Are you ready to eat your way through Sunland, Sequim’s sunniest neighborhood? While Sequim itself is nationally known for sunny weather, lavender fields, and easy living, Sunland is a pocket of residential calm that also surprises with a tasty, dynamic culinary scene. Whether you’re after a hearty brunch, artisan bakery finds, local seafood, or a quick bite on the golf course, Sunland serves up memorable flavors for every appetite and budget. Here’s your immersive guide to the best dining, cafés, food trucks, and local traditions that foodies-in-the-know love about Sunland.
The Heartbeat of Sunland: Sunland Golf Club Dining
Sunland is synonymous with lush green fairways, and the Sunland Golf Club is the obvious social and culinary centerpiece of the neighborhood. The on-site restaurant, *Sunland Golf Club Grill*, isn’t just for golfers—it’s a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike.
- Sunland Golf Club Grill (109 Hilltop Dr): With panoramic views of the Olympic foothills and the links, this eatery serves up classic American fare that’s big on comfort and flavor. Start your morning with fluffy pancakes, go for the grilled salmon burger at lunch, or unwind over prime rib on Friday nights. Prices hover in the moderate range—$10-$25 for most menu items. The real treat: watching a Sequim sunset from the patio with a glass of Washington wine.
Charming Cafés and Bakeries for Lazy Mornings
What’s a Sequim morning without stellar coffee and baked goods? In Sunland, you’ll find a couple of true gems:
- Sunland Espresso & Café (directly at the main Sunland entrance on Taylor Blvd): A local favorite, this friendly café dishes up organic coffee, handcrafted lattes, and baked-in-house scones. Try the lemon-poppy muffin or their signature honey lavender latte—a nod to Sequim’s lavender heritage. Prices are wallet-friendly, with most treats under $7.
- The Porch (corner of N. Sequim Ave & Taylor Cutoff Rd, right outside Sunland): This cozy bakery and café is worth the detour. Their cinnamon rolls and quiche are legendary in the area. Locals huddle here for creative seasonal pastries, scratch-made soups, and garden-fresh sandwiches. It’s an ideal brunch spot, with menu options mostly under $15.
Elevated Dining Near the Fairways
Sunland might be residential, but it’s just minutes from some of the best dinner destinations on the Olympic Peninsula. A few nearby notables:
- The Dockside Grill (at John Wayne Marina, 2577 W. Sequim Bay Rd): Just a five-minute drive from Sunland, this beloved Sequim institution features local seafood and steaks in a stylish, waterfront setting. Order the Dungeness crab cakes or the cedar-planked salmon—a true taste of the Peninsula. Dinner entrées run $20-$40, and reservations are smart, especially on weekends.
- Nourish Sequim (1345 S. Sequim Ave, 3-minute drive): Nourish’s farm-to-table ethos shines in every dish made with love from local, organic ingredients. Vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options abound. Don’t miss their root vegetable hash at breakfast or the cider-braised pork at dinner. Dining here (entrees generally $18-$32) reflects the “fresh from the farm” vibe that Sequim foodies crave.
Food Trucks and Quick Bites: Casual Eats Done Right
Sunland’s proximity to central Sequim means food trucks aren’t far away—and the area just outside the Sunland entrance on Sequim Ave is frequently buzzing with food truck pop-ups and local vendors.
- Tastes of Provence (seasonal, near Taylor Blvd/S. Sequim Ave intersection): This charming food truck brings a taste of Southern France to Sequim with savory crêpes, cassoulet, and even bouillabaisse. The saffron-infused seafood stew is a must-try. Most items are under $12, perfect for a gourmet lunch on the go.
- Juan’s Taqueria (rotating spot, usually on Sequim Ave): For bold flavors, Juan’s serves up killer street tacos, fresh salsas, and authentic tamales. The carnitas is a local legend. Grab three tacos for under $10, and don’t skip the homemade horchata.
Sweet Temptations: Bakeries & Dessert Spots
Don’t leave Sunland without sampling dessert. While Sunland itself is small and quiet, a quick jaunt puts you in reach of Sequim’s best sweets:
- That Takes the Cake (171 W. Washington St, about 7 minutes by car): Custom cakes, heavenly cupcakes, and flaky croissants abound. Seasonal specials like marionberry tarts and lavender-lemon bars make this bakery a destination for locals celebrating everything from birthdays to “just because.”
- Rainshadow Café (157 W. Cedar St): Head here for dessert and live music nights—grab a super-premium homemade brownie paired with small-batch coffee. Expect desserts in the $3-$7 range.
Local Traditions & Foodie Secrets
One of the unique joys of Sunland is that it’s part of Sequim’s larger food-loving community. Here, neighbors swap pie recipes at the annual Sunland Bake-Off or gather for summer patio potlucks featuring the area’s farm-fresh produce—think strawberry-rhubarb cobbler and Northwest berry pies.
In spring and summer, keep your eyes open for roadside u-pick farm stands along Sequim Ave and East Anderson Rd. Sunland residents cherish the bounty of local organic strawberries, blueberries, and even lavender honey—must-haves for home cooks and picnic fans.
Hidden Gems: Beyond the Ordinary
- Galare Thai (124 W. Washington St): For those craving spice, this family-run spot excels at rich, fragrant curries, crab fried rice, and excellent vegan options. Dinner for two runs about $30-$40—a steal for authentic flavors.
- Hurricane Coffee Co. (104 W. Washington St): Not just a coffee shop, Hurricane brews Sequim-roasted beans and tosses out delicious bagels and gourmet breakfast burritos. It’s worth the stop on your way to Sunland’s golf course or hiking trails.
Sunland’s Food Scene: Local and Unpretentious
What makes Sunland’s food scene shine isn’t just the settings—it’s the neighborly feeling, the pride in locally sourced ingredients, and the ease of joining a community dinner or uncovering a roadside pie stand. Whether you’re settling in at the golf club’s balcony for sunset, savoring a saffron-crêpe from the food truck, or grabbing a locally roasted coffee after a stroll on Taylor Blvd, Sunland’s eateries will leave you feeling both satisfied and welcomed.
Next time you’re in Sunland, Sequim, don’t just pass through—taste your way around and discover why locals love this neighborhood’s understated, unforgettable food scene.