The 10 Best Restaurants in Oklahoma City
By Grace Armstrong | Updated 3 Days Ago
Oklahoma City is a hidden treasure in the heart of America, full of amazing food that offers a memorable eating adventure. From classic dishes to new twists on comfort food, OKC has a wide range of flavors to explore.
Here are the top 10 must-visit restaurants in Oklahoma City, each delivering a special experience that will make your taste buds want more.
The Mule
Located in the lively Plaza District, The Mule gives a fun twist to the classic grilled cheese sandwich, adding unique flavors like the “Macaroni Pony” – a mix of cornbread, pork, and mac and cheese that surprises and pleases everyone. Along with local beers and creative cocktails, The Mule turns a basic meal into an unforgettable dining experience.
The place is full of energy and makes everyone feel welcome, ideal for those who love nostalgic dishes but appreciate a modern flair. The Mule showcases Oklahoma City’s knack for mixing traditional and innovative, making it a must-visit spot for food lovers.
The Loaded Bowl
As Oklahoma’s pioneering vegan food truck turned brick-and-mortar, The Loaded Bowl is a beacon for those seeking indulgence without compromise. This eatery challenges the meat-centric stereotype of the region with dishes like the loaded nachos, a tower of vegan goodness that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
The commitment to “conscious comfort food” shines through every dish, offering a guilt-free haven in the heart of the city. Whether you’re a committed vegan or just curious, The Loaded Bowl’s creative menu and cozy ambiance are sure to convert you into a believer in plant-powered dining.
Packard’s New American Kitchen
Housed in the historic Packard automobile showroom, Packard’s New American Kitchen marries the charm of the past with the flavors of the present. The rooftop patio offers a panoramic view of downtown OKC, setting the stage for an evening of exquisite dining under the stars. The “eat your veggies” dish, a colorful array of seasonal produce, is a celebration of local farming and culinary craftsmanship.
With a brunch menu that’s as innovative as it is delightful, Packard’s has become a staple for locals and tourists alike. The experience of dining in a piece of OKC’s history, coupled with the kitchen’s farm-to-table ethos, makes Packard’s a must-visit destination for foodies and history buffs alike.
Tokyo Japanese Restaurant
Step into Tokyo Japanese Restaurant and find yourself transported to the bustling streets of Tokyo, right in the heart of Oklahoma City. Renowned for its authentic sushi and diverse Japanese offerings, this restaurant captures the essence of its namesake city with every dish. The Tokyo box, a bento of delights, is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and tradition.
Sushi aficionados and newcomers alike will revel in the variety and freshness on offer, making Tokyo Japanese Restaurant a culinary landmark for those seeking a genuine taste of Japan in OKC. It’s more than a meal; it’s an exploration of the art of Japanese cuisine.
Empire Slice House
Empire Slice House in the Plaza District is a favorite for pizza lovers, offering amazing slices that impress everyone. This place is known for its unique, delicious pizzas that go beyond the usual. Along with great pizza, there’s a full bar and a fun outdoor patio, making Empire more than just a pizza spot—it’s a popular hangout.
There is no doubt that every pizza at Empire Slice House is made with care and stuffed with exciting flavors, a perfect balance of classic and new. It’s the perfect place in Oklahoma City for anyone wanting to enjoy some of the best pizza around.
Kitchen No. 324
Bright, bustling, and brimming with energy, Kitchen No. 324 is a downtown darling that celebrates the farm-to-table movement with flair. The fried chicken pot pie, a dish that elevates comfort food to an art form, is a must-try for any visitor. It’s the embodiment of Kitchen No. 324’s philosophy: simple ingredients, transformed.
From the craft bakery goods to the curated coffee drinks, every item on the menu is a testament to the cafe’s passion for quality and creativity. Kitchen No. 324 isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to experience the vibrant heart of OKC’s culinary scene.
Tucker’s Onion Burgers
Discover the soul of Oklahoma cuisine at Tucker’s Onion Burgers, where the humble onion burger reaches new heights of deliciousness. This diner pays homage to a Depression-era invention, proving that simplicity often leads to perfection. The laughter and chatter that fill the air are as much a part of the experience as the burgers themselves.
Known for its comforting atmosphere, innovative thinking, deep roots in tradition, and strong roots in Oklahoma City, Cheever’s is truly a place where you can have more than a meal – it’s a feeling of being welcomed into the heart of a city.
Cheever’s Cafe
Cheever’s Cafe is a love letter to contemporary comfort food, set in a charming bistro that whispers stories of the past. Known for its chicken fried steak smothered in jalapeño cream gravy, Cheever’s turns traditional dishes into gourmet experiences. The bleu cheese potato chips are a revelation, elevating a simple snack into a culinary masterpiece.
With its comfortable atmosphere, innovative thinking, and deep roots in tradition, Cheever’s represents the heart of Oklahoma City. There is more to dining here than just a meal, it’s a feeling of being welcomed into a city.
Szechuan Bistro
Szechuan Bistro invites you on an epicurean adventure to the heart of China, showcasing the fiery flavors and bold spices of Szechuan cuisine. This restaurant defies expectations, offering an authentic menu that transports diners with each bite. Whether you choose the Americanized favorites or venture into the traditional dishes, Szechuan Bistro promises a culinary journey unlike any other.
In a city where the unexpected becomes the standard, Szechuan Bistro stands out as a beacon for those who dare to explore the rich tapestry of Chinese cuisine. It’s a must-visit for adventurers at heart, seeking the thrill of new flavors and unforgettable experiences.
Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria
Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria is where the soul of Italy converges with the heart of Oklahoma City. This trattoria, with its bustling atmosphere and cozy patio, serves as a gathering place for friends and strangers alike. The pasta and whole wheat thin-crust pizzas are the stars of the show, each dish a testament to the simplicity and richness of Italian cuisine.
At Flip’s, every glass of wine tells a story, and every meal is an occasion. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, celebrate, and indulge in the joy of good food and great company. In a city brimming with culinary treasures, Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria shines as a beacon of warmth and hospitality.
Oklahoma City’s dining scene is a mosaic of cultures, flavors, and stories, each restaurant a chapter in the city’s unfolding culinary narrative. From the comfort food classics to the innovative creations that challenge the palate, OKC invites you on a gastronomic odyssey that’s as diverse as it is delicious.
These 10 unmissable restaurants are just the beginning of your culinary adventure in Oklahoma City. Come hungry, leave inspired, and cherish the flavors that make this city truly unique.