Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Tacoma

Welcome to the luxuriant El Gaucho which takes its fine dining motive quite seriously. Dedicated to providing the most exquisite fine dining experience, El Gaucho serves sophisticated gourmet food of a very high standard. The dimly lit restaurant with rich wood accents gives the place a very romantic and pleasant aura. The wine list is stellar, perfectly in tune with the restaurants fine dining experience. From the risotto to the lobster medallions to the melt-in-your-mouth steaks and succulent scallops; every dish on the menu is a winner. The staff is quite friendly and can assist you in your wine selection or suggest the perfect entree pairing.

Located in the international district of Seattle and established in 1904, Maneki continues to offer traditional and authentic Japanese sushi and dishes at shockingly reasonable prices. Menu items include spider rolls, ten-zaru soba noodles, gyozas, chicken karaage, avacado ponzu and much more. Make a reservation for your group and enjoy your meal in a Tatami room, where you can try the traditional Japanese-style seating on the floor. Try a sake from the bar, which is open daily until midnight.

Located in Pioneer Square, this elegant, romantic restaurant features a very impressive menu of Italian classics. The antipasti are favorite starters, and customers return again and again for popular pasta, seafood, veal, beef and lamb entrees, such as the Osso Buco and New York steak with truffle oil. Leave room for the Tiramisu, which some call Seattle's best. The wine list focuses on wines from Italy, California and the Northwest. Guests can dine in a simple yet elegant dining room or through the French doors on the courtyard terrace.

Fans of Thai food that find themselves near the airport should stop by this restaurant. If you can judge the quality of a restaurant by the number of its faithful patrons, then this is one of the best of its kind around. The casual, '60s drive-in building gives the restaurant a relaxed atmosphere. The food is authentic Thai, and if you are not familiar with the dishes there are color photos to help you make your decision. Meat-eaters and vegetarians alike will be happy with the selections. Tofu can be added as a replacement for meat in any of the dishes. The marinated chicken is addictive, as is the green vegetable curry.

You're not likely to stumble across this romantic Italian restaurant accidentally since it's secluded on a residential street. But once you try something from the menu and you'll have the answer as to why the crowds pack this place. With a variety of gourmet pizzas, braised meats and flavorful pasta dishes, La Rustica is a culinary hot-spot. The view of Puget Sound from the front windows is also spectacular and only adds to the dining experience.

Traditional decor meets Pacific Northwest style in this West Seattle restaurant. Truly a great place to take a date, Buddah Ruksa's elegant surroundings, chic style and a full cocktail bar make it ideal. Oh, and the food: you can't go wrong with one of the usual Thai favorites, but the crispy garlic chicken earns particularly high marks. If you are a fan of spicy, try making your dish "level 5" spicy, but don't say you weren't warned.