Pimienta | Bistro and Bar

We have eaten here many times and enjoyed it, but honestly this time they let me down a bit. We had a party of 6 and everyone got their entree at the same time except me, i had to wait nearly 10 minutes...I told everyone to start without me. I ordered a side of coconut couscous, which came...but it was extremely spicy and I couldn't eat it. (No mention of spice in the menu ) and I had to wait to send it back until my entree finally arrived. It was just really disappointing service. I hope for better next time. That being said, the food was good, and the margaritas were excellent. I really liked my blood orange and basil margarita.

Very clean and drinks are amazing

Best steak I’ve had in the area- it far exceeded the steak houses of Tacoma such as El Gaucho and Stanley & Seaforts, but while you do get outstanding food, you do also have to compromise on being in a strip mall facing a car wash. We went on a Friday evening and it was very quiet and empty inside. I’m looking forward to going back and hopefully trying the lamb, which they were out of.

This place is a scam as it looks good with weirdly lots of positive reviews, but it's not real.
Nothing I got was edible.
Fish with raw with a leathery skin that was unbreakable with a knife.
Asparagus tasted like eating twigs dry and unbreakable with your teeth
So-called risotto is fake it has cheese to make a creamy
Meat that comes out call though waited 40 minutes for the food so they actually cook it?
Everything is very odd from the place of the people to the food.
This is the worst restaurant I've ever eaten at for 30 years I know somebody who eats out a lot
Biggest regret of My Life coming here and wasting over $130 on unedible food. Scam.

Pimienta is an unexpected gem. From the moment you step inside, you’re warmly welcomed by staff who make you feel like your visit genuinely matters. The hospitality, attention to detail, and overall ambiance feel like something you’d expect at a high-end restaurant in New York, Paris, or Bellevue—not in a modest space tucked away in Federal Way.

Chef Blanca has created something truly special. The menu is elegant yet approachable, offering a thoughtful mix of familiar comfort and Mediterranean-inspired flavors. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a selective eater or someone who enjoys exploring new dishes.

The location might surprise you—it shares a lot with a car wash—but once you’re inside, you forget all of that. The cozy atmosphere and top-tier service create an experience that stands on its own.

Pimienta has quickly become one of our favorite spots. We’re looking forward to coming back often… hopefully before it gets too popular to grab a table (which we wouldn’t be surprised to see happen soon).

Always a great time here. Good food, great service... it feels like home. Make sure to have a reservation.

Very nice small intimate restaurant with beautiful decor in an unlikely location. Excellent cocktails, crispy chickpeas, wonderful smoked pork belly, saffron chowder, paella & fresh hot rustic bread. Highly recommend Pimienta for casual or special occasions. Service very good.

Delightful! I would have never noticed this place driving by; it's tucked behind a Chevron and Brown Bear. But thank goodness I heard of it. It's so cute on the inside with beautiful artwork. I had the duck confit and the guava margarita. My husband had the steak frites. We both left very happy!

This resturaunt is very good. Went about a month ago. We have been to every resturaunt in federal way& I'm so sick of them all! I don't know why we hadn't heard of this place! We went on a recommendation from a work friend & reqlly liked it. Fresh, yummy and the server was kind. We will be going back soon to try some other menu items:)

Each month Blanca, owner of Pimienta, chooses another country or region to feature in a pre-fixe' meal. This month it was Spain, and was fantastic! As my husband says, no one prepares shrimp better than Blanca! We try to catch the third Thursday every month....but the regular menu is great as well. My go-to is the scallops- always perfect- but the paella and the lamb are also great. I love the champagne vinaigrette on the Pimienta salad. We generally order wine, but her mixed drinks are also quite tasty. Last night the sangria was particularly good. Can you tell we like the place?

Great food and excellent selections. Very helpful waitstaff. A reservation is recommended if you plan a visit.

We've been several times and this was our first of their Dinners Around the World meal. It highlighted Spain and it was suberb! And the house wines are affordable and very good. Be sure to follow them on Instagram so you're in the know as these meals are offered.

Creative and delicious food! Occasional brunch menus are fantastic especially the Mothers' Day Lobster & Pork Belly Gnocchi

We usually come for dinner, but this time we went for Mother's Day brunch. It was great service and food as always, but we really loved the chef's special this day. Grateful for the staff to take great care of us on this holiday. Thanks Pimienta!

Small and intimate location. The Chef/Owner regularly comes to visit the tables. The food has always exceeded expectations. I feel, in my opinion, this place is great for adults. A perfect date night spot. If you have a special occasion this will be a hit.