I've eaten in California Pizza Kitchens on both coasts and somewhere in the middle of the country as well. When I've wanted food I knew would be good and I saw one of these, I'd head on over.
California Kitchen serves up a menu that's replete with Pizza, Pasta, Soup, Sandwiches and Salad as well. The quality of food is high, the menu changes regularly and the price is reasonable for a restaurant of it's type.
If you feel that the name reminds you of a trendy-twenty-something- beach-boy-californian type place, you're spot on... and every one of them feels the same, including this one in Bellevue - opposite the Barnes and Noble.
Don't expect the pizzas to be boring here. Sure, the standard Pepperoni, Cheese, Sausage is available, but also a Jamaican Jerk, Carne Asada and Mango Tandoori (new for Dec)... and of course their original California Pizza Kitchen pizza - the BBQ Chicken.
The Pasta ranges from your standard "Spagh Bog" to Chicken Tequila to Shanghai Garlic.
The menu is also vegetarian friendly (although not vegan) with not one but several vegetarian pizzas - try the Pear and Gorgonzola - and several vegetarian pasta dishes - almost all which can also be had without the meat.
The Bellevue location boasts a full bar, patio seating in the warmer season and complimentary refills on lemonade, coffee, tea, and fountain drinks.
Feeling adventurous yet? Forget the plain mozarella cheese pizza (although it *is* available. Try the five cheese. Maybe the Margherita?
more