Oklahoma City Restaurants

This one’s a “must try.” In fact, you may want to stop reading right now and make your way to Bella Vista. It’s is a small, humble, family-run, home-cooking Italian restaurant where the food is incredibly fresh. I have not experienced anything else like it in Oklahoma City.

I’ve been searching for a great Italian restaurant in Oklahoma City, and I’m still searching. I’m not saying Bellini’s is bad, it’s actually quite good, but its not great.

I felt that the food here exhibited a bit of extra care and attention that I wouldn’t expect at a concept-driven place. So, I think they’ve got a shot at overcoming the polished, concept stigma and really providing something special.

Ever since my date recommended we dine here before our senior prom (yeah, that was a few years back), I’ve been a regular at Caffe Pranzo and an evangelist of the place to others. Now I recommend it to you.

I’m surprised, taken aback, shocked … you see, I had several people tell me how good Lotsa Noodles is and I was really looking forward to trying it. The sweet-looking decor and high-end marketing impressed me, but then my food came out and, man oh man, I was disappointed.

I’ve been itching to post this review of Meiki’s Italian American for quite some time, but I have struggled with how to describe the place even though I’m in there about every other week or so. The best categorization I can come up with is “diner-style Italian.” Diner-style describes the atmosphere more than the food, and here’s what I mean by it.

If anyone till missing Seinfeld, I have just the answer for you. Head down to Papa Angelo’s and you’ll think you’ve walked right into a Seinfeld episode. Plus, the food is great. They don’t serve anything they don’t eat!

Primo’s offers an extensive menu that I enjoy exploring each time I visit. It may not be fancy or exotic, but its a solid place run by Oklahoma City locals with quality ingredients and good value.

I have found everything I like in a restaurant at Sophabella’s – comfortable atmosphere, consistent and classy service, robust, flavorful food and great Tony Bennett-esque music. It’s the kind of place you can go to on a dressy date, but feel just as comfortable popping in after a day at the mall in jeans and a sweatshirt.

Trattoria il Centro is truly a treasure of Oklahoma City. If you haven’t tried it, you should. There’s really no reason not to. Go at lunch and you won’t be paying more than you would at any other mid-range restaurant, yet you’ll be experiencing quality and creativity you just can’t get many places.

Vivo! is not a revelation of authentic cuisine, nor is it a bold step in a new direction. What they do best, however, is provide excellent service, tasty Italian staples and a few off-the-wall variations. I’ll be going back again, no doubt, with an eye toward trying some of their other dishes.