Lightwave Coffee & Kitchen

9725 Main St, Monte Rio, CA 95462, United States
+1 707-865-5169
$$$ Cafe , Coffee shop , Restaurant
(363 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Lightwave Coffee & Kitchen in Monte Rio offers a quietly charming spot where the peaceful rhythm of the forest and a casual cafe vibe come together. At 9725 Main St, this place feels less like a stopover and more like a small retreat from the usual pace, perfect for slowing down with a well-crafted coffee or a thoughtful meal.

The café leans into quality over quantity, with a focused menu that blends familiar favorites like bagels with creative international touches such as a Burekas Plate and Veggie Shakshuka. It’s a spot where breakfast feels substantial but not fussy — think melted Brie in a breakfast sandwich or a richly spiced coconut curry that fills you up comfortably without overwhelming the senses.

Lightwave’s atmosphere is shaped by its natural surroundings and the layout. Visitors can enjoy multiple seating options, including a cozy porch overlooking a community garden and a deck shaded by forest greenery. The gentle mix of bird songs and occasional skating sounds from the nearby park adds a layer of local life that feels genuine and unconstructed. This setting makes it a welcoming place to linger, whether you're catching up on work, meeting friends, or just taking a breath before heading out on a Sonoma County adventure.

Locals and travelers alike seem to appreciate the balance of friendly service and a carefully curated menu. The coffee, including cappuccinos and matcha made with oat milk, pulls together the relaxed vibe, encouraging slow sips and conversation. Morning and early afternoon visits suit those looking to soak in the surroundings when the forest light is softest and the garden feels freshest.

In short, Lightwave Coffee & Kitchen works well as a thoughtful pause in your day — a place for fresh air, quietly good food, and coffee that respects the tradition of the craft. It suits those who value a blend of natural scenery and kitchen creativity, especially on crisp mornings or mellow afternoons in the Monte Rio area.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Serves organic dishes
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

363 Reviews
Sarah D

05 Jan 2026

Stopped in for a cup of coffee and a matcha, the vibes were so good. I wish we could have also grabbed breakfast, that looked really good too. There were lots of great seating options and it was beautiful to come through the community garden. Also very cute skate park next to it.

Risen Video

21 Dec 2025

Tucked away along the quiet country roads of Sonoma, Lightwave Coffee and Kitchen is a charming and unexpected delight. What began as a simple stop on the journey turned into a memorable highlight. Their menu may be small, but it is bursting with creativity and care. Each offering feels handpicked and thoughtfully crafted. I was particularly caught off guard by the vegan cookie rich, warm, and so tender it practically melted in my mouth. A pleasant surprise that lingered long after the last bite. Parking is limited in the small lot behind the building, but it is clear that the locals are already in on the secret. The spot has a loyal following, and rightly so. Families will appreciate the fresh garden trail nearby, a medium-sized space that gives kids room to wander and discover while parents sip in peace. Whether you are passing through or a local looking for something soulful and satisfying, Lightwave Coffee and Kitchen is a must try. A peaceful place where simplicity meets flavor and nature meets nourishment.

Vanessa Lizarraga

05 Dec 2025

Omg—this place is divine! Nestled in the forest, it feels absolutely magical, with birds chirping and the peaceful hum of nature all around. We sat outdoors on their lovely deck, soaking it all in. I had the matcha—it was incredible. They made it exactly how I like it: double-stirred, creamy, and with oat milk. I also ordered the curry, which was so flavorful and filling. My sister loved their beet burger, and the croissant was perfectly buttery and flaky. Everyone at our table truly enjoyed their meal. They had an outdoor stand selling fresh veggies from their garden, and of course, we bought some. Afterward, we took a walk through the garden—what a treat! The scent of fresh herbs filled the air, and the whole ambience of the place was just peaceful and soul-soothing. The owner was present and such a kind man. He personally came over, introduced himself, and gave us a little tour. The staff were all warm, friendly, and genuinely happy—it was noticeable. No one looked stressed or rushed. I personally believe people infuse food with their energy, and here, the good vibes were absolutely flowing. I think that’s what made everything taste even better. Can’t wait to take another trip up north just to come back here again.

Jason B

28 Nov 2025

Legitimate place. If you’re in the area I’d highly recommend eating here. I wasn’t sure what to expect, whenever you see something highly rated you proceed with limited expectations as to not be disappointed. The people at light wave working magic in the kitchen did not disappoint at all. Breakfast sandwich was HELLA good. That’s right HELLA!!! It had melted Brie cheese, ham a perfectly cooked soft boiled egg and some Onion Jam. That Onion Jam was the business. A lot of places miss the mark with breakfast and brunch. This place was a bullseye. The coffee was great and I loved that all the utensils and silverware made you feel like you were at some grandmas house. On the particular day we were there they had a blueberry pie on the menu. Duh!!!! Yes I ate it and it was amazing. They have a wonderful garden on site and you are free to walk it. Overall a great place ran by great people. Don’t hesitate to stop.

Vladislava Kursheva

14 Nov 2025

If you I the area or just passing by, don't hesitate, stop by and spend an hour enjoying the coffee and tasty snacks on the cozy porch by the forest and lovely garden. This is the best gift you can do to yourself. Incredibly welcoming and friendly staff, good coffee and menu, full of international tastes. Delicious and fresh! Breathe that Fresh juicy air filled with smells, observe the sunlight playing on the wooden porch, listen for the birds, singing in unison, sip that hot freshly brewed coffee, and simply appreciate life. This is the place to be!

Mary Macpherson

01 Nov 2025

Our entire family has fallen madly in love with Lightwave. My husband was the first to discover Ori and Gal's welcoming gem in Monte Rio, and we all followed suit soon after. The "French-O" is a highlight of my daughter's frequent visits to the River, and Andrew makes the best mocha around (per my hubby, the biggest coffee drinker I've ever known). The food is always great, and the people are even better. Our only 'complaint' - we wish they were open 7 days a week, but glad they get such well-deserved time to themselves.

Michael Frandsen

01 Oct 2025

Great location, staff is kind and attentive. I got a cappuccino which was very light to me. I prefer a stronger coffee, but it was okay. When I come back again I will ask for an extra shot. There is parking along the roadway in front, but the better parking is behind the building which is the best place to park if on a motorcycle.

Nick Love

23 Sep 2025

Beautiful little cafe with a garden on the side and a skate park out back attached to a park. We had the French O (delicious) and the Lox Bagel. Park your car in the back and walk through the garden! They have all kinds of different fruits and veggies in there. There are clean public restrooms attached to the building. Coffee is pretty decent and the food was incredible! Love when you can actually tell that a restaurant uses salt and pepper lol. There is only outdoor seating but it's covered.

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