Sunflower Caffé — Restaurant in Sonoma

If you're longing for a slice of enchanting Europe without venturing too far, I can wholeheartedly recommend the charming French style café I recently visited. Nestled in a humble corner, this café proved to be an unexpected retreat boasting delectable breakfast options, swift service, and an idyllic garden that oozes quaintness and serenity.

From the moment I stepped inside, the café exuded an authentic French ambiance. The soft melody of French tunes floating in the background set the perfect tone for a truly immersive experience. The cozy, rustic decor and warm lighting created an intimate atmosphere that instantly whisked me away to the heart of a Parisian neighborhood.

The breakfast menu featured an impressive range of traditional French delights that catered to every taste. From flaky croissants and buttery pastries to flavorful quiches and tantalizing crepes, each dish was meticulously crafted and bursting with authentic flavors. And fear not, fellow coffee enthusiasts, their heavenly brews will undoubtedly please even the most discerning palates.

Fast service is a rarity these days, but this café proved that efficiency can go hand in hand with quality. The attentive staff seamlessly guided guests through the ordering process, effortlessly accommodating individual preferences and ensuring a swift and hassle-free experience. Even during peak hours, the team managed to handle the high influx of customers while maintaining their warm, welcoming demeanor.

However, the true gem of this café lies in its enchanting garden. Taking a seat outside amongst the vibrant blooms and fragrant herbs created a serene ambiance that transported me to a secret oasis within the bustling cityscape. With each sip of my coffee, I savored the peace and tranquility enveloping me as the gentle breeze whispered through the foliage.

Whether you're seeking a quiet morning escape, a rendezvous with friends, or simply a moment of sensory indulgence, this French style café is a little slice of paradise. Be it for a leisurely breakfast or a calming afternoon tea, you'll find yourself enchanted by its delightful ambiance, exceptional service, and the irresistible allure of its picturesque garden. A truly authentic experience that you won't want to miss!

So, give yourself the gift of a European adventure and pay this delightful café a visit. Your taste buds and senses will thank you!

P.S. Don't forget to reserve a table in the garden for an extra...

They add a mandatory 20% (corrected: 15%) "service fee" even though it's order at the counter and there is no waited table service. You would have to ask for the manager if you don't want to pay this fee, which would be very awkward in front of a long line of people. They'll give you a number and drop the food off at your table, but you're otherwise on your own.

I had a small breakfast sandwich, with no meat and no sides, and 1 drink, and this costed $28. Food was tasty, but I cannot give a wholehearted recommendation due to overpriced menu and the service fee. If you're going to charge a % based fee on everything, you should just factor that into the pricing. Tipping "fees" should not be mandatory when there is no table service.

Edit: Sunflower has offered a strange response. First of all, I disagree entirely with their claim that a tip is for the overall “ambiance” of the experience. A tip is for attentive table service by a waiter, otherwise we would be tipping at every counter service joint, coffee shop, and grocery store.

It’s also entirely normal for waiters in traditional restaurants to “tip out” to the dishwashers and hosts, so that doesn’t explain their fee. No one gets super low tipped wages in CA; minimum wage applies to everyone. Even in types of restaurants where it is normal to tip, it’s not normal for them to decide the tip % for you in a party smaller than 6. They should pay their employees a livable wage without making it a “fee” for the customer — paying employees a livable wage is the business owner’s responsibility, not the customers’.

As a rule, I will always leave a critical review when businesses that don’t offer table service require tips. The service we received is not worth a 15% tip — that’s what a waiter gets for taking orders at the table, connecting with their diners, and taking care of the table’s every need for the entire duration of a meal. Maybe 5%-10% could be appropriate, but I see no reason why this shouldn’t just be factored...

OH. MY. GOODNESS. If there ever was a miracle in Sonoma, it was Sunflower Caffe. As a vegan, it’s been more than difficult to find decent food in the area. There’s either the pitiful offerings from Whole Foods or the dreaded “dry iceberg salad” from local places. Requests for vegan are usually met with “no, but we have gluten free.” Please. It’s like I’m asking for wine and they respond “no, but we have salt.”

And don’t even start me on the local coffee options in Sonoma. You’d be better off enjoying some hot tap water. I’m not exaggerating.

Enter Sunflower Caffe - a beautiful and sunny spot amidst a dark dark culinary abyss. And I’ll tell you who works here - a crew of angels. Incredibly helpful, friendly, and the FASTEST service I’ve ever had. Every question I asked was verified with the kitchen staff, demonstrating great care. “Is your mocha dairy free?” yields a caring worker taking the time to ensure they gave me the correct answer versus responding with the amount of gluten they suppose is in the item.

FYI - the mocha IS dairy free & they have oat milk…the perfect equation for a beautiful coffee - complete with latte art, the ultimate demonstration of a skilled and thoughtful barista. We also had the avocado toast, cauliflower wrap, and breakfast potatoes.

The one tragedy in this world is that the cafe isn’t open Tuesdays or Wednesdays. I reluctantly accept this as a reality and will gladly change my travel plans to dine at the restaurant again. In fact, I’ll sell my house. I’m moving in....