Let me start by saying that by my standards, the mark of a successful pastry is based on the amount of almond paste or marzipan in it. So you can imagine my delight when I was shown pastry after pastry containing marzipan in the cases of this charming bakery. Of course, they do have non marzipan pastries, which I probably won't ever taste as I've already found my favorite thing here: Royal Croissant! I got the last one today but it won't be my last mwahaha! And the staff? Almost as sweet as the pastries, no pretentious bakery snobs working here! read more

Byen Bakeri - Royal Croissant, lives up to its name fosho! - Bakeries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Loved this place! Met a couple of clients here for lunch, but I actually got there early because I wanted to try one of their amazing looking pastries. I ordered a latte and a cherry/cheese danish (which was huge by the way) and both were perfect. The latte was rich and creamy - definitely hit the spot. And the danish was flaky, and had just the right amount of both cherries and cheese filling. Service was incredibly friendly and it's just a nice space overall. It's not very big, but I thought there was a decent amount of seating for the space. Everything in their case looked amazing, so it was definitely hard to chose. It just means I'll have to go back the next time I'm in town! Can't wait to go back! read more

I'm a Wa native female, w/a somewhat educated pallet. I have bars that must reached. Never, have I ever, had a cake like the lavender/lemon, finally! Enough lemon and naked buttercream frosting. The princess cake will satisfy anyone looking for a marzipan top. Oh and those elderberry little tarts, please, Love. Ps as a disabled elder I really appreciate a big lovely toilets'. Don't forget to view the slew! But have a Buddy lots of homeless read more

I work in the food industry and don't often take the recommendations of my customers when it comes to food (I've been burned many times before), but when the guy wearing a shirt that said "Swede" gleefully told me that Byen is amazing (and better than Larsen's), I listened. Oh. My. Word. Byen IS amazing. I love marzipan, and I LOVE European pastries, and it's so hard to keep myself from getting one of everything. It helps to go with at least one buddy so you can share and try more. Maple Butterhorn, almond coffee cake...just to start. :) Plus good coffee. Heaven. (But hey, Byen, if you're reading this, can I make one small suggestion? You do such an AMAZING job with pastries and displaying them, and your espresso is great, but perhaps you'd consider investing in some good cups for your espresso that aren't paper?) read more

I've been going to byen bakeri quite often as it recently became the closest bakery from my place. I liked them at first try. Enough to go back. However, after frequent visits, and trying out different pastries, I must say they are not my favorite. Their pastries tend to be extremely sweet and buttery. Try them out if you like strong flavored pastries. Their hazelnut coffee pastry was one of the sweetest, and heaviest pastry i have ever tasted. It is overloaded with creme and sugar. It has reasonable seatings and friendly crews, but not the best pasties in my opinion. if you still want to give them a go, I recommend almond croissant, kringles and their lunch sandwiches. read more

I've liked this bakery-cafe since I dropped in on a lazy Sunday afternoon in the summer. There is something rather understated, relaxed, soothing about it, largely without a clientele who blather on about some unadulterated trivia, e.g., "I mean it was...like...it was so GOOD, I mean it was AWESOME!!!" When I've dropped in, the counter staff has been East African, which may account for the soft-spoken grace here. And something of the Old World, as well a "neighborhood feel." No one to impress. Thankfully, there hasn't been a crowd of few college students, either. One of the nice things about getting old(er) is that one does not feel as much the need to join a herd of other people at a bar or other venue. Instead, one enjoys--and truly appreciates--the company of a few friends. (This remark will undoubtedly pass over the heads of elite Yelpers, for whom the possibility of 5,000+ "friends" here or on Facebook is the alpha and omega. Being in Paris recently I realized how things are savored more there than here, and how the middle-aged and elderly are less "invisible" than here in Seattle, where the noisy throngs of mindlessly conformist, cheer-leading Yelp-ers as well as young wannabees tend to drown out everyone else. I don't know if we're to thank Amazon for that). So... my point is that you can have a very decent sandwich custom-made (the combo includes a drink and a small bag of chips) and sit outside, although Nickerson, of course, is rather noisy. One can feel pleasantly cool wafts from, I imagine, Salmon Bay and the Canal, the latter just a block away...and then enjoy the view, drift into a reverie, or read a good book, unless one is snapped back into mundane reality by a coarse conversation. (The large array of Scandinavian-inspired baked goods was not really "my cup of tea," being, so it seemed, rather too soft and doughy. Pricey, too). The Ballard I remember of the 70's retained the non-pretentious heritage of its Scandinavian origins). You will probably not have a gaggle of shrill young people who believe that loudly declaiming "that's SO 'effing awesome" is being sophisticated. (I think we have The Stranger to thank for that one). As to how long places like Byen can resist being overrun by the 'effin' Huns of our time is anyone's guess. This is real Seattle--and I have compunctions about using the largely overused word, even though it has indeed become part of the local (and global) lexicon--cool. read more

The food is great but they've lost our business due to the terrible service. Every time we've been, they get our order wrong somehow and it's a very frustrating process to fix with no apology. It makes for a disappointing experience where we leave in a worse mood than when we arrived. read more

OMG SO DANG GOOD AND THERES SO MANY OPTIONS. Totally reasonable pricing, too. I had their cinnamon roll with cheesecake frosting to go and it was TO DIE FOR. I love that the frosting was extra creamy but not heavy, too. Such a huge cinnamon roll. Definitely going again. read more

This bakery is great! The parking situation is a little less than desirable. But if you can find a spot, it's totally worth circling a few times. Anything with a cream cheese frosting is stellar. The baked goods are spendy but much larger than your average. The bread is killer! read more

I'm almost afraid to give away this hidden gem. This is the best bakery outside of Paris that I have EVER been to. Try the Pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant), the cakes are rich and delicious, the cinnamon bun is super yummy, too. Everything I have tried has been amazing. Cute little place to have coffee with a friend. read more

I could write a Novel how amazing this place is. Seriously. The staff is awesome !! The sandwiches will have you coming back everyday. I do. Everything is fresh! Trust me. Try it!! Thanks guys for being the best Bakery in Seattle !! Also their coffee is amazing!! Pete. read more

What do you expect from an eclair? It had it all! A perfect combination of not very sweet cream and tartish Lingonberry spread which is my favorite. Who loves Rhubarb or sour cherry tart would love this as well! Just I wanted icing to be less sweet as I am not really a fan of icing but it made it so cute! Their European style cakes and pastries make them one of the best bakery in Seattle. I also had a roast beef sandwich for my lunch and it was quite good. read more

Byen Bakeri - Bakeries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Hi! I love Byen Bakeri and their stuff is usually great. I have to comment on the Monte Cristo. The one I had today was not as good as in the past. I have had this many times. There was no lingonberry jam, and it just tasted different. I am commenting so Byen can fix this. The sandwich is usually very good. read more

Wow! A destination for sure. Delicious fruit tarts, great cookie boxes that include a Viking cookie! They have a Princess cake that I need to go back for.... read more

Everything is freakin 2x sugar here so if you like extreme sweet, this is the right place. The chai latte is plain. It needs more flavor. I think they made it from the chai pocket bag thingy... Also it should have been in a nice cup not the paper type. Anyways, 3 star for the nice and great service! read more

Byen Bakeri - Bakeries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I like this place but was put off by seeing the employees in the back smoking. The back door was propped open and it wasn't a big deal but I did see the dumpsters lining the alley and saw a critter as I was looking for parking. read more

I don't write many reviews but I was so impressed that I have to share. This is a hidden gem! This is the best bakery/ coffee shop in Seattle! The flavors and smell are to die for. After driving past this bakery many times I finally decided to stop in. At first I was over whelmed at the selection! I wanted to buy everything and try everything. I bought the ham and cheese croissant and my wife had another pastry. I was in food heaven. The cakes look delicious and we will order one for our sons first birthday in November. I am excited to visit the bakery again and bring some friends to share the experience. Thank you for the wonderful experience! read more

I love this bakery so much it's my family's go to for coffee and a quick bite. Would absolutely recommend!

I'm only docking a star because the coffee can't even be called sub-par. It's almost like gas-station coffee. That being said, the pastries are (1) enormous for the price, and (2) delicious and addictive as all hell. There is a huge selection of yummy goodies that it's hard to figure out where to start. I ordered some to split with friends: 1 rhubarb strudel (the rhubarb was so delicious and just the right mix of sweet with tart; 1 black and white cookie (a little stale and bland, wasn't a fan really); 1 blueberry cheesecake pastry (so, so delicious). It was fantastic. The girls behind the counter were really sweet and patient, and more than willing to help me find exactly the kind of pastries I was looking for. Honestly, I think it's a great place to catch up with a friend over delicious pastries -- or take some for Sunday morning breakfast. If you're on the fence, give it a go. The worst thing that might happen is that you'll fall in love with their pastries and never try any other bakery ;) read more

One the best cappuccino's I've ever had, great customer service, all around really nice bakery.

Amazing! Everytime! Highly recommend. The pastries are delicious and the sandwiches are mouth watering

Byen Bakeri is my go-to neighborhood bakery! I've gotten pastries, sandwiches, and even special occasion cakes and have been impressed with everything i've ordered. The cinnamon rolls and royal scones (i think that's the name?) are my favorite. There's always a slightly different offering of treats, but they're consistently made fresh with a appealing presentation. On Friday's you can get fresh bread for $5, and there's an everyday lunch special for a sandwich box lunch. read more

They have amazing sandwiches and delicious croissants and pastries. Always a treat! Their half sandwiches normally make for a good lunch. The caprese is really good, and their rosemary sea salt baguette is phenomenal. read more

Underwhelming experience, though to be fair this place seems more like a cafe, the sandwiches I saw being ordered looked delightful and there were a fair amount of customers in there, I bought some lemon squares and a few donuts, I always get a danish, their danish was pretty close to spot on perfect, the crust was a bit overdone but cream cheese, frosting, texture of crust (that wasn't over done) was fantastic. The lemon bars were a mistake from the get go, the counter person weighted them out by ferrying them to the scale in piles of three, they toppled tossing their topping everywhere. The box they came in they were upside down and tossed in with no reguard, it was pretty sad, half of then were jelly balls by the time I got home. They also seem to have coconut, which isn't a big deal for my but my fiancee has a very mild alergy. Its mild enough that we don't really check for it, I don't know if it was marked or not I certainly didn't see a notice though. None of these things are big deals individually, the jelly balls were still lemony and her allergy isn't a big deal but collectively made my visit a bummer. I might give them another pass for a danish and a sandwich but I don't think I'll order to go or large order again. read more

This was exactly what I needed to start my morning, very welcoming and kind workers. The pastries are amazing, the cinnamon roll was perfect to enjoy on the river front read more

I ran across this place entirely by accident on my way to work one day. Being Norwegian and having a decent grasp of the language, I was instantly attracted to the flag and the name. The selection was very wide and so many things looked delicious. I really had just wanted to check it out and have some iced tea. I asked if they served iced tea, and was told it they could do that for me. It was a little confusing as to who I was supposed to deal with/pay, and one person (who was standing by the register and I thought I should be paying) ignored me and wasn't very friendly. The other two people behind the counter made up for it, being super friendly and helpful. Pricing for drinks and pastries seemed really steep. Definitely more than I was anticipating. It was also a little confusing as to how ordering went. I saw some confusion happening with customers waiting to get pastries and coffee. 2 stars for the unhelpful clerk, 2-3 stars for pricing and clarity in ordering, 5 stars for the two helpful clerks, and 4-5 stars for them going out of the box to give the customer (me) what she wanted (iced tea). read more

Serves coffee but doesn't offer a punch card? Charges the customer for using their credit card? The coffeehouse around the corner is their distinct opposite. I've taken my business there. read more

Cakes were a bit sweeter than I'd like. Everything else was pretty good, including service. Wide selection. They were out of lettuce for a sandwich one time though, that was weird. Get the breakfast items. read more

Went to this bakery because reviews said it's the best Almond Croissant in Seattle. Although they are very pricy, it is definitely worth the $6.00 I had tried several other bakeries that were alittle more affordable but with little or no almond paste. I agree it's the best out there! Every bit gives you almond! YUMMY read more

Byen Bakeri - Bakeries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

What an amazing bakery! Unique in Seattle. Danish pastries are incomparable with anything else in Seattle. They bake the best rolls. I just go there to pick up the short rolls for $1 sometimes. It's hard to choose from all the Danish and pastries. They have oversized cookies with m&m which kids love. read more

Byen Bakeri - Bakeries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Love the ambiance, though highly don't recommend the pumpkin spice latte. Tastes nothing like pumpkin. Not the vibe. The monte Cristo sandwich is FIRE though. read more

If you want quality pastries this is the place. Good selection and very fresh. I was little sad they were out of semla. By far my favorite cake is princess torta and they make it very tasty. This place has fair prices. There is a small area to even eat your treats. read more

Byen Bakeri - Bakeries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

Y'know. I had to come through for the one time. Saw my boy go hard as hell AF no reason in the back washing dishes w/ his heart out. Mad shouts out to the staff. They good read more

Very tasty, if expensive, sweet and savory baked goods. The only issue can be the staff, who have at times been less than pleasant/helpful.

Amazing food and amazing people. I came in with an odd request, Byen came through. Friendly staff and I can't believe how patient and helpful they are. read more

Great Scandinavian Bakeri in lower Queen Anne /Fremont. It's the worst possible thing on my commute because I am now destined to stop here way too much and find every opportunity to have business meetings at one of the table while eating fantastic pastries and espresso. read more

Super helpful clerk gave thoughtful suggestions. Our croissant was delicious and flaky. Really looking forward to returning here with custom orders. read more

The coffee cakes are the best option, but all the treats are good. Great selection and good coffee too!

Yes, the pastries are wonderful, but their rye bread, my oh my ! Close your eyes and dream of Norway

I thought the French made the best pastries, until I moved around the corner from Byen Bakeri and discovered the Nordic ways. Now I am obsessed with Scandinavian bakeries and seek them out wherever I go. Byen helped me discover the life-changing magic of perfect almond paste. Normally a chocolate person, they were out of chocolate croissants one weekend afternoon so I went for the Royal Croissant, which had chocolate and almond paste. It was much took sweet for me, but I fell in love with the almond paste and by the end of my patronage was buying 2-3 pastries a week, usually the Tebirkes (which are like almond croissant with poppy seeds). I've tried countless other tebirkes, croissants, etc, and none has come close to the texture of Byen's almond paste, which is smooth and delicate inside a pastry, and delightfully candy-like at the points it oozes out of the pastry and hardens on the item's cooking surface. Its hard to describe. The coffee is just okay, as is the staff. I categorize the two together because the coffee is largely dependent on the employee who happens to be working. I'd always bought a quad americano and was charged 4 different prices at different points in time and had it served in various cup sizes. I have to stress that living around the corner, I visited several times a week with the same coffee order, yet the girls working would bristle every time I requested it. On a few occasions, I came in at 3:45 on a Sunday or other weekdays between 5-20 minnutes before the store closed, and they refused to make it because "the espresso machine was already off." I know exactly what that means. It means someone wanted to get ahead on their closing duties and already cleaned the machine, and if they use the machine again it will need to be recleaned. I'm sorry, but that is idiotic. Its just bad business practice to turn away sales that way-- a restaurant doesn't turn away a dinner order because they already turned off the oven or cleaned the pan. But what is REALLY bad business practice is losing someone's credit card and doing absolutely nothing to make it right. I noticed the changed it after the incident I'm about to describe, but the Square credit card readers used to be mounted in an awkward spot by the register (like not at the gas station or pharmacy when its mounted right in front of you and you put your own card in) so you'd hand it to the cashier and it would remain in the card reader while you signed the screen, added tip, etc. One day, they forgot to hang it back to me. And in their defense, I forgot to ask for it back. My hands full of pastries and coffee, I took off without it and walked the 150 or so metres home. It wasn't until a couple hours later I realized I didn't have my card, so I walked back and let them know I'd left it earlier. The girl who was working told me the manager put it away for safekeeping and that she wasn't sure where it/she was. She told me to call or come back on Tuesday (this was Sunday and the place is closed on Monday) and ask for Michelle. So minor inconvenience, I don't have the card for a couple days but its not the end of the world. Well come Tuesday I go back to the store and meet Michelle. However great of a baker she is, this woman should NOT be running a business. I told her my name and she acknowledged having put aside my card and went back to get it. Less than a minute later she informs me that she has lost the card. She keeps going "oh my gosh, so weird, I just don't know what could have happened to it. I just put it right back there in the office. Oh my gosh, so crazy, so weird. Its probably just in the trash." Her evasiveness was bizarre and honestly made her look like an uncaring idiot, but what bothered me was her lack of remorse, no apology for turning a minor inconvenience into scary uncertainty for me.... am I going to be able to make it 5-10 business days to get a new card from the bank (I'm a student and don't have multiple cards like some people)? Is my identity/bank information compromised? How am I going to afford the late payment fees that I'll owe because I can't pay certain bills without this card? The way that she concluded it must have been accidentally thrown away and offered NO sympathy or solution is the worst example of customer service I have ever encountered firsthand. Didn't even TRY to make it right. She didn't say "It must have gotten thrown away, I am terribly sorry, please write your phone number so I can can follow up with you, and take mine if you have any concerns". Instead she just treated it like "well, that's that". The amazing pastries might compensate for the mediocre coffee service, but they can't make up for making customers unheard and unvalued. read more