Panna Cotta from IL Bistro in Pike Place Market. Photo source.
Take your tastebuds on a sweet tour through France, Italy, India, Puerto Rico, and the Mediterranean… all within miles of your doorstep. These Seattle kitchens are serving up a baker’s dozen reasons to save room after dinner (or make a special trip for some a-la-carte indulgence).
Cafe Campagne | 1600 Post Alley | 206-728-2233
Stop by Pike Place Market for an anytime French treat from pastry chef Jackie Lane. Cafe Campagne desserts include delights such as crème brûlée with a French butter cookie; brandied cherry frangipane tart with chocolate sorbet; chocolate cognac mousse with chantilly cream and almond shortbread; prune armagnac glace; a cheese plate with house confiture; or the rotating housemade ice cream or sorbet du jour.
IL Bistro | 93A Pike St | 206-682-3049
Pasta isn’t the only craveworthy dish to come out of Italy. The country deserves just as much credit for its decadent desserts, and many of the best hits are served up at IL Bistro. From classics such as tiramisu, biscotti, affogatos, and gelato, to new Seattleite favorites including the Torta Gianduia (flourless chocolate-hazelnut torte with raspberry sauce and sweet mascarpone), vanilla-buttermilk panna cotta with candied rose petals, and Torta Mascarpone (Italian-style cheesecake with almond biscotti crust and lemon curd), you’re sure to find a reason to stick around after the main course. Enjoy your sweet selection with a cup of Caffe Vita coffee, an after-dinner cocktail, or dessert wine.
India Gate | 3080 148th Ave SE, Suite 102, Bellevue | 425-747-1075
In addition to an Indian lunch buffet and full menu of savory entrees, this Bellevue Indian restaurant has plenty of housemade traditional sweets on offer. Try the Gulab Jamun (a trio of sweet, Indian-style, deep-fried dumplings); Ras Malai (creamy, crustless Indian cheesecake); Kheer (South Asian rice pudding); or any of three from-scratch ice cream flavors (traditional kulfi; rose coconut almond; or classic vanilla).
La Isla | 2320 NW Market St | 206-789-0516
Ballard’s La Isla is putting Puerto Rican treats on the Seattle map, and the dessert menu truly speaks for itself. Enter the Cheesecake de Coco (ultra-fluffy and light coconut cheesecake), Flan or Flancocho (flan atop chocolate cake), Tembleque (coconut custard), Quesito (sweet cream cheese-filled puff pastry), Guayabitas Vivian (a torte filled with guava, topped with sweet cream cheese, and served warm with vanilla ice cream), Tres Leches (housemade 3-milk sponge cake topped with light frosting, whipped cream, strawberry slices, and ice cream), or the rum float for guests over 21 (Diplomatico Exclusiva, 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a pineapple drizzle).
Petra Bistro | 2501 4th Ave | 206-728-5389
This Belltown hotspot tops off a robust Mediterranean menu with a varied selection of baklawa, including the classic house baklawa, crunchy pistachio Burma baklawa, Greek-style Diamond baklawa, and Finger baklawa (served with an optional scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream!). Pace yourself through all the hummus, kabobs, and shawarma, because you won’t want to miss the warm and flaky finale.
