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Cafe Besalu
Categories: Food Bakeries Food Coffee & Tea Bakeries, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
5909 24th Ave NW(between 59th St & 60th St)
Seattle, WA 98107
Neighborhood: Ballard
(206) 789-1463
- Hours:
Wed-Sun 7 am - 3 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
348 reviews for Cafe Besalu
Review Highlights
"The pain au chocolat is absolute perfection."
(in 39 reviews)
"Incredible Incredible Incredible pastries."
(in 168 reviews)
"All I have to say is 'Ginger Biscuit."
(in 16 reviews)
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345 reviews in English
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Review from Neil W.
10/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Do we need another 5 star review? Yes
I was like a kid in a candy store... I want that and that and that... ohhh, I want that!
The pastries were so good. They were light and flaky. The flavors were subtle. I enjoyed every bite. The quiche had this wonderful rich flavor, but it was not heavy.
If you can deal with a line, this place is definitely worth the trip to Ballard. -
Review from Teri S.
Seattle, WA
1/30/2012
It's good, just not all that it is made out to be.
The ginger biscuits are delicious, everything else is good, but nothing else is all that special. I agree about the dry cardamom pretzel, & the checkerboard cookies are tasteless as well. The quiche is good, but the slices are tiny for the price.
That said, I do love watching the bakers work behind the counter!
So, if you don't see a line, definitely go in & try a ginger biscuit! If you see a line out the door, don't feel bad - it isn't worth waiting in line for. -
Review from Larena H.
12/27/2011
Cafe Besalu's ham & Swiss pastry is the item on the Seattle Foodie 100 list. This is one of those occasions where I go "What were you folks thinking?"
I have to say I was thoroughly unimpressed with this item. Even when I took it home and heated it up, it was rather unimpressive. Sure, it was flaky and moist, but ... it's just ham and cheese on croissant bread. Doesn't hot pocket make a croissant pocket just like it?Listed in: Seattle Foodie 100
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Review from Thomas J.
Updated - 2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
3 years in, and nothing has changed. It's still the best bakery in Ballard, Puget Sound, west coast, you name it. It's all great, and we're lucky to have it here.
Listed in: Top Restaurants
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/2/2009
I. Keep. Coming. Back. Wow this place is good. It's like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of… Read more »
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Review from Sonya A.
Seattle, WA
2/4/2012
EXCELLENT!!! One of the BEST bakeries in Washington!
but Come early, it closes by late afternoon. -
Review from Lucy H.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2012
They have the best croissants!
I don't know how the pastry chef does it, the kitchen is super tiny but somehow he's able to pump out the best pastry dough ever. All the pastries are perfectly buttery, light, generous in size and pair perfectly with the savory offerings or seasonal fruits. The coffee is pretty darn good too. I'm always happy to wait in line or for one of the tables inside. -
Review from NANCY H.
Bothell, WA
1/29/2012
I love pain au chocolate. I have had many from other bakeries. This one is quite delicious. It is even better than Tartine's croissant in San Fran. Yes...I think Tartine's is a little burnt tasting. This place is perfect for a cup of coffee and a pastry with a chat with friend. It does get crowded most of the time, but worth the wait.
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Review from Jen K.
Seattle, WA
1/26/2012
I am a bakery fanatic and I've searched high and low greater Seattle for the best bakery with the best coffee. Cafe Besalu in Ballard is BY FAR THE BEST PASTRY BAKERY IN SEATTLE. They serve French style pastries such as croissants, quiche etc. I went to Paris 2 years ago and I was SO excited to try some real French pastries and great espresso. I spent the whole time going bakery to bakery and never found a place even close to the amazing pastries at Besalu. My favorite is the ham and cheese croissant...wow. After you eat this it will be the highlight of your day, the only thing even close to as exciting will be if you are lucky enough to dislodge a stray particle of the pastry from your teeth and re-live even a hint of the flavor-- as weird as it may sound.
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Review from Shannon R.
Seattle, WA
9/18/2011
They say a moment on the lips, forever on the hips...
Well, I'll take a kiss from Besalu any day, embracing any delicious curve its memory might leave behind.
James and Kaire work hard in the kitchen, rolling out soft buttery dough right in front of your eyes. Meticulous attention to detail ensures that every pastry is not only gorgeous, it just might sing you a love song. Since the website is under construction, let me list for you some of the desirables: pain au chocolat, sweet cardamom pretzels, seasonal plum tarts with frangipane, cornmeal apricot sage cookies and sticky sweet coconut macaroons. They have savory items too; several kinds of quiche, including the traditional quiche lorraine, and pastries filled with gruyère and onion or ham and swiss.
My favorite quiche in Seattle is from Macrina downtown, but these are not far behind.
I think they get their coffee from Lighthouse Roasters in Fremont. Besalu gives just one shot of espresso by default, instead of the two most cafes are offering now. But that's alright by me. Sometimes I love a mocha that tastes like a creamy cup of hot cocoa with just a hint of caffeine. It's the soothing kind of love that doesn't leave me all shaken up.Listed in: The Locavore, Seattle's Best, Ethnicity, Café and Bakeries
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Review from Jamie J.
9/7/2011
Best chocolate croissant that I have ever had... Point blank. The butter that is basically dripping from the thing is so rich, and the chocolate, sweet but not too sweet. After my latte and croissant I thought I was in heaven.
The staff are really friendly and will help you pick out something yummy. When there are so many good options, it can be hard to make a decision and they know that!
The place is small, so seating can be unlikely if you get there during peak hours. If it's a nice day, you can sit outside. This is Seattle after all, so don't put your money on that either.
Stop in here and you won't be disappointed. Move over France, Seattle has a made croissant game...Listed in: Coffee - Liquid Life
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Review from Darth V.
Bellevue, WA
Updated - 8/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Since my last review, I finally managed to catch these people open after their monthlong "vacation" during one of the heaviest foot-traffic periods of the year in this city. All I heard all month was "Vader, when are you gonna bring us a pastry?" and "Vader, why haven't you eaten the pig?" and "Vader, that helmet makes your head look Cartmanesquely huge!" Finally catching them open, of course, means that I finally got my gloves on the Foodie 100 item, the ham & Swiss pastry.
My thoughts? I flew the Deathstar all the way from the East side, through traffic, and through an ungodly amount of sidestreet distance to reach here....to eat something that is essentially just slightly better than a ham & cheese Hot Pocket...or Crossaint Pocket, as it were, if Hot Pockets makes such a thing in their Croissants. Dude, the Deathstar gets like, 4 gallons to the mile! Since they serve this thing at room temperature, and it became obvious after the 1st bite that it would taste better hot, I ended up having to fly all the way back to HQ to toss the thing in the toaster oven. The end result is an item that was not only overrated, but time consuming, to boot.
Any other situation, and I'd have given them a 3 and been done with it, but that long closure just lingers for me like a down-on-his-luck houseguest who claims he only needs your couch for a "couple of weeks" and makes you wonder how it is he'll be out that soon since he spends all day eating your Ewok rinds and gashing your furniture as he plays with your lightsaber.
2 Deathstars.Listed in: The Seattle Foodie 100
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/5/2011
This is mostly a placeholder review, subject to revision when I actually find them open.
Who the hell… Read more »
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Review from Nana I.
Seattle, WA
9/4/2011
(More of a 3.5)
Although one of yelp's top bakeries I just don't think Besalu lives up to all the hype. Both times I've gone there hasn't been anything that has been super memorable. Don't get me wrong the pastries are delicious (I recommend the galettes) but I'm the type of food lover that craves for new, unique flavors & nothing really pops out at this bakery. -
Review from Sarom M.
Seattle, WA
12/9/2011
We went to this bakery on a Sunday, and the place was packed. I ordered the apple danish, and savor every bits of it. It was delicious. My hubby ordered a cheese brioche and another pastry that we both thought was "meh". Overall, the service was fast and we look forward to going there again.
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Review from Elaine K.
11/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is my weekend treat, my go-to bakery that will satisfy any pastry craving, my neighborhood joint for a fabulously amazing cup of spicy chai latte. My bf loves their pain au chocolat while I will go for anything that's fruity. Their quiches are worth a try as well. I would definitely come here more if the line up wasn't so long on the weekend!
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Review from Michelle T.
Mercer Island, WA
9/13/2011
Oh, I wanted to like this place despite its name, a cross between "beef" and "walrus" to me. B/c... I love bakeries. In fact, I go bakery-hopping in major cities the way ppl go pub crawling (the former is WAYYY better). I went out of my way to reach Besalu.
In any case, how do I put this... it sucked. I got the cardamom "pretzel" based on some Yelper's review and it wasn't horrible, but it...
1) wasn't a pretzel, only shaped like one,
2) had no taste of the so-called spice,
3) I think it was really a Pillsbury croissant-- you know, the one out of a pop-with-a-spoon tube--- then sprinkled with sugar crystals.
I ate only HALF of the "pretzel', which says a lot. I love ANY bakery item, and it takes E-coli to stop me from eating something. I must admit, I am not a flaky bakery fan, but this is irrelevant as pretzels should not be flaky, dammit.
No more special trips for me. -
Review from robbit p.
Seattle, WA
7/27/2011
This place is off the chain! The lines can be long, finding a table can be stressful, and my waistline will never be the same but this place is worth it all.
All of their pastries are so tasty. My favorites are the Pear Galette, the Almond Schnecken, any of their danishes, all of their quiches, the croissants...okay...pretty much everything.
This place is the JAM! -
Review from Meri S.
New York, NY
10/27/2011
My 5 star review is based solely on the vanilla latte I am currently nursing. Best vanilla latte ever. And it looked almost too pretty to drink. Almost the operative word. I'm visiting from NYC for four days. Hope to get back here before I leave.
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Review from Cliff T.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow...! I got a Nutella pastry and a glass of mocha. They were both excellent!
I ordered them around the time they were about to close but the service was still excellent. They didn't rush me to finish my food soon or frowned when I said I'd like to drink my coffee on the cafe.
It was such a wonderful experience.
I'm a bit picky with my baked goods after spending a summer being pampered with Parisian bakeries. And being able to drink the great Blue Bottle Coffee, I have a higher standard for coffee. But I was blown away by Cafe Besalu! Will definitely be back if I'm around -
Review from Scott L.
6/30/2011
Best croissant I've had since Paris. Wow!
The coffee was excellent.
It was a short trip in, but these guys are not kidding. Wow! -
Review from Sarah Alli B.
Ketchikan, AK
4/23/2011
Ok. So, Cafe Besalu. I'm not going to rave about how this is likely the best bakery that I've ever been to (even though it is) or warn you about the city-block sized lines (dress for the weather!) because even if you've never been there... you know all that. The reviews here speak for themselves.
You see, even though I love Cafe Besalu, and would eat here every day if I could afford it, there is one thing that drives me absolutely batty about this place. Although the employees and staff are friendly and helpful, Cafe Besalu boasts what is quite possibly the RUDEST clientele I have ever seen in my life.
The first time we came in we were right up at the counter when a table cleared out. Serendipity! There's only like six tables and a line around the block... you do the math. So we order our food but then I turn around to see someone who has JUST entered walk over to "our" table, put her purse on it, then join the end of the line. WHAT? I was so surprised and then supremely angry at the blatant rudeness of this individual, I couldn't even confront her because I knew I'd lose my cool. So, we stood for about ten minutes, with our food getting cold, waiting for someone else to clear out.
I wish I could say this was a one off, but it's not. It happened the second (and most recent) time we went as well. In addition to this completely immature behavior, it's also very common for people who have finished their coffee and food to just continue to occupy their table, even when there are people with plates full of food standing there waiting.
In a nutshell: food = amazing, staff = super nice, customers = self-absorbed immature jerks. Best take your food to go in order to preserve your low blood pressure. -
Review from A B.
Seattle, WA
6/27/2011
Snotty California attitude - I found some things pretty good, others bland (the ginger biscuits that everyone seemed to be raving about were not good). Those are the two main turnoffs. The crowds can be annoying as can be a couple of the "regulars" who don't seem to have a life.
PS - any idiot can make puff pastry. it does not make you "special", people - get over yourselves. -
Review from Elle P.
Seattle, WA
10/12/2011
Best. Croissant. Ever.
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Review from Amanda H.
4/29/2011
I was once told that if there's not a line of waiting people, its not worth going to. Well, if that is the measuring stick, this place is on the top of the list of places to go to. There is always a line of at least ten to fifteen hungry, excited folks ready to devour an abundance of delicious buttery, flaky, goodness.
This stuff don't come cheap. It's about three to four bucks a pastry. Which isn't crazy, but when you order as much as I do, it adds up! Everything was fantastic and you really can't go wrong with anything you order there. You may want to keep your doctor's number handy though, I could feel my heart filling up with butter as I happily ate the buttery goodness! -
Review from Minnie K.
Seattle, WA
5/20/2011
The pear galette, pain au chocolat were good. Prices are about average for what we should be paying in the US, they are equivalent to what you pay in France. The chocolate-chocolate cookie tasted like nothing. I wasn't wowed the way I expected based on all of the overwhelming reviews. See my review for Petite Provence; wrong city but mind-blowing pastries.
Had a hard time understanding this: 3pm Sunday's they will keep their doors open but will tell every single customer who walks in "we close at 3" and proceed to serve them with a sour face. We arrived at 3 & were told by the two chicks working the register/coffee bar that we could only have paper coffee cups because they didn't want to do dishes. Huh? We sat at the table closest to the register and had to listen to their 3pm spiel for 30 minutes straight. Hey Besalu: either close your doors at 3 and don't serve or keep the doors open AND BE GRATEFUL FOR THE BUSINESS. -
Review from Kira A.
Seattle, WA
8/21/2011
This place is so worth the drive to Ballard and standing in line for 30 minutes to get the best croissant in town. Besalu is undoubtedly one of the best pastry shops in Seattle.
This morning I chose my favorite: a fresh, still-warm butter croissant which was perfectly baked: soft, warm, melt-in-your-mouth center with a very light flake in the crust and delightfully buttery. Absolutely delicious!
However, when you go to Besalu, it's impossible to eat only one pastry. So I went for two cookies to take home: a snickerdoodle and a chocolate chip.
The snickerdoodle was just okay in flavor and texture was a bit too crunchy for my liking. Crumbs got everywhere.
On the other hand, the chocolate chip cookie was addicting. I wish I got ten! The flavors of the dough and the chocolate played nicely together: not too sweet or chocolaty. The consistency is spot on for what you want in a chocolate chip cookie; the texture was almost creamy. Delicious! -
Review from R T.
Seattle, WA
11/14/2011
The line can be long, but you won't regret swapping out five minutes of your life for a ginger biscuit.
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Review from Jon L.
3/23/2011
Cafe Besalu is the little French bakery in Ballard that has been on my places to try mental list for quite some time. Little is relative, but the line stretches out the door. The most noticable thing about your waiting is the smell of pastry that fills the air. Jimmy John's with its free smells has nothing on Besalu in the aromatic category, which certainly has a Medusa effect on people walking past the shop.
The selection here is not as extensive as other French bakeries like Le Panier or Belle Pastry, but what they make is very good. You will not see find here any cake or much of a bread selection (try Tall Grass next door instead). The focus is on baked goodies including croissants, pieces of quiche, sweet pretzels, crumbly biscuits, tarts and cookies.
The wait was long, but totally worth it. The smell in the air definitely keeps you patient. I picked up an almond croissant ($2.85), a ginger biscuit ($1.85) and a lemon cookie ($1.35).
Indeed the croissant was as good as advertised. Flaky and the almonds on top are nicely toasted. The inside could use a little more filling, but otherwise flawless. The lemon cookie is sugary sweet and slightly tarty. The cookie is of the crunchy variety that Cookie Monster (and I) loves. Nom nom nom.
Finally, the ginger biscuit is my favorite of the three. It may be a mess to clean as it a bit crumbly, but you will not care as your mind will have been wow'ed.
Truth be told, I am glad that Cafe Besalu's smell advertising only extends out to its street. Could you imagine the line at Besalu if that pastry air wafted all over Seattle? That would be one crazy line. Haha.Listed in: Bakery Bonanza, Bakery Bonanza - U.S. & Canada…
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Review from Charisma G.
Seattle, WA
10/24/2011
As good as it gets for pastries - sweet and savory. If you live in Seattle, if you're visiting Seattle this place is a MUST.
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Review from Heather W.
Seattle, WA
3/21/2011
Besalu is absolute French bakery perfection. Beware of their hours: 7am-3pm and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. I always seem to crave pain au chocolat on the first two work days of the week and around 8pm Wed-Sun. Woe is me :(
Order a pastry AND espresso. The espresso is on par with the quality of the pastries which speaks volumes considering the amount of detail that is poured into each baked good. I'm a sucker for the leek/goat cheese quiche and a soy latte. Weekends are insanely busy, try Thursday around 12:30pm. :)
As a human on planet earth you are doing yourself an eternal disservice by not giving yourself Cafe Besalu at least once. Remedy that today!
PS-if on diet or afraid of sugar/wheat/carbs, STFU and go work out afterwards.Listed in: Seattle Espresso
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Review from komodo d.
Seattle, WA
7/10/2011
I really rate this place with 5 stars: "woo hoo as good as it gets!" but the last time I rated a place that way my review was "filtered" so most people will never read the things I took time to think about and report upon.
ANYHOW...I love this place. The baristas and bakers are clearly skilled in their crafts producing beautiful and tasty drink and food. I could write about all of the things I have tried and liked here, but instead I will tell you about one item: The CROISSANT. This is really one of or maybe the best to be had outside of France. Recently a review in the Seattle Times gave Honore's croissant top marks. The baker/owner is quite photogenic and his croissants are tasty, but I strongly feel that Besalu's croissant tops them for taste, texture, mouthfeel, and visual appeal. Besalu's home-made jam beautifully compliments the delectable flaky butteriness of this rich delight.
I doubt you will be disappointed by the other fare offered at Besalu unless you are not a fan of aromatic coffee and tea drinks or rich and flavorful pastries, quiche, and cookies. -
Review from Johnny W.
Updated - 1/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I haven't been back for over a year, but suddenly dropped in twice this week alone (pregnant woman-like cravings I tell ya). After an amazing frangipane croissant experience several weeks back at SF's Tartine, I started craving it again, and decided to give Besalu another shot.
When I showed up earlier this week, I found out to great dismay that their almond croissants were a Sunday-only special, so I ended up leaving with an almond schnecken instead (an okay pastry), swearing I'd come back early Sunday morning. And so I did, just this morning, picking one up for $2.85 and managing to avoid much of the Sunday morning rush while I was at it.
I can't say I knew what to expect when I bit into the croissant, because my only prior experience was with Tartine's - and they're definitely not the same. Tartine's frangipane is much more of a dessert pastry, being dense, flaky, sweet, and not something you can (or should) finish in one sitting. Besalu's is more what one would expect from a breakfast croissant - buttery, flaky, light, and filled with almond paste, lending to both a sweet and slightly savory pastry.
So, yes Besalu, you've finally won me over with your tasty almond croissants. I'm still going to avoid the schnecken next time around though.Listed in: Not From These Parts? Eat or…, Seattle, Land of Sweets
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/25/2009
My ongoing quest for deliciously flaky pastries led me to Cafe Besalu one morning, several weeks… Read more »
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Review from Atif I.
12/26/2010
What should you do when you crave REALLY good croissants?
Well, if you're a New Yorker, lately the answer would be to get on a plane to Seattle. It's still cheaper than flying to Paris, and Seattleites have much better attitude :)
Ok, so I didn't plan my recent trip around you, Besalu, but you were important enough that on my first full day in the city I woke up bright and early to walk into your store at 6:58 am as the first customer - which is the only reliable way I know to beat your long line of admirers. Upon being politely informed that the "Café was not yet open for business", I cooled my heels outside for the next two minutes and saw the arrival of five patrons. All of whom smiled at meeting fellow Cognoscenti of Croissants, people who know that "it's what's on the inside that counts". We know that warmth and freshness are the traits that separate a consistently great croissant from one that is merely good.
That consistency is your hallmark, Besalu. It stems from James' (the owner's) attention to detail, while keeping a keen eye on people's reactions. I have certain rituals when it comes to croissants that test the experience in terms of, the golden brown color, crisp exterior, shatter effect, plumpness (layers of dough), taste and smell of butter and wheat, involving all five senses and James smiled at me when I got up from the table. The smile got wider when, impersonating the strong, silent type I only did the Japanese head bow (as opposed to asking for your hand!!)
You are the real deal, Besalu even if your Pain Au Chocolat might not be the best in the city (as the search for the fugitive chocolate through the dozens of buttery dough caverns often ends in disappointment), for the plain croissant is possibly the best, certainly the most famous, this side of the Atlantic. I've also loved the light touch and flakiness of the caramelized onion gruyere tart and the sweet and spicy interplay of the warm ginger cookie. While the hazelnut twist and orange brioche have disappointed, the Pear Gallette and lemon cookies have been simply outstanding.
The simplicity (you aren't aspiring to be Bakery Nouveau) of execution, obsessiveness of the owner, longstanding clientele of patrons hogging the limited seating while reading the newspaper, all remind me in many ways of the best of Patisserie Claude (before Claude retired) in New York as an amazing neighborhood bakery. Except that you have more room, pleasant staff, and, in Ballard, have a better neighborhood.
The only dilemma for me, Besalu, is that I don't believe in long distance relationships. Nor do I believe in the philosophy of having a wife in every port, as sailors do - for that would cheapen my regard for you. So, I guess this review is possibly the longest friend invite message in the history of yelp. Friends? :)Listed in: Pain Au Chocolat and other…
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Review from Jen T.
Issaquah, WA
9/15/2011
Café Besalu is undoubtedly my favorite place to go for not-so-good-for-you goodness!! I haven't even been there in several months (unfortunately, it's pretty far from where I live and their hours of operation allow me to go only on the weekends which fill up pretty quickly). But I just had a hankering for something flakey, buttery, sweet and savory all of the sudden and a little voice in my head was whispering "beesaaaluuu". Quite haunting actually.. and a testament to how long your last visit there will stick with you! Their salmon quiche is excellent, fluffy eggs with just the right amount of smokey flavor - I never want to share with my husband when we order it. I'm not a huge croissant person but I could inhale about half a dozen of theirs in one sitting. But truly, the satiation of my hankering for their pastries will be the death of me. Pear galette, come to me!
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Review from Dana A.
Seattle, WA
10/20/2011
Look the pastries are delicious, no doubt about it. The ginger cookies, as simple as they are, are one of my favorite things here (and I usually hate anything with ginger!). The only thing I think they should really improve is their coffee. The blend is blah and frankly they just could do a better job with coffee beverages (foam, ratios etc...). If I have an americano it is usually acceptable but if anything with milk in it, the taste of coffee just disappears.
I like though they are still a tiny place and they are doing great business and they're still packed from open till close. -
Review from Brooke R.
Seattle, WA
3/11/2011
I had a dream about Besalu last night. This is huge considering I don't normally remember my dreams but this dream was vivid. I made it there just before closing and they had everything I wanted fresh and fantastically prepared.
This is a true gem for the neighborhood, the smell, the people, the generous amounts of baked deliciousness speaks to the soul. I am totally and completely in love with the lemon ginger scones. Seriously the best scone I have ever had. The texture, the creaminess along with the intricate balance of flavor is unparallel. I applaud the perfection!
The variety is pretty fantastic and let me tell you what I discovered...when ordering a croissant the last time I was in there...they offered me a side of homemade strawberry jam...I am not huge on strawberry jam but obviously when they said they make it inhouse I couldn't resist! It was amazing and the croissant was a buttery delight of layers of flaky goodness. Oh wow! Oh and the apple cake and cheese brioche are pretty choice!
Yes, there will always be a line but they are real good about keeping things stocked and it's awesome to be able to see them working on preparing the baked goods right behind the display case. I could sit there all day and watch...if only there were more seats. It's hit or miss if you can get a seat so if you want a place to sit and sip coffee and focus on the baked goods...it's a gamble. Be prepared to take it to go or expect a wait if you want to nab a table. -
Review from Kristina S.
Seattle, WA
10/16/2011
So delicious! I went 3x in one week after my first visit because it was so surprisingly outstanding. I thought one chocolate croissant was as good as the next - until I went to Besalu. They bake the goodies right in front of you so everything is fresh, flaky, and melts in your mouth. It seems like the line up is always there, but moves fast and is always worth the wait. I haven't tried a bad pastry yet. The coffee is top notch as well! Can't think of one complaint.
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Review from Shelley G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/21/2011
My mouth watered looking at the pastry case. Cardamom pretzel? Spinach quiche? Plum pastry? How can I be forced to choose??? Well, I finally did choose, but I have a feeling anything would've been good. I went with the plum pastry. Delish. The golden outer ring was sweet, buttery and flaky (as any good pastry SHOULD be), and the glazed plums nestled in the center burst with sweetness in my mouth. Need I say more? The only complaint is there weren't enough tables and chairs. I went on a Friday morning and it was packed, so I can only imagine how it is on weekends.
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Review from Amanda A.
New Haven, CT
3/20/2011
Lets say you were going to stage a magical dream sequence where you danced with a croissant while a string of show girls swirled around you tossing little plastic containers of tangerine jam into your glee-filled face. You step away from the pastry, coated in a sheen of butter, unraveling its flaky layers until you discover---*gasp*---it's a pain au chocolat. And the best one you've ever eaten.
Then you go whole hog, gorging on an almond croissant, and a ginger biscuit, taking sweet swizzles of a chai latte with a smooth honey after-taste...then you force your friend to walk through a Sunday market in hopes of working up enough of an appetite to return to Besalu that afternoon since they're closed Monday and Tuesday...and you're flying out at midnight Wednesday morning.
Who cares that the inside has as much atmosphere as a thimble? That you may have to wait (briefly) in the rain for the line to shrink enough for you to step inside? That your clothing will harbor the smell of butter for the next few hours? Minor, joyous details. -
Review from Natalie W.
Raleigh, NC
12/27/2010
Cafe Besalu is my favorite spot in Ballard for a morning pastry. It is hard to be in the area without stopping in for a croissant, Danish, or French/Scandinavian treat. Many happy memories involve friends, Ballard, and Cafe Besalu.
This bakery is established, skilled, and top rated. I find that the pastries with fresh seasonal fruit are my favorites... + any cookie!
FYI's~
* Lines usually are out the door on the weekends or mornings- but move very fast
* People tend to also love the coffee
* Their croissants are top 3 in Seattle per my experience
* Only a few tables
* Lives up to the hype :) -
Review from Victoria A.
Seattle, WA
1/27/2011
YUM!
Ok, there's a reason why there is always a line when I go by this place. There is no reason why it took me so long to finally go in there! Everyone was pleasant, the line moved quickly, the coffee was perfect and the pastries.... GOD THE PASTRIES!!! I had the onion and gruyere pastry and had to return immediately for the hazelnut twist, both of which I dreamt about for the remainder of the day. My friend had a slice of quiche and a danish, she was just as happy as I was. This is definitely the way I would like to begin all of my days off!
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French (3)
