Caffe Pranzo: a hidden favorite
by Chris | November 17, 2008 | 12 Comments
(votes: 6, average: 4.5) 
Loading ...Caffe Pranzo is located at 9622 North May Avenue in Oklahoma City (map). Lunch hours are Monday through Friday from 11am to 2:30pm. Dinner hours are Monday through Saturday from 5pm to 10pm. Call them at 405.755.3577 or visit their website.
Being an Italian food freak, I find that I am often drawn to Italian eateries when I decide to dine out for the evening. It used to be that I enjoyed the Italian chain restaurants, but all of that changed when my date to the senior prom suggested we eat at Caffe Pranzo for the big night. What I did not know is that I would be recommending this place on a regular basis for years to come.
Caffe Pranzo is tucked into a strip mall and it stays fairly well hidden from the bustle of May Avenue. In fact, the first few times I attempted to dine there, I drove past it because of its hidden location. From the outside, it doesn’t look like anything special, but when you enter the doors you are greeted by elegance and class. Dimly lit and very well-themed, Caffe Pranzo makes you feel as if you are dining in a small restaurant in Italy. I was very impressed by the atmosphere, but would my tongue be as impressed as my eyes?
Absolutely.
For starters, there are a variety of choices. If you’re in a soup mood, there are options. If you’re in a cheese and wine mood, there are options. You will not be left wishing something else were on the menu. My personal favorite appetizer is the Caprese. The fresh Italian favorite is served with mozzarella cheese, diced tomatoes, and just a hint of olive oil and spices. The fried calamari is also an excellent choice, and Caffe Pranzo boasts that it is the “best in Oklahoma City.” I would have to agree.
The house salad, while tasty, comes off as a bit “plain Jane” in my humble opinion. I think Caffe Pranzo could do better by creating some sort of signature salad to accompany their meals.
For an entrée, I highly recommend the Chicken Cannelloni. Some would argue standard Italian dishes taste the same no matter where you go, but Caffe Pranzo finds a way to top every other place I’ve tried with this offering. The Cannelloni is delicious and it is baked with an amazing tomato-cream sauce that makes my mouth water even as I type this review. The chicken is very tender — not at all dry — and it has a fantastic flavor.
Speaking of chicken, Caffe Pranzo offers an oven roasted chicken which is marinated a full 24 hours before it is cooked. If you’re not in a pasta mood, try this dish which is served with stir-fried vegetables.
Lastly, dessert. You absolutely MUST try the Tiramisu. I can’t quite put into words my feelings about this dish so let me simply post the description that is written on their menu:
“This dessert is truly an international effort. Imported Belgium chocolate, mascarpone cheese from Italy, crispy lady fingers from France and dairy fresh eggs from Albertson’s are combined with espresso and brandy to make this a light ‘pick me up’ end to a perfect meal.”
There’s also much more to explore at Caffe Pranzo. It is, in my opinion, and incredible experience from start to finish. I’ve been recommending it to people for many years and so far, I have not heard any negative feedback from those who have tried it. So, I invite you to try it as well and let me know what you think (positive or negative) in the comments.
We want to hear from you!
So far, 12 people have responded to this article. Won't you join in?November 17th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
This is my favorite Italian restaurant in OKC. We LOVE the bruschetta.
November 17th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
My big brother and I also went there for one of our dances and enjoyed their delicious food.
Good restaurant, good food…good review!
November 17th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
I have been wanting to try Cafe Pranzo for years…maybe this will get me there. Thanks for the review.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:54 am
how does the price compare to the chains? is it a good lunch stop?
November 18th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Isaac, it’s not too bad for lunch. You’re going to be paying somewhere between $9-12 for lunch.
ballerinatoes, make sure you check this place out and let me know what you think!
Emily, glad to hear there’s someone else in town who enjoys this place as much as I do!
November 18th, 2008 at 10:24 am
I love the steamed artichokes and that Carnegie Deli Cheesecake…Delish!
November 18th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I love there specials. Very unique and being a meat guy myself they are always tasty. My wife loves Chicken Marsala and unfortunately is not wild about the selection at Cafe Pranzo. We love a good fried calamari and while the calamari is good I’m not sure it’s the best in OKC. Even though it’s not homeade, the Carnegie Deli cheesecake is the absolute best. Wonderful.
Thanks for the review
November 19th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Good food, good decor … add good company and your eve is all set.
November 20th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Chris, $9-12 isn’t too bad for lunch. Most of the places besides the taquerias and fast food are about the same. I know the combo at nic’s is about $8, includes a little somethin-something for the Nic. Have you done anything about “Someplace Else” over by the gold dome on NW 23rd? It is very very very good and makes a great lunch spot.
November 20th, 2008 at 9:48 am
My family has been going here for years — we just celebrated my daughter’s 24th birthday there.
Although they import it, don’t forget the world’s best cheesecake (I think from Carnegie Deli, NY?).
(Also, correct me if I am wrong, but I believe there is no alcohol in the Tiramisu).
This is the one of the coziest and most consistent local restaurants you will find anywhere….
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I just went there and I loved it! The only thing that I didn’t care for as much was the tomato bisque soup that I had with my meal, but the rest of it was wonderful. And the tiramisu was by far the best tiramisu that I have ever had. I absolutely recommend this restaurant!
January 4th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I have been looking for a decent local Italian restaurant in OKC for many years now, and I have not yet been able to find one. I went to Cafe Pranzo the other night with some friends, because we were on that side of town, and because I had been wanting to try it. Unfortunately, the food was just okay. It wasn’t anything great, and so my search continues. The service was very good, but I felt the food lacked. I will probably not go back, but don’t let my comment make up your mind about going to eat there. It seems that a lot of other people really liked Cafe Pranzo, so who knows, you might like it as well.
Please tell us what you think.