Over The Moon Cafe — Restaurant in Tacoma

Location B+, Service A, appetizers A, Entree's A, desert A, atmosphere A, Price B, reservations A. 11/5/2016

I made reservations a couple weeks in advance, received email confirm which is nice. I was seeking a "romantic" place to celebrate our anniversary and this place was perfect. It's small for sure, but perfect for date night or romantic celebration. While we were there, numerous 'walk-ins' came w/o reservations and were turned away as it's small, seems popular and so reservations recommend, certainly for dinner and especially if any other local events going on. Parking is somewhat limited in the immediate area, although we were close, there are other bars in the area to compete for close spots.

When you step in, you're in. There's a small side board table with some decor on it and then immediately to the right are about 10 tables. There is an upper level, just inside the door and then a lower level. A wrought iron banister/rail separates the upper from lower and there are two chair tables along the banister overlooking the lower level from which you can also see part of the kitchen and prep/serving area. Along the upper window front are four chair tables. We sat at the first two chair table. The chairs are older, upholstered chairs, some wing-back style which worked fine. Other chairs at the 4 chair tables are more traditional wood chairs. Tablecloths on our tables, small lamp and small books for added decor. Our table had a note box full of notes on business cards, index cards, scrap paper from anyone who wanted to write one. A unique conversation piece. Most patrons we saw were dressed "nice/dressy", but in this day and age it would accommodate almost any attire but the overall style should dictate "nice/dressy".

The lower level has maybe five tables. I did not go down there, which is where the restrooms are but it looks as if the one side below the banister has a long, continuous bench seat and then traditional chairs on the opposite side. This place would not be good for large groups unless you reserved the entire place. I do think a couple/few tables could be put together for a group of 8+. It actually might be the perfect place to hold a modest function with the place to yourselves for maybe 40+ people. It is not a place for kids, in my opinion, we have three middle school to high school and I would likely not bring them. There are colorful drapes and tablecloths along with the upholstered chairs. The decor is darker but colorful with lots of accent lighting both table lamps and hanging swags, making for a cozy and/or romantic atmosphere. Open ceiling wood joists and duct work all clean and painted. A couple old, red-brick walls too.

Dinner was great overall. Our server was prompt, friendly and appropriately funny (as are we!) She was helpful with answers to our questions and suggestions. We started with: Croutes de Fromage, essentially a fancy grilled cheese sandwich on artisan bread with apricot marmalade. It was fantastic! My wife said she thought it was the best food she'd had in a long time. We ordered a bottle of white wine, Maryhill, Pinot Gris, and after it was gone, a second which we never do but it was good and the atmosphere was so nice. My wife ordered the Lobster Mac & Cheese and I had the left overs next day and it was great, large pieces of lobster throughout. I had the jumbo shrimp over linguine, delicious! Finished with a creme' brulee parfait also great. See the menu on their web site for a full look. This place, this visit, this meal earned Five Stars from me and our repeat business and...

A Hidden Gem Unearthed: Over the Moon Café

Five stars simply don't do justice to the intimate, quaint and thoroughly delightful experience that is the Over the Moon Café. This cherished spot has firmly rooted itself in my heart, and I suspect it's already in the hearts of many other patrons, evidenced by the gentle buzz of satisfied conversation that fills the air.

Upon stepping inside, you're immediately wrapped in an atmosphere that feels akin to a warm embrace from a dear old friend. It's not your regular café - the intimacy it offers through its smaller size is a clear and deliberate departure from the hustle and bustle of larger, noisier venues. It's as if you've been invited into a secret club where the membership requirement is only an appreciation for fantastic food and cozy ambiance.

The intimacy here is not merely about the size; it's an ethos that permeates the entire dining experience. From the genuinely warm welcome to the thoughtful layout and décor, each element contributes to the distinct feeling of closeness and connectedness. It's a place where conversations flow as freely as the wine, and where cherished memories are as common as table reservations.

Speaking of the food - it's nothing short of incredible. The culinary delights that emanate from the kitchen are as varied as they are delicious. The menu, crafted with an undeniable passion and profound knowledge of flavors, takes you on a gastronomic journey that dances on the border of divine. Each dish is a carefully orchestrated symphony of tastes that creates a crescendo of flavor in every bite. It is clear that the kitchen is not just a place of work, but a canvas for creating edible art.

Each dish feels seasonally appropriate and brimming with natural flavor, a testament to the skill and dedication of the chef and their team. The menu manages to strike a perfect balance of comfort and innovation, offering familiar dishes with a delightful twist that keeps patrons eager to return.

In conclusion, Over the Moon Café is more than a dining destination; it's an intimate experience that marries exceptional food with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The smaller size of the venue is an asset that is leveraged to offer a personal, memorable experience. I have no doubt that this charming establishment will continue to go from strength to strength, touching the hearts (and taste buds) of all who venture through its...

We came in at 430 for a 5pm res on a Saturday night and were seated right away, looked like they had some more availability for walk-ins, too. Very cozy interior with quirky design, industrial and kind of like 90s romance but not in an old looking way.

We ordered a few non-alcoholic drinks (which were delicious!) and a few starters, including the Caesar Sal (yum) and the scallop crudo (tasty passionfruit, crispy garlic, pickled Fresno peppers- like a deconstructed sriracha- really a nicely composed dish visually and culinarily.)

The mains we tried were amazing as well- rich perfectly mantecatto (creamed) risotto, perfectly cooked scallops, the right amount of truffle and chive oil.

The duck was perfect, crispy skin, well rendered fat beneath, with a perfect medium doneness- very tender- paired wonderfully with the cherry sauce/reduction and the rich delicious mash. I would say it seems like the seasonal veg may be batch roasted rather than cooked to order- but it was still delicious and had great texture to compliment the dish.

The maitake primavera pasta was a real flavor journey in the best way- the fermented chili crisp blends perfectly with the basil and mushroom to create a unique combo that id never really encountered before- the mushroom was deep fried to be crispy on the outside but perfectly tender on the inside- permitting some really unique plating.

The turtle pie was decadent but not too heavy to eat after three entrees- a lighter caramel with pecans beneath an awesome thick layer of ganache (chocolate truffle basically) - perfectly complemented by mint, whipped cream, and berry port reduction.

Super pleased with our experience, and will definitely be...