Considered one of the most underrated cities in Washington when it comes to its food landscape, it’s always a good idea to do your research when looking for the best dining spots in town.
If you can’t control your “hangriness” any longer, try your luck and visit en Rama or Lobster Shop! These two restaurants are absolute must-tries in the city.
So, here are the top Tacoma restaurants that deserve your attention:
🍕 Are you a foodie? Check out these top-rated Seattle food tours!
1. en Rama
With its cozy ambiance and thoughtfully crafted small plates, en Rama brings a Mediterranean charm to downtown Tacoma.
Their Pimento Cheese is a delightful blend of tangy, spicy, and creamy, especially when paired with their berried onion compote.
The Mussels, smothered in a white wine butter sauce, achieve a perfect balance of tanginess and richness.
And the Charcuterie board? It’s a sin to ignore. Coupled with attentive service and curated cocktails, a memorable visit to this intimate gastropub awaits.
What to order: Pimento Cheese, Mussels, Charcuterie
Address: 1102 A St Suite 220, Tacoma, WA 98402
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2. Lobster Shop
Boasting views of the Olympic Mountain Range and Mount Rainier, Lobster Shop promises a quintessential Pacific Northwest dining experience.
Their renowned Lobster Bisque is a creamy blend of rich lobster flavor, while the Vegan Mushroom Scallops is an indulgent example of inventive plant-based cuisine.
Cap it off with the decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake, and you have the recipe for a memorable meal that’s enhanced by attentive service and an inviting atmosphere.
What to order: Lobster Bisque, Vegan Mushroom Scallops, Flourless Chocolate Cake
Address: 4015 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98402
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3. El Gaucho Tacoma
If you’re seeking upscale, immersive dining, El Gaucho Tacoma is where elegance marries showmanship.
Their Steak El Gaucho embodies perfection with a tender, smoky flavor, complemented by delectable lobster medallions and a rich béarnaise sauce.
The tableside Bananas Foster adds a touch of theatrics to your meal, while live jazz and spotless service bring romance in the air.
What to order: Steal El Gaucho, Dungeness Crab Cakes, Wicked Shrimp, Bananas Foster
Address: 2119 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402
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4. Over the Moon Cafe
Amid the brick walls and bold decor of Over the Moon Cafe, you’ll find a seasonal menu that masterfully balances French and Italian influences.
The Crab Bisque is a luscious delight, brimming with fresh crab in a velvety base.
Their Braised Short Rib Ragu is a divine combination of fall-apart short ribs and a rich, hearty sauce.
Pair it all with a Vieux Carré cocktail, and you’ll understand why diners can’t wait to return.
What to order: Crab Bisque, Braised Short Rib Ragu, Jumbo Shrimp, Vieux Carré
Address: 709 Opera Valley, Tacoma, WA 98402
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5. Wooden City Tacoma
Beneath the cool industrial-chic ambiance of Wooden City Tacoma, savor comforting American fare that scores high across the board.
The Spicy Lamb Rigatoni is a well-balanced orchestra of flavors, combining house-made lamb sausage and a bold vodka sauce with the zesty notes of Calabrian chili.
Meanwhile, the Smoked Salmon Toast pairs a delicate egg mousse with smoky salmon and the bright tang of pickled onions – an irresistible dish.
With attentiveness to match, this is one spot worth coming back to.
What to order: Spicy Lamb Rigatoni, Smoked Salmon Toast, Blistered Hungarian Peppers, Apple Crisp
Address: 714 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
6. Indo Asian Street Eatery
Tucked within Tacoma’s historic Stadium District, Indo Asian Street Eatery wows guests with an impressive selection of Southeast Asian dishes.
The Fresh Spring Rolls, packed with shrimp and fresh vegetables, provide a crisp beginning.
The Pad Thai Chicken strikes a delightful balance between sweet and savory, while the Khao Soi Chicken combines rich coconut curry with thick egg noodles.
A hip and rustic interior complements the flavor; truly a must-visit for bold and comforting Asian fare.
What to order: Fresh Spring Rolls, Chinese Egg Rolls, Pad Thai Chicken, Khao Soi Chicken
Address: 110 N Tacoma Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98403
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7. Asado
Sizzle and smoke define Asado, a lively Argentine steakhouse where dishes are seared over a mesquite grill.
The Braised Lamb Shank is deeply flavorful and tender, while the Flat Iron Steak arrives cooked exactly as ordered, providing a succulent bite.
Their Beef and Lamb Empanadas pair rich meats with sweet dates and pine nuts, creating an irresistible filling.
Rustic yet vibrant, it’s a favorite gathering spot for friends and family to experience hearty South American cuisine.
What to order: Braised Lamb Shank, Flat Iron Steak, Beef and Lamb Empanadas
Address: 2810 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406
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8. Pomodoro Italian Restaurant & Bar
As if always saying “hello,” Pomodoro Italian Restaurant & Bar’s welcoming vibe is perfect for both lunch and dinner.
The Prawns Milano features expertly sautéed jumbo prawns and earthy mushrooms over linguine, all coated in a creamy, umami-rich marsala sauce.
The Smoked Salmon Penne enchants with its smoky fish and garlic cream sauce that’s rich and velvety.
This charming eatery makes Italian classics in generous portions that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
What to order: Prawns Milano, Smoked Salmon Penne, Seafood Medley
Address: 3819 N 26th Street, Tacoma, WA 98407
9. Loak Toung Thai
Loak Toung Thai wraps you in a warm, familial ambiance with its regional classics.
Their Red Curry is a coconut-infused delight with a fiery kick, perfect with rice and your choice of spice level.
The Panang Curry, rich and aromatic, bursts with veggies, and adding chicken or tofu makes it even more soulful. Don’t skip the spring rolls or papaya salad—fresh, zesty, and utterly crave-worthy, giving every bite a punch of flavor!
What to order: Red Curry, Panang Curry, Spicy Chicken Wings
Address: 3807 South Center Street, Tacoma, WA 98409
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10. Mandolin
Mandolin creates an energetic dining scene with its teppanyaki tables and chefs showcasing their skills at the grill.
The lobster and shrimp hibachi is a must, delivering seafood perfection with every bite.
Sushi fans can marvel at the Spicy California Roll or dive into the rare salmon belly sashimi, offering fresh, distinctive flavors.
Whether it’s the show or the sashimi, this lively spot ensures a memorable time with friends or coworkers.
What to order: Lobster and Shrimp (Hibachi), Spicy California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Mongolian Beef
Address: 3923 South 12th Street, Tacoma, WA 98405
11. Quickie Too
Quickie Too turns plant-based dining into a feast for the palate with their mouthwatering Mac & Yease trio and Crazy Jamaican Burger.
Their Philly cheesesteak wins raves with its gooey, cheesy delight, while the soulful hush puppies deliver a taste of home.
Servings are ample, so you’ll have plenty to savor later. Quickie Too’s thoughtful menu ensures vegans and non-vegans alike leave fully satisfied, with more to crave.What to order: Mac & Yease, Crazy Jamaican Burger, Sweet Jamaican Wrap
Address: 1324 ML King Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
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With Seattle close by, you’d really wish to “dig into” what the city has to offer in terms of food. Honestly, there are many restaurants that are totally worth a long wait for a reservation, and many internationally-inspired options as well.
Visit our best Seattle restaurants page to survey your options.
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.