Sabine Café & Bar — Restaurant in Seattle

I ordered a mushroom toast and ended up getting a piece of bacon even though this was supposed to be a vegetarian dish. Eating pork goes against my religious and personal sentiments. But what was even worse was when I brought this to the manager’s notice he seemed extremely standoffish. It felt like I had to prompt an apology out of him and I had to coerce him into refunding my money back which I’m not even sure if I’m getting back. I promise you there are a 1000 places that serve better food and have a much better quality of service than this disgrace of a restaurant. This place markets itself as an upscale place but the food is not tasty, it obviously overpriced and they don’t even serve water at the table. Do yourselves a favour and don’t waste money on this place. Horrible food and horrible service.

Edit after restaurant’s response - Let me clear up your misunderstandings.

Once I had alerted a member of your staff that there was bacon on my toast and that I did not eat it for religious reasons there was no sign of the manager nor were there any redressal measures that were being taken. I had to specifically call for the manager to alert him of this because I don’t want anyone else to face the same situation as I did. Secondly, I had to coerce out an apology from the manager along with my well deserved refund. Had your establishment truly respected my faith I would not have had to jump through so many hoops. Furthermore, your comments on my review have been written in an extremely condescending tone which also proves my point. Also, thank you so much for graciously giving me permission to “let out my frustrations”. I am indebted to your kindness after you assisted me in committing blasphemy.

Also, to your point where I should be ready for a chunk of meat in my vegetarian food. In 10 years of being in USA, 6 of which have been spent in Seattle I have never had any piece of meat in my vegetarian food. You guys are the first to do so. And sure even I get that mistakes can happen but the utter lack of disregard that was displayed at the restaurant and by your comments is what makes everything that much worse. If I come to such an expensive place I pay not only for the food but a certain level of standard that should be maintained while preparing the food. If you cannot maintain that and if you have to resort to these flimsy excuses then shave the prices of the dishes. That way people know what kind of service and quality to expect when they come here.

Cross contamination of gluten, nuts etc., is understandable but not a piece of meat.

As to your getting orders right 100%, the ingredients that go into making the order also have to be correct.

Finally, for the remainder of my review, I don’t see the vitriol in it. For an establishment that markets itself as a counter service the restaurant is extremely expensive but the quality and the taste of the food is not up to the mark. It’s like you want to take the easy way out. Market yourself as starbucks, serve the exact same coffee but charge the prices of some Indie Coffee Shop.

Good for you that you are supporting so many people and you can take my review with a grain of salt. I was extremely hurt and disappointed with the entire incident and the way it was handled. I hope that you guys don’t put someone else through that in the future.

SECOND UPDATE I have changed my review from 1 star to 4 stars. The restaurant refunded the money for the entire meal. I really appreciate the gesture. Thank you for understanding my sentiments. Wishing you an abundance of business...

A great spot to grab breakfast, lunch, or a coffee if you are in the Ballard area in Seattle! They are only open until 4pm so make sure to hurry on over. They have great coffees and sandwiches!

Food I got a maple sausage sandwich, which happened to be the daily special, and it was so good that I would get it again if it was the special. The brioche bread is lightly toasted and very fluffy. A perfectly runny egg that is picture perfect, with a good amount of arugula.

My girlfriend got the turkish eggs were good as well. The egg was not as runny, but the seasoning on it was nice and the guac was a nice spread. The bread was not hard and was great to slop everything else on top of it.

She also got a coffee granita, which is like a coffee slushie that had coconut flavoring in it. Personally don't like coconut, but my girlfriend enjoyed it on a sunny day.

Atmosphere Very casual and has a nice ambiance throughout the whole restaurant. Tons of natural lighting comes through the windows if you are indoors, and plenty if you are outdoors. Its definitely got a nice feeling for brunch (maybe its the chairs and tables).

Pricing Average pricing for breakfast and lunch food. I felt like the food was worth the price and I would come again.

Service This place has a lot of self-service. You don't have a server coming around and asking if you want more coffee. Order up front as soon as you enter the restaurant and then you go find your own seating. They bring the food and drinks out to you. Then when you are all done you bus your own table.

Other I've come here on a weekday and weekend before and the weekends definitely get PACKED! Come on a weekday to avoid the traffic. I came on a Monday morning at 11:30am and there was plenty of space and the food...

Sabine in Ballard is one of those rare places that feels special no matter what time of day you visit. I first fell in love with their cozy, light-filled space over brunch — the kind of place where you can sip a perfect matcha latte surrounded by plants, sunlight, and the hum of happy conversations.

Their brunch is outstanding — fresh, creative, and full of flavor. I always go for the labneh toast or shakshuka, and their pastries (especially the pistachio croissant) are just dreamy. Everything feels intentional and beautifully presented without being fussy.

But what really surprised me in the best way was dinner at Sabine. I didn’t even realize they offered it until recently — now it’s one of my favorite evening spots. Starting at 4PM, the whole vibe shifts: the space becomes warm, intimate, and candle-lit, perfect for a date night or catching up with close friends. The menu leans Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, using seasonal and local ingredients. We had a mix of small plates and mains, and everything was full of bold, balanced flavors. Their happy hour (4–6PM) is also a steal — amazing gin & tonics and half-off bottles of wine!

Service is always kind and thoughtful, and even when the place is buzzing, it never feels rushed.

Sabine is more than just a cute café — it’s a place that feels lived-in and loved. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick coffee or settling in for a full dinner experience, it delivers every time. So grateful to have a spot like...