Ah, Gig Harbor restaurants. Can’t live with ’em. Can’t live without ’em. New spots surface in this waterfront town as often as seagulls at a fish market. So you’ll want the inside scoop on where to dine—otherwise you’ll be spending your paycheck at every place with a view of the Sound to find out. Here are our top picks, all within a short drive of each other (oh, and also the Narrows Bridge).
Nagoya Teriyaki
$ | (253) 900-9728 | WEBSITE
This Japanese spot in Gig Harbor makes prawn tempura that would be worth crossing the city to eat. But they also have fantastic spicy teriyaki with that crispy, well-seasoned quality, as well as heartier things like ramen with its unique vegetable-filled broth and Szechuan beef that packs a punch. Grab lunch here when you need something quick and satisfying. Or just head straight for a steaming bowl of their delicious ramen when you’re craving comfort after a long day.
Devoted Kiss Cafe
$ | (253) 851-0055 | WEBSITE
Despite the name, Devoted Kiss Cafe isn’t entirely about the breakfast classics—everything this Gig Harbor spot makes is pretty great. From the excellent gluten-free options to the various Benedicts (go for the traditional) and loaded DKC Bisq-wich with those delicious potatoes, it’s all going to make you feel like you’ve been doing brunch all wrong. Of course, all of the egg dishes are fantastic, but it’s the in-house made biscuits and gravy that has the Pacific Northwest lining up.
They do get busy with long wait times, so plan ahead to leave with something you’ll be talking about tomorrow.
Wok Teriyaki II
$ | (253) 858-3303 | WEBSITE
Gig Harbor has plenty of Chinese food, and we can’t seem to escape strip mall Asian spots. But Wok Teriyaki II delivers a combination that you won’t find just anywhere. The staff is friendly, and dishes like the orange chicken are as satisfying as what’s coming from the wok. Influences come from classic American-Chinese cuisine, with stops at sweet, sour, and savory, but no matter the style, every portion is generous.
Almond chicken bathes in special gravy, Chicken Chow Mein mixes crisp vegetables with tender pieces, and the sweet and sour pork—the neighborhood’s favorite—is paired with fluffy fried rice. Eating an array of hearty, familiar dishes isn’t the issue at Wok Teriyaki II. Figuring out how to finish them all is.
Happy at the Bay Teriyaki
$ | (253) 853-1555 | WEBSITE
Happy at the Bay Teriyaki is the first place we think of when we want teriyaki, a place to impress out-of-towners, or a big night out with friends. The cozy, homey spot is always busy, so we wouldn’t suggest showing up without calling ahead. From the spicy ramen with gyoza and warm soup to the spicy chicken teriyaki with rice and salad, Gig Harbor locals just can’t seem to get enough. Neither can we. It’s one of the 13 Best Restaurants in Gig Harbor for a reason.
Gig Harbor Brewing: Harbor Taproom
$ | (253) 313-5745 | WEBSITE
When you’re looking for a casual spot to unwind with friends or just need a break from the usual routine, head to Gig Harbor Brewing’s Harbor Taproom. It’s like a comfortable living room with marina views, featuring a spacious air-conditioned area with televisions and outdoor adirondack chairs perfect for watching boats glide by.
The friendly staff, including a particularly helpful bartender who offers great local suggestions, serves up a solid selection of beers and ciders—try the popular Racing Rooster Red or Below Deck Porter for about $7 a pint. Bring in food from the excellent Trolley Cafe next door, grab a seat by the window, and enjoy some good conversation with locals over a cold brew.
Fusion Cafe & lounge
$ | WEBSITE
This casual cafe and lounge is a collaboration between people who like flour and sugar, and a friendly owner who knows hospitality. That means you come here to eat kolaches reminiscent of Texas and drink coffee that hits just right. Nothing costs more than $8 and the room is relaxed enough to make you feel completely at ease. Bring a friend, or a laptop and sit at a table.
Brix 25
$$$ | (253) 858-6626 | WEBSITE
This romantic harborfront spot in Gig Harbor is one of those rare places that works for everything from a quiet lunch to a special anniversary dinner. It’s wonderfully intimate inside: picture soft lighting, harbor views through the windows, and cozy tables. And the modern American dishes and creative cocktails are just as thoughtful and impressive.
Come for the pulled pork fried rice at lunch, the standout halibut confit for dinner, some of the area’s best cocktails all evening, and that must-try prime burger anytime.
Gig Harbor Thai Cuisine
$$ | (253) 432-4211 | WEBSITE
Gig Harbor Thai Cuisine is so good that they constantly have people lining up outside their harbor-view spot. These flavorful dishes have a ton of authenticity—don’t call them bland—it’s just part of the cozy-but-not-exactly-fancy style. The kitchen only offers a few popular items: Chicken Panang, vegetarian choices, and a rotating selection of specials.
And you’ll have to walk right up to their small seating area to enjoy any of them (though you can call if you want takeout or email if you’re getting at least four orders).
William Patrick’s Coffee Inc
$ | (253) 858-8421 | WEBSITE
William Patrick’s Coffee Inc should be a case study in successful neighborhood coffee shops. Originally, the cozy spot was solely focused on espresso drinks. But the warm wooden counter now serves other great beverages (like the delicious white chocolate and oat milk americano), seasonal specials, and holiday creations. Most importantly, the service here, be it from the dedicated baristas or the friendly staff, is up there with the best in the area.
And if that wasn’t enough, both specialty drinks and seasonal offerings are just 6 dollars during morning hours.
Davenport Coffee Shop
$ | (253) 509-0489 | WEBSITE
At this spacious coffee shop, you exchange $4.50 for a comforting caramel macchiato. It’s located in Gig Harbor and offers plenty of room for everyone. The inviting entrance leads into a bright, airy space that’s almost entirely taken up by tables, high tops, and a cozy couch with a coffee table. To start, you’ll get a delicious raspberry scone followed by things like avocado toast and a veggie breakfast burrito, and then maybe a double lemon muffin, a birthday cake latte, and some time to relax.
Come here if you need to work outside the house or socialize with friends, but beware—the coffee may be a bit weak for some.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$ | (253) 858-1872 | WEBSITE
This relaxed and sports-focused grill has seating for nearly every occasion—there’s bar seating for a solo beer with the game on, a comfortable main dining room packed with families, and there’s even an area near the windows, perfect for pretending you’re at a casual neighborhood spot when the evening light hits. Stick to the reliable classics, like the new pasta dish that’s been a hit, the consistently delicious burgers, or the quick-arriving appetizers.
If you want to go bigger, the attentive waitstaff ensures drinks are refilled promptly and checks on tables frequently. Toss in the great atmosphere with comfortable ventilation even when full, and you have a truly dependable experience (even when the service occasionally slows down during quieter hours).
Pita Pit
$ | (253) 358-3195 | WEBSITE
Pita Pit is where we go for fast, casual wraps and fresh flavors in Gig Harbor. The space itself feels like a cozy grab-and-go spot, with friendly faces behind the counter. Get the super Greek pita, which is packed with fresh ingredients and top-notch fillings. It sort of tastes like a Mediterranean feast wrapped in warm, soft bread.
Pita Pit also has limited seating inside, but for around $10–$12, you can get the satisfying meal of every on-the-go diner’s dream: generous portions, customizable wraps, and sweet treats like cannolis and baklava.
Panera Bread
$ | (253) 853-4004 | WEBSITE
Between the bakery counter up front and sandwiches being assembled in the back, this spacious Panera Bread smells exactly how you wish a cozy cafe would. It’s useful for just about any casual dining situation. Stop by yourself for a quick pastry and coffee in the mornings, or bring a few friends for a relaxed group brunch or lunch. We usually go for options like the hearty soups, fresh salads, and the consistently tasty sandwiches.