New Restaurants Gear Up at Crossroads Bellevue

Tutta Bella, the Northwest’s most celebrated authentic Neapolitan pizzeria, will open at Crossroads in October.  Owner and Founder Joe Fugere and Executive Chef Brian Gojdics are both certified “pizzaioli” (pizza makers) who trained in Naples, and Tutta Bella was the first restaurant in the Northwest to earn a VPN certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana.

Tutta Bella, which prides itself on its commitment to using the finest imported ingredients and centuries-old artisan traditions, has been named the ‘Best Pizza in Seattle’ by Seattle Weekly, ‘Best Family Restaurant’ by Seattle Magazine, and ‘Best Pizza Joint’ by ParentMap Magazine. Fugere and his staff are passionate about community service and are looking forward to engaging with their new neighbors in Bellevue.

Construction began in June on the 7000 sq ft location, which will feature 300 seats and a true four-season patio.  This will be Tutta Bella’s fifth and largest location, located at the main entrance to Crossroads on 156th Ave NE. 

Jinya Ramen Bar

Southern California-based Jinya Ramen Bar will open its newest location at Crossroads in August.  Jinya serves authentic Japanese Tonkotsu Ramen that has captured the attention of the Los Angeles Times, LA Weekly, OC Weekly, and Angeleno magazine.  Pullitzer prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold described the fare as “big earthen bowls of ramen… a flavor bomb”.  The tantalizing tastes of the cuisine and the modern ambience of its new location will make Jinya a go-to destination for those seeking a simple yet sophisticated dining experience.  Jinya will be located on the north side of Crossroads, near Barnes and Noble.

Thrive

Committed to a healthier lifestyle?  You won’t want to miss this newcomer: Thrive Organic Café serves freshly prepared vegetarian food and juices with a focus on raw and living foods.  Owner and Founder Monika Kinsman’s goal is to demolish the myth that to eat healthy you must sacrifice deliciousness.  Thrive is committed to bringing wellness and longevity to the community not only through the food it serves, but through classes, speakers, films, and workshops. 

Founded in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle in 2008, Thrive has already garnered a plethora of awards and titles, including “Best New Restaurant” in King-5 Evening Magazine’s 2009 “Best of Western Washington” awards, “Best Green Bite” at the 2010 Bite of Seattle, “Best Restaurant in the Ravenna/Roosevelt Neighborhood” by Seattle Magazine in 2012, and Thrive was highlighted as the first of “10 Great Places to Rejoice in Raw Vegan Dining” byUSA Today in 2013.

Thrive will open its second home on its fifth anniversary, December 17, 2013, in Crossroads’ health & fitness zone next to Crunch Fitness and Stone Gardens: The Climbers Gym.  Get an early preview of Thrive every Tuesday afternoon now through October at the Crossroads Farmers Market. 

The French Bakery Café

Local favorite The French Bakery opened a second location in July inside Crossroads’ Public Market food court area.  The French Bakery Café, as the new location is known, delights taste buds with French pastries, crépes, and desserts baked on site, a full lunch menu, and Italian espresso. The French Bakery’s first Crossroads location has been a popular destination since it opened in 2010, voted “Best Bakery”, “Best Crépes”, and “Best Coffee Shop” inKing-5 Evening Magazine’s “Best of Western Washington” awards, and “Best Bakery” in The Bellevue Reporter’s Best of Bellevue Awards.