Take a journey through the refined culinary landscape of the top fine dining restaurants in Tacoma to discover some of the most exquisite food that the city has to offer. This impressive assortment of upscale establishments blends seamlessly into the vibrant fabric of the city while serving meals made to entice all the senses.
While some restaurants take you back in time to a bygone era, others stand out through spectacular views and décor. From classic steakhouses to seafood and Italian, there’s something to satisfy every discerning palate. In this list, we’ll explore Tacoma’s best fine dining restaurants, where the fusion of taste, ambiance, and impeccable service combine to create unforgettable dining experiences.
Gino’s at the Point
With over 19 years of business and three unique locations around Puget Sound, Gino’s Restaurants know how to make you feel like royalty. Since Gino’s at the Point opened in Northeast Tacoma in 2019, they have upheld the restaurant chain’s reputation by serving skillfully crafted dishes and drinks alongside expert service and a beautiful setting.
The menu at Gino’s is a blend of Italian-inspired pasta, mouthwatering meats, and perfectly prepared seafood dishes. The scallops served atop Dungeness Crab-filled ravioli are a customer favorite, as is the Twin Tenderloins dish served with garlic mashed potatoes. There’s also the Surf & Turf for those who can’t choose, which includes both an 8 oz filet mignon and a 5 oz lobster tail.
This Tacoma fine dining restaurant is an excellent choice for special occasions. Their layout and seating options are more limited than others on this list, allowing for an intimate atmosphere with an attentive staff. Of course, a bit more seating can be found on the deck when weather permits with the added perk of stunning views of the sound and Dash Point.
Gino’s at the Point is open from 4 – 8 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday and Sunday, as well as from 4 – 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Stanley & Seafort’s
Nestled high up in the Dome District, one of the most unique features of Stanley & Seafort’s is the impressive views of the city and Commencement Bay. Pair that with an extensive menu featuring classic American grill fare and you have a fine dining restaurant that covers all the bases.
Although many of the dishes at Stanely & Seafort’s may sound familiar, there’s no lack of creativity regarding the combination of ingredients or the wonderful arrangements. The menu is packed with plates featuring fish and seafood as well as beef and fowl, while the curated list of wines is even longer.
As a Tacoma landmark, Stanley & Seafort’s caters to the needs and wants of the community. In addition to their daily dining room, they also host regular events and offer bookings for private and semi-private events. Their dining room is open Sunday – Thursday from 3 – 9 p.m. and Friday – Saturday from 3 – 10 p.m.
El Gaucho Tacoma
The first El Gaucho was a fine dining steakhouse in downtown Seattle from 1953 – 1985, but several locations have opened throughout Western Washington since then. The Tacoma location was opened in 1996 by a former employee of the original location, and every aspect of the service draws back to the original restaurant’s old-world charm.
Entering El Gaucho Tacoma is like stepping into a time machine. Waiters and waitresses are dressed to the nines in black and white tuxedos, while pristine white tablecloths and red carpets create an air of elegance and sophistication. And if that doesn’t make you feel like a million bucks, then the captivating tableside food and cocktail preparations, complete with high-flying flames and expert execution, are sure to do the trick.
The focus of the menu at El Gaucho is steaks and chops, though several seafood and poultry options are also available. While the two nightly seafood selections are based on seasonal availability, all beef cuts come from a 28-day dry-aged Niman Ranch Prime Certified Angus Beef®. Some customer favorites include the filet mignon, the Flaming Sword Brochette of Tenderloin, as well as the bananas Foster for dessert.
El Gaucho Tacoma opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday, with the party seated at 9 p.m.
The Melting Pot
There’s no better combination of fun and sophistication than fondue, and The Melting Pot offers it in every possible flavor. Not only is fondue an engaging way to enjoy a meal, but it adds a unique layer of community and exploration to the dining experience. Whether savory melted cheese or decadent chocolate makes your mouth water, this Tacoma restaurant is a must-try.
The Melting Pot offers both fixed and seasonal options. The customizable menu allows guests to choose how much food and what combinations they’d like to try. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, and their creative house cocktails pair perfectly with any meal. Try a cheese fondue, salad, entrée, and chocolate fondue with the 4-Course Experience for two, and visit during the week to take advantage of weekly discounts and specials.
The Melting Pot is open daily starting at 4 p.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends. Happy hour happens daily in the bar and lounge between 4 and 7 p.m., and takeout is also available.
Cliff House Restaurant
Located on a bluff in Northeastern Tacoma, Cliff House Restaurants enjoys spectacular views of Commencement Bay, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Tacoma skyline. Serving the city since 1925, this fine dining restaurant is a Tacoma landmark that has brought excellent food with equally impressive service to the city for nearly a century.
The menu at Cliff House Restaurant is a wonderful balance of seafood and steak entrees alongside more casual fare like pasta and sandwiches. Popular dishes include the house-made clam chowder, the New York steak, and the chicken Marsala.
In addition to the main dining room, the Cliff House also features a Martini Lounge with its own menu of bar bites. The selection of drinks includes classic cocktails and an international assortment of wine. Enjoy a selection of these at discounted prices during the happy hour, which happens daily from 3 until 6 p.m. as well as during NFL games.
Dining at the Cliff House Restaurant starts at 5 p.m. daily and is by reservation only, though take-out is also available.
Asado
Asado Cucina Argentina is all about preparing delicious meats while bringing the community together. Since 2005, they have been a place to gather and feast in the popular 6th Avenue district, and they continue to thrive as one of Tacoma’s best fine dining restaurants.
The spacious restaurant has a ranch theme with a mix of tables and bench booth seating intended to allow neighbors the opportunity to mingle. Low lighting creates a moody ambiance as smoke from the mesquite grill fills the display kitchen and grilled meats sizzle in the background.
The flavor-forward menu is primarily comprised of a selection of steak, seafood, and cocktails, each with a unique Argentinian flair. The ingredients are fresh and the combinations are impeccable. Some customer favorites include the Parilla Mixta, which combines skewered skirt steak, jumbo prawns, and chorizo sausage, as well as the Pappardelle, made with fresh pasta, lamb ragu, and house-made ricotta.
Dinner is served daily from 4 – 10 p.m., and the bar stays open an hour later.
West 122
Nothing tastes better than food made with fresh, local ingredients, and West 122 knows how to prepare them to perfection. This Tacoma fine dining restaurant features a scratch kitchen with an ever-changing menu highlighting some of the Pacific Northwest’s best offerings in a cozy nautical setting.
With warm wood accents and artfully placed décor inspired by the tentacles of the legendary sea Kraken, West 122 enjoys a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that feels a lot like being on a ship at sea. Dishes like the popular Wild Salmon Tartare appetizer and the Halibut Olympus utilized dive deeper into this coastal theme, while the selections of homemade pasta and hearty steaks and chops are equally delicious.
The menu is based on the region’s best seasonal offerings and the staff is always eager and ready to inform guests of the current menu options. Their hand-crafted cocktails also make the perfect accompaniment to any plate, with some favorites including unique takes on classics like the Watermelon Margarita and the Avo-colada Daiquiri.
The kids will have to stay home as this is a 21-and-over establishment. West 122 is open Tuesday – Saturday from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. during the week and 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. A special Golden Hour menu is also available from 4 – 6 p.m., discounting select food items to accompany an after-work cocktail.
The Table
Flavorful dishes made with hearty, nourishing ingredients are front and center at The Table. Between the attentive staff and the carefully crafted flavor combinations, this Tacoma fine dining restaurant focuses on high-quality ingredients to create dishes that bring the community together.
The Table is continuously changing and adapting its menu to offer the freshest ingredients and the meals that customers love. Favorites include the Braised Elk and the Pork Belly Bacon Mushroom Risotto, all made with seasonal, fresh, and sustainably produced ingredients. Duck is also at the forefront of the menu, with both grilled duck and foie gras available to order.
The Table has a casual chic atmosphere with an open view of the kitchen for guests to watch as their meal is prepared. The bar also does an excellent job of serving expertly crafted cocktails and carefully selected wines from around the world, with the restaurant’s multiple awards including the 2019 Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator.
The Table is open from 5 – 9 p.m. Monday – Thursday and Saturday, as well as from 5:30 – 9 p.m. on Fridays.
Cuerno Bravo Prime Steakhouse & Cantina
Cuerno Bravo Prime Steakhouse & Cantina goes far beyond the menu to bring guests a full sensory experience. Between the friendly staff, a gorgeous seating area, and an assortment of dishes made with only the highest quality ingredients, Cuervo Bravo is undoubtedly one of the best fine dining restaurants in Tacoma.
Only cuts of the finest meats are served at Cuerno Bravo, including a selection of Luxury Barley-fed Angus, American Cross Wagyu, Fullblood Australian Wagyu, and Japanese A5 Wagyu. Bird and fish options are also available, as are a variety of cocktails and appetizers. Try the popular Tuetano, a serving of bone marrow served with cotija cheese and a side of crostini, for a unique and nourishing appetizer to start your meal.
As you enter the restaurant, you’ll walk past magnificently decorative trees with branches that stretch out between ornamental hanging lights and rows of tables and booths. The interior is spacious, yet welcoming, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Open daily from 4 – 10 p.m., Cuerno Bravo is dine-in only and reservations are recommended.
The Lobster Shop
Situated along the shores of Ruston Way, The Lobster Shop enjoys breathtaking views of Commencement Bay paired with an extensive menu of fresh and artfully crafted seafood. Serving the area since 1981, this fine dining restaurant has proven its commitment to using quality ingredients and providing a top-notch experience for guests.
The outer walls of the large dining space are lined with windows framing spectacular views of the bay and Puget Sound. Outdoor seating extends the space on clear days, while nautical décor and a live fish tank continue the maritime theme inside.
Both lunch and dinner are available at The Lobster Shop, with dishes including fresh Pacific Northwest fish and seafood as well as top-quality American Wagyu steak. Popular menu options include the hearty crab cakes, perfectly cooked King Salmon, and the scrumptious lobster roll. An extensive selection of wine provides plenty of pairing options while a curated collection of spirits ensures quality in every cocktail.
Lunch is served daily from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., while dinner starts at 4 p.m. on weekdays and at 3 p.m. on weekends. Happy hour also occurs in the bar and lounge every Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 p.m. and includes a progressive oyster happy hour which prices oysters at $2 at 3 p.m. and increases the cost by $1 every hour.
Over the Moon Café
Not only do we love Over the Moon Café for its intimate atmosphere and quirky décor, but also for the attention to detail in each of their meals. The rotating menu ensures a fresh seasonal variety of ingredients, while the attentive staff is prepared to provide a warm and enjoyable experience.
Nestled on Opera Alley adjacent to the Historic Downtown District, Over the Moon Café has easily been one of The Best 10 Downtown Tacoma Restaurants since it opened in 2001. The cozy interior takes advantage of every square inch of the space, filling it with colorful and eclectic décor that creates a classy ambiance with Alice in Wonderland vibes. Cushioned armchairs sit below ornamental hanging lights that illuminate the assortment of fun and colorful artwork adorning the walls.
The menu is updated with the season, while customer favorites are carefully rotated as well. Their meals draw inspiration from both French and Italian comfort foods, with customer favorites including the braised short rib ragu, the crab bisque, and the Cioppino, which features a seafood blend in a garlic tomato sauce. A selection of fun house cocktails is also available, such as the Red Tide Empress made with gin, Prosecco, simple syrup, and lemon, and the Cabo Coffee, made with local Valhalla Coffee, Cimmaron Blanco Tequila, Kahlua, and cream.
Over the Moon Café is open Tuesday – Thursday from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. and until 9:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Marzano Italian Restaurant
Since 1988, a mother-and-son duo has brought authentic Italian food to the city in an intimate and homey setting. Serving house-made pasta and Northwestern seafood on the edge of Tacoma and Parkland, Marzano Italian Restaurant is the perfect place for a date night or get together.
Not only is the dinner menu comprised of decadent dishes served in beautiful arrangements, but there is an abundance of options. From pizza, pasta, and salads to a variety of entrées, each dish features a skillfully crafted combination of flavors derived from fresh and regional ingredients. Popular dishes include the sauteed calamari and the lasagna Bolognese, while the tiramisu is a favorite dessert.
The setting is quaint and inviting. Plenty of windows throughout the restaurant allow natural light to shine in, while chandeliers, rugs, and decorative curtains add ornamental. Ample seating is available in multiple rooms, though reservations are recommended for groups of five or more.
The dinner menu is served from 4 – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday and 4 – 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. There’s also a happy hour that discounts daily wines as well as draft beers and ciders Tuesday – Friday from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Takeout orders can also be placed throughout the week, with all bottles of wine offered at 30% below the list price.
