Where to find simit in Issaquah
Our menu calls simit a Turkish-style sesame bagel. That is the fastest way to explain it to someone who has never had one, and it is also why the word bagel only does half the job. If you are after simit in Issaquah, we bake it at 317 NW Gilman Blvd Suite #3, in the Gilman neighborhood, steps from Gilman Village.
What simit is
The menu description is the plain one: a Turkish-style sesame bagel, golden and crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside. It is a ring, crusted in sesame all the way around. Torn in half it takes cheese, olives or jam, and it is mild enough to leave them alone. With a glass of tea it needs nothing at all. On the menu it sits under savory pastries, and in the savory pastry case it sits with the boreks and the buns.
The oven runs early
Berna's is a bakery first. The oven runs early and the day's baking is done before most people have had their first cup of coffee. Every morning I prepare our pastries, breads and dishes by hand, just as I learned growing up in Turkey. I grew up surrounded by the smell of simit baking in the oven. None of it comes from a mix. All of it is made here, in our kitchen.
What to eat it with
Simit sits next to almost everything else we make. Here is where I would point you.
| If you want | What I would hand you |
|---|---|
| The full Turkish table | The Breakfast Party Spread. Our menu says it comes with Simit and 2 bread buns with endless tea or coffee, and it is great for 2 to 3 people |
| A light lunch | Hummus with a simit, which is a lunch on its own |
| Something warm alongside | Boarding House Dill & Potato Soup with a simit, our tribute to Gilman Village's former homestyle kitchen The Boarding House |
| Something to drink | Turkish cay in the classic tulip-shaped glass, or Turkish coffee ground fine and simmered in a copper cezve |
| Only the bread | A simit on its own, to eat here or take with you |
Halal, meat and gluten
There is no meat in a simit. All of the meat served at Berna's is 100% Zabiha halal. Simit is a wheat bread, so it is not one of our gluten free items. Our FAQ page lists those: all of our appetizers except muhammara, the kavurma pilav plate, and San Sebastian cheesecake made gluten free on request. If you are ordering gluten free, tell us so we can take extra care during preparation. We do keep vegan and vegetarian options, and availability may vary daily, so ask at the counter.
Coming in for one
We are at 317 NW Gilman Blvd Suite #3, Issaquah, WA 98027, open seven days a week. As of 2026 we open at 8:30 am Monday through Thursday and at 8:00 am Friday through Sunday, and we close at 5:00 pm on Monday and Sunday, 6:00 pm Tuesday through Thursday, and 7:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. Prices are on our menu. Most of our menu items are available for takeout, and the cafe is dog friendly.
If it is simit in Issaquah you are after, come in and ask for one, or call (425) 657-0664 first. If you have never sat down to the whole table, read what a Turkish breakfast on the Seattle Eastside looks like, or stop in for Turkish coffee and cay with a simit in the afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find simit near me in Issaquah?
At Berna's Bakery & Cafe, the Turkish bakery at 317 NW Gilman Blvd Suite #3, Issaquah, WA 98027, in the Gilman neighborhood and steps from Gilman Village. Simit is on our menu under savory pastries. We are open seven days a week.
Is simit the same thing as a bagel?
Not quite. Our menu calls simit a Turkish-style sesame bagel because that is the quickest way to describe it, golden and crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside. It is a ring crusted in sesame all the way around, and we serve it the Turkish way, with cheese, olives and a glass of tea.
Is there meat in simit, and is it gluten free?
There is no meat in a simit. It is a wheat bread, so it is not gluten free. Our FAQ page lists the gluten free options: all of our appetizers except muhammara, the kavurma pilav plate, and San Sebastian cheesecake made gluten free on request. If you are ordering gluten free, tell us so we can take extra care during preparation.
Does the Breakfast Party Spread come with simit?
Yes. Our menu describes it as coming with Simit and 2 bread buns with endless tea or coffee, and it is great for 2 to 3 people.