We had a fantastic dinner here on Friday night. We sat in the rear so I f room which was very cozy…read moreand received excellent service. On previous visits we had their delicious wood-fires pizzas, but decided to go with pastas. We started off with a couple Old Fashions, followed by a delicious fresh salad with their garlicky Green Goddess dressing. For our entrees, I chose the spaghetti bolognese which was delicious, meaty, and hearty. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente and the sauce was perfecto! My husband had the pasta carbonara on fettuccini and it was so good - so creamy with delicious bites of smoky bacon. We were absolutely delighted with our meal! We were too full to try dessert, but next time I'm going for the tiramisu we saw others enjoy.

Great food and service with a fun yet relaxed atmosphere and a very accommodating staff. Highly…read morerecommended for any time that you are in the area.

Came here spur-of-the-moment when a little league game was cancelled. Preschooler was probably best…read moredressed out of the three of us (my husband in gym clothes and me in a tee and jeans). No reservations. There was 1 spot open in the small dedicated lot and then I found a spot on the street. Recommend coming in fewer vehicles if possible. No reservation at peak dinner time (5:30) on a Wednesday, the host (and manager?) found a spot for us promptly anyway and he was super kind and our server for the night. Preschooler was asleep in my arms, but we made it work. We ordered: 1 rose cider (sweet but not too sweet), 1 pulpo (grilled octopus!) starter, 1 boscaiola pasta for the preschooler (boxed leftovers), 1 spring ravioli (more Italian name), and 1 rabbit with polenta entree. Each main came with salad and meal started with bread and whipped butter. We were offered a kid menu option of pasta with alfredo, marinara, or bolognese sauce, but opted for normal menu so we could bring back leftovers. We loved the pulpo and the salads (they offered to box up the preschoolers salad since she was still sleeping). Kid enjoyed the bread. Bit of a wait for mains but nothing out of the ordinary. All the dishes we ordered were delicious. Boscaiola was a hit with the kiddo since she loves pasta and sauce and mushrooms and cheese. Husband thought his main was really good. I was so full after eating all of my ravioli. Really impressed with the quality of food and the level of service. A busy place, but as mentioned, we were luckily seated right away. We're thrilled to have finally made it here after our old Italian standby in proctor shutdown and we can't wait to come back! Definitely recommend. Parking: you can find it, not plentiful but not bad either. Kid friendly: sort of! If your kid likes pizza or pasta!

Marzano is easily one of the best Italian restaurants in Tacoma. My wife and I went for her…read morebirthday, and every dish was outstanding. We ordered the Seasonal Contorno and the pork belly appetizer, both full of rich, balanced flavor. We also had the gluten‑free Salumi pizza, and it was exceptional-- one of the best gluten‑free pizzas I've had anywhere. The warm, intimate atmosphere made the night feel special. If you're looking for the best Italian in Tacoma, Marzano should be at the top of your list. Plenty of gluten-free options. Have street parking and small parking lot.

Been here three times now. Each time I have been quite impressed and left full…read more I did the Tour of Italy twice and was amazed. Their pesto is amazing, and their chicken parmesan is very flavorful and not overcooked. The fettuccine alfredo is amazing as well. The last time I went I got just the northern Chicken Parmesan and loved it. It comes with spaghetti so it's a more complete meal. The place is always busy and so it can be loud. They service is usually good, doing the best they can. Desert I've tried their tiramisu (loved it!) and got spumoni last time from a local creamery. The only downside is parking can be a nightmare. They don't have many spaces so you might have to walk a bit to get there, but it is well worth it.

We came in with a party of 11 for my niece's birthday and unfortunately had a very disappointing…read moreexperience from start to finish. Right away there was confusion at check-in--they called for a party of 9 with no name, and the host was rude when we responded using the first name instead of the last. After being seated, it took about 10 minutes just to get drinks, and then another 30 minutes before our server took our food order. During that time, we weren't asked about appetizers or offered any drink refills. About an hour later, the server came back and told us the kitchen was backed up and they were "just now making our food," which honestly felt like our order may have been forgotten. At that point, all of our drinks were empty and I had to ask for refills. While we were still waiting, another server came to the table asking how one of our steaks was cooked, which added to the confusion. Our food finally arrived after about an hour and a half. Unfortunately, the issues didn't stop there: My spaghetti and meatballs was incorrect, but I kept it since I didn't want to wait again with a toddler. My sister's husband's meal was never even put in--the server admitted this. My sister's fish and chips came out cold. No one checked back to see how the food was. Drinks were left empty again with no refills offered. We were never asked about dessert. Plates were never cleared, even after I stacked empties at the end of the table to help. Every time we needed something, we had to flag someone down. To make matters worse, the checks came out incorrect with items swapped between them. I've worked as a server/bartender for four years, and my niece is also a server, so we completely understand how busy and stressful things can get. But this experience missed the mark on multiple levels. Even when things go wrong, basic service--like keeping drinks filled and checking on guests--should still be happening. This was easily the worst restaurant experience I've had. It was especially disappointing because we're an easy group and typically tip very well. Unfortunately, we will not be returning.

Took my Gig Harbor side of the family (two daughters, on son-in-law and two grandkids) to this…read morejewel of an Italian restaurant. We usually try to eat here whenever we're visiting the gorgeous place called Gig Harbor, and yet, this Yelp elite had not reviewed it before. The food is out of this world excellent! In fact, it's just like being in Naples or Gaeta, etc. Chef Michele "Mike" Simone and his wife, Azusa run a tight ship here, and it reflects not only in the food but also in how the place is usually packed with families and locals and tourists. Simone also comes out often and goes from table to table, talking to his happy customers and checking in... it is a joy to see and makes it feel homey. The place is decorated salon-style with tons of Italian wall hangings, sail ships, giant spoons, etc.; it's as Italian as Italian can get! The staff is friendly and efficient, and there's ample free parking at both restaurant and street. There's also outdoor sitting. I had the eggplant parmesan, which was enormous in size and super tasty. There's also a kids menu (not on the main printed menu) and those portions are also gigantic! Love Italian food? You'll wanna visit this place! Reservations recommended!

The vibe of this restaurant is great. Staff and owner are very friendly. It has a homey vibe, is…read moresuper laid back, and comfortable. The owner came out to chat with customers and many in the restaurant knew him, there were many regulars. We ordered the Caesar salad, soup (can't remember the name but similar to a minestrone), lamb chops, and veal Marsala. Overall the food was good, but not life changing. The flavors were what you'd think they'd be, pretty standard dishes. I was excited for the Caesar but found it to be too mild. I wanted more funk. The soup was basic, probably wouldn't order it again. The lamb chops were grilled after being cut which I believe is the cause of it being overcooked and a little dry. Grilling an entire rack will keep the juices inside. The veal Marsala was my favorite dish we ordered. Also not life changing but good. Overall, I would go back for a fun, loving atmosphere and decent food.

Macaluso's is our "Go To" Italian restaurant when visiting…read moreTacoma. We think the food is fabulous! The Brussel Sprouts and Focaccia Bread is a great place to start. The Gorgonzola, Balsamic and Pancetta on the Brussel Sprouts will not disappoint! For the main courses, the Alfredo Macaluso is always so delicious! The Linguine con Gamberi is exquisite and light. The chicken parmigiana is meaty moist and tender. The chocolate cake is amazing!!! Save room for dessert! The spumoni is delicious and hits the spot at the end of a perfect meal. The service is wonderful and we feel so welcomed in this nice quaint small Italian restaurant. The ambiance is nice - on the darker side. Call for a reservation!

This was our first time trying this Italian restaurant. We went there for a family dinner at…read moreMacaluso. First, we made a reservation for dinner. We parked across the street. The waitress explained each dish very well and recommended exactly what I wanted to try. The seafood pasta was fresh and flavorful, and the noodles were cooked perfectly. My husband's Marsala was delicious. The kids' meatballs had great flavor. It's a busy restaurant, so a little waiting is required, but you can take your time and enjoy the food. Overall, it was a good experience. This little cozy restaurant made us feel like we were dining at home. We will definitely come back.

Yesterday was my wife's birthday and the girls decided to take her to an Italian Restaurant in…read moreEnumclaw, Washington for lunch. Not wanting her to have a repeat, I asked her to think about a restaurant choice for dinner. Well guess what? She was so impressed with the restaurant, its vibe, and great food and service... We went back for dinner as well! Absolutely loved it! Haven't had such amazing Italian cuisine since our trip to Italy last year! We will be definitely returning soon!!!

Oh, I'll have dreams about the red sauce. So delicious. I had the fettuccine with seafood. Loved…read moreit, though not a lot of seafood. My other had the chicken with lemon. He liked his the least in our group. Thought the chicken was too tough to be cut with the butter knife provided, and it was too drenched in sauce. Others had the chicken pesto pasta and the veal Masala. They both enjoyed. They also ordered the calamari appetizer and it was ok. A small portion fir the price and while the calamari itself was tender, the breading was heavy. The warm bread brought to the table on seating with flavored olive oil was a delight. Will definitely go again!

I got the chicken sandwich and my husband got the chopped cheese, both were delicious! The fries…read moreare the crispy ones, sooo good!! The service was great and the environment was clean and laid back. Would stop here again!

We had another kid free day so we decided to try another 21+ establishment in our town. We ate off…read moretheir food truck years ago and have always wanted to go inside. Right off the bat I was a little disappointed because they don't have Coke products, so instead I got an RC Zero which just isn't the same at all. I am currently pregnant so I was unable to partake in the alcohol. The staff also wasn't super friendly. It wasn't that busy for a early afternoon on a weekday so I would have expected to be greeted or even checked on but that wasn't the case. I will say that I could see them not doing it when it's busy since it is a bar so it probably isn't apart of their normal routine. My husband got the Cherry Limeade Cider and he rated it a 5/5, he would love to try other flavors but would definitely get this again. I got the Blue Cheese Smash Burger with tots and my husband got the Pastrami Smash Burger with fries. Both were full of flavor and really tasty. My burger was simple with toppings but i think that's what put it over the top. I am not sure if it was but the blue cheese tasted homemade, it was one of the best burgers I have had in a really long time. Overall we had a really great experience and will absolutely be back to try more of the menu and drinks!

Very proper old school Italian with tremendous value…read more Caesar, caprese, good bread, puttanesca, simple spaghetti and meatballs all done well

dined at Sansonina Ristorante Italiano few days back, and the vibe was inviting and warm. perfect…read morefor a catch-up with friends or even a date night. We started with bruschetta, which was fresh and well-balanced. The gamberoni fiorentini stood out - prawns with great flavor. Had a immediate yes from everyone on the table. For pasta, we had linguine carbonara and tortellini con piselli - both rich and satisfying, and i belive they were hand made tortellini - I liked them and finished the entire plate by myself (nothing left to take home ) The tiramisu was good, but the chocolate lava cake fell short. It wasn't warm enough and lacked that molten center we hoped for. Overall, the service was friendly and helpful, rounding out a pleasant experience. We'll be back for the pasta! Rating: 4/5 Standout: Gamberoni Fiorentini, Tore