So many things to compliment them for! Always a great array of treats - always a great variety of beautiful and unusual gifts! Candles - candy - glassware - candies - teas - coffees - mugs - sweaters - table linens - Dala Horses - Holiday Items! So Much More!!! Ive been shopping here for years now!The additional part for modern times is they have ALWAYS been so very thoughtful about being clean and watching out for all of us with good habits and good methods!Dont be sheepish! Stop in at Scandinavian Specialties! They are the BEST!!!!!

Not exactly how I imagined it (I expected it to be bigger and modern looking) but fun and charming all the same. And their staff is very welcoming and friendly.The store has a little bit of everything about the Scandinavia. There are several souvenir counters, a small book section, a few shelves and fridges stocked with food and snacks, and the cute in-house café makes smørrebrød among other nordic dishes.

Great place. One of the few reminders left of old Scandinavian ballard.

What a great little shop! I went in expecting this to be mostly gifts/themed merchandise, but was pleasantly surprised at how many Scandinavian staples we were able to find. Things like vanilla sugar, black currant juice, and a arched candelabra for Christmas were our exciting finds, which we have not been able to find at any other grocery. Definitely the best option around for Scandinavian pantry items and imported gifts!

Good place to find hard to find European things

Great place to get all of your Scandinavian goods. From clothes to food, theyve pretty much got it all (although I didnt see any Kaviar or Fløtemysost). They even ship, so that makes it extra great.

An absolutely wonderful little shop. They have an excellent selection of import goods. And theyre in-house confections are delight. We tried the chocolate coconut balls, and ended up actually driving back for more. Avoid this place if youre on a diet lol.

The last very cool and original place to shop for gifts, goodies and wonderful sandwiches and other Notdic food...in Seattle.Fun and personable helpers make this a wonderful place to shop, eat, and enjoy the culture.

Amazing Scandinavian store! I cant wait to buy gifts here next time I go. They sell anything Scandinavian you can imagine from decor, candy, mugs, apparel, to delicious baked goods! Friendly staff and welcoming vibes!

Scandinavian Specialties shipped a beautiful STITCHED Norwegian flag which is now displayed proudly on our flagpole. The most wonderful thing about this experience was the customer service provided by Daniel, who called to assure that the flag would be delivered, its just delayed a bit because of the current circumstances. Wow. Such care and kindness. In these trying times it truly was heartwarming. THANK YOU!!!

Good prices, a lot of awesome pre-cooked foods such as meatballs, raspeballs and other stuff. Good frozen fish selection as well. They also have a lot of delicious snacks as well.

Loved it here, reminded me of Mom. First lefsa I have had in 20 years. Amazing and delicious

Amazing little shop. Lots of fun Scandinavian stuff. Thematic food to buy, and apparently the best double krumkake maker.

Great shop with many Norwegian specialities. You get food like brunost, leverpostei, fenalår, melkesjokolade and much more. And before you leave, try the waffles!

I came here for stuff to celebrate Norwegian independence day at home due to the pandemic. Not my first time visiting a Scandinavian store I grew up in Poulsbo little Norway. I plan on buying a lefse grill so I can do it at home. My Aunt has taught me once but the best way is to just do it. If you are Scandinavian and you need or want something to remind you of those flavors hit them up dont be shy. There is all kinds of cool stuff I want to buy.😎🇸🇯

Great Scandinavian goods, friendly staff

This is one of those places that just make you happy you went in. Great staff, good selection of Scandinavian merchandise plus really great open faced shrimp sandwiches.

I went here to buy Christmas gifts and it was so fun! They were implementing social distancing+ how many people could be in store really well and I ended up buying some cheese for my dad I hadnt seen anywhere else Im sure hell love. Check it out if you can:)

So very glad to have this wonderful access to Scandinavian items in Seattle. Please give them all the support you can.

Very nice employees great selection

Nice place with a great collection of Scandinavian food and gifts.

One of the best Scandinavian stores Ive come across. very complete selection of groceries, memorabilia and staples.

Was a wonderful spot for a little something sweet in the afternoon.

Scandinavian specialty foods, and a few Dutch things too (stroop waffelin). Ginger snaps, herring, cheese...

The number one shop for Scandinavian imported food and gifts. Fantastic salmiakki selection, I make it a point to stop by every time Im by.

A small, quaint store. Nice selection of Scandanavian treats and merchandise.

Walked in while I was in the area. Great little store to get some of the things you are used to in Europe but cant really find in US grocery stores, or just some European staple brands.Plus, their home made pickled herring is great. It could be a bit more sour for my taste but it has a unique flavor

Wonderful selection and excellent staff!

Lovely little store. Expect prices to be high due to the cost of importing goods overseas. Has pretty much all the basics needed, as well as a cafe menu with options like waffles and kläddkaka. You can buy recently expired candy and other goods at a discount. In addition to food they also sell books and home decor and some Scandinavian themed apparel. Staff is always friendly.

Such a great shop for all of your Scandinavian needs. Great selection of food, drink, pantry items, and gifts.Two enthusiastic Norwegian thumbs up!

I had “best cake” for 3,4 times and I must say it is really the best cake in the world! I also like their almond pie.

Cutesy crafts, gifts, cards, books, and a wide selection of foods. I was impressed with how many frozen foods (lots of different fish) they had. The pastry display was mostly gone by early afternoon.

Ordered some Evergood Coffee & Norwegian Mayo online from them. Super quick service, they even called me to accommodate the shipment better, and it got delivered to Los Angeles super fast. Prices are very reasonable too, considering its imported from Norway. Highly recommended!

Nice store with great scandinavian treats and lovely staff

So thankful to have this place to get my Norwegian food fix!

Cute little shop! Very friendly counter service for a quick bite. I didnt catch the name of the woman who took my order, but she answered all my questions about the menu and seemed to really enjoy the food. I got the Polse and it was wonderful!

Great cheese and pickled herring selection!

Sheep. Following blindly.

If your scandinavian and looking for a touch of home away from home. I highly recommend this place

I’ve been going here my whole life and I love it so much. Always get Krumkake with whip cream and lingonberries on my way out. Everyone is so nice and helpful. Tack!

Very cool place! I love it

Accidently discovered this shop while waiting for my tires to get changed next door. Great salmon wraps/snacks. Nice staff

Quite an interesting place with lots of goodies!

A truly delightful specialty shop that somehow always has the exact thing I need. So nice to be able to grab lefse and maybe some coffee there too!

Has all the yummy specialties I grew up with. Dont miss the Verdens Beste Lake, omg one of the best desserts youll ever have. Oh and my daughter loves the Krumkake with lingonberry cream, yum.

Got all my Swedish goodies plus an amazing lunch sandwich.

This is one of the only places in western WA to buy real Scandinavian imports. Love it here!

A small shop with Scandinavian goods and a light Scandinavian themed menu. $8 per each open faced sandwich, don’t come for a deal but an experience. The staff was very friendly to my girlfriend and I.

Great place for Scandinavian food and gifts. Ive wanted to visit for a few years and finally had some time. They have a wide variety of packaged foods, frozen foods, and fresh food. They also have Scandinavian gifts like apparel, Dalecarlian horse statues, candles, etc. When it comes to fresh food, I ordered the semlor. Ive had the semlor in Helsingborg, Sweden and the version Scandinavian Specialties sells is a good version to try. The cardamom was present but not overpowering in the dough and the cream was not too rich. The next time I visit I want to try their other dishes.

Went in American, came out Swedish.

What a fun place to shop! So many treats from the Scandinavian countries plus beautiful handcrafted items. Eating space for coffee and a little something or lunch. Cheerful surroundings and helpful staff. Amazing food for Christmas. Dont miss it!

Awesome! The staff is so helpful and kind. Full of fun and great gifts or treats for a wide range of ages. Food is of high quality and authentically Scandinavian. I found similar or identical items during my trip to Norway. Great if youre just dropping by for a snack or lunch. Large range of items, anywhere from towel hangers, to fish latkes or Parking for Germans only sign. A must go for Scandinavians or just anyone who wants good food, service, and have a good time. 👍

Great place for holiday shopping from ornaments to kitchen supplies to Scandinavian delicacies. They have the coolest reusable grocery bags called the last bag. Its super durable, water proof and has a shoulder strap. Great little store keeping the heart of old Ballard alive.

Good selection of Scandinavian food and trinkets. Next time, Ill skip the hot dog thing, though.

Lingonberry pancakes were delightful. Will come back to try the pickeled herring.

Food was delicious. Small store but had tons of food items. Definitely going back.

This well established Ballard local landmark is where you go to get authentic Nordic and Scandinavian foods and Nordic products. Scandinavian Specialties offers a complete and Eclectic collection of hard and soft import items selected by owner Bjorn as well as an authentic Nordic style deli restaurant. Dont miss the awesome selection of Scandinavian jewelry, Finnish Swedish and Norwegian cutlery and tactical blades as well as an impressive Hults-bruk Hatchet and axe collection. Well known for seasonal shopping but really a year-round treat. Greatly recommended!

From wool sweaters to candy this little store makes me recall my 2 1/2 years in Norway long ago.

Knowledgeable staff, great selection, and prepared foods. I highly recommend going in.

Great selection of Scandinavian foods, including salty licorice. The cafe has hot and cold food options and a great place to sit and enjoy them. The staff is helpful and charming.

This place has a nice vibe. Stop by if you get a chance. I dont love the pickled herring, but I havent found any better in Seattle.

Its the only authentic Scandinavian store for everything Nordic in Washington state. Food, clothing, books, candy & Scandinavia themed items for your house. All top quality. Large quantities well priced.

Scandinavian Specialties always has high quality Swedish foods. Everything is carefully packed in sturdy boxes and perishables always arrive in excellent condition. Thanks for the great service!

Its a good place to get candy meat or cheese but slot of the items are over priced not sure if its from seattle tax or what

Great place nice people good products.

Good food and food stuffs

Best place to get your Nordic groceries!

This place is small, quirky and downright amazing. Id come here again and again. A unique experience. The portions are small, but the foods not too expensive, so Id plan on trying a couple of things.

The best cafe, the food is delicious. I had the quiche, it is really to die for! And all the different items they have for sale that are from Sweden are just wonderful. Beautiful sweaters, Linens, gorgeous dishes and so many other things, just a great place for purchasing small gifts for friends..

One side of my family lives in Norway and Ive been there many times. Having this place here in Ballard is such a delight

Love this shop! Only downside is having to find motivation to leave! My wife is doubly so getting her to call it a day! Best place to find brunøst!! ❤

The worlds best cake is exactly that.

Absolutely amazing selection of great Scandinavian foods and merchandise.

Ballard Staple!!! Save the Scan Spec!!!

Unique local store and friendly staff

Great selection, friendly staff, and delicious Scandinavian offerings.

Nice people and its a speciality shop

Pretty much its like a tourist stop. A wide selection of kitch and other Nick- nacks . There are some foods to order from a limited menu. Most expensive dish is 10 dollars. New junk.

One of our favorite shops. We always get their frozen yellow pea soup. They still carry our favorite Lurpak butter, which seems to have disappeared from all of the regular grocery stores. You can get Daim candy without going all the way to IKEA. Also lots of cute socks and our favorite Swedish dish cloths.

Loved the salmon quiche and salmon sandwich (cant remember the name. A gift shop with all things Scandanavian and a really good small restaurant and bakery case. Delicious.

If you need cheese from Denmark or Swedish candy - this is it! They have rare selection of imported foods from Scandinavia. From jams, sauces to cookies. Lots of great gifts too. There is a cafeteria in the store too, so if you want to have a delicious salmon open sandwich - they got you covered. I go here for cheeses, real remoulade, honey and elderflower sirup that is phenomenal for cocktails.

Very friendly and authentic shop. Loved the sweet bread smell💕.

Absolutely the best spot. Great service and amazing food. Will be a life long customer 😊💯

Great inventory (stuff from Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark), for and gifts. While I really appreciated this store, they were struggling with an ancient broken credit card system that had crashed. They dealt with the problem and thoughtfully responded to my previous review. It is fantastic when a retailer shows concern and persues solutions these days. Cheers and see you next holiday!

For a little shop, this place has a cute selection of Scandinavian items including chocolates and gift items. Moreover, it is one of the very few places in Seattle where you can find open face sandwiches!

A delightful and well stocked store. The customer service was excellent

The place for you, if you crave Scandinavian food. December is a very busy month. So either be early or do the late afternoon shopping. Most people shop at mid day in this store! If you like Fyrstekake, their new recipe is 😋

I went there for the lefse and it is absolutely the best Ive had since childhood when the Aunts would have lefse parties for the holiday season. As I was checking out I asked if they ever have kumla -potato dumplings and was told Yes! This is a beautiful immaculately clean store with the friendliest staff anywhere. You have got to go here! Dont miss out!

My favorite shop to pick up anything Scandinavian, stickers, mugs, shirts, food, books. Little bit of everything here.

Amazing baked goods!

Love this place. Excellent cafe, small bookstore, crafts, candy etc. from Scandinavia. Jewell in what remains of Ballard. Staff is exceptional to boot!

From a Norwegian immigrants point of view: Very good Norwegian style shrimp open faced sandwich. Good cakes at the cafe. Smaller selection of Norwegian staples, including some meat products. Very friendly.

This little jewel is full of fun Scandinavian products. Their cafe has great food.

This place is the cutest. It offers food, art, and sundry books, clothes and glassware from the Scandinavian countries. As someone with Swedish heritage, it is really cool that this is here. Parking is limited but there is a small lot thats free, as well as street parking. There is also a little cafe with some desserts and sandwiches. It is expensive but everything is imported so to be expected.

Lefse. What more is there to say!

Tastes like home! Great treats and gifts. Welcoming staff.

Specialty store with many things a scandi might miss from home, including jule essentials like hjortetaksalt, pickled herring and proper salt licorice.

Love this store! As a Norwegian it allows me to get my necessities and has adorable gifts! Grab a bite while you’re there.

Desserts were delicious and they have the cutest Scandinavian stuff, since my family is from Norway I found it wonderful.

Absolutely love this place. It is a very good source for fresh Scandinavian food. It also has some great gift items.