Chef Adrian Lopez’s New Space Will Offer Bistro Fusion Fare with a Hometown Twist

If you’ve ever enjoyed historic Main Street staple Adrian’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar, the namesake restaurateur has a new project in the works: a bistro and event venue will open this summer just down the road. Jocovine, owner Adrian Lopez’s newest venture, draws inspiration from his Mexican heritage. The restaurant was borne out of Lopez’s love for his hometown, Jocotitlan – meaning “among the sour fruit trees” and known by locals as “Joco”. Put this nickname alongside one of Lopez’s other greatest loves as a sommelier, “vino”, and Jocovine comes alive.

While Adrian’s flagship restaurant bursts with traditional Mexican flavors, he assures that Jocovine will offer more of a European twist. A bistro fusion with an exceptional menu brainstormed by Lopez and his executive chef and good friend, Francisco Bautista, will offer a warm, communal environment and a thoughtfully designed interior. Despite its upscale menu and atmosphere, its roots remain homegrown. Lopez hopes to continue his legacy by bringing purposeful, inspired cuisine to the community that has supported him throughout the years.

“The passion is the same, but the concept is different,” he said. “While Adrian’s is focused on Mexican fine dining, Jocovine will provide great wine and a variety of different foods from around the world”.

Lopez has worked in the Bellevue restaurant industry for over ten years and feels deeply connected to the community. While Jocovine’s opening is the next step in his own professional life, he believes it’s just as important for his patrons. To Adrian, the people of Bellevue are a part of his family. Since they’ve been so welcoming to him, he wants to return the favor by bringing them an exciting new dining option. He hints at a menu that has something for everyone: crepes, omelets, sandwiches, salads, fish, seafood, and steaks. Its interior will feature 100 year-old Manzanita branches, the tree Adrian’s hometown is named after, throughout the space. The tree’s sweet and sour fruit symbolizes not only his heritage, but the artful combination of flavors crafted in Jocovine’s kitchen.

For the wine aficionado, Jocovine promises to elevate Bellevue’s wine culture to new heights. Customers will be invited to utilize the restaurant’s personalized wine lockers with engraved nameplates where they can store their cherished bottles. When asked, “Why wine?”, Adrian explains that “wine brings people together, and wine is to share. We will be having wine dinners with wines from all over the world every month. I think these things are something that Main Street, and Bellevue in general, needs.”

The restaurant will be located at 10237 Main Street and will be open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Jocovine promises to be an important addition to one of Bellevue’s most thriving retail districts. The location, nestled among a plethora of well-established, cherished small businesses, is sure to entice locals and out-of-towners alike. One of the restaurant’s greatest attributes will be its flexible event space that will be available for private events both large and small, customer overflow, live music, and more! This addition expands the potential for Bellevue’s future as a destination entertainment area.