OKC CHEAT SHEET: GUIDE TO DINING IN OKC
Where to Eat in OKC: A List of Locally Owned Restaurants
By Brittany Butryn
Whether you live in the Oklahoma City metro area or are visiting the Modern Frontier for business or pleasure, you’re sure to find the options for tasty dining are endless in this colorful city. From southern comfort to fine dining, or from casual eats to cultural delights, local OKC restaurants are serving up some real homemade goodness. Whichever you choose you are certain to be delighted. And when visiting these city gems don’t forget to mention The Scout Guide sent you!
LaVeryl Lower has been the queen of upscale dining in the metro for more than three decades, and her wine list is always the best in the city.
6418 N Western | OKC | @metrowinebar
The restaurant inside 21c Museum Hotel reopened late last year, and the remodel has led to one of the city’s most elegant restaurants. The bar program and Chef Jeff Patton’s menu are both excellent.
900 W Main | OKC | @maryeddysokc
Yes, you should absolutely take a date to the back side of a mall because The Hamilton’s Okie-centric dining from Chef Stephanie Miller and massive whiskey selection make this chic casual spot one of the great success stories of the past few years.
12232 N May | OKC | @thehamiltonokc
There really is no argument about where to find the pinnacle of dining in OKC. Chef Andrew Black’s tasting menu destination is a spectacular special occasion indulgence or a must see when visiting the city.
100 NE 4th | OKC | @greysweaterokc
Chef Jonathan Krell does everything well, and that includes Italian food. This is not a “red sauce and endless pasta bowls” kind of Italian food, but it is a brilliant dining experience from start to finish. And the service is among the best in town.
305 N Walker| OKC | @patronookc
The new restaurant inside the Ellison Hotel features Chef Josh Valentine’s food combined with one of the city’s top cocktail bars. A blend of Okie-centric and straightforward comfort food, the entire menu reflects Valentine’s creativity and skill at building flavors in delightful layers.
6201 N Western | OKC | @milo_okc
When other chefs are referring to chef/owner Olivier Bouzerand as the “best French chef” in Oklahoma, it’s time for everyone to take note. The menu in this classic Edmond, OK restaurant contains some of the best wine pairings available in the state. We say “oui.”
152 E 5th | Edmond | @faitmaisonrestaurant
Domenico Coffee and Dessert Bar
Chisholm Creek’s Market Street retail strip welcomed a sweet new concept with the opening of Domenico Coffee and Dessert Bar. It’s the latest confection-fueled concept from Ganache Patisserie owners Laura Szyld and Matt Ruggi. The treats are out of this world both in taste and whimsical design.
1332 W Memorial Rd Ave | OKC |@domenicookc
Jeff Chanchaleune started his journey in a food truck before opening Goro Ramen in the Plaza District with business partner Rachel Cope. Goro Ramen + Izakaya combines traditional ramen with Japanese pub cuisine for a delicious, flavor packed punch in OKC’s Paseo Arts District.
3000 Paseo | OKC | @gororamen
Spark was started by The Social Order (owners of The Jones Assembly, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, and more), and is located at the north entrance of Scissortalk Park in OKC. Spark’s popular and delicious menu includes the classic Spark Burger, Pink Fries, and Frozen Peach Club Special. This is a fun, unique place that is a must-see, must-eat!
500 Paseo | OKC | @eatatspark
Between Chef Quinn Carroll’s stunning New American food, Chef Rachel Porter’s stellar desserts, and what is perhaps the best bar program in the city, Frida is a must-try destination. Come for the steaks and seafood with a southwestern flair.
500 Paseo | OKC | @fridasouthwest
Plant founder Emma Ryan believes whole and plant-based food should be accessible to all in terms of taste and convenience. With this mission, she and her sister Addie are sharing their passion for health by making plant-based living a mainstream concept. This is a great place to brunch- try the house made cashew cream cheese!
1120 N Walker Ave | OKC | @eatatplant
Nonesuch is called “Oklahoma’s new best restaurant” for a reason. It is a 22-seat tasting menu restaurant in the heart of Midtown. The seasonal menus explore different elements of Oklahoma cuisine by looking for inspiration from farmers, prairies, woods, and friends. This is a great place to take a date, family or friends for a true dining experience.
803 North Hudson Ave | OKC | @nonesuchokc
Founded by Keith and Heather Paul, this classic florist-turned-restaurant creates unique tastes and memorable dining in Oklahoma City. They have distinctive and delicious items including The Roasted Chicken & Pepper Jack Strudel, Blue Cheese Potato Chips, The Cauliflower Bread Pudding, and more. It’s an OKC institution.
2409 N Hudson Ave | OKC | @cheevers_cafe
This setting is absolutely breathtaking and remodeled in the First National Building. Tellers’ extensive Italian wine list highlights the diversity of Italy’s wine growing regions and unique varietals. Tellers Wood Fired Italian Grill serves authentic interpretations of regional Italian cuisine. This is a classy and perfect spot for date night!
120 N. Robinson Ave | OKC | @tellers_okc
Florence and Victoria Kemp are co-owners of Florence’s Restaurant, one of six recipients of The James Beard Foundation 2022 Awards. They have been featured on The Food Network, Fox, The Oklahoma Gazette, Trip Advisor, and more for their excellent service and amazing food. We recommend trying The Honey & Heat Fried Chicken, Honey Meatloaf, or Catfish Basket.
1437 NE 23rd St | OKC | @florencesrestaurant
Bobby Motolla opened Pizzeria Gusto with his father, Don Mottola, in June 2008. Pizzeria Gusto is Oklahoma City’s first Neapolitan pizza restaurant. They have amazing ingredients imported from Italy and offer small plates, appetizers, salads and made from scratch desserts in addition to their famous pizza. Their bar features 11 beers on tap, an assortment of bottled craft beers, wine and cutting-edge cocktails. This is a must try for delicious pizza in OKC!
2415 N Walker Ave | OKC | @gustookc
Sushi Neko has been voted the best sushi bar and Japanese restaurant in Oklahoma City by Oklahoma Reader’s Choice and the OKC Gazette. They have a very distinctive, tasty, and extensive sushi and wine menu, as well as private dining rooms and amazing lunch options.
4318 N Western Ave | OKC | @sushinekookc
Owned by Hal Smith, creator of restaurant concepts since 1986 that heighten the senses through inspired architectural settings and excellent service and cuisines, Charleston Restaurants are located all throughout the country (and five locations in Oklahoma alone). We recommend trying their delicious, always consistent salads, parmesan crusted chicken, dynamite shrimp and their unbelievable croissants.
Various Locations | OKC | @charlestonsrestaurant
Chef Jonathon Stranger continually develops new flavors and shares recipes that inspire a seasonally-charged menu. Osteria OKC is a full-service restaurant and craft bar that offers a bold and fresh perspective on classic Italian food. Nestled in OKC’s Nichols Hills Plaza, we recommend the Pappardelle Bolognese, Wild Mushroom Tartufi, or the diverse cocktail menu. This place is perfect for date night.
6430 Avondale Dr | Nichols Hills | @osteriaokc
Social media users have been raving about Eastside Pizza House since it opened in early 2022. Owned by local rapper Jabee, Eastside Pizza was designed to pay tribute to the past, including images of OKC Civil Rights Leader Clara Luper. They have amazing pizza choices including The Ellison, Clara Luper, and Garden Oaks. It’s a perfect lunch or dinner spot to spend with family or friends.
1734 NE 23rd St | OKC | @eastsidepizzahouse
Owner Brandi Jones opened The Market at Eastpoint as a community-led grocery store dedicated to creating food access for Northeast OKC. East Side Eatery is located inside of The Market, and has been putting a smile on customers’ faces ever since. They offer everything from vegan nuggets, the Eastside burger, cauliflower pizza, and so much more. It’s a tasty place to stop and grab a quick bite!
1734 NE 23rd St | OKC | @eastsideeateryokc
Owners Keith and Heather Paul run this classic Oklahoma staple. With three locations in Oklahoma, this place has made a name for itself since 2011. Home of the OG onion burger, this place is as delicious as it gets. We also recommend trying a hand dipped shake or homemade lemonade.
324 NW 23rd St | OKC | @tuckersonionburgersok
Owner Lori Burson personally selects the distinct wine list at Stella’s which features groupings of Italian and American wines. She makes you feel like you are in the heart of Italy with Stella Modern Italian Cuisine. They specialize in fresh, seasonal menus, and the wood-burning oven is the heart of the restaurant, producing Roman style pizza and the majority of the menu. We can’t get enough of the candy bar dessert…it’s heaven. This place is great for date night (or any night)!
1201 N Walker Ave | OKC | @stellaokc
Oklahoma City is known for global cuisine, so it’s no surprise that Café Kacoa is so well-loved by locals and visitors alike. The Del Cid family launched this mecca of Guatemalan and LATAM food 11 years ago. At the heart of it all is family matriarch Veronica Del Cid sharing family recipes passed down for generations with all who dine. When you brunch in OKC, you go to Café Kacao. We love the coquito french toast and chorizo tots.
3325 North Classen Blvd | OKC | @cafekacao
