If you love European food, but don’t have the money – or time – to hop across the Atlantic, never fear. You don’t need to travel beyond Pierce County to sample a variety of authentic European cuisine or purchase hard-to-find specialty grocery items.
There’s a selection of European delis, bakeries, pastry shops, eateries and markets located throughout the area. Whether you have a craving for cabbage rolls, a fresh baked pretzel, tea and crumpets, or a tasty coffee cake, there’s an establishment serving up mouthwatering dishes within a short drive.
British Bites
A perfect place to grab a sweet or savory treat, British Bites serves traditional foods found in Great Britain. There’s a variety of dessert items like shortbread, tarts, scones and cakes. Other specialties are a selection of meat pies, referred to as pasties, like the sausage, bean and cheese pasty. There are sandwiches to choose from as well, such as the coronation chicken, a chicken salad blended with mayonnaise, apricots and curry for a unique taste.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper English establishment without a selection of teas, available loose or in a bag, by the cup or by the pot. There’s a variety to choose from like blackcurrant black tea, darjeeling and breakfast teas, just to name a few. In addition to the menu items, also expect British grocery items in the small market section of the eatery with a variety of treats and specialties, including Cadbury chocolates.
Besides the food, visitors will fall in love with the fun and whimsical decor. In the dining area, pictures of stately castles line the walls, while the bathroom doors are decorated with Doctor Who’s time traveling tardis and a mock British phone booth.
British Bites is located in Puyallup at 720 East Main. Find more information on their website or reach them by phone at 253-200-2342.
Hess Bakery and Deli
Family-owned and operated since 1968, Hess Bakery makes its baked goods daily. You’ll find authentic baked goods like pretzels and breads.
Along with the bakery items, there’s a deli full of delicious goodies, including a selection of meats, cheeses and other delicatessen items. You can also enjoy a sandwich or salad in the small seating area located inside the shop, or customers can take their food to go. The establishment offers catering as well.
There’s also a small market with items like German beers, sodas, sauerkraut, wines, dry foods, canned goods, as well as imported toiletries and a great selection of German candy.
Hess Bakery and Deli is located at 6108 Mount Tacoma Drive South West in Lakewood. Find out more about them by visiting their website or by calling 253-584-1451.
Marvel Bay Cafe
With the tagline of good food, great coffee, gracious atmosphere, Marvel Bay Cafe serves up breakfast, lunch, coffee and baked goods in a cozy dining area. The breakfast options range from smaller items like avocado toast, to sweet vareniki, which is a dumpling filled with ricotta cheese and served with sour cream and fruit jam. While their lunch entrees and sides vary daily, the lunch menu consists of hearty fare such as cabbage rolls and stuffed peppers.
In addition to lunch and breakfast items, there are also cookies, baklava, scones, assorted puff pastries and more. No meal or sweet treat is complete without a little java. The cafe serves up espresso drinks like mochas and lattes as well as hot chocolate and steamers. Not in the mood for a hot beverage? Try one of the smoothies, Italian sodas or iced tea.
Marvel Bay Cafe is located at 301 133rd Street South in Tacoma. Reach them on Facebook, Instagram or their website, or by calling 253-267-5159.
Cafe Lalague Germany Pastry Shop
If you have a sweet tooth, you’re going to want to stop in to Cafe Lalague Germany Pastry Shop. The shop carries a variety of delightful desserts like cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes, cheesecakes and black forest cake..
The cafe also serves drip coffee, espresso drinks, tea and lighter meals like soups and sandwiches.
Find Cafe Lalague Germany Pastry Shop in Lakewood at 6108 Mount Tacoma Drive South West in Lakewood. Find out more about them by calling 253-588-5777, or find them on Facebook.
Kusher Bakery
Located in Fife, Kusher Bakery serves up Russian baked goods. This specialty bakery is the place to find everything from freshly baked bread to cakes, cookies, pastries and more.
The location includes a market with grocery items imported from Europe. The market carries everything from teas to candies, snacks, canned goods and dried meats like sausages. There’s also fresh produce available from Yakima. Selection varies upon the season, but typically ranges from apples and melons to plums and other tree fruits.
Kusher Bakery is located at 214 26th Street East, #102 in Fife. Find out more by visiting their website, or their Facebook or by calling 800-445-0655.
