We were here on a weekend and it was pretty empty. The service was kind of slow but the food was good. The quantities here are definitely quite substantial for the price. However, they do not accommodate dietary restrictions and wouldn't even agree to eliminate the dishes we could not eat from the combo. So 3 stars. read more

AMAZING! Stopped in for dinner with 10 friends, we all ate until we were stuffed, each had a beer, and left with 3 full take home boxes for...$10 each with tip! Sunny, the owner, is all things adorable and makes incredibly delicious food. I personally loved the vegetable combo that had so many different dishes and flavors. The spicy lentils in the middle was to die for. The meat combos come with chicken, beef, and lamb dishes. All cooked to perfection. The lamb tips were a delight and served with sautéed onions and jalapeños. I've been to quite a few Ethiopian places in town and the food here is a homerun. When you meet Sunny you'll want to come back all the time! read more

The food was amazing, tasty, fresh, different and so carefully plated in front of us by the owner that I can't wait to go back I had the veggie combo and it took sometime to get to our table, but was it worth the wait!!!! The "king" of the dish -as explained by the very nice owner- was a little too hot for me, so she offered to bring something else instead, but she also suggested to mix the dish w/ some of the homemade cheese she had brought us: brilliant idea. It is always nice to have such a great experience in a very authentic and non pretentious place. read more

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I love this restaurant. Very friendly staff and great food. Highly recommended I love the spicy lamb and I like how the serve it with either salad or the Ayib cheese on your plate , food is very delicious and seasoned well, I will most definitely be back for more! read more

This was my second visit, bringing an out-of-town guest who doesn't get to experience much in the way of "exotic" cuisine. This is a great location with ample street parking and there is an adjoining market. We were immediately greeted and seated and offered beverages. The menu is simple, the serving size is large. The Sunshine Combo is perfect for introducing someone to this type of food. It comes with 10 different items served on injera, more than enough food for two of us and the price point can't be beat at $12 or $13. Sunny, the Chef (and likely the owner), came out to the table to deliver the food and chat, then offered some fresh coffee. What a treat! This will definitely be my go-to place when I have a mood for this type of food. read more

This is my go-to for Ethiopian food. The woman who served us (who I assume is also the owner) was the sweetest lady ever. A friend and I shared the veggie combo, and she explained what everything was and even gave us a couple extra dishes to try. When we boxed up the leftovers, she gave us MORE of what we had ordered plus some extra injera. And we paid less than $15 total. I don't think any other Ethiopian restaurant in Seattle can top this one. My friend is pretty sure he saw a rat running along the wall, though. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ read more

This place was great. Great service, waitress even offered to refrigerate our food while we went to Seattle. We got the meat plate, which I highly recommend. Be aware, it's enough food for about 3 people. Great for lunch or dinner. I will say it's not in the best neighborhood so make sure to go with people who know Kung fu read more

Sunset Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This is one of the better Ethiopian restaurants in an area that has no shortage of offerings. Having been there twice, now, I'd add to the other reviews: --Street parking available after 6 PM, You can park right in font of the restaurant, which is a big plus since the twin, adjacent, 4-car lots are jammed. --Veggie combo has much more variety than other Ethiopian restaurants in the neighborhood (8 options instead of 4-5, perhaps). I'm sure you could special order "more of this, less of that," if so inclined. --Plan on being there an hour. Service is casual, and food comes out irregularly...we ordered after the next table, and got some of ours ahead of them receiving some of their order. So be it. --Still very affordable, even though prices have gone up ~10%, according to menu scratch-outs on chicken dishes. read more

I was definitely craving some Ethiopian food. I brought my sister here for her first Ethiopian experience. We were the only ones there around 2pm. My sister and I shared a Sunset meat combo which was $14.00 that could have been easily shared by with 2-3 people. My sister and I finished it all because we didn't want to leave any leftovers. Sunny was amazing! I've been here with my girlfriend about 1.5 years ago and it was just as good as I remember. I will definitely be back in area just to eat here!!! I'm craving some Ethiopian now haha. This place is a small mom and pop shop that you should definitely try out! read more

Love this place! The food is delicious and so cheap. The restaurant is unassuming but who cares when the food is this good. I come here every chance I get and have never left unhappy. read more

I have waited far too long to write this review. From the day I stepped into your, home.... that's what it is..... You were warm, loving.... I swear you could light up any room with warmth... Your food is the freshest... I taste it in every bite... You work hard... two jobs..... I hope everyone that can gets to visit you.... I would love to help cook on weekends ;) Wear comfortable shoes ma'Lady read more

Great presentation and to-go box but wasn't too sure about the actual food as I've tried many Ethiopian food everywhere and this is okay. read more

Sunset Cafe - Veggie combo - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Came here with a fellow Yelper after realizing our original plan to have GF Injera at Altaye was a bust. Sunset was our first pick since the reviews were great and it was literally...next door. Don't let the outside fool you, this place is more than you could wish for. We were greeted by a nice lady who told us to pick any seat in the restaurant. We sat at a long table for six. The owner came by introduced herself and thanked us for coming in. We wanted to order 10 things (semi true story) but Tsehay said we should order one item first and if we're still hungry she will make us the burrito we were eyeing. I appreciate such honesty. We decided to order #45 Sunset Combo: A combination of salad, lentils, and multiple special Ethiopian meat entrees served on a platter with injera. Basically every top choice meat item on the menu was in this combo + some vegetarian options. A little while later, she comes out and presents everything in 12 small bowls including a well dressed salad. It looked and smelled fabulous. After telling us what each item was, she turned the little bowl upside down onto the injera. Everything was presented so well! I loved it. After taking a few food porn photos, we inhaled everything. While we were eating, she came back out periodically to check on us. Turns out she made a fresh batch of hot injera in the back especially for us! It was just cooling off when she brought it out. Not wasting a second, we split it and finished up the rest of the dish. I can't say I've ever finished my plate at an Ethiopian restaurant. SO full but SO good. The injera was perfect texture, thickness, and tartness. Some of the best I've had. Seriously! I bet this is what food in Ethiopia would taste like. Authentic, fresh, and delicious. When we were both finished, she could tell how much we enjoyed our meal and how full we were. She made a joke and asked us if we'd like her to start making the sunset burrito. "You have room for more, right?" The owners made our meal unforgettable and for this, I will be back! read more

Can I give this place 10 stars? Yes, food is delicious. Yes, incredible value. But extra 5 stars for the service! We had to catch an early afternoon flight and were wondering whether what we should pack for lunch. Really wanted to try this place but weren't sure if the food could be packaged to get through security, etc. So at 10:01, I called Sunset and asked if she thought the food and to-go boxes could be brought through security. She thought about it and said she thought it would be fine. I arrive to find that she packaged our veggie sampler in a tupperware! Not only that, but she had taped it extra shut with surgical tape. and she showed me how she tested it by rolling it around to make sure nothing would spill out! Who goes the extra mile like this?! wow, holy cow! how nice and thoughtful is the owner?! seattle - you gotta support this place! just a couple of minutes off either the 5 or 405 read more

How to have one of the most satisfying meals of your life: 1. Grab a friend and get in your car (or on a bus--whatever works for you) and make your way to Sunset Cafe. Street parking isn't too challenging. 2. Walk into the restaurant. Hopefully the wait isn't bad; there aren't a ton of tables. Coming closer to noon is probably your best bet here. Take a seat. 3. Order the meat combo or the veggie combo. You need at least two people per combo--these are massive beasts. Really, please, don't come here alone. You'll only have the appetite to try one of the entrees, and you'll really wish you could be chowing down on a platter instead. 4. Wait patiently for the combo to arrive. It's so worth it. When it does arrive, the owner will offer to explain what each dish is. Don't worry about looking stupid; you really do want to hear her explanation if you've never done this before. And she isn't judging you, trust me. She's one of the sweetest ladies ever, and she really just wants you to know. 5. Dig in. Yes, you need to use your hands. Don't be scared. Treat the injera (the Ethiopian carb that accompanies your meal) like a roti. Dip, scoop, eat. If you finish all the injera you were given and still have food left on the platter, the lovely owner will bring out more for you. She's the best. 6. You will now be so utterly stuffed, yet so sad that this smorgasbord of flavors is over. Immediately begin planning your next visit. For real, though. This is the best Ethiopian food I've ever had anywhere in the US. read more

Sunset Cafe - Meat platter! Left two of us stuffed - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I came here with my family yesterday. It was their first time trying Ethiopian food, whereas I have been to another Ethiopian restaurant in the past. The lady who served us was very kind and helpful when we asked for recommendations. She was clearly passionate in the food she served, as she patiently explained all the different options. We ended up choosing the Sunset combo + veggie combo to try the most number of dishes. She told us that each combo would feed 2 people... The wait for the food was slightly longer than we would've liked, but it made us more hungry and hence the food was more tasty :) Everything was delicious - there was lamb, chicken, beef, an assortment of beans and peas, salad, beets, etc. The portion was huge, so be warned! The amount of leftovers we took was almost enough for another meal for 3-4 people. read more

The initial walk in was the familiar smell of zatar and berbere spices. I knew it was going to be a great meal. The menu is simple and the flavors are delicious. Having eaten Ethiopian food before I was really excited for this meal. The portions are enough for two people but we ordered two dishes. Plenty of leftovers, can't wait to go back. read more

Sunny was the best host ever - I felt like I was eating in her home instead of a restaurant, although the Sunset Cafe is cute and feels a bit like a 50s diner in some ways. The meal the 6 of us shared (one veggie combo, one meat combo, and kitfo) was delicious and extremely well-priced. I felt like I was getting a steal, in fact! Two of our diners were kids, one a teenager who had tried Ethiopian food before and didn't like it. She *loved* the different dishes, especially the lamb and the green beans. In fact, there were no dishes that we didn't *all* try & enjoy. Though of course, some were better than others - the okra was one of my favorites, along with one of the chicken dishes and the yellow lentils. My husband, who is a kitfo fanatic, was very pleased with Sunny's rendition. We stayed for several hours eating the beautifully prepared food and chatting with one another and Sunny. I will definitely be back, and soon. Yum! read more

This is an extraordinary place. Tiny dive sort of building. The food is stunningly good! If you haven't had Ethiopian before, definitely get the sunset sampler. Also the Shambusha appetizer is deliciously delicate. The proprietor is very charming and will explain the cuisine to you and how to eat it. She made us feel very comfortable and welcome. This one is worthy of food network. Was such a pleasure to dine here. read more

Sunset Cafe - The sunset sampler - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This may be the most hidden of gems in all of Seattle. It may also be among the very best bang for your bucks in the city as well. My wife and I went there for dinner after reading the great yelp reviews. The owner/manager/chef was indeed very gracious, welcoming and attentive. My wife and I were quite hungry, so was shared the Sunset combo (meat dishes) and she offered to supplement it was 3 (which ended up being 4) veggie dishes as well. While no Ethiopian food expert, I have dined in the Adams Morgan district in DC (maybe the best Ethiopian in the country) and have been to 5-7 around here. Most of my experiences in Seattle have been lack-luster at best, or awful at worst. The food was all very fresh, well-seasoned and delicious. She added literally home-made Ethiopian-style cheese to our meal, and it was fantastic. While they do have a bar, I think it is fair to say that one would not go out the way to have a drink here. What you really want, and what speaks for itself, is the great food. Highly recommended, and if a fraction of the city knew about this place, I think it would be tough to get into. As it stands now, the place warrants your patronage, as on a rainy night, we were the only diners for dinner. read more

Years of fresh, good quality food until last few months. Orders are slow, menus outdated and do not reflect increased prices, and the hostess always seem confused and unable to clearly communicate. Hopefully they get it together again. Used to love this place! read more

I never write reviews for yelp. I always look at what other people write and look at and eventually try new places, but never actually review myself...but I just had to for this place. The food is delicious, hot, fresh and clearly full of love. The cook herself came out and explained everything - including what was in what, and what she personally crafted from hand (she makes the cheese herself), which was very appreciated for first timers like me. My guest and I shared a veggie combo (about $13) and a side of lamb tibbs ($12) and could barely finish half of it. We almost order two combo plates and were politely turned away from ordering too much food. I researched a long time for the best place to try Ethiopian food here in Seattle...and I came here for the food admittedly, but I would return a thousand times over for the service. Our waitress and the cook were adorable and beyond polite, even though we came in less than an hour before closing. They never made us feel like we were an inconvenience and even asked us how everything was at the end of our meal with genuine interest. Try it and love it. read more

Overall, I am rating this place a 4.5. I am a fan, but it is not quite "as good as it gets" as the 5 star would suggest. However, this place was still good and some where I would recommend. The customer service is definitely worth 5 stars. Both the waitress and the owner were very pleasant and friendly. The owner came out shortly after the waitress took our order and introduced herself and then explained a little more in detail about what we just ordered, despite us not asking for any additional information about it. I thought that was pretty cool 'cause when I first started eating out at Ethiopian restaurants, I remember sitting there thinking, "Tibs... Tibs... Is that what she had at her family party? Wait... Which one is the saucy one?" So, it's always nice when someone is willing to explain more than just what the menu says. The food comes out differently than any other Habesha restaurant I've ate it. She brought out the injera with nothing on it and then small bowls of the meats we ordered. As she put the meat onto the injera, she then again explained what everything was. The portions were a bit smaller than what I am used to, which is part of my reasoning for 4 stars instead of 5. I felt there was much more sauce than there was meat and the platter which the injera came on was quite smaller than other places and I'm pretty sure I could've finished it myself. So, for this price, it isn't exactly 2-3 people friendly, like I'm used to. The parking is a bit sketchy on this block and I was worried about my car the whole time since it was about 8:45 pm when we came to eat here. Dark, no lights, and right on the street. If you're easily freaked out and will worry about your car being damaged, I suggest taking the bus and going during the day. :) lol. **EDIT / UPDATE** I left out that they ran out of anything having vegetables in it, so we didn't get the combo we wanted due to that. Because of that, I now realize why the portions seemed smaller. I still feel like there was very little meat though. read more

When I go out to eat with my family, it's usually Ethiopian food 90% of the time. Needless to say I am a highly qualified Ethiopian connoisseur. Sunset Cafe is most definitely worthy of 5 stars. Great price, great chef, and a generous quantity of food. Yum! read more

Sunset Cafe - Pleasantly surprised by the quality of this delicious Ethiopian meal! :) - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Very good food. The food came out fast. Ms. Sunny, the chef is awesome. A great hostess. read more

Sunset Cafe - #45 on the menu. It serves two, maybe three. Delish... the chef Ms Sunny is the warmest and kindest hostess! - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Oh happy wow, big nummy happy tummy wow! I wish I had taken pics, but also so glad to all the other loyal Yelpers here who did. They roll up the injera into little handkerchief-style rolls so they're easy to use. Stuff is super fluffy and lovely. We got the Sunset Combo (at least I think that's what it was called), which is an astoundingly good meat combo with a few veggie items too. And home made cheese! (not the stuff from Safeway, entreats the eminently kind owner). Every single one of the 10+ dishes were incredible, which is not my usual experience with Ethiopian or Eritrean food. Usually there's at least one or two that I'm not drooling on, but damn, this place made me a subject of Pavlov 10 times over. What's even more amazing is that only one of these 10 dishes was really spicyhot. And she informed us which one while she was serving! How nice..this has never happened to me before at an Ethiopian place. Another great thing - she brought out each dish in a separate container (see the yelper pics for this place for what that looks like!), and told us what each one was as she spooned them lovingly upon our large plate of injera. Ooooo I am in love. With the food. In case my wife is reading this. I'll be driving back down here soon. Come and make the trip, you will not be disappointed! read more

I would give 6 stars if I could! Best Ethiopian food I've had anywhere in the USA. Thank you Yelpers for helping me find this place!! The owner completely understands they type of customer service/experience patrons like to have. We ordered the veggie combo and from the description expected the usual: yellow lentils, red lentils, cabbage, salad, collard greens. But what we got was way way more! We got at least 4 dishes that weren't listed on the menu that we've never had at any other Ethiopian restaurant. It was a nice surprise to be given extra dishes for free. They are a great example of under promise (or perhaps normal promise) and over deliver! In terms of quantity, it was so much food. Be sure to take your leftovers home! Oh and I saw some people come in to get take out so there is always that option as well. We went during the day and the owner talked to us and asked us about how we liked our food as if it were a matter of pride. And if we didn't like it, she would make it right. I also saw her talk to all the customers in this same caring, non-rushed manner. It was so nice and not obtrusive at all because the woman is so charming. At the end of the meal, our bill came with a small bowl of hard candies. I love when restaurants offer this at the end of the meal! A small bowl so you can pick/choose or eat 5 candies if you want is so much lovelier than being given one each. It was also a good mix of what I think were ethiopian candies and the normal brach's. In terms of parking, it is on street either in front of the businesses on Rainier ave or in the neighborhood. It wasn't that difficult but I remember thinking we'd go this one time just to try it and not come back. But in hindsight, it wasn't that difficult to find parking (we were about 1 block away) and I'd gladly take uber to eat here again! read more

This place is AMAZING. HUGE portions of DELICIOUS food cooked with SO MUCH LOVE. I really can't say anything else. A++++++. One of the best dining experiences I've had in Seattle. read more

I ordered the veggie combo as I usually do, at any Ethiopian spot. This sweet waitress got everything out and prepared everything in front of you. My friend who took me there, wasn't hungry so I ate by myself. It could have easily fed 2 other people and it was only 12 dollars! I'm coming there again, the next chance I get! Tip; drinking beer after eating injera, helps you digest your food faster. read more

I agree with the other positive reviewers - this place is great! Although the outside of the restaurant certainly doesn't elicit excitement, what matters is within. At Sunset Cafe, you'll find a delightful owner serving extremely good Ethiopian food at a bargain price. The quality is good, and the portions enormous. I ordered the vegetable-sampler, and ended up taking home more in leftovers than I was able to eat at the restaurant. Without exaggeration, I was given 2 - 3 meals worth of food. Given that it was all delicious, the $15 (including generous tip) that I paid made it a very good value. I'm told that the restaurant does steady dinnertime business. I went for lunch on a weekday, though, and it was nearly empty. It was great - I enjoyed superb service and practically had the place to myself. Just be ware: it may look closed during lunchtime even though isn't. You're simply expected to enter though the attached Ethiopian grocery store. Enjoy! read more

Came here with my parents. The sunset and veggie combos are amazing in both quality and quantity; the injera was the best that I've had yet. The owners are very friendly and happily showed my parents how to eat the dishes. Note of caution: The portions here are huge - the three of us ordered two dishes and had more than enough for a feast! read more

We stumbled upon this place after having our nails done next door at Star Nails. I've driven past this location many times but never even thought to stop. This block of Rainier has been re-done within the past 5 years, there is new housing across the street and this side of the street has had new storefronts added, etc. There is on street parking but it is limited. If you have to park on the east side of Rainier be VERY careful as you cross, Rainier is very narrow and notorious for pedestrian/car injuries. All that being said, this place is incredible! The food is really amazing, the injera was flavorful and added to the taste of each offering. Everything was very fresh and the restaurant was clean and welcoming. The cook came out to talk with us about the food and I felt comforted and taken care of. We will be eating here more frequently! Definitely worth a stop! read more

I agree with the other reviewer who said this would be a top contender in the Bay Area. Do yourself a favor and come here. We had the sunset combo. Everything was so flavorful and I love that the owner was so attentive to everyone in the restaurant. She went around at explained everything on the plate to us which was helpful because it was my boyfriends first time having Ethiopian and he didn't know what to expect. It has a very cozy atmosphere and we will definitely be coming back. read more

Yes!!!!!! This food is so fast, easy, delicious and inexpensive!! At first I was skeptical taking the server's recommendation on a combo plate with 4-5 different meats and veggies option as she said it was enough to share with two. My boyfriend is a body builder and I may be a small Asian woman but I can really eat! Lo and behold we had plenty left over between the two of us! Enough to for both of us to share the next day! read more

Sunset Cafe - Combo plate for $15 - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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The owner/cook/waitress, Sunny is a very friendly and kind person. She was amazing! My husband and I wanted to order sunset combo and vegetarian combo but Sunny said that we shouldn't. Instead she suggested to add just 4 more dishes for $4. Everything we had was delicious. We had some left overs so we asked Sunny to give us a little box to go, then she asked us what did we like the best and when we told her our favorite one, she said 'I will give you some more of that in your box'. Which restaurant does that? I don't know how she can make money.. I am a little worried.. We enjoyed the food and hospitality of Sunny a lot. read more

I have never been to this restaurant. My wife went, spoke well of it, and brought home leftovers. Where some cuisines (e.g. Italian, Mexican) are generally fabulous the next day, Ethiopian food is notoriously unsatisfying after refrigeration and without the presentation. The leftovers from Sunset are some of the best Ethiopian I have had. The freaking _leftovers_. My top criteria of my next apartment hunt will be proximity to this restaurant. read more

I don't think I've ever reviewed anything on Yelp before, but this place is worth reviewing. This really is the best Ethiopian food I have ever tasted. Tsehay, the owner/cook, is such a wonderful person and an amazing cook. The portions are HUGE and everything I've tried so far is delicious. I've eaten at a lot of places in Seattle (including other Ethiopian places) and this by far my favorite! Give this place a shot-- you will not regret it. read more

Best Ethiopian food I've ever had! Truly excellent hospitality, thank you so much. One of the most memorable meals I've eaten. Plus I got to watch the traditional coffee bean roasting process immediately before drinking the most flavorful cup I can recall in a city known for their beans. Highly recommended! read more

Sunset Cafe - Truly amazing food & hospitality! Thank you so much. Highly recommended - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The food and seasonings are phenomenal. First time eating Ethiopian food and won't be the last! I will be back!!! read more

A little unsure of what to expect, I ventured into Sunset. I was immediately enamored. Your senses are stimulated the second you walk in the door as you become enveloped in the soothing smell of incense and the sound of spices being ground. I was greeted immediately and soon decided on the beloved vegetable combo plate. The beautiful, vibrant chef herself (Sunny) prepared the platter in front of me and spent the time explaining each item. The chef is just as colorful and satisfying as the food she makes. The portions are more than generous. To top off the meal, we were provided Ethiopian coffee. This place is amazing. Go. Now!!! read more

Sunset Cafe - Vegetable combo plate - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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