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Cafe Besalu
Bakery and Café$$$$
Ballard, Seattle
"almond schnecken & the ginger biscuit"(4 Tips)
"All the pastries were great, and especially enjoyed the quiche 😋"(53 Tips)
"incredible almond schnecken"(2 Tips)
"Butter flavor shines through and is perfect with their homemade jam."(2 Tips)
73 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- croissants
- ginger biscuit
- almond schnecken
- casual
- coffee
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Because EVERYTHING is good, my rule is choose whatever just came out of the oven! But be sure to choose something savory and sweet or else you'll be (not) full of regrets.
I can't complain about the quality at Besalu. They have great croissants which are buttery and flaky. Yes, the place is small inside and always crowded, but the quality is worth the long wait.
Amelia ManiMarch 26, 2021AMAZING. One of the best croissants I have had outside of France (and arguably better than some I have had IN France)- James WangOctober 2, 2013The flakey crunch of the exterior contrasts ideally to the feathery layers of the interior. Butter flavor shines through and is perfect with their homemade jam.
Krutika ShahDecember 2, 2015So many pastries !! Hard to choose but if its your first time like me then get their croissant with Jam . Can't go wrong with that one.
Everything is delicious. Seating can be tough if people reserve tables before they get their food and drink
Carrie ShevelsonApril 11, 2017The croissants here are quite possibly the best in Seattle. But you can't go wrong with any of the pastries here.
stew tongSeptember 13, 2014Amazingly crispy yet fluffy crossaints and Danish varieties. Chocolate crossaint was my fave. Chocolate was warm and almost melting.
Best pain au chocolat in the city, croissant with jam, cardamom pretzel.
Lauren CunninghamOctober 24, 2015The croissant was so perfect that I felt like I had temporarily been transported back to France
Andy TroutmanDecember 21, 2014Very happy to find this place. Can't go wrong with any of it, but I really loved the onion mushroom quiche.
get here early to avoid the line. everything is amazing, but the ham and swiss pastry and croissant with homemade jam are personal favorites.
Dave PeckFebruary 25, 2012In our "professional" eating opinion, Besalu has the best textured croissants in the city. (Nouveau's, on the other hand, have an incredible buttery flavor.)
Jess HsiaoMarch 30, 2013The leek quiche is wonderful! It is made with goat cheese and it goes really well with a side of cappuccino:)
The Seattle TimesJune 2, 2010Customers arrive early for the superb croissants, the pain au chocolate, and the Danish; some return for a slice of just-made quiche in a puff-pastry crust. Jam and chocolate syrup are made on-site. Read more
Neel HajareMarch 8, 2021Croissant, savory croissants, and quiches were all excellent! Good online order and outdoor-pickup-with-phone-call system
Grace PakNovember 3, 2012Come here later in the day on the weekends to avoid the lines - ginger biscuit is a must...if you like ginger!
Dawn FornearJanuary 20, 2023Besalu is a longtime favorite. You can't go wrong with a croissant and jam.- Catherine WuFebruary 2, 2016i loved the almond schnecken & the ginger biscuit was very interesting (supposedly its infamous)
Zachary LoafmanAugust 12, 2011The Schnecken is my favorite. Come before 8am for little to no line, or expect to wait. And don't forget the ginger biscuit.
RishiMarch 13, 2011Get in early to avoid the lunch time rush. Dont forget to get your Chocolate Croissants when you are here, they are the best in town.
Charles HagmanOctober 21, 2012Bakers or artists? The pain au chocolate was crispy and chewy & sweet and savory. Perfect.- Deb VilhauerSeptember 17, 2010Sometimes, if you arrive @ 7:25 a.m. or so, the incredible almond schnecken will just be coming out of the oven...a slice of culinary heaven.
MarcMay 7, 2013Tom Douglas choice for Best Coffee Shop: I love coffee with a pastry at Besalu in Ballard.
Best bakery in Ballard for French pastries and coffee.
Jerome HumbertFebruary 11, 2012Grab a table AFTER you order. Grabbing one before makes you an asshole.
Napa Valley Bitters Co.November 15, 2011Dunk your croissant into your cafe au lait. You won't regret it. Ooo la la...."How very French they'll all say!"
Leslie WilsonJanuary 31, 2012Ginger biscuits are featured in June 2011 issue of Seattle magazine's recipe for "Seattle strawberry shortcake"
- Brad GillespieDecember 27, 2011I defy anyone to find a better croissant in the world. This may sound like hyperbole but rest assured it is not.
Go with the Cardamom Pretzel. It's as delicious as it is hard to remember how to spell correctly.
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Closed until 7:00 AM (Show more)
- Wed–Sun
- 7:00 AM–3:00 PM
(206) 789-1463
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
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Breakfast, Lunch
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