth sticking around for. read more

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UNTRUSTWORTHY. Prices on the bill are more than the prices on the menu. Add to that, it is illegal for them to treat debit card as credit cards. read more

Felipe's breakfast! It hit the spot! Just a little noisy. We were seated right away with options even though it was buzzing. Servers were cheerful and a good experience as a first time customer. read more

I saw Cafe Soleil on Bay Area Check Please show and had it bookmarked. For a party of 3 on Sunday at 12:15 pm wasn't crowded but had good amount of people at lunch. I like that they have a senior menu and had many seniors dining in. The menu is massive and has a lot to offer for breakfast and lunch. The biscuits and gravy were good. Biscuits nice and fluffy and gravy wasn't salty at all but oh so thick. The bacon tasted off and old like they just re-heated them. They might have been batch made in morning and just sitting. The eggplant sandwhich was soggy but the fries were fried well. The service was nice and quick. Parking lot parking. read more

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17 May 2025 3.5 Stars A fun and playful ambiance. Customers chatting away. A refreshing absence of pumped in music. Cheerful servers and hot food. Wife and I shared a chicken fried steak breakfast (comes with two eggs, hash browns and toast), a single pancake and a small grits. a coke and acoffee. The portions are large and the food is tasty. We will be back for sure. The negatives. My coffee had that Folger's been sitting on the burner too long taste that I remember from the olden days. Wife said the grits had water added to them to keep them from turning into glue in the pot. The water wasn't fully integrated. Watery grits. The sink in the restroom I used hasen't been cleaned around the faucets for several days. Our waitress looks like an old girlfriend of mine (but better). I mentioned that to my wife. Bad idea :-( These negatives have happened in my glass house before so I'm not throwing stones. just saying... read more

Cafe Soleil - This huge amount of food is my two thirds of the shared plate. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Sobrante, California

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Cafe Soleil, you're fantastic! After recently seeing your inclusion in Check Please! Bay Area, we wanted to stop in to give a little local love to a place we've never been. Decorated for Christmas with a tree and festive garb, this is a must-try if you're looking for a comforting meal in cozy digs. We came in early, and I would recommend checking their hours and doing the same; as we were seated, we could see numerous groups of people coming and after being put on a list, waiting outside. The great things about having a baby in tow, we're early to breakfast/brunch spots. The wait staff is amazing ~ from coffee top-offs to check-ins, we felt all the love. We ordered the Pancake Special with scrambled eggs, sausage, and a side of home fries/potatoes, and the Workers Special that comes with homemade biscuits and gravy, a choice of bacon or sausage (or half and half), and eggs. Wowee, what a hearty meal! Everything was delicious. Well cooked, flavorful, and honestly felt like home. The pancakes have a sweet cream batter that just melts in your mouth..would come back for those alone! Looking forward to trying more from the menu if coming for brunch, and also fun fact, they do catering as well! We will be back soon, thank you for such a wonderful experience for us early risers! read more

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The food is decent, used to come here very often with my friends and family. Use to be very affordable compared to other similar places which is why we loved it so much(not the case anymore). The staff was great and would tend to you quickly. Only been here once since the last time I got rudely kicked out by who I am pretty sure was the owner/manager a very rude condescending lady because my family and I were watching the World Cup final at their establishment. We were not free loading, we all had a very hefty breakfast and our bill came out to over $70 We did not watch the match from the start, we got to watch it starting at the second half, but apparently 45 minutes is too long to be here. I vowed to leave a review, but never got around to it. Now that the FIFA World Cup is coming around again, I can not stop thinking about my experience at this establishment the last time I was there. I understand the business model of trying to have as many people served quickly and have them leave to make room for the next person but the breakfast/brunch rush was very obviously over, there were so many empty tables when we were asked to leave. My only advice to the current owner/management is to not play any World Cup games if you don't expect customers to want to stay and watch them. read more

Two private bathrooms here, one more would be nice and there's often a line. The bathroom was clean however the soap dispenser was empty. There was a bottle of hand sanitizer on the sink, not sure if it was actually soap (it did suds up) so either the hand sanitizer is mislabeled or they don't have any soap. Dinging two stars for that. read more

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Listen I've been coming here for breakfast for a couple of years now, and I haven't had a bad experience yet! I generally stick to the an item from the two egg breakfast categories and choose a different meat. But I have tried the biscuits and gravy and it's sooo much food but it's so good also! Today I went with the pork chop with gravy some egg whites and I couldn't help it I love French fries so they gave me that for my starch. Everything was really good the service can be slow at times but what do you expect it's one waitress and one cook really early in the mornings! But in my heart it's all worth the wait! read more

Cafe Soleil - Fresh cut French fries! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Sobrante, California

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We came here for a friend's birthday. The place was packed, but fortunately, we didn't have to wait long for a table for 4. One of my friends is vegan, and they had some vegan options here, which is why we chose this place. My friend got the vegan pancakes and vegan hot links. She said they were good. I got the pork chop breakfast and really enjoyed it. My other friend got the half portion of the country special and as you can see in the picture, it was still huge. The portions were generous. Breakfast food smothered in gravy. Total comfort food, and it really hit the spot. The server was attentive even though they were super busy. The food came out quickly. Even though the place was packed, we were still and to have conversation at our table. If you are looking for a great breakfast place, this is definitely a place worth trying. read more

Customer Service is horrible. The female waitress was rude, when we tried to order my daughter food just cause she sat at another table. The waitress was a white, older female. Her attitude & then we we asked for check she threw the recipt at my partner & his credit card back at him. So rude, disrespectful & ugly. I will never come back to this place again. read more

The food was fine, the service was good. After noticing people at the bar with US flag version all over their clothes I saw a huge woodcut of a Blue Lives Matter flag on the way out. No way I want my money going towards businesses that support that. read more

I like their breakfast burritos, but you have to call and see if they have tortillas. The service is horrible. I called 4x to pick up, and i went to voicemail. They are really busy for brunch, but they constantly have staffing issues. I live down the street, and they always loose my buisiness because no one picks up the phone. Food is great, but not enough staff to service or answer the phone on Saturdays and wait times are too long. The review is for Saturdays only. read more

A seriously tempting spot. It's like a lot of El Sobrante eateries -- in a mini-mall, and kind of in a corner there, too. But the eating space is generous, and the food and helpings are, too. I quite liked the chicken fried steak, with gravy, and the servers were cheerful and caring. That's what you need, in a healthy breakfast joint! read more

Very friendly servers especially Debbi the waitress. Food is incredible and comes out pretty fast. Restaurant is nice, clean and well organized. read more

Really appreciate the vegan menu, there is something for everyone in our group at this cafe. In fact this is the closest allstar menu I have found in the bay area to Grateful Gardens Reno. Service is quick and all are thoughtful and friendly. We've only been for breakfasts which have been great read more

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The food cool it's good I have only a few dishes that I like I enjoy myself everything

Had a fantastic meal here on Saturday! It's no secret that this is the main brunch gem of El Sobrante- the place was packed with a line outside. Inside was very inviting with warm colors, ample space, with a community vibe. The floor tiles exhibited local pride, positive quotes and the workers seemed genuinely happy rocking out to the classic American tunes. I snagged a spot at the counter right away. Although there was a bit of a wait to put my order in, it was fair based on the order of customers that got seated so all good! I got my go-to brunch item- chicken fried steak with over easy eggs, hash browns, and a biscuit. CFS plate was bomb- everything tasted freshly made- light crispy fried batter, juicy patty, hearty gravy, perfectly runny eggs, huge biscuit that wasn't too heavy. Service was super friendly and prompt - I'm definitely coming back. Also they have a vegan menu so I'll have to bring my partner next time. Lastly, if you check in on Yelp, you get 10% off - bon apetit! read more

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The food here is always solid as is the service. I had the Cobb salad. It is huge... the lettuce was nice and crispy with lots of goodies on the top of the salad. Bacon, chicken, tomato, avocado, egg and blue cheese. So delicious!! I highly recommend this restaurant it is locally owned and the owners are great!! read more

The service was great food was ok but not bad I did enjoy so of the vegan options. My kids enjoyed it and they moved very fast for a party of 10. Will definitely come back again. read more

Food and service are great. Love that they have a senior menu. It can get loud. Not sure if they can do anything to absorb the sound.

This cozy diner is the best place to get breakfast in El Sobrante. I've been coming here from time to time for 20+ years, but used them for a business lunch earlier this week. Amber took care of everything and was super nice and professional. I was shocked that she remembered me from the last time that I had visited-- which had been almost 18 months ago. She communicated with me several times by phone about the food the day before to make sure that everything was done right. I could not be happier with the way she handled our 17 burgers and chicken sandwiches. The catering staff is also super responsive and helpful, and they can make substitutions easily. I also found their prices to be quite reasonable. Good breakfast spot on SPDR. read more

I have been here twice in the last 3 months. The food is tasty, well prepared, fast, and very generous portions. The best part of my experience was my server, Amber. She was cheerful, had an upbeat aura and happy vibe. I will be back again, soon! read more

Stopped for soup for ill neighbors and a sandwich for me to take out. Service was fast, order was accurate, and food was delicious. Always enjoy the staff smwho are very pleasant and friendly even during busy times. Thank you?! read more

Used to love going here and loved the Sonja's Works burger. But at $20 for a burger, this place got way too overpriced.

The atmosphere is quaint and intimate, the food was great (Chef's Kiss) and the customer service was astounding... This is what 32 years of Doing a terrific job of catering to your community looks like. read more

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Great food and ambience. Service was excellent! Definitely worth it. Food was served quickly and flavorful! read more

Cafe Soleil - Spanish omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Sobrante, California

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I don't really know but maybe it's because we arrived after 12:30 on a Monday??? They ran out of soup and steak for their steak sandwich we were a party of 6 we all got up and left after the waitress said well you took to long to order????. This is first time ever that this has happened but I definitely would like to know if us arriving later than 11am was the reason. read more

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Super attentive service!!! Very nice people in this place! You can tell it's an establishment that has their regulars. Love their all day breakfast options. The place has a homey vibe to it. I would say it's a great place for large or smaller groups. I ordered the soup with grilled cheese. I'm a sucker for lentil soup and they did a nice job with it. All the workers had smiles on their faces. And it made us smile too! read more

Ok - but why have I never been here before!? It's inside the plaza near Walgreens. It's hard to see if you are driving relatively quick --- but I am so glad my parents discovered this little gem. The steak was sooooo flavorful and it had a little bit of an oregano taste. I am uncertain if that's the flavor of the steak or if it was a little left over from something else, regardless... the steak was juicy and so flavorful. The gravy on the second plate was to die for and you should also try that because oh my god! It was amazing. It wasn't too salty which is often a problem that I have w the gravy. This plate was not mine, but we were picking at it the entire time. The 3rd plate was a veggie omelette... not heavy at all. The veggies were good, and I think this was a smaller size than the norm because it was a senior citizen plate ? Lol Let's talk about the service: I love going to places where people are often attentive. The staff was friendly, and always attending to us despite the fact that it was during breakfast time (and rushing). I would of course go back again. read more

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This was my first time here came from a recommendation from family. It was not too busy. Service was great and the food was delicious. We had the pork chop with gravy, hashbrowns and toast and it was cooked perfectly. So nice that you can have breakfast anytime. They do have outside seating however, that was closed, super windy day. The ambience was quiet and the restaurant is pretty to look at definitely will return for brunch. read more

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Hey all! We stumbled upon this place in El Sobrante (15 minutes from Berkeley) that offers 100% plant based breakfast items including vegan pancakes, egg, beyond sausages and bacon, and more. It also has non vegan options as well. Fast service, casual, yummy! Including a picture of the vegan breakfast menu. Cafe Soleil https://yelp.to/rAfvf8WGQf read more

Cafe Soleil - Vegan breakfast and vegan lunch options (vegan egg, beyond meat breakfast sausage, impossible burger) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Sobrante, California

The food was delicious and the location was great. Lots of parking. The waitress was really nice & pleasant.

I went in the morning with my best friend. The service was quick and the staff were kind. However, the food was pretty basic and averaged price. There isn't anything special about the breakfast here but it is in a safe part of San Pablo , ample parking, and the ambiance is great. Not too loud and not too quite. Be weary they charged extra for card, so use cash. read more

Cafe Soleil - Fresh Seasonal Fruit + 4 Halves French Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Sobrante, California

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Great vegan options and cozy spot. I couldn't believe the long list of veggie and vegan options! So rare to find.

Another work lunch brought me out to a new place, Cafe Soleil. Inside was surprisingly lively since the parking lot area seemed empty. The menu is extensive and reads more like diner food, if that's what you like. After asking the waitress for recommendations, I settled on the Oscar sandwich with sweet potato fries. The sandwich had fluffy pillowy bread and the chicken was ok but a bit toothy (like it might have needed to be pounded more so it was less thick). The sweet potato fries were excellent. I could have eaten those all day. Yummo. Service was good. It was probably one of the better places I've tried in El Sobrante. Solid choice for eats in the area. read more

After seeing promotion of this place on Facebook I have decided to try this place out and thank goodness I did not regret coming here. This is the place to go to for breakfast. I am surprise I never notice this place until I saw their business on Facebook. My breakfast was huge. I have a wonderful breakfast went turn out GREAT! It surely made me full until the early evening. I didn't have lunch after I had breakfast. Inside of the restaurant is nice. A lot of spaces for people to dine inside. Each table even has hand sanitizer (a big bonus). I will definitely come back to Cafe Soleil in the future. read more

Cafe Soleil - Breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Sobrante, California

Amazing pancakes. Friendly staff seat yourself didn't catch her name. She was pregnant with great customer service. I ordered bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, substitution for toast one pancake on the side. And also a one extra pancake Next time I'm gonna do either a three or 4 stack. read more

Friendly service, great food variety, prices are accurate to taste & presentation! Will be coming back soon!

Nothing exciting about this place except the fancy name. Most things I tried tasted like artificial sweeteners and flavors