The Foss Waterway in Tacoma is quickly becoming a destination spot for walking, socializing, and anyone looking for a casual and comfortable dining experience. One of those places is Paesan Kitchen and Bar, established in 2013.Located on the west side of the waterway, Paesan has a small comfortable feel on the inside and a large open patio perfect for any summer evening.

With only a handful of tables in the dining room, you have a clear view of the buzzings on Dock Street and local rail traffic.  The interior matches the Dock Street industrial feel. Where most small locations place the focus on the bar, which of course is clearly visible, the focus here is on the wood-fired pizza oven.  It is the first thing you see as you walk in just above all the stacks of wood all ready to stock the oven.

I have a theory when it comes to pizzerias: If they can't make a decent cheese pizza, then there is no point in my looking further into the offerings. Every Paesan pizza begins with the signature house-made flat bread crust cooked to perfection in the previously mentioned wood oven.  Top this off with a perfectly balanced, sweet pomodoro sauce and three different cheeses, and this may be one of the best pizzas out there.

Though Paesan offers other appetizers and salads, it is the pizza that drives the business.  In addition to a really great cheese pizza, every pizza is built on the same foundation, and then topped with combinations such as margherita, salami or puttanesca.  The menu also features some options without the traditional pomodoro sauce, such as several selections with simple garlic oil or the BBQ chicken with house-made BBQ sauce.

In addition to a surprisingly large wine menu, Paesan also has some truly unique cocktails to pair with the pizzas.  Cocktails such as the Paesan Negroni, which combines gin and vermouth with orange juice, or the Gallent Mojito, which adds fennel and Galliano to the traditional rum, soda and mint blend.

Paesan means "friend" in Italian, and after visiting Paesan Kitchen and Bar, it will feel like a friend with great service, drinks and even better pizza.

PAESAN KITCHEN AND BAR, 1701 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.301.3835, paesankitchen.com