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Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Tacoma

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance 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!

A photo of Over The Moon Cafe restaurant

Over The Moon Cafe

4.9

4.9 (2581)

$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

K

Kay

Dined 3 days ago

We had a lovely meal as we celebrated our 52nd anniversary. Perhaps the best part was our server, who was attentive but not intrusive. She was very professional, and very pleasant!

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A photo of Crab Bisque of a restaurant

A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Marzano Italian Restaurant restaurant

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

C

Christie

Dined 3 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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A photo of Lasagna Bolognese of a restaurant

Lasagna Bolognese

A photo of Spaghetti Bolognese of a restaurant

Spaghetti Bolognese

A photo of Carbonara of a restaurant

A photo of Anthony's - Gig Harbor restaurant

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

D

Debi

Dined 4 days ago

So many great lunch choices! Our meals were great. And our server was WONDERFUL!! You can't beat the view. We had a really nice holiday lunch!

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A photo of Seafood Fettuccine of a restaurant

Seafood Fettuccine

A photo of Toscanos Italian Grill restaurant

Toscanos Italian Grill

4.8

4.8 (490)

$30 and under

Italian

Puyallup

About the restaurant

Toscanos Italian Grill, located in Puyallup, Washington, is an Italian casual dining restaurant serving a wide variety of fresh seafood, fine wines and aged steaks. The soft lights in the dining room along with the warm wood create a cozy atmosphere to enjoy a glass of wine with a meal prepared with the finest and freshest ingredients available at Toscanos Italian Grill.

Start out your meal with one of the restaurant’s many appetizers such as our Signature Martini Clams. In addition to an extensive dinner menu featuring perfectly cooked aged steaks, Toscanos Italian Grill serves happy hour seven days a week from 3p to 5p. The restaurant also offers two private dining areas. To go regular menu, as well as family sized meals, and to go. Order our menu for take out at https://www.toasttab.com/toscanos-italian-grill

Top review

R

Robert

Dined 6 days ago

Five stars except for the value... Just a bit high $$. Thanks for the great time!

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A photo of Chicken Linguine of a restaurant

Chicken Linguine

A photo of Cavatappi & Sausage of a restaurant

Cavatappi & Sausage

A photo of Spaghetti Bolognese of a restaurant

Spaghetti Bolognese

A photo of Duke's Seafood - Tacoma restaurant

Duke's Seafood - Tacoma

4.8

4.8 (3509)

$30 and under

Seafood

Tacoma

About the restaurant

Duke's Tacoma is an upscale casual Pacific Northwest seafood restaurant located on Ruston Way with spectacular waterfront dining and views. Duke's offers signature, flavorful, 100% sustainable wild seafood, Award Winning Chowder and grass fed burgers in a gathering place that is friendly, comfortable, unpretentious and filled with personality. We only source all natural, healthful ingredients. Duke's food is free of hormones, antibiotics and free of harmful chemicals. Guests sum up their favorable assessment of what Duke's has to offer with three words: It’s so good!

When making a reservation at Duke's Tacoma, should you have a preference for either indoor or outdoor seating please let us know. While we cannot guarantee outdoor seating we will do our very best to accommodate your preference.

Top review

R

Raney

Dined 1 day ago

Both food and service were outstanding. Our server, Wade, was attentive and friendly without being overbearing. One of our party has gluten issues, and he took special care to see that those needs were taken care of. One of the best restaurants in the area.

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A photo of "I Want You So Bad" Marionberry Pie of a restaurant

"I Want You So Bad" Marionberry Pie

A photo of Incline Marionberry Cider of a restaurant

Incline Marionberry Cider

A photo of Happy Hour at Duke's Seafood - Tacoma of a restaurant

Happy Hour at Duke's Seafood - Tacoma

A photo of Brix 25 Restaurant restaurant

Brix 25 Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (1890)

$31 to $50

American

Gig Harbor

About the restaurant

Since its opening, Brix 25 Restaurant has been hailed as one of the best restaurants in the Northwest. Brix 25° is Seasonal Northwest Cuisine. Chef/Owner Thad Lyman updates the menu seasonally and whenever the mood strikes, working with his team in an open kitchen. The menu is rustic and refined, rooted in Northwest products, embellished with classic cooking techniques.

We are small and proud to be an intimate restaurant. Being smaller allows us to focus on delicious food, inventive hand crafted cocktails and a curated, Northwest focused wine list.

Located on the waterfront in downtown Gig Harbor, our foremost goal is that every guest has a memorable experience. Brix 25 is the perfect fine dining experience for romantic occasions, anniversary's, family gatherings, business dinners or just because.

Top review

D

Dennis

Dined 6 days ago

Very tasty cocktails with seasonal twists on some classics. Food was yummy as well

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A photo of Swiss Carrot Cake of a restaurant

Swiss Carrot Cake

A photo of Halibut Confit of a restaurant

A photo of McMenamins Elks Temple restaurant

McMenamins Elks Temple

4.6

4.6 (1757)

$30 and under

American

Tacoma

About the restaurant

McMenamins Elks Temple Pub serves classic Northwest fare in a room with a view. You can’t help but gaze through the soaring windows toward Foss Waterway, but be sure to look up, too, for a fantastic display of chandeliers. From early breakfasts to late night cocktails, the pub is open to all ages serving breakfast classics like benedicts and scrambles, and for dinner elevated burgers and pizzas with an ever changing seasonal menu inspired by the Pacific Northwest.
*Patio seating is first come first serve.

Top review

S

Samantha

Dined 6 days ago

This was fabulous for our large group. Excellent food and friendly service. A winner every time.

A photo of Green.House restaurant

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

J

Jeanne

Dined 4 days ago

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

A photo of The Windmill Bistro restaurant

The Windmill Bistro

4.8

4.8 (702)

$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

A

Alice

Dined 4 days ago

Friendly, awesome service and server. Food was excellent!

A photo of Copper & Salt Northwest Kitchen restaurant

Copper & Salt Northwest Kitchen

4.5

4.5 (858)

$31 to $50

American

Tacoma

About the restaurant

Join us for a unique experience with an amazing view:

Breakfast Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:00am to 11:00am/
Lunch Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11:00am to 3:00pm/
Brunch Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 2:00pm/
Dinner Daily from 4:00pm to 10:00pm/
Select Happy Hour daily 3:00pm to 5:00pm/
New Late-Night Menu available 10:00pm to 11:00pm Friday and Saturday/

We offer complimentary Valet service for guests dining at Copper & Salt. We do not validate parking outside of our Valet service.

Top review

B

Brent

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

We recently visited the Copper & Salt Northwest Kitchen on a weekday evening for a special occasion. The environment is very nice with a great view of the Sound! But during our visit a table was occupied by a single individual wearing headphones and working on a computer. Meanwhile our “special seating” was away from the window, and in part looking over the lone person working at a table for four. The staff was friendly and helpful, except for the bartender. She ignored me, then acknowledged me when I took another place on the other end of the bar, told me she’d be right back, and then ignored me long enough that I walked away and wasn’t served. Our dinner began with the House Whipped Ricotta, which was excellent! But beyond that, the meal we had wasn’t exceptional. We enjoyed our halibut and seafood buccatini, which were well prepared, but for this price, this review should reflect a much better experience. The Copper & Salt is a very good restaurant, but we’ll continue to look for a place for our special celebrations.

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