By Kirsten Smith 

Vovito Caffe & Gelato at The Shops at The Bravern. Photo by Chad Coleman.

The Seattle-area is famous for its coffee, now a national phenomenon with chains like Starbucks and Tully’s. Bellevue residents however, are often looking for cozier options to get coffee with friends or do some work over a cup of tea.  

“Bellevue residents should absolutely put their business towards locally owned shops and support their local economy,” said Nichole Lipka, the manager of the Bellevue Café Ladro. 

For those looking to do so, Bellevue offers a variety of local shops that sell more than just espresso.

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Belle Pastry, 10246 Main Street

425.289.0015 | www.bellepastry.com

The owner and chef of this shop, Jean-Claude Ferre, was trained in dessert-making all over Europe before bringing his pastries to Bellevue. Here you can enjoy freshly baked pastries and artisan breads, as well as homemade chocolates with your coffee. Located in Old Main, the coffee and pastry shop also offers a selection of daily soups and fresh-made sandwiches and croissants.

Caffé Ladro, 333 108th Ave NE, Bellevue

425.467.5562 | www.caffeladro.com

This locally founded coffee chain features all organic and either fair or direct trade coffees and teas. “There is real craftsmanship and time put into our espresso,” said Nichole Lipka, the manager of the Bellevue location, the newest Caffe Ladro to open in the Greater Seattle area. Bring the taste of Caffe Ladro home with a pound of Ladro Espresso Blend, $11.95.

Vovito Caffe & Gelato, 700 110th Avenue NE, Suite 195

425.502.7522 | www.vovito.com

The newest kid on the block, Vovito has opened its doors at The Shops at The Bravern, offering espresso, a full-lineup of organic teas, gelato made fresh daily and a variety of paninis, salads and small plate appetizers. Owners Ariff and Shairose created the new concept with a goal of selling premium quality food and beverage offerings at a non-premium price.

“We worked on the concept for a year and a half and did a lot of research into the best gelato, coffee and teas around,” Shairose said. “Every item on our menu is very deliberate and of the highest quality.” 

Vovito offers 26 flavors of gelato, rotating flavors on a monthly basiswith beans from Ethiopia, Sumatra, Mexico and Brazil.

Top Pot Doughnuts, 10600 Northeast 9th Place

425.457.7440 | www.toppotdoughnuts.com

The Seattle-born doughnut and coffee shop has become best known for their hand-forged gourmet doughnuts. Made fresh daily, the Feather Boa, Chocolate Cake and Old Fashioned doughnuts are hard to beat. Top off the sweets with a smooth cup of coffee made from hand-roasted beans from around the world. Try the Diplomat, a French roasted blend with beans from Ethiopia, Sumatra, Mexico and Brazil. 

T’Latte, 37 103rd Ave N.E.

  425.462.9300

Located in Bellevue historic area known as Old Main, this coffee shop is a just a few steps from the fresh greenery of Bellevue Downtown Park. The cozy shop features sandwiches fresh to order, plenty of seating and a plethera of magazines for good reading material. If you are looking for a coffee alternative, T’Latte features a range of teas including Buckwheat Tea and Bubble Tea. They also regularly host artist exhibitions.