Washington’s restaurant scene has endured another round of goodbyes, following a year of painful closures across the state. This fall, a family-run Mexican favorite, a Capitol Hill trattoria and the original home of a Seattle-area pizzeria all reached the end of their runs.
All three had been part of their neighborhoods for at least 14 years. Their departures mean more than fewer places to eat: They also mark the loss of familiar gathering spots, favorite meals and the people who made those visits special.
Archie’s Mexican Restaurant — Normandy Park
For more than 16 years, Archie’s Mexican Restaurant gave South King County diners a welcoming place for family meals and community gatherings. Owner Argelia “Archie” Sahagun opened the Normandy Park restaurant in January 2010, building on her earlier experience running another Mexican restaurant in nearby Des Moines.
The kitchen served traditional Mexican favorites, including arroz con pollo, tortilla soup, enchiladas and Mexican pizza. The restaurant also hosted group events; in May 2026, it welcomed a gathering that brought local residents, business owners and civic leaders together.
Sahagun announced the closure in September and named October 9, 2026, as the final day of service. In her farewell, she thanked the community and encouraged customers to support the new owners taking over the space. At the time of the announcement, the B-Town Blog reported that the incoming business had not yet been identified.
Rione XIII — Seattle
Capitol Hill lost a Roman-inspired dining room when Rione XIII closed abruptly in September after 14 years. The trattoria opened in August 2012, bringing a taste of Rome to 15th Avenue East with a neighborhood-friendly setting, exposed brick and an open kitchen.
Its menu celebrated Roman cooking: thin-crust pizza, fried artichokes, carbonara and tonnarelli cacio e pepe were among the dishes associated with the restaurant. Its Roman-inspired menu and comfortable neighborhood dining room gave the place a distinctive identity.
The restaurant’s official goodbye message confirms that it closed permanently because ongoing problems with its building made continued operations impossible. The team thanked customers and employees, while noting that another restaurant in its group, Tavolàta, remains in the neighborhood.
Tutta Bella’s original Columbia City restaurant — Seattle
For 22 years, Tutta Bella’s first restaurant helped introduce Seattle diners to Neapolitan-style pizza. Founder Joe Fugere opened the Columbia City pizzeria in 2004 after spending time in Naples, and its wood-fired pies became the foundation of a locally grown restaurant business.
The original dining room was a place for family dinners and celebrations, not simply a stop for pizza. That history made its October 2, 2026, closing especially meaningful: The company also closed its downtown Seattle restaurant and Lobby Bar that day.
As FOX 13 Seattle reported, Tutta Bella thanked its employees and customers in its announcement. Importantly, the business itself has not disappeared: Its restaurants in Wallingford, Bellevue and Issaquah remain open, along with other retail offerings.
These three goodbyes tell different stories, but they share something familiar: years of meals, milestones and neighborhood connections that won’t be easy to replace.
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