Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Tacoma

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Tacoma? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Over The Moon Cafe

4.9

4.9 (2584)

$31 to $50

American

Tacoma

About the restaurant

Small and romantic we specialize in celebrations with family and friends, or just a quiet dinner with good conversation. We are family owned and operated and have been serving our community since 2001.

Drive in to Opera Alley and be transported. We strive to bring approachable food and beverage, a sense of comfort and community, as well as a unique and quality dining experience. We call ourselves a "cafe" in the sense that we are not pretentious and offer a fine dining experience in an atmosphere of comfort and respite.

Parking in Opera Alley, and downtown, can be a bit of a challenge, especially on the weekends, so please be sure to give yourself plenty of time when making reservations to find a parking space, or consider a night off from driving and get an Uber or Lift!! Eat good food often, break bread with friends and family, spend time with those you love, and we will see you soon.

Top review

RenataVIP

Dined 1 day ago

We love this restaurant, great ambience, menu, ingredients, cocktails, staff, perfect all around!

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Marzano Italian Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (713)

$30 and under

Italian

Parkland

About the restaurant

The chefs at Marzano's attain the freshest ingredients to prepare authentic Italian cuisine. Owner Elisa Marzano grew up in Vicenza, Italy, and consistently refers to these roots to design Marzano's unique yet classic menu. Once a quaint two-bedroom home, the restaurant was transformed but still keeps the rustic, home-like feel for an inviting, welcoming atmosphere. The pleasing combination of intimate lighting and natural window light make it the ideal spot for either lunch or dinner. A top menu choice is the boscaiola, which features a creamy tomato and Bolognese sauce over rigatoni pasta, topped with various spices and forest mushrooms. Guests can enjoy complimentary bread and salad with every entree, so eating at Marzano's can ensure a satisfied appetite. Marzano's also aims to please those with various dietary needs, such as diners who desire gluten-free options.

Top review

Christie

Dined 4 days ago

Marzano is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. The atmosphere is cozy and the food is fabulous and very inventive. Love this gem in Parkland.

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4.8

4.8 (1745)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Tacoma

About the restaurant

Primo Grill is a chef driven Mediterranean by Northwest restaurant showcasing the best of local bounty. Local wild caught fish, meats from local farms and foraged produce feature from the grill and brick oven. Owners Chef Charlie McManus and Jacqueline Plattner offer a relaxed yet sophisticated experience with an emphasis on Washington wines and hand muddled artisanal cocktails.

Top review

Patti

Dined 3 days ago

The food was excellent! Everything was great . We will definitely be back.

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Popular dish

Hazelnut Brownie Sundae

4.8

4.8 (1283)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Gig Harbor

About the restaurant

Experience the freshest family favorites in Uptown Gig Harbor at the Greenhouse restaurant. This casual, family-friendly eatery features seasonal menus, bursting with local produce, seafood and spirits. Helmed by renowned chef Erik Smith, each dish is created to order, using responsibly, locally sourced ingredients, artfully prepared and plated in an elegant, inviting ambience.

Greenhouse features full lunch and dinner menus, as well as appetizers, small and large bites and decadent desserts that change daily. It also offers a special Twilight Menu, with three-course meals ranging from light to hearty fare, and a Happy Hour menu that is featured in the bar. The extensive wine and beer list also changes daily, spotlighting local microbreweries and wineries, as well as perennial favorites that pair perfectly with the menu options. Greenhouse is open for lunch and dinner; information about private bookings for parties, meetings, receptions and corporate events is available on request.

Top review

Jeanne

Dined 5 days ago

Always a nice place for a girl's lunch. Be sure to make reservations.

Pimienta Bistro and Bar

4.8

4.8 (520)

$30 and under

Fusion / Eclectic

Federal Way

About the restaurant

Pimienta Bistro and Bar is an urban fusion of Latin American cuisine. Chef Blanca Rodriguez takes great care to create a delectable piece of art for every guest, appealing to every sense.

We strive to provide exemplary service each and every visit for our guests. We invite you to our restaurant, where you will find a combination of an eclectic, rustic atmosphere that captures the best of European cuisine with a Latin American flair.

Our mission is to create something memorable with every dish we present our guests. And with every delectable plate,

we will deliver a superior service making us a stand-alone restaurant in our neighborhood.

We love our friends and neighbors from NE Tacoma, Brown’s Point and Federal Way that frequently drop by for a delicious weekday meal or for leisurely weekend dining.

We also enjoy the regular visits from our friends in Oregon and others on their travels throughout the Seattle-Metro area.

Top review

Mary

Dined 7 days ago

You can always count on excellent food with Chef Blanca. We had the scallops, lamb and prawns and tried every dessert. Each one was a masterpiece. Her cocktails alone are worth the trip. This time we really enjoyed the music as well. This is an intimate place run by wonderful people. Our server was fantastic, personable, knowledgeable and observant. She was on top of every detail.

The Windmill Bistro

4.8

4.8 (703)

$30 and under

American

Sumner

About the restaurant

Located at Windmill Gardens, The Bistro is an upscale casual restaurant that serves a seasonal, made-from scratch menu in a refreshing atmosphere featuring a loft wine lounge and outdoor dining garden.

We invite you to join us. Come relax and enjoy delicious food and the best service you’ll find anywhere.

Top review

Alice

Dined 5 days ago

Friendly, awesome service and server. Food was excellent!

Anthony's - Gig Harbor

4.7

4.7 (1891)

$30 and under

Seafood

Gig Harbor

About the restaurant

Welcome to Anthony's at Gig Harbor! Nestled in the Finholm Marketplace right on the Harbor offering outstanding views on the marina and Mt. Rainier. Enjoy premium Northwest seafood complemented by local produce, Northwest wines, mircrobrews and more. You can also enjoy downstairs in our Shoreline Room lounge, which has a cozy atmosphere and creates a sense of being right on the water.

Top review

Ann

Dined 5 days ago

beautiful setting, great food and service ........

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Popular dish

Seafood Fettuccine

Mama Stortini's - Puyallup

4.6

4.6 (1118)

$30 and under

American

Puyallup

About the restaurant

Mama Stortini’s is home to a delicious blend of Pacific Northwest and Southern and Coastal Italian flavors. Popular pastas, fresh British Columbia salmon, crispy thin crust pizzas, juicy burgers and much more – there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Mama’s. Locally owned, locally loved. We strive to make you feel right at home!

Top review

Leslie

Dined 2 days ago

Another great dining experience at Mama Stortini's.

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Black Angus Steakhouse - Federal Way

4.6

4.6 (2832)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Federal Way

About the restaurant

WE’VE BEEN MASTERING OUR CRAFT SINCE 1964, so you could say we know a thing or two. Our cuts are aged at least 21 days, seasoned to excellence, expertly flame-grilled and served up just the way you like it. You’ve earned it. Whether you’re here to throw back a couple with old friends or trying to finish off the High Noon Feast on you own, there’s always a seat for you. So here’s to the nights you can’t remember and the steaks you won’t forget. To learn more visit www.blackangus.com.

Top review

Toni

Dined 6 days ago

Took my friend for a thank you dinner , love everything Black Angus has to offer from greeting at the door to quite table so we can visit plus the deal , 2 meals for $50.00 plus appetizers & dessert , where can you get that in this economy. Our server is wonderful & efficient, she space our meal perfectly, so we have time to visit plus enjoy our meals. We will be back in February for our birthday .

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4.5

4.5 (471)

$31 to $50

Italian

Tacoma

About the restaurant

We’ve moved to Tock for all future reservations! Please book your upcoming appointments through our new platform at https://www.exploretock.com/ginos-at-the-point-tacoma/ feel free to give us a call at 253-242-7951 if you need assistance. We look forward to welcoming you!

Top review

Lori

Dined on Nov 15, 2024

We enjoyed our dinner and time at the restaurant. The atmosphere was easy going and the service was perfect. Highly recommend

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