ALTEZZO: On the 26th floor of the Sheraton-Tacoma Hotel sits one of Tacoma’s top restaurants.  Low lighting, awesome views and excellent Italian cuisine.  Arrive early and loosen up in the hip Vertigo Lounge.  1320 Broadway Plaza, 253.591.4155.



BRIX 25: We loved the fact that when we sat down at our table the staff brought us a complimentary half-glass of sparkling wine.  Enjoy Northwest cuisine under low lighting. As their name hints, the wine is always on their mind.  7707 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, 253.858.6626.



THE CLIFF HOUSE: With large glass windows looking out at the tide flats and the city of Tacoma. Nice selection of seafood, steaks and pastas.  6300 Marine View Drive, Northeast Tacoma, 253.927.0400.



EL GAUCHO: At El Gaucho the steaks are awesome; the service is gracious; the wine list is impressive; the sides are stellar; the baby grand in the corner fills the room with “Girl From Ipanema”; cozy couples enjoy romantic candlelit dinners; red maple walls glow from the low lighting — a dream.  2119 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, 253.272. 1510.



INDOCHINE ASIAN DINING LOUNGE: This Asian fusion treat has private wall-screened suites for intimate dining, and three subareas within the main area. The ambience is relaxed and classy. Indochine’s chefs present a playground for curious taste buds. 1924 Pacific Ave., downtown Tacoma. For reservations, call 253.272.8200.



EUROPA BISTRO: It’s a five-senses place offering excellent northern Italian cuisine with a European fusion. The kitchen aromas, the hearty meals, and the distinct colors all meld to create an out-of-this-country experience.  We want to wear a beret and sip wine and talk about the Euro for as long as they’ll let us. 2515 N. Proctor, Tacoma, 253.761.5660.

IL FIASCO: Bright, beautiful northern Italian cuisine meets gorgeous dining space.  Great wine list. Reservations are a must. Now open for lunch. 2717 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.6688.



OVER THE MOON CAFE: Dinner is bistro fare with heavy emphasis on fish and beef. The roasted duck salad is a must try.  Nice wine list.  Very romantic.  709 Court C, Tacoma, 253.284. 3722.



PACIFIC GRILL: Large-scale glass sculptures imitating sea life are lit softly from within while lofty ceilings, rich warm cream colors, and shining dark wood combine to create solid viewing points when not studying your gourmet steak, chicken, pasta, or seafood dishes.  The restaurant offers a stellar wine list. 1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma 253.627.3535.



RAVENOUS: An intimate Italian restaurant with terrific views of the theater district. The tiramisu and chocolate cake are delicious.  785 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.627.3282.



TEMPEST LOUNGE: Swank, hip, shabby-chic, sexy — those are the words that separate a classy place to drink from a tavern full of dudes.  The Tempest has the swank factor in spades. From hummus and roasted garlic potato wedges, assorted sandwiches, and organic salad — these exquisitely artful treats go perfectly with a cold beer or stylized drink by master bartender Larry. 913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.272.4904.



VIN GROTTO: It’s difficult to say with absolute certainty what is best about Tacoma native Kris Blondin’s café and wine bar — the arsenal of small plates and cheeses, the remarkably generous pours, or the the amazing artwork. This is a café for lingering over the food and wine with lovers. 813 Pacific Ave., downtown Tacoma, 253.722.5079.