Over the Moon Cafe is one of those establishments that one refers to as a "hidden gem." Located in Opera Alley, this charming Tacoma dining establishment is easily bypassed but worth a visit.

Inside you'll find black table linens, cozy colorful chairs and lighting that set the mood perfect for date night or conversation over a glass of wine. A small lamp adorns your table alongside a collection of vintage hardback books, combined with the lighting and velvety seating you're enveloped in a gypsy-esque ambiance. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu is spattered with colorful salad options and tasty sandwiches during lunch that transition to artful fine dining worthy plates in the evening.

There's a clear favorite on Over the Moon Café's lunch menu: mac and cheese ($13). This isn't your average mac and cheese; this is a "classy, I'm an adult" version that still delivers the comfort hug of the quintessential childhood dish. The base is penne pasta tossed in a delightful cream sauce. Folded into the dish are fresh Roma tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts and sliced Portobello mushrooms, which lend a lovely earthiness. As if that wasn't enough, the Moon tops it with Parmesan and Gruyere cheeses. Housemade croutons add just a touch of texture.

The end result is gooey cheesy goodness ... for grown-ups.

OVER THE MOON CAFÉ, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 709 Court C "Opera Alley," Tacoma, 253.284.3722