Lydia's Sunflower Center

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    $$ Vegan, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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    1435 N McDowell Blvd

    Ste 100

    Petaluma, CA 94954

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    Photo of Lydia K.

    Lydia K.

    To get the same food that you've enjoyed at Lydia's Sunflower center, please visit Lydia's Express in Sebastopol: 6761 Sebastopol Ave, Sebastopol, CA 95472 (707) 861-9431 | www.Lydias-Express.com -Lydia's Sunflower Center has Closed- We ONLY use wholesome, organic ingredients, made from scratch and FREE OF GMO's, refined sugars, or hydrogenated oils. Everything is plant-based and Gluten Free. Some of Our Signature Dishes Include: Deluxe Lovin' Burger, Pesto Pizzaz, Mediterranean Crêpe, Apple Cobbler Crêpe, Middle Eastern Plate, Mexican Flair Salad, Vatra's Special, Alkalizing Green Soup, Lydia's Favorite Crêpe, and our Ocean Friendly Nori Roll! Food is a powerful and personal medium for reconnecting people and the planet. The Sunflower Center is a place for local small businesses, farmers, musicians, artists, healers and the general community to mingle, develop relationships and share stories, projects and inspiration; a place for children to play, explore, learn and develop a love for the planet. Stop in, visit us and enjoy a delicious, affordable, healthy meal. We serve cooked and raw foods, prepared fresh and fast. Sit with us for a meal or grab a quick snack on the go. We look forward to seeing you!…

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    • Photo of Chrysanthemum A.
      1165
      2107
      Mar 31, 2018

      Lydia's Sunflower Center is gone, but not forgotten. Founded by the inimitable Lydia Kindheart, this restaurant gave off a relaxed hippie vibe in an otherwise bland industrial park. It was situated on the bottom floor of a mostly vacant office building, the kind you'd see in a dead mall video with a vaporwave soundtrack- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU8HrO7XuiE
      https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNz4Un92pGNxQ9vNgmnCx7dwchPJGJ3IQ
      https://dangerousminds.net/comments/videos_of_your_favorite_pop_hits_played_in_abandoned_malls_are_unexpectedly
      There would be ample parking, since the building was mostly empty. It had a gift shop, along with desserts/takeout. It also served as a community center, with drumming circles, meditation, yoga. It was a challenge to find unless you carefully followed the signage.

      The menu items varied in quality (as did the service, and despite the large amount of space, the tables were cramped), but my favorites were standbys like vegan burger&pizza. The curries&tamales were OK, depending. The desserts were excellent. It was a place to relax&linger. It was far from the madding crowd of downtown Petaluma.

      It closed sometime in 2014(?), but it was resurrected in a sense that Lydia's has a pop-up shop. She's still around, still selling raw vegan goodies. Small is beautiful.

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    • Photo of Danny S.
      69
      330
      734
      May 5, 2014

      Try it. True, a bit hard to find because it's in an office building, but since you're on Yelp, use the map. No, you're not lost, you just think you are.

      Garden at the entryway. Huge menu. Much to choose from so it's worth a try.

      We had veggie burgers and buckwheat crapes.

      You'll love to veggie burger "rolls".

      They also have live entertainment.

      It's a big planet
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    • Photo of Jessica T.
      Jessica T.
      San Francisco, CA
      5000
      2195
      336
      Aug 21, 2013

      Oh how I adore you Lydia.

      I have been obsessed with Lydia and her magical raw foods - since I first discovered Lydia's at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival a couple of years ago. I have been a devoted follower of her healthy raw works of edible art ever since. I always know that a festival is worth going to - if I know Lydia's will be there. I have yet to be wrong.

      Lydia and her team concoct some of the most beautiful dishes and with such an abundant amount of care.

      You can taste the freshness of each ingredient in each and every one of her creative dishes. From kale muffins, to cayenne chocolates, to Lydia's Favorite Crepe, to hot curry rice bowls, smoothies, fresh coconut milk and more - The Sunflower Center is a vegan healthy wonderland.

      Admittedly - the Sunflower's exterior can be deceiving - but once you step inside - prepare to bask in an organic oasis.

      Trust.

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    • Photo of Fred V F.
      Fred V F.
      Roseville, CA
      249
      194
      582
      Oct 27, 2012

      The Sunflower Center is a very special place.

      It is first an extraordinary cafe for the health conscious who LOVE great, wholesome, organic food prepared with the greatest of care. It is also a venue for unusual entertainment and other events of note. But, I think and feel that the Sunflower Center is a gathering place for the Conscious, in general.

      I can talk about Lydia's Organic Foods, the amazing recipes, the fantastic preparation, and the huge airy dining space for starters. Still it would be insufficient, because The Sunflower Center has a very special vibe . . . and I love the feeling I have when I am there.

      This may be the shortest Yelp review I've written. Because, Lydia's Sunflower Center is simply one of the best restaurant/cafe/store gathering places in my world right now.

      Brava, Lydia . . . for your creation!

      Review 0037

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    • Photo of John B.
      John B.
      Martinez, CA
      443
      796
      684
      Dec 5, 2012

      This is may be the nicest and most unique restaurant/event center that you're ever gonna find located in an office park. We actually bypassed it on our first drive through because we said to each other, "it can't be here". Then once we double-backed and pulled into the parking lot I recognized the name "Lydia's Organics" from health food stores.

      The menu is as interesting as the location. They mainly focus on the raw food movement but thankfully serve cooked food as well. After Cafe Gratitude soured me on raw food, I was a bit apprehensive to try this place. The fact that they serve both allowed me to order hot foods as well as raw foods if they looked tempting enough. I was sure that everything we ordered had the little sizzling flame next to it on the menu, indicating it's hot stuff credibility.

      Since it was still technically breakfast time for us we ordered the scramble and the Chocolate Banana Crepe. The scramble had a few pieces of their meaty quinoa crumble mixed in with the plenty of fresh vegetables. It was quite good but I would probably go with their French-Mex Crepe next time. I saw another couple order that and it looked delicious and filling.

      The crepe was perfectly chocolatey and sweet without giving you a sugar overload. I haven't had a crepe in years. I can see why some people couldn't give them up to go Vegan. If they could have these instead, it would make a worthy substitute. Although you can definitely taste the "health" in their buckwheat crepes, it's still really good if you're open to trying new things.

      The coconut milk latte is worth noting in that it comes in the coolest double-walled stainless steel mug. It kept our latte too warm for my girl's taste almost throughout our meal. It was perfect for me since I tend to chug things unless they're too hot to drink.

      The space is set up very nicely. With nice, colorful couches and chairs all over the very large room. Modern decor isn't normally the first thing that comes to mind when you think of hippie type food. It looks to me what I imagine a hip startup company's office would look like. They even have an outdoor patio that looks inviting.

      If you live in or are ever passing through or, even within driving distance of Petaluma, it's definitely worth checking out.

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    • Photo of Geumnari C.
      Geumnari C.
      San Jose, CA
      195
      74
      156
      Aug 17, 2012

      I really enjoyed the ginger lemonade!

      I also liked the cacao shake.

      I forgot the lady who helped us--- we were a huge group, about 15 of us and she managed our order very well and so organized! Excellent customer service!

      I also enjoyed the ambiance, open space.

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    • Photo of Courtney L.
      Courtney L.
      Castle Rock, CO
      462
      211
      190
      Nov 9, 2013

      Start my meal off with raw chocolate..? You have a solid fan for life.

      I was lucky enough to meet Tarik through a tasting at our venue in SoMa, The Box SF. He and his assistant came in to tell us all about their incredible foods, and what we thought was a tasting turned into a full blown 3 course meal! And yes, I basically licked my plate clean afterwards.

      After speaking with him for a while and hearing about The Sunflower Center, I had to go check it out, so I took a little day trip to Petaluma when my cousin was in town and it was well worth it... Tarik greeted us and started our meal off with their raw chocolates, all different flavors. We ordered an array of things, and had some cleansing drinks as well. That's that kind of lunch that I need... one that makes me feel better AFTER eating.

      The location is a little interesting, but don't let it steer you away from the amazingness that is The Sunflower Center. All of Lydia's Organics products are made right there, and yes, even all the products you see in Whole Foods. I bought my favorite grainless cereal there for a little cheaper too!!

      Don't miss out on this place... it's extremely relaxing and the most unique restaurant I've ever been to. Enjoyyyy.

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    • Photo of Critic C.
      Critic C.
      Graton, CA
      2
      404
      Jan 16, 2018

      This place was very hard to find, in an unsuitable industrial park. It seemed like more of an event center, & we participated in a drumming circle here once, which was mediocre. All the healthy food was overpriced too. I'm not surprised this flakey ripoff joint didn't survive!

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    • Photo of Noelle L.
      Noelle L.
      Petaluma, CA
      65
      74
      11
      Mar 15, 2013

      If you are looking for amazing gluten free vegetarian or vegan food in Sonoma you must try this place! The location itself is in an odd spot for this type of joint- in the middle of a business park.

      Service is kind of slow in a good kind of way so make sure to give yourself extra time if you are coming in on a lunch break. The savory crepes are amazing and you must try the fresh ginger lemonade. While you wait, browse all the goodies they have for sale, or their case of fresh deserts. The environment is very peaceful and calming.

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    • Photo of Gianna C.
      Gianna C.
      Petaluma, CA
      207
      60
      1
      Dec 6, 2011
      First to Review

      I am so happy Lydia's Organics opened a cafe in Petaluma. They serve the most amazing raw and cooked vegan food on the planet. Delicious, clean, nutritious, and healing foods created with care and love. It doesn't get much better than this.

      Today I had Lydia's Favorite Crepe. It was phenomenal!! Can't wait to go back tomorrow for more. I swear I'll go broke eating here, but everything is so darn good, it's hard not to practically live there. Thank you, Lydia's! You are a rare find. xx

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