If you're looking for the perfect bowl of latte &/or the best croissant in Seattle, look no further than Cafe Besalu in Ballard. I really can't say more than that. Their plain croissants, served... More

If you're looking for the perfect bowl of latte &/or the best croissant in Seattle, look no further than Cafe Besalu in Ballard. I really can't say more than that. Their plain croissants, served with homemade jam & butter, are to die for (and might just kill you based on butter fat content alone). The pain au chocolat is an amazing treat, especially if you get them fresh out of the oven, with melting chocolate and crispy, flaky pastry. If you want something a little richer, try the ham & swiss pastry or the caramelized onion & cheese pastry. Want something fruity? They've always got a seasonal fruit pastry -- blueberry or nectarine summer pastries look heavenly. And, absolutely, don't miss the coffee! Served in big bowls, fresh, hot & made to order perfectly, this is truly a coffee lover's heaven. And, grab a cookie or piece of quiche in the afternoon for an extra special treat. And, the fresh juice is just that -- fresh & tasty!
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Cafe Besalu offers a tasty selection of fresh handmade French pastries including flaky croissants, brioche and a few tasty offerings of quiche, this being the preferable shallow tart-pan style... More

Cafe Besalu offers a tasty selection of fresh handmade French pastries including flaky croissants, brioche and a few tasty offerings of quiche, this being the preferable shallow tart-pan style quiche rather than the overly eggy deep-dish pie style. Few, if any places in town do better than James at Besalu. Their ginger biscuit is addictive. Their espresso isn't shoddy either. Perfect for a morning treat or an early afternoon pick-me-up.
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I love going to Besalu for an early morning pastry and bowl of latte. Yes, they serve a lot of coffee drinks French-style - in bowls. The flakiest and lightest croissants live here (not for long... More

I love going to Besalu for an early morning pastry and bowl of latte. Yes, they serve a lot of coffee drinks French-style - in bowls. The flakiest and lightest croissants live here (not for long though). Pastries here are worth the splurge in calories and price (they're not Safeway sized, that's for sure). Call ahead and make sure they have the croissants if that's what you want, as they tend to sell out fast.
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Incredible pastries and other sugary treats. The best (and best-looking) quiche I’ve ever had. Good coffee and very good chai. The local media has found favor with Besalu, and, as a result, the... More

Incredible pastries and other sugary treats. The best (and best-looking) quiche I’ve ever had. Good coffee and very good chai. The local media has found favor with Besalu, and, as a result, the café has been fairly crowded. I have the feeling that this stretch of 24th avenue NW is about to become Fremontized, so go sooner rather than later (with regard to an annual perspective) and later rather than sooner (with regard to a daily perspective).
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I've actually had to wean myself off the amazing pastry produced in this small, bustling cafe in Ballard. Any time of year you will find the usual array of flaky, butter treats--croissant, quiche,... More

I've actually had to wean myself off the amazing pastry produced in this small, bustling cafe in Ballard. Any time of year you will find the usual array of flaky, butter treats--croissant, quiche, almond schnecken, ginger biscuits, brioche and various cookies--but summer is special. Danish made with fresh fruit and ethereal cream cheese filling make the sometimes long lines well worth the wait. Brewed coffee and espresso is consistently excellent. The counter-service cafe has several tables inside and two tables outside that fill up fast on weekend mornings with locals who come to linger over the paper or fuel up before a long hike or bike ride. Start a Sunday adventure in Ballard at Cafe Besalu and follow it up with a spin through the Ballard Farmer's Market and a visit to the new library.
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