Tulsa by Brian Schwartz • OKC by Amanda Jane Simcoe
Fine Dining
Summit Club, Tulsa
Extensive renovations in harmony with the club’s hallmark of quiet, understated luxury. Revamped kitchens, including a new
aging room for dry-aged steaks. An updated, expanded menu from one of the finest chefs around, Bill Lyle. It’s clear that the Summit Club is better than ever.
Mahogany, Tulsa
The attentive staff at Mahogany Prime Steakhouse will treat you not as a customer, but as an honored guest. There’s an extensive and well prepared menu of appetizers, fish and chicken entrées, but it’s the steak that’s the main attraction: USDA Prime, aged, sizzling and glorious.
French Hen, Tulsa
The new downtown home of the French Hen is modern and magnificent. The menu still has a lot of those classic dishes, well-loved by regulars, including the seafood “cheesecake” appetizer, mixed grills, and fish and poultry served with rich classic French sauces, perfectly prepared by chef Marcos Analco and his team.
Lowood, Tulsa
When you meet Bobby Benjamin at Lowood, you’ll find a kind and humble man happy to talk for hours about the tradition and history behind his complex culinary creations. Taste any dish, and each one of the swirling flavors seems right and good, and you leave feeling that all’s right with the world.
Polo Grill, Tulsa
The subtle elegance and hushed, relaxed excitement signals a private club. But the superbly gracious staff will make you feel right at home. Huge USDA Prime steaks, subtly sauced veal chops, even simple fish and chips… when your meal comes, you’ll forget everything else.
Juniper, Tulsa
From chef Justin Thompson, Juniper offers award-winning farm-to-table cuisine. For those wanting to try a bit of everything, indulge in the signature five course chef’s tasting menu with sommelier-selected wine pairings. To top it off, you won’t want to miss a cocktail with house-infused spirits.
Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse, OKC
Named after famed Oklahoma native baseball star, Bricktown’s Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse has been serving fine cuisine and wine since 2000. In addition to full-service dining, its #7 Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and a cigar.
Stella Modern Italian Cuisine, OKC
For more than a decade, Lori Burson has been bringing her take on Italian cuisine to the fashionable Heritage Hills neighborhood in OKC. The joint offers both indoor and patio dining as well as brunch.
Vast, OKC
There is no argument that the most expansive dining room view of Oklahoma City can be found at Vast on the 49th and 50th floors of the Devon Tower in Downtown OKC. Perfect for date night, weddings, special occasions or a night on the town.
Around the Globe
In the Raw, Tulsa
At ITR, you can go traditional or creative. There are over 100 sushi rolls, taste-filled and unique. One luxury item features a classic French cream sauce poured over poached lobster. Not a sushi lover? You can feast on fish tacos, tuna nachos, chicken salad, halibut or a pepper-crusted filet steak.
Rendang Indonesian, Tulsa
Rendang is owned by a husband from central Sumatra and a wife from west Java. The result? Superb renditions of all the standard Indonesian classic dishes and many hard-to-find regional dishes. Sambal goreng udang is a subtly spiced shrimp dish that would be at home in a fine dining restaurant in Europe.
Sisserou’s Caribbean, Tulsa
“The whole family gathers; it’s a lazy time of good food and fellowship.” Evan Shillingford smiles as he recalls dinner time on the island of Dominica. In his restaurant, he brings some of that Caribbean joie de vivre to you. The food alone, both faithful renditions of classic dishes and more creative plates, most involving fish, will make you happy.
Biga, Tulsa
“I love food like this!” says Tuck Curren as he shows you a big bubbling pot of Maiale al Latte, a rare regional dish from Italy’s Adriatic coast. Though Maiale isn’t always on the menu, there’s always something intriguing available from some rarely-visited part of Italy, as well as rich saucy versions of more traditional pastas.
Musashi’s, OKC
Knives fly, steam pours from volcanoes stacked from sliced onions, and diners cheer at Musashi’s, Western Concepts’ Japanese steakhouse. Steak, seafood and vegetables are skillfully prepared on the tabletop, while appetizers and sushi are available from the kitchen.
Zorba’s Mediterranean Cuisine, OKC
You can’t visit the entire Mediterranean in a day, but you can taste it at Zorba’s. Offering the flavors of Greece, Spain, Morocco, Cyprus and the Middle East, you’ll find flavorful dishes full of traditional spices.
Sheesh Mahal, OKC
For authentic Halal, Pakistani and Indian cuisines, Sheesh Mahal on North May Avenue is an absolute treasure. From rich, hearty meat dishes to flavorful vegetarian fare, there is no wrong selection on the menu at this family-owned staple.
Hidden Gems
Alfred’s, Tulsa
Hidden away in a strip mall on Mingo is a tiny restaurant packed with people who know where to find some of the best grilled meats in town. Kebabs, gyros, even cheeseburgers, Alfred’s has it all. His specialty is the Iranian ground beef kebab called the koobideh.
Little Venice, Sand Springs
Walter Munaretto, consummate host, runs this small yet tastefully appointed restaurant in Sand Springs. Walter grew up in a tiny town just outside Venice, and his cozy trattoria offers hard-to-find specialties of northern Italy. Expect spectacular table side preparations, a dessert trolley packed with irresistible temptation, and a warm welcome.
Boston Title and Abstract, Tulsa
This underground hideaway serves some of the best food in town. Trained by one of New Orleans’ top chefs and a 20 year veteran of some of our finest restaurants, chef Paul Wilson cooks elaborate yet delicious dishes to delight even the most jaded connoisseur.
Florence’s Restaurant, OKC
For 70 years, Florence’s Restaurant has offered Southern food based on family recipes. If you’ve spent any of those years living in Oklahoma City, you’ve undoubtedly heard about their legendary fried chicken and homemade pear pie.
The Press, OKC
In 2017, Hungry Town Concepts added The Press to their culinary family when it opened in the Plaza District, serving Southwestern comfort food with Oklahoma roots. In addition, a full cocktail bar and vegetarian/vegan options are available.
Tokyo Pot, Stillwater
Hidden in plain sight on Tenth Avenue in Stillwater is Oklahoma’s original shabu shabu restaurant. Inside the unassuming space, diners enjoy a delicious combination of meats, seafood and veggies, all cooked in flavorful broth at the table. It’s worth the drive.
Barkeep Supply, OKC
Julia McLish’s midtown storefront is part specialty shop and part craft cocktail lounge. Local mixologists, both professional and hobbyists, can find whatever they need for their bar, including tools and ingredients, while enjoying one of McLish’s cocktails.
Oklahoma Classics
Mondo’s, Tulsa
For fifty years, Mondo’s has been enticing its loyal fans with tasty dishes made from recipes that Grandpa Angelo Aloisio brought from Abruzzi. Angelo worked for years as a chef in one of New York’s finest hotels, so there are unexpected gourmet touches. And there’s always an Aloisio at Mondo’s, making sure you feel at home.
Bricktown Brewery, Tulsa
A huge helping of nachos covered with slow-smoked pork shoulder and BBQ sauce. Meat-laden pizzas and behemoth burgers. Salads and chicken-fried steaks. All designed to complement a full line of beers carefully brewed in Bricktown’s microbrewery. They’ve got it all.
BurnCo, Tulsa
Just 10 years ago, a small band of barbecue fanatics founded BurnCo, a place that broke a lot of rules to make some of the tastiest sausage, chicken, brisket and ribs around. “Welcome to paradise,” a man says to the waiting crowds as he unlocks the door at opening time. Not a bad metaphor.
Ti Amo, Tulsa
Mehdi Khezri once got the chance to vacation in Rome. He spent every day eating spaghetti carbonara in a different restaurant. Why? He wanted to find the best recipe to use at Ti Amo. From ribeyes and lamb to spaghetti pescatore and lobster macaroni, that’s the amount of care put into every dish.
Villa Ravenna, Tulsa
Sergio Orioli’s grandparents owned a restaurant in Ravenna, so there are definite continental touches to decor and dishes. You can find all the usual suspects, but you might also spot more unusual fare, like fresh figs served with prosciutto or osso buco made from wild boar. And the service is impeccable – Sergio makes sure of that.
Empire Slice House, OKC
Whether it is one of the slices of the day paired with a craft brew or two, or a whole pie to go, there’s no wrong option at 84 Hospitality Group’s popular pizza joint, now with a Tulsa-area location by Cain’s Ballroom.
Cheever’s Cafe, OKC
For more than 20 years, Cheever’s Cafe has been serving upscale Southwestern and Southern cuisine from the original Cheever’s Flowers location on Hudson Avenue in what is now the Uptown 23rd district. Cheever’s serves brunch, lunch and dinner.
Picasso Cafe, OKC
Picasso Cafe offers a wide variety of menu options, including weekly specials and monthly veggie dinners. Chef Ryan Parrot even creates handcrafted snacks for four-legged friends on their dog-friendly patio.
Comfort Food
Evelyn’s, Tulsa
Wanda J. Armstrong opened her first restaurant 50 years ago. Now, she’s a Tulsa icon. Evelyn’s is named after her mother, who taught her all things cooking. Expect supernal fried chicken and pork chops. The food is light and flavorful. “You have to get the food as close to its natural form as you can,” she says.
Freddie’s, Tulsa
It started around 1960 when Fred Joseph opened a steakhouse in the back room of his grocery. His nephew Tex Slyman took over 50 years ago and he’s been running the business ever since. Order a filet steak and it is preceded by a parade of platters holding tabouli, hummus, cabbage rolls and a lot more.
Albert G’s, Tulsa
“The restaurant business is in my blood,” says owner Chuck Gawey. He taught himself barbecue, he had a talent, he invented his own sauce and rub. You can get the fabulous slow-smoked BBQ that’s drawn crowds for 30 years and, at the downtown branch, microbrews and barrel-aged bourbon, too.
The Bistro at Seville, Tulsa
Longtime employee Brett Clark took over the place a few years ago; the owner waited to sell until he found someone who loved it as much as he did. He left things mostly unchanged, so you can find the same comforting “chokes and cheese,” beef stroganoff and mouthwatering chicken piccata as before.
Nic’s Grill, OKC
If you’re a fan of the original Nic’s Grill in OKC, you know that the daily line outside the door for one of 15 seats is well worth the wait. Their classic onion burgers and fries are an OKC favorite.
The Drum Room, OKC
For classic comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere, look no further. A full bar and happy hour menu complement fries and gravy, wings, fried pickles, okra, burgers, wings, nachos and more. Check out their brunch menu, too.
The Mule, OKC
Ooey, gooey, cheesy and delicious, the varied sandwiches at The Mule have been a must-try in OKC’s Plaza District since 2012. Poutine, fried cheese curds and even salads complete their grilled-cheesy menu. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
Late Night Bites
Kilkenny’s, Tulsa
When you walk through the door of Kilkenny’s, you’d swear you were in Victorian-era Dublin, replete with dark paneled wood, a tile mosaic floor and Irish mementos. Even better is the food; lots of hearty Irish fare like Boxty and Colcannon, simple meat and potatoes dishes, and more elaborate gourmet treats.
The Brook, Tulsa
A server comes bearing a huge platter. You think it’s to be shared by a nearby table of six. But no, it’s the side salad to your chicken-fried steak. Enjoy hearty portions of all your favorite dishes. People swear by their mac and cheese. Sooner or later, everyone goes to the Brook.
Vintage Wine Bar, Tulsa
Sleek and soaring decor, designed by a cutting-edge New York design firm. A carefully curated selection of wines, some rare, some obscure, all marvelous. An international collection of snacks and goodies designed by chefs obsessed with perfection. That’s Vintage Wine Bar.
The Jones Assembly, OKC
Part restaurant, part cocktail lounge, part music venue, The Jones Assembly is all things delicious entertainment. From the Social Order dining group, casual yet upscale finds its perfect balance at Jones.
Guyutes, OKC
Uptown 23rd’s lunch-through-late-night restaurant and watering hole features a rooftop bar, craft beers and cocktails, as well as a menu friendly to all. The music-themed restaurant serves its full menu, which includes options for vegetarian and vegan guests, until 1:30 a.m.
Bar Cicchetti, OKC
Named for cicchetti, Italy’s version of small bites or snacks, Bar Cicchetti is a full-service restaurant and bar opened as a collaboration between chefs Fabio Vivani and Jonathon Stranger. The menu features flavors of the Mediterranean.
Flip’s Wine Bar and Trattoria, OKC
A reliable staple in OKC since 1985, Flip’s offers simple, delicious Italian fare along with beer, wine and cocktails. Late-night bites are available until midnight, both inside and on their patio, and brunch specials change weekly.
More Than Just Dinner
Duet, Tulsa
Sample Tuck Curren’s eclectic, creative menu in a bright, airy dining room. Wine dinners are held most weeks; they’re reasonably priced and lots of fun. Enjoy live music on the patio, weather permitting, and the basement jazz club is slated to reopen soon.
Serving Up Views
In the Raw Vu, Tulsa
Soar over the city in this whimsically decorated dining hot spot. Enjoy lovely views of the Tulsa skyline by day, and when the sun goes down, the city below becomes a galaxy of magical lights. Sample rare Japanese whiskies as you enjoy sushi and more from the extensive menu.
Dessert Decadence
Braum’s, Statewide
Since 1968, Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Stores have been a family-owned tradition in Oklahoma. Classic banana splits, handcrafted malts, cherry limeades and hand-dipped cones hit the spot.
Dining with a Cause
Humankind Hospitality, OKC
Since 2009, the Humankind Hospitality Group has focused its energy on building a sense of community, both within their restaurant family and within OKC, ensuring the company philosophy is visible in all that they do. “We are All HumanKind Serving Humankind.”
Coffee Corner
Cirque Coffee, Tulsa
Enjoy unique coffee blends roasted in house by self-described coffee nerds and brewed on a custom-built Slayer espresso machine. It’s a minimalist setting but comfy couches might entice you to linger.
