By Jackie Fender

Even if you’re not the lovey-dovey type and your partner insists they don’t want to do anything special, Valentine’s Day is always a good excuse to go on a bona fide date night to wine and dine one another. It’s all about a change of pace, a lovely ambiance to set the scene, a chef-prepared feast, and no dishes to do at home. Here are just a few of my personal favorites when I’m looking for a culinary experience.

Over the Moon Cafe will have you feeling head-over-heels in love from the moment you take a seat. The space and the team are intimate and warm, providing an unpretentious, upscale dining experience. Tables are set with flowers, poetry books, and love notes from past visitors, while the menu offers pasta, steak and seafood with a lovely selection of craft cocktails and vino varietals. 709 Opera Alley, Tacoma, overthemooncafe.net

Wooden City is a hip alternative to what some expect when dining out on date night. Exposed brick, candlelight and Edison bulbs are the aesthetic, and the menu includes wood-fired pizzas, elegantly plates entrees, and gorgeous starters (the smoked salmon toast is a thing of beauty.) Logistics make it easy to meander around town for after-dinner drinks and activities with The Matador, McMenamins, Dorky’s Arcade and other hot spots just a stone’s throw away. 714 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, woodencitytacoma.com

Cuerno Bravo Steakhouse will delight as soon as you spy their whimsical illuminated tree sculpture, front and center. But the main event is to come: their luxurious Wagyu and barley-fed steaks, served sizzling on a hot stone with a selection of sides. Poultry and seafood dishes are available for those not in the mood for steak, but it’s truly the crux of the Cuerno Bravo experience. The à la carte menu allows you to mix and match sides and starters, letting you and your date get a little bit of everything. 616 Saint Helens Avenue, Tacoma, cuernobravo.com

En Rama boasts some of the best cocktails in town, but to go there and skip dinner would truly be a missed opportunity. In Courthouse Square, en Rama specializes in housemade pasta and Spanish small plates. From cup to plate, everything is a work of art with well-balanced presentations of flavor and texture—from savory to sweet, you can indulge in inspired dishes like shrimp and polenta with a peanut-based West African suya spice rub of a farro black lentil cake with mashed hearts of palm and mushroom-tarragon cream sauce. 1102 A Street #220, Tacoma, enramatacoma.com

Le Sel Bistro is another intimate diamond in the rough. Though currently closed for dinner service, they serve French-inspired brunch with a sweeping view of Commencement Bay. Featuring breakfast curiosities, benedicts, and omelets as well as their beloved croque madame, you can savor brunch options that you won’t find just anywhere. Plus their heated patio seating is a precious resource in this weather. 229 Saint Helens Avenue, Tacoma, leselbistro.com

Asado Cucina Argentina is a long-time fine-dining staple in Tacoma. It’s an Argentine steakhouse boasting an open-kitchen with a mesquite grill, giving every dish that fire-licked, smokey appeal. Steaks, seafood, sharable small plates and tasty craft cocktails result in a swoonworthy dining experience you won’t soon forget. They are known for setting the stage for special occasions and have an impressive wine selection to boot. Their chimichurri is worth a visit in and of itself. 2810 6th Avenue, Tacoma, asadotacoma.com

Primo Grill is another 6th Ave staple that’s able to make any special occasion (or random Tuesday) feel dreamy. Their pastas, pizzas, starters and entrees boast fresh quality ingredients with a Mediterranean-meets-PNW flair. Thoughtful touches whisper throughout, beyond the menu and presentation and in the ambiance itself. This is the sort of space you’ll wantpause to take notice of, from the moment you walk in the door to that final bite of dessert. 2710 6th Avenue, Tacoma, primogrilltacoma.com

Marzano Restaurant is Tacoma’s destination for traditional Italian dining with contemporary takes. They remain a long-time destination along a footprint you might not expect: an oasis of flavor and intimate dining vibes. You’ll feel like you’re at Nonna’s—very likely because the space us a remodeled home. 516 Garfield Street South, Tacoma, dinemarzano.com

Positioned along majestic, Gig Harbor with waterfront views, Brix 25 is sure to leave you awestruck from start to finish. Know for rustic favorites with a twist, the restaurant pairs decadant dishes with regional vino varietals and srtful craft cocktails. Start your dining adventure with a sip of bubbly and journey through with soup that’s poured tableside, sublime starters and entrees and incomparable desserts. 3315 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, herborbrix.com

And to finish… don’t forget the reservation! You’re unlikely to sneak in without one.