Gig Harbor has no shortage of waterfront dining rooms, neighborhood cafes, and casual spots tucked into historic buildings.
But when local residents were asked which restaurants they recommend most, five names kept rising to the top.
These are not an objective ranking of the best restaurants in Gig Harbor. They are the places that received the strongest and most enthusiastic support from people who live in the area.
From a packed waterfront brunch cafe to a no-frills burger shop, here are five Gig Harbor restaurants locals return to again and again.
Devoted Kiss Café
Devoted Kiss Café is one of Gig Harbor’s most popular breakfast and brunch destinations, and locals recommended it more consistently than any other restaurant in the discussion.
The family-owned cafe sits along the waterfront in the historic Finholm District. Its menu focuses on scratch-made comfort food, including biscuits and gravy, eggs Benedict, fresh pastries and banana bread French toast.
Lunch options include clam chowder and the Devoted Chop Salad. Vegetarian choices and some gluten-free substitutions are also available.
The restaurant opened in 2011 under owners Devon and Christina Dengler. After years of operating from a tight space, Devoted Kiss completed a major expansion in 2026 that doubled its seating area and added a full commercial griddle.
That upgrade also brought scratch-made pancakes to the menu for the first time.
“Devoted Kiss. The name can be off-putting to people, but the food is anything but. It’s just fantastic,” one local wrote.
The harbor views are a major part of the draw, but diners should expect a wait during busy mornings and weekends.
Planning a visit? Check out their menu and current hours before you go.
Tides Tavern
Few Gig Harbor restaurants are as closely tied to the city’s waterfront identity as Tides Tavern.
The historic 21-and-older tavern sits directly over the water and remains a popular stop for seafood, burgers, regional beer, and harbor views.
Regulars frequently recommend the fish and chips, seafood corn chowder, steamed Manila clams, and salmon burger. Boaters can also pull up to the tavern’s private dock and walk inside for a meal.
“The Tides Tavern is world-famous. You can’t go wrong there,” one commenter wrote.
The building dates to 1910, when it operated as a general store near Gig Harbor’s original ferry landing. It became a tavern after Prohibition and was later restored by the Stanley family, which operated the business for more than 50 years.
Anthony’s Restaurants acquired Tides Tavern in 2026 while keeping its staff, menu and familiar dockside atmosphere in place.
Tides does not accept reservations, and waits can grow quickly on sunny days. Families should also know that guests must be at least 21 years old.
Planning a visit? Check out their menu and current hours before you go.
NetShed No. 9
NetShed No. 9 earned repeated praise for its creative breakfast menu and waterfront setting.
The restaurant occupies a preserved fishing netshed overlooking Arabella’s Landing. Those structures once gave local fishermen a place to dry, repair, and store their nets and equipment.
Today, the space serves dishes that stretch well beyond standard diner fare. Popular choices include skillet cinnamon rolls, ricotta sourdough pancakes, lemon curd and blueberry French toast, and the restaurant’s breakfast burger.
“Very creative and unique menu that doesn’t disappoint,” one local wrote.
The restaurant opened in 2013 under husband-and-wife owners Thad Lyman and Katie Doherty, who are also behind Brix 25 and Brimstone PNW Smokehouse.
NetShed No. 9 serves breakfast and lunch, with limited dinner service during parts of the summer. Vegetarian and gluten-free accommodations are available.
Its deck is one of the most appealing brunch settings in town, but limited seating means weekend waits are common.
Planning a visit? Check out their menu and current hours before you go.
Brimstone PNW Smokehouse
Brimstone PNW Smokehouse brings Texas-inspired barbecue to downtown Gig Harbor, then gives it a Pacific Northwest twist.
The menu includes coffee-rubbed brisket, smoked meats, loaded macaroni and cheese, nachos, and bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with brisket and cream cheese.
“Brimstone is Texas style BBQ where you sit at wooden picnic tables and order a platter of meat to share, just like the Salt Lick in Austin,” one resident wrote.
Owners Katie Doherty, Thad Lyman and Will Riecke researched traditional barbecue techniques in Texas before opening the restaurant in 2018.
The result is a casual, family-friendly smokehouse with picnic-table dining, a large bar, and vintage arcade games. The kitchen also works Pacific Northwest ingredients and Asian-inspired flavors into some dishes.
For dessert, diners can visit Iscreamery, a small-batch ice cream counter tucked inside the restaurant.
Brimstone is also one of the easier choices on this list for larger groups.
Planning a visit? Check out their menu and current hours before you go.
Gourmet Burger Shop
Gourmet Burger Shop is the kind of place that feels hidden even when you know exactly where to find it.
The counter-service restaurant operates from a converted home near downtown Gig Harbor. Its compact dining room, chalkboard menus, and limited seating give it the feel of an old neighborhood favorite.
The menu centers on made-to-order burgers served on brioche buns. Popular choices include the Mushroom Swiss Burger and Bacon Cheddar Burger.
Sides such as shoestring herb fries and beer-battered onion rings also receive plenty of attention. Milkshake flavors include Bananas Foster and huckleberry.
“It’s simply a great burger,” one local wrote.
The restaurant offers gluten-free buns, lettuce wraps and a vegetarian potato patty. A dog-friendly patio gives diners another option when indoor tables fill up.
Lines sometimes stretch outside during peak hours, but the counter-service setup generally keeps things moving.
Planning a visit? Check out their menu and current hours before you go.
Which Gig Harbor Restaurant Would You Add?
Every city has restaurants locals quietly swear by, and Gig Harbor is no exception.
Judging by the recommendations, Devoted Kiss, Tides Tavern, NetShed No. 9, Brimstone, and Gourmet Burger Shop are among the places residents return to most often.
What is your favorite hidden gem restaurant in Gig Harbor? Share your pick in the comments.
