Sabine Café

Address | 5307 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107

We woke up to another rainy Washington day on Saturday and decided we would tuck ourselves away for a couple of hours over brunch at Sabine Café in Seattle. So we headed to Ballard, an historic Seattle neighborhood known for its Scandinavian heritage. Ballard boasts picturesque streets lined with quaint shops, trendy boutiques, and eclectic eateries.

Sabine Café's interior is adorned with rustic décor, featuring exposed brick walls, wooden furnishings, and soft lighting that creates an intimate setting perfect for a relaxing meal or a casual catch-up with friends. Upon entering Sabine Café, you join the line and place your order at the counter before self-seating. The irresistible aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the tantalizing scent of freshly baked pastries, setting the stage for a delightful culinary experience.

The café is renowned for its exceptional coffee, sourced from local roasters who take pride in delivering the finest beans from around the world, so we ordered cafe Americanos with a splash of oat milk. The espresso was rich and robust.

Sabine Café’s menu is Middle Eastern inspired, which is probably our favorite brunch flavor profile. We ordered two dishes to share the Oat Pancakes and the Turkish Eggs. The oat pancakes were the perfect dish at our cozy table with a live fire in the center. It was like savoring the essence of autumn on a plate. Spread generously between two perfectly fluffy pancakes was a dollop of velvety apple butter, its sweet and tangy notes reminiscent of freshly picked apples from an orchard at peak harvest. Topped with hazelnut dukkah, a Middle Eastern spice blend, with its earthy aroma and nutty undertones, added a delightful crunch and depth of flavor to every mouthful. Drizzled with golden maple syrup, each bite was infused with a rich, caramel sweetness.

For the savory dish, the Turkish Eggs, each element was thoughtfully curated to create a harmonious symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas. At the heart of the dish were perfectly fried farm eggs, their golden yolks oozing with rich, velvety goodness as they mingled with the creamy whipped feta. The feta, lent a luxurious creaminess to every bite, with its tangy flavor providing a delightful contrast to the richness of the eggs. Nestled beneath the eggs were vibrant mounds of peppery arugula and creamy avocado, adding a fresh and wholesome element to the dish. The arugula's crisp bite and the avocado's buttery smoothness complemented the eggs beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on the palate with each forkful. The Aleppo butter, infused with the warm, smoky flavors of Aleppo pepper was a star flavor of the dish. Its delicate spiciness added a subtle kick to the dish, balancing the richness of the eggs and the creaminess of the feta with its nuanced heat. Served alongside slices of freshly baked como bread, warm and crusty with a soft, pillowy interior, the Turkish eggs were a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely brunch, a quick pick-me-up, or a cozy spot to unwind with a good book, Sabine Café offers the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience in Seattle. Sabine Café isn't just a place to eat—it's a destination worth savoring.