In the early morning, I calculated the opening hours of Nielsen’s Pastries, which opened in 1965, and went in search of food, becoming the first customer of the day.
Best Danish Pastries in Seattle at John Nielsen’s Pastries
Nielsen’s Pastries, a Danish bakery established in 1965, has been praised by customers as offering the best Danish-style pastries outside of Denmark. Due to the time difference, I arrived early and was the first customer when the bakery opened for the day. The bakery is spacious, even larger than a typical small restaurant. In one corner, there is a comfortable sofa and coffee table, and books and magazines are neatly arranged for customers to read.
I had no rush and ordered two pastries and a drink, sitting down to enjoy them slowly. With Christmas approaching, the bakery was decorated with festive ornaments, and even the menu had a Christmas tree design around its edges.
Surprisingly, the Mocha Frappuccino had a strong matcha flavor, mixed with milkiness, making it incredibly satisfying. The Danish, which is their signature pastry, was a must-try, so I ordered a blueberry-flavored one. The fruit was fresh, the pastry was warm and just out of the oven, fragrant and soft, making it absolutely delicious.
Another popular item is the Snitter, which is a type of pastry filled with cinnamon. Those who don’t like cinnamon should be cautious, though. While enjoying my meal, I spoke with a local couple who frequently visit for breakfast. They shared how much they enjoy the food and told me that everything there tastes great.
After finishing the two pastries and the strong matcha drink, my stomach was full, but my taste buds were still craving more. I went up to the counter to check out other delicious pastries. The display case for pastries had cute wooden dolls and handwritten signs explaining and showcasing the various types of bread and pastries, adding a warm touch to the place.
I bought two more pastries to take with me, planning to enjoy them as a midnight snack later. One of the signature items is the Baked Potatoes, but when I asked the young staff member about it, she couldn’t quite explain what it was, only telling me that it’s “The Best Thing in the World!” I was curious and decided to try it later in the evening. When I cut it open, I discovered that it wasn’t a potato at all. The bread acts as a skin with a creamy filling inside. The cream wasn’t too sweet, but eating the whole thing was a bit much for one person. The bread was coated with a thin layer of cocoa powder. The making of this “potato” is intricate, with layers that made me wonder how it was created, but the taste and texture were quite good. Since it has a creamy filling, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator. I packed it up and placed it in the fridge at the hotel, and when I ate it later, the taste hadn’t changed at all.
Along with the “potato,” I also bought a small nut cookie, which was slightly sweet but didn’t have the same impact as their pastries.
The packaging for the bakery’s bread and pastries is charming, with their logo printed on the bags and boxes, and the boxes are a lovely pastel pink, which I genuinely liked.
Discover the best Danish pastries in Seattle at John Nielsen’s Authentic Danish Pastries. The cozy atmosphere and delightful pastries make it a must-visit spot in Seattle.
