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Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Tacoma

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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 favourite 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

H

hermanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

I always enjoy MARZANO. The service is first rate, choices/specials are a splendid variation from the already spectacular menu. My go to spot for fresh Italian FOOD and great wines when traveling in the PACNW.

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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 Primo Grill restaurant

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

P

Patti

Dined 2 days ago

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

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A photo of Hazelnut Brownie Sundae of a restaurant

Hazelnut Brownie Sundae

A photo of Tagliatelle of a restaurant

A photo of Salami of a restaurant

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 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

F

FrankVIP

Dined 2 days ago

GreenHouse provided a great experience for our pre holiday dinner with friends. The restaurant was appropriately decorated and festive. Our waiter, Benjamin, expertly guided our menu choices and was very attentive. Our friends decided on the Chateaubriand for two which they thoroughly enjoyed. It was carved table side by one of the chefs from the kitchen. It was cooked perfectly to medium rare. Kudos to all.

A photo of Pimienta Bistro and Bar restaurant

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

M

Mary

Dined 6 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.

A photo of Mama Stortini's - Federal Way restaurant

Mama Stortini's - Federal Way

4.7

4.7 (401)

$30 and under

American

Federal Way

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

B

barb

Dined 4 days ago

The atmosphere was excellent The service was superb The food was good Chocolate martinis excellent Really enjoyed our lunch The only downfall is, I had to ask the manager to turn down the music you couldn’t even hear each other talk Will definitely be back again Our leader from the Netherlands was excellent

A photo of Tokyo Japanese Steak House restaurant

Tokyo Japanese Steak House

4.5

4.5 (426)

$31 to $50

Japanese (Hibachi)

Federal Way

About the restaurant

Experience the excitement of Teppanyaki table side grilling at Tokyo Steak House. This artistic and entertaining style of cooking is a favorite to the thousands of guests we have served since 1998 at our Federal Way restaurant. Fresh seafood, steaks, vegetables and rice are perfectly seasoned and grilled to order.

Tokyo Steak House guests dine grill side experiencing the authentic cooking skills of our talented chefs who juggle hot flames and sharp knives while artistically create a delicious meal for their guests. Our guests relish in the aroma of our special herbs and seasonings and enjoy a completed meal fresh off the grill.

At Tokyo Steak House we serve only the highest quality product and strive to give the best service possible.

Top review

M

Mauricio

Dined 6 days ago

Had a bday reservation here and was excellent. from service, food and the chef. Glad we got a good chef and did a whole table involved and great energy we had to tip him! great experience, portions and bday! we had to other sit with my group of 7 and they were lovely and wished us a happy birthday! is bit pricy but worth it for a nice experience. fyi MAKE A RESERVATION place is PACKED!

A photo of The Melting Pot - Tacoma restaurant

The Melting Pot - Tacoma

4.2

4.2 (2874)

$50 and over

Fondue

Tacoma

About the restaurant

Located in historic downtown Tacoma, The Melting Pot provides a unique, interactive dining experience in a casually elegant, intimate atmosphere. Stop into our gourmet fondue restaurant after a concert at The Tacoma Dome, a visit to The Tacoma Art Museum to see the Dale Chihuly Museum of Glass, or a family outing at the Point Defiance Zoo. Choose from 1, 2, 3, or more courses, including savory cheeses prepared tableside, fresh salads with house-made dressings, tempting meats and seafood, and of course, creamy chocolate fondue served with an array of delicious dippers. Complement your selections with a specialty cocktail, craft beer, or glass of wine from our extensive wine list. No matter what menu items you choose, or how many courses you order, we encourage you to savor every moment.

Top review

S

Starlene

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Absolutely wonderful! We come for my birthday (or around) every year and it is a consistently fabulous experience! The menu has changed back and forth a bit, but we always find either new styles to try or old favorites. The staff are always top notch and the ambiance is unlike any other. They really make your celebration special! I also like it that the experience is slow paced so you can savor the experience. Don't go with someone you don't like talking to! We'll be back next year or before.

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A photo of Sparkling Chocolate Fondue of a restaurant

Sparkling Chocolate Fondue

A photo of Pure Chocolate Fondue of a restaurant

Pure Chocolate Fondue

A photo of Chocolate Milk of a restaurant

A photo of Slahal Restaurant and Bar restaurant

Slahal Restaurant and Bar

4.2

4.2 (300)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Tacoma

About the restaurant

Introducing Slahal Steakhouse: A wonderful addition to Tacoma's upscale dining scene. Pairing classic steakhouse cuisine with stunning views of the City, Commencement Bay, Mount Rainer, and the Olympic Mountains, Slahal Steakhouse offers an unparalleled dining experience.

Located on the 11th floor of the EQC Tacoma Hotel Tower. Families welcome.

Top review

J

janet

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Filet mignon was fabulous! Tomahawk was a showstopper, and good. Beet salad was more greens than beets. Smashed (mashed) potatoes were yummy. Server was attentive and respectful. Ambience leaves much to be desired. Too bright lighting. Not an intimate atmosphere.

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