20 Incredible Tacoma Restaurants for Your Ultimate Foodie Bucket List

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Tacoma, Washington, is a hidden gem for food lovers, offering a mix of Pacific Northwest charm and bold culinary creativity. From waterfront seafood spots serving fresh Dungeness crab to trendy downtown eateries crafting unique fusion dishes, Tacoma’s dining scene is packed with incredible flavors. Imagine cozy cafes dishing out artisanal brunches, sleek bistros with farm-to-table menus, and historic taverns pouring local brews alongside hearty comfort food. Known for its fresh, local ingredients and laid-back vibe, Tacoma is a foodie’s paradise with something for every palate. These 20 incredible restaurants showcase the city’s vibrant food culture and make it a must-visit destination in Washington. Bring your appetite and get ready to experience the ultimate Tacoma dining bucket list!

👉 Pro Tip: Escape to Eastern Washington’s wine country with the Wine Tasting & Vineyards Tour from Seattle! Sip award-winning wines, explore stunning vineyards, and learn about the region’s winemaking traditions. Perfect for wine lovers, this tour is a relaxing and flavorful getaway. Cheers!

Incredible Restaurants in Tacoma: 11 Best Tacoma Eateries

Tacoma’s unique restaurants offer a world of flavors waiting to be explored. From Victorian tea rooms to adventurous coffee shops, each spot has its own story. Join us as we uncover the diverse and delicious dining experiences that Tacoma proudly presents.

1. Boom Boom Room

• 📍 Location: Downtown Tacoma
• 💲 Price range: $14 – $22 per drink/small plate
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale Lounge / Craft Cocktails & Small Plates
• 🔥 Standout Features: Lounge atmosphere, craft cocktails, small plates menu, stylish decor.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Signature cocktails, date nights, and pre/post-show drinks.

Step into the sizzle at the Boom Boom Room! This downtown lounge offers a swanky escape with plush seating, moody lighting, and expertly crafted cocktails that absolutely pop. Where the vibe is smooth and the drinks are even smoother!

Forget basic bar drinks; here, the mixologists shake up sophisticated creations. Sip on an elegant espresso martini. A signature house cocktail like the “Velvet Underground” or a classic Manhattan are also excellent. Graze on upscale small plates like truffle fries.

2. Dirty Oscar’s Annex

This Tacoma staple is pure Pacific Northwest cool, and yes, you can get breakfast for dinner. The quirky, speakeasy-esque vibe is a ton of fun – think cozy-lit bar area, reclaimed wood walls, and a menu that takes comfort food to new heights. The candied bacon Bloody Mary is every bit as wild as it sounds, and you can’t leave without trying the Chicken and Waffles (trust me, the sriracha honey butter makes the dish). Dirty Oscar’s is the kind of spot where you settle in for one cocktail and stay for three. Located near the hip 6th Ave strip, you’re just steps from vintage shops and local music venues. On weekends, get here early or expect a wait – the locals love this place and it gets packed in the best way.

3. Little Jerry’s

• 📍 Location: Near 6th Ave District
• 💲 Price range: $6 – $12 per drink/snack
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Dive Bar / Seinfeld Themed
• 🔥 Standout Features: Seinfeld theme/decor, casual bar feel, cheap drinks.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Seinfeld fans, casual drinks, neighborhood bar hangouts.

Yada, yada, yada… you should check out Little Jerry’s! This unpretentious neighborhood bar pays homage to the iconic sitcom with fun decor and a super casual vibe. It’s real, and it’s spectacular (ly divey and fun)!

Don’t expect fancy cocktails; this is the place for a cold Tall Boy of Rainier. A simple well drink or a local craft beer also fits the laid-back atmosphere. Soak in the Seinfeld references and enjoy a classic dive bar experience.

4. En Rama Tacoma – Restaurant | Cocktails | Private Events

En Rama absolutely nails that moody, intimate ambiance, perfect for date night or cocktails with friends who appreciate a killer playlist. Their pasta is made fresh daily – do not skip the agnolotti, whatever the filling of the day is, just trust. The Spanish-style gin and tonic comes swirling with aromatics and pink peppercorn – totally Instagram-worthy. The bar glows in soft light, bartenders work their magic, and the playlist is always on point. Tucked right in the Theater District, it’s across from the gorgeous Pantages Theater, making it a legit pre- or post-show hangout. I’ve never left without swearing I’ll come back for another round of cured meats and negronis.

5. E9 Firehouse & Gastropub

• 📍 Location: Near 6th Ave / Brewery District
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Gastropub / Brewery Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic firehouse, onsite brewery (E9 Brewing Co.), pub grub.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Craft beer drinkers, gastropub dining, casual group meals.

Sound the alarm for great beer and food at E9 Firehouse & Gastropub! Housed in a cool historic fire station, this spot serves up delicious elevated pub fare alongside fantastic beers brewed right onsite by E9 Brewing Co. Where history meets hops!

Grab a pint of fresh E9 Beer, like their popular “Don of the Dark” stout or a seasonal IPA. Pair it with satisfying gastropub dishes like a juicy Firehouse Burger, crispy fish and chips, or their loaded nachos.

6. Steakhouse Asado

Asado is the city’s sexy Argentinian steakhouse, ideal for celebrating big moments or impressing a date. Expect bold flavors, flickering candles, and wood-grilled steaks that come out sizzling on cedar planks. Their chimichurri sauce is so good you’ll want to take some home, and the empanadas are the perfect starter. Rustic brick walls, woodwork, and a wine wall that stretches to the ceiling give this spot a warm, sophisticated vibe. Located on the bustling 6th Ave, you’re surrounded by record shops and indie boutiques. I was blown away the first time I tried the filet mignon with blue cheese butter here – absolutely don’t miss it.

7. Over the Moon Cafe

• 📍 Location: Opera Alley / Theater District
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $75+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Romantic American / European Bistro
• 🔥 Standout Features: Intimate setting, candlelit tables, European-inspired dishes.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic dates, celebrations, proposals, and fine dining seekers.

Prepare to be swept off your feet at Over the Moon Cafe! Tucked away in Opera Alley, this incredibly intimate and romantic spot is pure magic, with candlelit tables and an ambiance perfect for whispering sweet nothings.

Indulge in beautifully prepared dishes. Savor a perfectly cooked filet mignon with a rich wine reduction. Delicate seafood pasta, like linguine with clams, or their popular creamy tomato soup en croute, are also excellent choices. Reservations are essential.

8. Cuerno Bravo Steakhouse

If you want upscale with a bit of Latin swagger, Cuerno Bravo is your place. They serve up massive, bone-in steaks with showstopping flair (literally – they flambé tableside on request). There’s a decadent tomahawk steak for sharing, and the elote street corn gives every side dish a run for its money. Sleek leather banquettes, industrial lighting, and a buzz of energy make every meal here feel like an event. The spot is a short walk from Tacoma Art Museum, so you can work up an appetite before digging in. My advice: bring a crew so you can sample everything, especially the mezcal cocktails.

9. The Rock Wood Fired Pizza

• 📍 Location: Multiple (Including near Tacoma Mall)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Wood Fired Pizza / American Pub Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Wood-fired pizza, rock ‘n’ roll theme, creative pizza names.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Wood-fired pizza lovers, group meals, and rock music fans.

Get ready to rock your crust at The Rock Wood Fired Pizza! This place amps up the pizza experience with a fun rock ‘n’ roll theme and delicious pies baked in a roaring wood-fired oven. Where pizza gets loud and proud!

Choose from signature pizzas with rock-inspired names. “The Crazy Train” with pepperoni and sausage is a hit. The “Stairway to Heaven” with multiple cheeses, or a classic Margherita pizza with that amazing smoky char, are also fantastic.

10. San Marzano – true italian pizza –

San Marzano keeps it real with authentic, Napoli-style pizza – chewy, blistered crusts topped with imported mozzarella, zippy tomatoes, and thoughtfully chosen toppings. The Margherita is perfection, but if you’re feeling bold, the Parma (with prosciutto and arugula) is a sleeper hit. The vibe is chill and unfussy, set with rustic wooden tables, open kitchen views, and Italian pop songs softly in the background. Situated on St. Helens Avenue, you’re close to funky antique stores and Dorky’s Arcade for a post-pizza pinball session. Honestly, it’s the closest I’ve gotten to a true Italian pizza fix without hopping on a plane.

11. Devil’s Reef

• 📍 Location: Opera Alley / Theater District
• 💲 Price range: $14 – $20 per drink
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Tiki Bar / Rum Focused Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Shipwreck theme, extensive rum selection, exotic tiki cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Tiki drinkers and rum connoisseurs.

Dive deep into a dangerous world of delicious drinks at Devil’s Reef! This incredible tiki bar transports you to a sunken shipwreck fantasy, filled with nautical wonders, glowing pufferfish, and, most importantly, expertly crafted, rum-heavy cocktails.

Forget basic drinks; here it’s all about elaborate tiki creations. Brave the potent Zombie. Sip on a classic Mai Tai done right, or explore other exotic rum-forward delights like the “Painkiller.” The immersive decor makes it a true adventure.

12. Indo Asian Street Eatery

This is where you go when you want to eat like you’re wandering a busy Asian night market – minus the jetlag. Indo Asian Street Eatery excels at bold flavors and super-fresh ingredients. I’m obsessed with their Indonesian fried chicken, and the pork belly bao is totally crave-worthy. Hip graffiti art, neon touches, and communal tables make this a go-to for a casual night out. Located just uphill from Wright Park, it’s easy to grab a walk after stuffing your face. My pro tip: order several small plates and a house-made Thai tea to wash it all down.

13. Wooden City

• 📍 Location: Downtown Tacoma (Pacific Avenue)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Wood-Fired / Upscale Casual
• 🔥 Standout Features: Focus on wood-fired cooking, stylish industrial-chic decor, creative cocktails, lively atmosphere, popular for shareable plates.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodies seeking wood-fired flavors, stylish date nights, group dinners for sharing, craft cocktail lovers, and upscale casual dining.

Experience the allure of wood-fired cooking at Wooden City in downtown Tacoma. This stylish restaurant, with its industrial-chic decor, centers its menu around a wood-fired oven and grill, infusing dishes with a wonderful smoky char and depth of flavor.

Trying their wood-fired pizzas, like the one with fennel sausage and peppers, is a must. Their blistered Hungarian peppers or the lamb bolognese with house-made pasta are also fantastic shareable plates. Their inventive craft cocktails perfectly complement the food.

14. MARCISCOS VUELVE A LA VIDA

This is the go-to for legit Mexican seafood in Tacoma, and it’s no-frills in the best way possible. The ceviche mixto is borderline life-changing – bright, briny, and loaded with fresh shrimp and octopus. Don’t leave without slurping down their namesake cocktail, Vuelve a la Vida, which is essentially a seafood michelada in a goblet. The decor is playful and beachy – think vibrant murals and fiesta vibes. Situated near South Tacoma Way’s packed cluster of international eats, it’s the perfect change of pace before a night of karaoke down the street. The staff always makes you feel like regulars, even if it’s your first time.

15. Lobster Shop

• 📍 Location: Commencement Bay Waterfront (Ruston Way)
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $90+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale Seafood / Steak
• 🔥 Standout Features: Waterfront views, fresh seafood, classic steak dishes, upscale dining ambiance.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasions and waterfront view seekers.

Feast your eyes on the view and the seafood at the Lobster Shop! Perched right on the Ruston Way waterfront, this Tacoma institution offers breathtaking panoramic views of Commencement Bay alongside classic upscale seafood and steaks. Claws-itively amazing!

Indulge in impeccably fresh seafood. Starting with creamy lobster bisque is a great choice. Cracking into sweet Dungeness crab legs, or savoring their signature Lobster Thermidor, are also excellent. The stunning waterfront location makes it a go-to.

16. ANTHEM Coffee & Tea | Tacoma

Anthem Coffee & Tea in Tacoma is a full-on community hangout with heart. Located near the Museum District and UW Tacoma, this locally loved café keeps things upbeat with friendly baristas, cozy vibes, and live music nights. Their lattes are smooth, the cold brew hits hard (in the best way), and the tea options are legit. Pair your drink with a warm breakfast sandwich or a flaky pastry, and you’re set. Whether you’re posting up with a laptop or catching up with a friend, Anthem’s got the energy of a neighborhood hub without feeling chaotic. Bonus: the views of Mount Rainier from nearby make it easy to fall for Tacoma.

17. Olive Branch Cafe and Tea Room

• 📍 Location: Near Downtown / Hilltop Area
• 💲 Price range: $12 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mediterranean / Middle Eastern Cafe
• 🔥 Standout Features: Mediterranean/Middle Eastern dishes, extensive tea selection, cozy cafe setting, belly dancing nights.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Mediterranean food explorers and tea lovers.

Extend an olive branch to incredible flavor at the Olive Branch Cafe and Tea Room! This cozy spot offers a delightful taste of the Mediterranean and Middle East, serving flavourful dishes alongside an impressive selection of teas.

Dive into shareable plates of creamy hummus and warm pita. Enjoy flavour-packed falafel wraps, or explore hearty entrees like shish kebabs (chicken or lamb). Pair your meal with one of their many specialty teas or traditional coffee.

18. Duke’s Seafood Tacoma

Duke’s Seafood in Tacoma brings laid-back PNW charm to the waterfront with unbeatable views of Commencement Bay and seafood that actually lives up to the hype. It’s the kind of place where you can sip a local craft beer or cocktail while watching the sun dip behind the Olympic Mountains. Their signature clam chowder is award-winning (seriously, don’t skip it), and the wild Alaska salmon and Dungeness crab dishes are next-level. Everything is sustainably sourced, and you can taste the difference. The vibe is casual but polished…great for date night, family dinners, or just treating yourself after a stroll along Ruston Way. Friendly service, killer seafood, and that view? Duke’s delivers.

19. Campfire Coffee

• 📍 Location: Downtown Tacoma
• 💲 Price range: $5 – $12 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Coffee Shop / Cafe
• 🔥 Standout Features: Campfire theme, wood-fired coffee roasting, specialty coffee drinks.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Coffee connoisseurs, unique cafe experiences, and local coffee lovers.

Gather ’round the flavor campfire at Campfire Coffee! This unique downtown coffee shop brings the cozy vibes of the great outdoors inside, complete with wood accents and, crucially, coffee beans roasted over an actual wood fire. Your daily grind just got more adventurous!

Sip on expertly brewed coffee with a subtle smoky note. Trying signature drinks like the Campfire Latte (with smoked paprika and maple) is a must. A classic pour over showcasing their unique beans, or a simple Americano, are also excellent.

20. The Melting Pot

• 📍 Location: Downtown Tacoma
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70+ per person (Multi-course experiences)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fondue Restaurant
• 🔥 Standout Features: Interactive fondue dining, wide fondue courses, customizable meal options.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Interactive dining, fondue fanatics, fun group celebrations, unique date nights.

Get ready to dip into deliciousness at The Melting Pot! This fondue favorite offers a fun, interactive dining experience where you cook your own food right at the table in pots of bubbling cheese, broth, or chocolate. Let’s get dippy!

Starting with a classic pot of gooey cheese fondue, like the traditional Alpine or a zesty Fiesta, is a must. Cooking meats like filet mignon or teriyaki sirloin and veggies in flavourful cooking broths is next. Saving room for chocolate fondue (try the Flaming Turtle!) is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in Tacoma

Looking for more information about Tacoma’s unique restaurants? Our Tacoma restaurant guide answers your questions about dining in this vibrant city.

What makes a restaurant in Tacoma unique?

Tacoma’s unique restaurants stand out for their blend of diverse culinary styles and local charm. These eateries often combine innovative menus with distinctive atmospheres, reflecting Tacoma’s rich cultural tapestry. From themed cafes to historic dining spots, each establishment offers a memorable experience, whether it’s through their unique decor, unusual menu items, or the story behind their inception.

Are there any historic restaurants in Tacoma?

Yes, Tacoma is home to several historic restaurants that offer a glimpse into the city’s past. These establishments often preserve their original architecture and decor, providing a dining experience steeped in history. Some have been serving locals for decades, becoming landmarks in their own right and offering traditional dishes that have stood the test of time.

Can I find vegetarian options at unique restaurants in Tacoma?

Absolutely! Many extraordinary restaurants in Tacoma cater to vegetarian and vegan diners. These eateries often use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create inventive plant-based dishes. From upscale dining to casual cafes, vegetarian options are plentiful, ensuring that everyone can enjoy Tacoma’s diverse culinary scene.

What are some characteristics of Tacoma’s dining scene?

Tacoma’s dining scene is characterized by its diversity, creativity, and emphasis on local ingredients. Restaurants range from casual eateries to fine dining establishments, with menus featuring everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine. The city’s location on Puget Sound also influences many menus, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood.

Where can I find cheap eats in Tacoma?

Tacoma offers a variety of options for budget-friendly dining. From food trucks serving up delicious bites to cozy cafes with affordable menus, there are plenty of places to enjoy a meal without breaking the bank. Many local eateries offer generous portions at reasonable prices, making it easy to find cheap eats in Tacoma.

Are there family-friendly restaurants in Tacoma?

Yes, Tacoma is full of family-friendly restaurants. These establishments often feature menus with a variety of options to please both kids and adults. Many also provide a welcoming atmosphere with comfortable seating and sometimes even play areas or activities for children, making them ideal for family outings.

What types of international cuisine can I find in Tacoma?

Tacoma’s culinary landscape includes a wide range of international cuisines. From authentic Mexican and Italian to Thai and Vietnamese, the city’s restaurants offer a taste of the world. This diversity reflects Tacoma’s multicultural community and provides an opportunity to explore different culinary traditions.

Is seafood a common feature in Tacoma’s restaurants?

Seafood is indeed a prominent feature in many of Tacoma’s restaurants, thanks to its location near Puget Sound. Local eateries often showcase fresh, locally-sourced seafood, including salmon, crab, and oysters. The city’s seafood restaurants range from casual fish-and-chips joints to upscale dining establishments, all celebrating the bounty of the sea.

Final Thoughts On Unique Tacoma Restaurants

Each unique restaurant in Tacoma, a West Coast gem, offers an experience that stays with you. Whether it’s the historic charm of a long-standing eatery, the creative flair of a themed cafe, or the fresh taste of local seafood, Tacoma’s restaurants are a reflection of the city’s diverse and vibrant culture. As you wander through Tacoma, let your taste buds lead the way. You’re sure to discover hidden gems and culinary delights that make every dining experience in this city truly unforgettable.