Mari JuarezAs a Type A person, I take pride in having virtually all of my favorites neatly listed, and places to eat are one of my major lists. Whether you’re on the hunt for a fine-dining spot perfect for date night or a casual eatery for lunch with friends, I can easily whip up a few must-visit recos.
One time when my friends and I were starving and completely undecided on where to eat, I pulled out my list, had somebody pick a number, and let fate decide. It worked so well that it became our go-to system, with each pick a surprise, but never when it comes to flavor or quality.
After all, these are Oklahoma City’s best. Curious to see which restaurants made the cut? Read on.
How much do restaurants in Oklahoma City charge?
Restaurants in Oklahoma City typically cost around $10 to $20 for casual eateries, about $25 to $50 for mid-range dining, such as a nice sit-down dinner or gastropub, and ranging from $60 to $100+ for fine-dining and chef-driven concepts.
1. Cheever’s Cafe
Address: 2409 N Hudson Ave
Phone: +1 405-525-7007
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
If you’re never heard of Cheever’s Cafe before, I have just one question for you: how!? It’s one of OKC’s most beloved spots, known for serving Southwestern-inspired comfort food and drawing crowds from brunch through dinner.
Once home to Cheever’s Flowers, the 1938 Art Deco still shines through many of its original features, like its charming terrazzo floors, while offering a snug and warmly lit dining space. Hence, it’s a sweet spot, cozy enough for weekday dinners, yet polished enough for date nights.
Now, the fun part–menu highlights. You can’t go wrong with their signature Chicken Fried Steak with Jalapeno Cream Gravy. Another classic is their Shrimp & Grits, with bacon-wrapped jump shrimp over cheddar-green grits and sriracha-honey butter.
What we love is their consistency—no matter what you’re ordering, the flavors are rich, portions hearty, and pricing fair. Just note that parking in the area’s limited, so you may need to spend a few minutes looking for nearby street parking.
Big plate, tons of food and full of flavor.
“My coworker stopped here the last time he was in town, and recommended we go here for lunch today, and I’m glad he did!
Our server was great and very helpful and professional. I think his name was Jesse – very friendly and on top of refills and keeping an eye on us, but not overbearing.
He recommended the chicken fried steak, which really hit the spot. Big plate, tons of food and full of flavor.
The bread was incredible as well. The butter that comes with it really took it to the next level and I’m sad I got full and couldn’t eat any more of it.
The vibe was great too. Everything about Cheever’s was great. We sat inside, but the patio looked really nice and charming as well.
My coworker for the French dip and said it was really great as well. We both enjoyed our meals and were glad we stopped in.”
Super fantastic experience
“Super fantastic experience at Cheever’s for my birthday lunch! They’ve been on my food radar since I saw a write-up in Southern Living magazine. Cass was a great server, and everyone was so kind in wishing me a happy birthday. The chicken fried steak with jalapeño gravy and the prime rib sandwich did not disappoint—both were delicious! The only downside (cough, cough) is that they did not have sweet tea.
Thanks to the whole team for a great visit! We look forward to seeing you again soon.
(Almost forgot the carrot cake — the best I’ve had thus far.)”
2. Paseo Grill
Address: 2909 Paseo
Phone: +1 405-601-1079
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
After a busy day exploring the Paseo Arts District, there’s no better way to cap off the day than a hearty meal at Paseo Grill. A local favorite since 2006, Paseo Grill serves virtually everything, from fresh seafood to juicy steak, perfect for all palettes.
You can’t miss their sweet and savory Miso Sea Bass and their rich, sautéed Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast. Plus, they have a great wine and cocktail selection to pair with your meals. Of course, you can’t skip desserts, like their decadent chocolate mousse and crème brûlée.
As for their dining room, it’s the perfect place for intimate and romantic dinners, with dim lighting and even semi-private seating, perfect for small events. Don’t worry, it’s still quite relaxed, just a tad above casual dining, which also explains the price tag.
It’s also worth noting that they’re closed on Sundays, so reservations are definitely recommended, especially if you’re on peak days like Fridays and Saturdays.
You can’t go wrong here
“Paseo grill is one of my top favorite restaurants. Hubby and I have been patronizing this establishment over the years for special occasions. Tonight, I took him to dinner here as a part of his Christmas gift and a nice date night. We went to the Bricktown comedy club afterwards. As always, we had an amazing dinner. I forgot to take pics of our actual meal.😭 One nice “upgrade” to the menu is their mocktails! I don’t drink anymore for medical reasons and my hubby rarely drinks anymore. The mocktails were delicious! Our waitress Maddie was absolutely amazing but we’ve always had wonderful service here. What I like about Paseo Grill is that you really don’t have to dress too fancy however, it is more on the upscale side. I’ve seen folks super casual but mostly lots of nice date night attire. I believe you can only dine by reservation and if not, it is highly recommended. Nonetheless, you can’t go wrong here. It’s an amazing place to dine.”
– DeCarla Steele, Google Review
Food and service is always on point
“This is one of our favorite places to go for special occasions. Their food and service is always on point and we have not been disappointed once. Their lobster bisque is the best that we’ve tried! Their service are always understanding of our needs and makes sure to accommodate us as best as can be. We always enjoyed the complementary desserts that we get on special holidays!”
3. JK by Chef King
Address: 612 N Robinson Ave
Phone: +1 405-724-8992
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 12 to 3 PM; 5 to 11 PM
Craving contemporary Asian-fusion? JK by Chef King is a solid go-to, blending global techniques with bold Asian flavors and creative presentations that truly hit the spot. Every dish looks as good as it tastes, so don’t be surprised if your camera eats first.
With roots in some of the world’s finest kitchens, Josh Balan and Chef King Dey brought their world-class culinary experience and vision straight to OKC.
What we love about their food is how eclectic it is, with must-tries like their Wagyu Short Rib Nachos with kimchi and slaw, Miso-bronzed Black Cod with hajikami, and rich Oxtail & Bone Marrow Fried Rice.
Their drinks menu is just as creative. They have signature wines and playful cocktails that not only pair seamlessly with the food but also fit the restaurant’s theatrical flair.
However, the main drawback is that portions can run a bit small for the price, but the use of premium ingredients and seasonal menus helps justify the splurge.
Experience here was amazing
“The experience here was amazing. Nice and classy! I really enjoyed the “girl dinner” with one of my besties. It was a great price point for everything we tried. It was our first time, and will definitely go back. Our server, Avery was so great. She was very knowledgeable about the menu and so attentive and sweet! We appreciated her sevice! I absolutely loved the interior design! So beautiful. Great for photos as well! Perfect girls night!”
– Ashley Rogers, Google Review
Loved our experience
“We loved our experience. Wonderful atmosphere. Drinks were great! We got the wagyu nachos and shishito peppers for an appetizer and they were so good. The seabass was amazing and the burger had a great flavor. Our waitress was so nice and very knowledgeable. Really enjoyed our experience!”
4. Vast
Address: 333 W Sheridan Ave 49th Floor
Phone: +14057027262
Business hours:
- Monday – 11 AM to 1:30 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11 AM to 1:30 PM; 4 to 10 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 1:30 PM; 4 to 11 PM
- Saturday – 4 to 11 PM
Vast is one of those restaurants that you save for a special occasion, made even more memorable by its sky-high views from every seat. Perched atop the Devon Tower, its diners enjoy panoramic views of downtown OKC that are literally above the rest!
Awards and views aside, the real star here is the food. Vast serves elevated contemporary American cuisine, featuring a rotating lunch buffet with seasonal sides, chef-driven dinner specials, and craft cocktails at the bar.
Our favorites? Start with their rich, buttery Whipped Bone Marrow and tender Grilled Octopus. For mains, must-tries include their juicy Bone-In Ribeye, classic Fillet Mignon and New York Strip, rich Pan-Seared Duck Breast, and flavorful Pistachio Crusted Salmon.
The best part? Their chef can personally curate a menu for your special celebrations. Just ensure to advise them in advance.
Yes, it’s a splurge, but between the views, fine-dining experiences, and the level of service, it’s definitely money well spent.
“We celebrated our wedding anniversary and New Year’s at this restaurant and had a memorable experience. The staff were consistently accommodating and professional, contributing greatly to the enjoyment of our special occasion. The views are exceptional, and requesting a window table is highly recommended.
We have chosen this restaurant for several special occasions in the past, and for this visit we selected the special New Year’s menu. Overall, the experience was very positive. Our only concern was the prime rib, which was quite tough and did not meet expectations. However, the remaining dishes were thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and a pleasure to enjoy.”
“We went to Vast for their buffet lunch and really enjoyed it! The food quality was great, and we love that they change the menu every week, which keeps things interesting. The week we went happened to be Mexican cuisine, and while it wasn’t our personal favorite theme, everything was still well-prepared and flavorful.
We’ve been here for dinner before and enjoyed that even more, but the lunch buffet was still a great experience overall. The views of downtown OKC are unbeatable and make the meal even better. Definitely worth checking out for both lunch and dinner!”
– Derrick Quigley, Google Review
5. Melting Pot
Address: 4 E Sheridan Ave
Phone: +1 405-235-1000
Business hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 to 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12 to 10 PM
The Melting Pot is exactly what it sounds like: an interactive fondue experience where cooking, conversation, and sharing go hand in hand. The experience revolves around the courses, where you’ll be enjoying cheese, broth, and chocolate cooked tableside.
You’ll start with the cheese fondue as the main course, served with artisan breads and fresh veggies for dipping. Then comes a fresh salad to balance things out. And for your entree, you’ll cook your own bites of meat and vegetables in hot broth or oil pots tableside.
And to finish it off, dessert fondue, where you dip fruits and sweets into rich chocolate. Even better, the multi-course menus cater to every price point, with the option to add indulgent extras like lobster tails or double dips of cheese and chocolate.
Just note to plan for a slow-paced meal, since courses are cooked and eaten one by one. Also, drinks and extras can be on the pricey side, but the experience makes it worth it.
“Perfect place to celebrate a partner. Intimate/cozy seating, refreshing cocktails, good service, and delicious flavors. Ordered a champagne toast with the booking, received upon arrival. Enjoyed a 4-course fondue, everything intentionally prepared. Loved that they made our cheese fondue table side due to a dietary restriction, and that they wrote little wishes on our dessert plates. A very nice touch! Overall good experience, planning on returning very soon.”
“We enjoyed our dinner at Melting Pot! Our waitress was very patient and explained everything to us since it was our first time. It is definitely an experience and we left full and happy. Price-wise the 4 course meal for two is probably $30 too expensive, but overall we had a great time.”
