Tacoma’s best restaurants combine creative cuisine with atmosphere, and often great locations, too. Many of the best restaurants in the city are located in the city center, where you are very close to the theaters and museums of the city. There is also a line of restaurants along the Tacoma waterfront, all of which have beautiful views of the water.
Downtown Tacoma Restaurants
Many of Tacoma’s best restaurants are located downtown, and this is perhaps one of the best areas for that quintessential date night. Here, you also have the theaters and a number of bars, pubs and clubs if you want to continue hanging out after dinner. While you can find everything in this area, from teriyaki to restaurants, you will find some of the best here.
Indochine – It ‘s hard to beat the unique atmosphere in Indochine with its rich cherry wood furniture, draped fabric, and a fountain in the center of the restaurant. The food here is excellent and includes pan-Asian fusion delicacies such as flavorful curries, adventurous seafood dishes, and some of the most incredible appetizers in town. Location: 1924 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma.
Pacific Grill – The Pacific Grill prides itself on having an artsy yet comfortable dining room. Seventeen foot high ceilings and a curved bar accent the space. The menu is designed by chef Gordon Naccarato and features perfectly done steaks, fresh seafood, a noodle bar, and even a creative and delicious take on cheeseburger sliders. A good wine list and a cocktail bar complete the scene. Location: 1502 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma.
El Gaucho – Specializing in exceptional customer service, El Gaucho is here to provide you with not only a great meal, but an experience as well. The menu has a variety of very fine steaks, seafood, salads, and entrees, but keep in mind that this is probably the most expensive meal you’ll find in downtown Tacoma. The restaurant also has a more affordable happy hour. Location: 2119 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma.
Restaurants facing the sea
Waterfront restaurants are romantic simply because of the spectacular views, but they all tend to have great food too. The Ram, Duke’s Chowder House, Harbor Lights, and Katie Down’s are other more casual options along the water, in addition to the following. None are so exclusive that you are expected to dress formally.
Lobster Shop: With an impressive array of fresh and creative seafood and meats, this restaurant overlooking Commencement Bay also has one of the best breakfasts in Tacoma. While the regular dinner menu can be a bit pricey for some, the lobster shop also has Twilight dinner specials offering a two- or three-course meal for a flat fee. Location: 4015 Ruston Way, Tacoma.
CI Shenanigan’s: Shenanigan’s has an open atmosphere right on the water with large windows overlooking the bay. The kitchen here offers steaks, seafood, chicken and a good variety of starter salads at affordable prices. Location: 3017 Ruston Way, Tacoma.
6th Avenue Restaurants
The restaurants on Sixth Avenue aren’t as exclusive as the downtown options, and they don’t have views of the coastal water, but what they do have is proximity to clubs and bars for a night out.
Asado: Asado has a unique Argentine menu, complete with Argentine wine. Steaks and Black Angus beef are grilled over mesquite, fresh seafood is seared and grilled with interesting spices, and there are plenty of meatless options too. Location: 2810 6th Avenue, Tacoma.
Primo Grill: An apple wood grill exudes delicious smells throughout this Mediterranean restaurant. The flavors of Italy and France are mixed in wood-fired pizzas, pastas and main dishes. Happy Hour brings heavily discounted pizzas along with select drinks at special prices as well. A fun and colorful atmosphere gives Primo Grill a lighter feel than many upscale restaurants. Location: 2701 6th Ave, Tacoma.
One more
Stanley and Seafort – Perched high in the city with views that trump any other restaurant in town, Stanley and Seafort is one of Tacoma’s quintessential dining experiences. The menu offers hot and cold appetizers, seafood, meat and poultry, and some vegetarian options. Location: 115 East 34th Street, Tacoma.
