Are you hungry for new adventures, but your passport is past its expiration date, and the wallet looks a lot like breadcrumbs? Don’t let that stop you from traveling the world with your taste buds here in Tacoma! From spicy curries to sizzling fajitas, the city’s vibrant food scene is a melting pot of international flavors and authentic delights, making it easy to embark on a culinary journey around the globe at these local Tacoma eateries!

Thai Pepper

701 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma
253.503.3179

Craving a taste of Thailand? Look no further than Thai Pepper, a family-owned gem offering fresh, authentic Thai cuisine. Using only the highest quality ingredients and freshest seasonal vegetables, their menu features a variety of traditional Thai dishes cooked to perfection using time-honored recipes.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening or a casual lunch with friends, Thai Pepper’s relaxing, upscale atmosphere provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable culinary journey to Thailand!

International Cuisine Tacoma
Tasty Thai dishes at Thai Pepper in Tacoma transports your taste buds across the globe to the tantalizing world of Thailand. Photo courtesy: Thai Pepper True Thai Kitchen

Knot Korean Steakhouse

4502 S Steele Street #1510, Tacoma
253.267.1876

Knot Korean Steakhouse (pronounced “no-ht”) invites guests to experience a taste of Korean hospitality. The name “Knot” symbolizes brass, a material traditionally used in Korea to serve honored guests. Having moved from Korea to Tacoma over 30 years ago, the city’s welcoming embrace would later inspire the restaurant’s creation. It was born from a longing for the tastes of home and a desire to share the evolved and dynamic flavors of modern Korean cuisine with their adopted community.

Treating each guest as the honored recipient of Korean hospitality, symbolized by the brass “Knot,” Knot Korean Steakhouse offers a unique fusion of traditional Korean barbecue in a modern, chic ambiance. With a designated grill master at each table, guests can immerse themselves in a delicious cultural exploration, savoring the aromas, sounds, and tastes of Korea’s time-honored dining traditions.

International Cuisine Tacoma
Further transport yourself with tasty takeout like the pan chuck rib at Knot Korean Steakhouse. Photo courtesy: Toast Tacoma Mall

Gyro Bites

6409 6th Avenue, Tacoma
253.212.2447

It’s never too late for a Mediterranean getaway at Gyro Bites! The local Greek restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. until 3 a.m., providing ample opportunity for a late-night culinary escape. At Gyro Bites, the aroma of seasoned meats grilling on the vertical rotisserie fills the air, promising authentic Greek flavors.

Indulge in their classic gyro sandwich, featuring tender slices of gyro meat wrapped in soft pita bread with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy tzatziki sauce, or opt for a vegetarian delight with their flavorful falafel sandwich. Gyro Bites’ friendly service and relaxed setting make it a perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or a quick solo bite. And for dessert, don’t forget to try their famous sweet and flaky pastry, baklava!

International Cuisine Tacoma
Lamb and beef with spices, served on pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce – a classic gyro never tasted so good at Gyro Bites. Photo courtesy: Seamless Gyro Bites

Little India Express

430 E 25th Street, Ste 35, Tacoma
253.272.0770

All aboard for a flavorful expedition to experience India’s authentic tastes and spices at Little India Express in Tacoma! Owner and chef Raj Nagra brings over two decades of culinary expertise to the table, creating a menu that is both familiar and exciting as it seamlessly blends tradition and innovation. Guests can explore a diverse array of dishes, each showcasing the rich tapestry of flavors characteristic of Northern Indian cuisine.

Notably, the restaurant offers a variety of naturally gluten-free options, catering to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. With a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic preparation methods, Little India Express provides a delightful dining experience for both seasoned Indian food enthusiasts and newcomers.

International Cuisine Tacoma
Zesty curry like that of Vindaloo at Little India Express is cooked in a tangy sauce of wine vinegar with sautéed ginger and potatoes, and served with basmati rice. Photo courtesy: Restaurantji

Pho Saigon House

2505 S 38th Street, Suite A101, Tacoma
253.503.3010

Discover the delights of Vietnamese cuisine at Pho Saigon House. The menu, meticulously crafted by a team dedicated to authenticity, features a symphony of fresh herbs, fragrant spices, and savory broths, ensuring each dish is not only delicious but also healthy and nutritious.

Dive into steaming bowls of pho, Vietnam’s national dish, featuring savory broths simmered for hours and overflowing with tender noodles, succulent meats, and crisp vegetables. Beyond pho, explore a variety of rice dishes, noodle bowls, and flavorful spring rolls, each a testament to the rich tapestry of Vietnamese cooking.

The Palace Kebab

430 E 25th Street, Suite 22, Tacoma
253.988.0444

Step into a world of culinary royalty at The Palace Kebab in Tacoma, where Persian grandeur is served through exquisite dishes and warm hospitality. Their menu boasts delectable kebabs, fragrant stews, and fluffy basmati rice, each a testament to Iran’s rich culinary traditions.

The Palace Kebab has earned a reputation for its exceptional flavors and generous portion sizes, catering to casual diners and families seeking hearty meals. With unique offerings like Baba ganoush and lamb shank garnering rave reviews, the restaurant elevates the dining experience to new heights, showcasing the true essence of Persian cooking.

Marzano Italian Restaurant

516 Garfield Street S, Tacoma
253.537.4191

Transport yourself to a slice of Italy at Marzano Italian Restaurant, where owner Elisa Marzano draws inspiration from her rich Italian roots and upbringing in Vicenza, Italy, to create a menu that reflects the heart of Italian cuisine. Originally a quaint two-bedroom home, the transformed restaurant maintains a rustic, home-like feel and an inviting atmosphere, enhanced by a pleasing combination of intimate and natural window light, making it ideal for lunch or dinner.

In the kitchen, handmade plates of pasta are crafted with precision, Northwest seafood is prepared with delicate artistry and old-world braises are simmered to perfection, releasing their rich, complex flavors that will make your mouth water. To compliment the meal, Marzano’s offers a full-bodied selection of fine Italian wines that perfectly pair with their gourmet creations.

So, if your passport is gathering dust and your travel budget looks a little lean, remember that adventure can be found much closer to home. Tacoma’s diverse culinary landscape offers a passport to global flavors, allowing you to experience the world one delicious bite at a time!