The TFM Resident’s Michelin Guide to Restaurants in Tacoma. A list of some of the resident’s and faculty’s favorite dining spots. There are new places popping up weekly so feel free to add your recent discovery!
Mexican
Taqueria El Guadalajara
Classic Tex-Mex style meals close to the hospital. If you’re looking for big burritos, this is the place to go. $
110 N Tacoma Ave, Tacoma
(253) 779-8274
Vuelve la Vida
A popular hangout for the local Hispanics, you’ll have a choice between many authentic Mexican dishes including carnitas, mole poblano, hand-made corn tortillas and smoky hot sauce so addictive you’ll want to smuggle a bottle home. Mariachis serenading the guests complete the experience. $
5310 Pacific Ave, Tacoma
(253) 473-7068
Tacos Guaymas Of Tacoma
If you don’t mind the fast food-like atmosphere, this Seattle/Tacoma area taqueria will deliver the best soft corn tortilla tacos, flautas, quesadillas and burritos around. Be adventurous and sample the octopus-prawn cocktail – sabroso! $
2630 S 38th St, Tacoma
(253) 471-2224
Asian
Fujiya Japanese Restaurant
If you’ve got a craving for California rolls, miso soup and the best sushi in town, Fujiya will make you feel right at home. $$
1125 Court C, Tacoma
(253) 627-5319
Galanga Thai Cuisine
The owner and his Thai wife opened this downtown restaurant in 2004 and have become the spot for true Thai cuisine in Tacoma. Try the curries, noodle dishes and unique appetizers from a menu taken from a fine Bangkok establishment. $$
1129 Broadway, Tacoma
(253) 272-3393
East & West Café - Proctor
This popular Pan-Asian restaurant near the Tacoma Mall created a sister restaurant in the popular Proctor District in 2005. A wonderful mix of Southeast Asian flavors in a beautiful new setting. $$
2514 N Proctor St, Tacoma
(253) 756-5092
Le-Le Restaurant
When you’re on call and need a break from hospital food, try this wonderful Vietnamese place only two blocks from the hospital. The noodle dishes and “Pho” (Vietnamese soups) will hit the spot. Try a bubble tea in a multitude of tropical flavors. $
1012 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma
(253) 572-9491
Silk Thai Café
Another great Thai restaurant in town along the emerging 6th Avenue area. Delicious Phad Thai and fish dishes just to name a few. $$
3401 6th Avenue, Tacoma
(253) 756-1737
Wild Orchid
Pan-Asian is a theme in Tacoma and the competition makes for a lot of choices. The folks at Wild Orchid spun off from the popular “Indochine” in Federal Way and have brought some tasty dishes with them. $$
3023 6th Avenue, Tacoma
(253) 627-5889
Gateway To India
At Gateway you are greeted by the now locally famous owner/chef “CJ” who will remember you every time you come back. The Indian food is some of the best in the area short of Seattle and can be notched up in spiciness as much as you can handle. $$
2603 6th Ave, Tacoma
(253) 552-5022
Pubs/Bar Food
Parkway Tavern
Just a few blocks from the hospital, this neighborhood tavern is a popular meeting place for residents after a crazy week. The beer selection on tap is divine and the burgers are served up to order. No fries, only chips! $
313 N I St, Tacoma
(253) 383-8748
Harmon Pub and Brewery
Located in Tacoma’s downtown historic district and neighbors with UW Tacoma, the Harmon serves up a diverse northwestern fare with award-winning home brews.
1938 Pacific Ave, Tacoma
(253) 383-2739
Katie Downs Eatery
Beer and pizza on the waterfront -- need we say more? $-$$
3211 Ruston Way, Tacoma
(253) 756-0771
The Spar
In the “Old Town” district, this is a popular locals hangout for burgers, beers and shooting a few games of pool. $
2123 N 30th St., Tacoma
(253) 272-2122
Engine House No 9 Restaurant & Brewery
Another neighborhood pub off 6th Avenue that brews up their own beer served fresh from the kegs. Typical bar-food including burgers, sandwiches, pasta and salads are available. $
611 N Pine St, Tacoma
(253) 272-3435
Italian/Mediterranean
Europa Bistro
This tiny bistro is one of Tacoma’s gems. Situated in the Proctor District, it is host to some of the best northern Italian cuisine around. Get there early for a table because it’s first-come-first-served and there’s always a line. $$-$$$
2515 N Proctor St, Tacoma
(253) 761-5660
Pomodoro Restaurant & Bar
Only a half block away from Europa, Pomodoro serves up the Italian classics in a friendly neighborhood atmosphere popular with the locals. $$
3819 N 26th St, Tacoma
(253) 752-1111
Primo Grill
This upbeat bistro of copper counters, a wood-burning grill, and a 700-degree brick oven create impeccable Mediterranean dishes. Sample the wine list, which features some of the best boutique wineries in Washington. $$-$$$
601 S Pine St, Tacoma
(253) 383-7000
Ravenous Restaurant
Planning on making a performance at the Pantages or Rialto Theaters? This café is across the street and has a diverse Mediterranean menu including meat and poultry dishes as well as savory pizza. Make sure to sign the cork from your wine – it’ll be mounted on the wall the next time you’re in. $$
785 Broadway, Tacoma
(253) 572-6374
Café/Picnic Food
Rosewood Café
This wonderful café between Proctor and UPS serves up a host of handmade sandwiches, soups and other comfort foods. Try the meatloaf or chicken potpie on a winter’s night. Enjoy artwork from local artists before sitting down to have your meal. $-$$
3323 N 26th St, Tacoma
(253) 752-7999
Mandolin Café
Mandolin’s owners have rustled up their favorite delicacies from around Tacoma including sandwiches and salads, quiches, savory croissants, and homemade ice cream. An on-site coffee roaster makes for extraordinarily fresh coffee and fresh music is served up a few nights each week. Lounge on the couches in front of the fire or hunker with your computer, tapping into the cafe's free wireless access to the Internet. $-$$
3923 S 12th St, Tacoma
(253) 761-3482
It’s Greek to Me
Any place that serves food until 10 p.m. seven days a week is the perfect post-call spot for a bite to eat on your way home. Fill up on souvlaki, moussaka and Greek lasagna only a few blocks from the hospital. $
1703 6th Ave., Tacoma
(253) 272-1375
Antique Sandwich Co.
The homey baked goods and sandwich-salad combos are excellent deals. Each are reason enough to visit this funky cafe – a roomy Victorian den with high ceilings and well-worn bonhomie. Stop here after exploring Pt. Defiance Park. $-$$
5102 N. Pearl St., Tacoma
(253) 752-4069
