The Dreamer's Pen

Some places feed your body. Others feed your spirit.
And then, there are places like Over the Moon Café, where the food is unforgettable, yes, but the feeling? That’s what lingers.

Tucked away in Tacoma’s Opera Alley, Over the Moon isn’t flashy or loud. In fact, you could walk right past it if you weren’t looking closely. But that’s part of what makes it so special, it doesn’t ask for attention. It simply offers beauty, intimacy, and warmth to those willing to step inside. And when you do, it’s like entering a different world. A softer one. A more intentional one.

The moment I cross the threshold, I feel myself exhale. The air inside is quiet, calm, and full of presence. There’s something undeniably romantic about it. maybe it’s the way the lights glow just dim enough to blur the edges of everything, or the plush chairs that invite you to linger just a little longer. Maybe it’s the exposed brick, the art on the walls, or the gentle hum of laughter and conversation that rises and falls like a tide.

For someone like me. a person who values depth, atmosphere, and those intangible, poetic moments of connection. Over the Moon Café is like a dream made real. It’s not just my favorite restaurant in Tacoma. It’s the kind of place that reminds me why I crave beauty and intimacy in everyday life.

It’s romantic in the truest sense of the word. Not just for couples or dates (though it’s perfect for that too), but in its essence. In the way it honors texture, tone, emotion. It doesn’t just serve food—it creates an experience. One where time slows down, your senses awaken, and your heart feels a little more full than it did when you walked in.

And then, of course, there’s the food. Let me just say: everything here is thoughtful. Every dish is layered, comforting, and full of soul. I could write a love letter just to their butternut squash lasagna—a dish that manages to be familiar and entirely unique at the same time. Even the bread, brought out warm with butter, feels like a quiet ritual. You can tell the chefs aren’t just cooking, they’re creating.

One dish I keep coming back to—like, can’t stop thinking about it level—is the short rib ragù. It’s rich, tender, and layered with this deep, slow-cooked flavor that feels like a warm embrace. The pasta is perfectly done, catching just enough of the sauce with every bite. It’s comforting in the way a handwritten letter is comforting. familiar, personal, and full of love. Every time I order it, it feels like home.
But dessert? That’s where they really have my heart. Their signature offering, a creation that defies easy definition, somewhere between a cheesecake and a tart, built on a date crust with coconut butter, raw honey, and berries is one of the most memorable desserts I’ve ever had. It tastes like something sacred. And the fact that it’s not too sweet, not too showy, just… perfect? That’s Over the Moon Café in a nutshell.

And maybe I love it so much because it reminds me that small, thoughtful things still matter. That we don’t have to be loud to be impactful. That stillness can be beautiful. That a dimly lit room, a well-cooked meal, and a sense of being seen and held, even just for an hour or two can be deeply healing.

I’ve gone there when I wanted to celebrate something. I’ve gone there when I just needed to feel something. I’ve gone there to be alone, and I’ve gone there with someone whose presence softened the edges of the day. And every single time, I’ve left feeling full, not just in my stomach, but in my spirit.

If you ever find yourself in Tacoma, make your way to Opera Alley. Walk slowly. Let the city fade behind you. And step into Over the Moon Café. It’s not just a place to eat—it’s a place to feel. To breathe. To fall in love—with your meal, your company, yourself.

It’s a place I’ll keep coming back to, again and again, because some places don’t just hold memories. they help you create the kind you want to keep.