The story
The Adriatic at Oakbrook, located on Zircon Drive in Lakewood just outside Tacoma, brings the flavors of the Italian Mediterranean coast to the Pacific Northwest. The restaurant's name evokes the sea that separates Italy from the Balkans — a body of water long associated with trade, abundance, and a cooking tradition built on quality ingredients and time-honored technique.
In 2025, Wine Spectator awarded The Adriatic at Oakbrook its Best of Award of Excellence — a distinction reserved for restaurants that go well beyond a standard list, offering serious depth, breadth, and thoughtful selection across regions and vintages. For a Mediterranean and Italian restaurant, a wine program of this caliber is a natural extension of the table: the right bottle is as much a part of the meal as the food itself.
The Adriatic serves both lunch and dinner, making it a destination for a relaxed midday meal as well as a more leisurely evening at the table. Whether you are drawn by the Italian and Mediterranean menu or by the promise of a well-chosen glass to accompany it, the restaurant offers a considered experience in a part of the Tacoma area that rewards the short drive.
Recognition
Location