As long-time residents of Norman, Oklahoma, Erika and I visit many of the city's eating establishments. Our experiences are both good and bad, but we decided to compose a list of our favorite places to grab a bite. We provided our favorite menu items from each establishment, and (in some cases) we offered drink pairings, as well.
Please note most of these establishments are strictly local to Norman, or they founded here originally. (Both Erika and I believe strongly in keeping it local.)
Many of these establishments play a large part in our community, and we highly encourage giving each of these establishments a try, especially if you are not native to Norman. Each one brings something different and unique to the table (pun completely intended), and they strive to provide patrons with a great experience, as well as great food.
We also included the average cost of each restaurant in the form of dollar signs ($) with 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest. The price points used for this piece we attained from Zomato.com, formerly Urbanspoon.com, and most are up to date.
Here - in no particular order - are 34 of the best local restaurants in Norman, OK.
1. Blackbird Gastropub ($$)
Campus Corner
Darren's Favorite Menu Item: Loaded Pub Fries with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce
Erika's Favorite Menu Item: Pot Roast Nachos with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce
2. Tarahumara's Mexican Café and Cantina ($$)
Porter Avenue
Darren's FMI: Juevos Rancheros
Erika's FMI: Any of the Enchiladas
3. Tulio's Mexican ($$)
East Side
Darren's FMI: Mexican Steak Tips with Celery Hot Sauce
Erika's FMI: Cancun Chicken with Celery Hot Sauce
4. O Asian Fusion ($$)
East Side
Darren's FMI: Red Curry
Erika's FMI: Yellow Curry
5. Ozzie's Diner ($)
Westheimer Airport
Darren's FMI: All You Can Eat Breakfast
Erika's FMI: All You Can Eat Breakfast
6. Syrup Breakfast Boutique ($$)
Downtown
Erika's FMI: Biscuits & Gravy with Stumptown Coffee
7. O'Connell's Irish Pub & Grille ($)
Campus Corner
Darren's FMI: Ranchhand Burger with Fried Pickles
Erika's FMI: Ranchhand Burger
8. Victoria's Pasta Shop ($$)
Campus Corner
Darren's FMI: Black Pepper Linguini
Erika's FMI: Any of the Daily Pestos
9. Gaberino's Homestyle Italian ($$)
West Side
Darren's FMI: Shrimp Scampi
Erika's FMI: Chicken Parmesan
10. Classic 50's Drive-In ($)
Lindsey Street
Darren's FMI: Pickle-Os
Erika's FMI: Fiesta Potato Boat with Bacon and a Sprittle
11. Sooner Dairy Lunch ($)
Main Street
Darren's FMI: Double Bacon Cheeseburger with a Chocolate Malt
Erika's FMI: Bacon Cheeseburger with a Root Beer Float
12. Greek House ($)
Campus Corner
Darren's FMI: Gyro Sandwich with Fries
Erika's FMI: Gyro Plate
13. Ole Town Gyro and Kabob ($)
Porter Avenue
Darren's FMI: Greek Salad with Extra Gyro Meat
Erika's FMI: Falafel and Dolma
14. Shawarma Vite Mediterranean Grill ($)
University of Oklahoma Campus
Darren's FMI: Mediterranean Platter
Erika's FMI: Chicken Shawarma Rice Platter (Spicy) with a Moroccan Iced Tea
15. Scratch Kitchen + Cocktails ($$$)
Downtown
Darren's FMI: Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict - Brunch Menu
Erika's FMI: Shrimp & Grits - Brunch Menu
16. Blu Fine Wine & Food ($$)
Downtown
Darren's FMI: Flat Bread Pizza
Erika's FMI: Salmon Benedict - Brunch Menu
17. Jax Soul Kitchen ($$)
Campus Corner
Darren's FMI: Jalapeño & Bacon Burger with a Brewhouse Amber Beer
Erika's FMI: Smoked Chicken or Pork Tacos with a Brewhouse Wheat Beer
18. T.E.A Café ($)
Campus Corner
Darren's FMI: Any Noodle Dish and an Almond Milk Tea with Boba
Erika's FMI: Stir-fry Rice Noodles with Chicken (Spicy) and a Papaya Milk Tea with Boba
19. Das Boot Camp ($)
Downtown
Darren's FMI: Jägerschnitzel with a Dunckelweizen House Beer
Erika's FMI: Jägerschnitzel with a Kings Weizen House Beer
20. The Diner ($)
Downtown
Darren's FMI: Tamale Breakfast
Erika's FMI: Tamale Breakfast
21. Benvenuti's Ristorante ($$$)
Downtown
Darren's FMI: Veal Parmesan
Erika's FMI: Veal Ravioli
22. Café Saffron ($)
Campus Corner
Darren's FMI: Chicken Kabob and the Fresh Produce
Erika's FMI: Saffron Rice and the Chicken Kabob
23. Misal Bistro ($$)
Ed Noble Parkway
Darren's FMI: Mediterranean Plate
Erika's FMI: Chicken Tikka Masala
24. Midway Grocery and Deli ($)
University of Oklahoma Campus
Darren's FMI: Sausage Breakfast Burrito
Erika's FMI: Cuban Sandwich
25. Ray's Smokehouse BBQ ($)
Lindsey Street
Darren's FMI: Ribs, Fries, and Potato Salad
Erika's FMI: Smoked Turkey, Hot Links, and Potato Salad
26. Sergio's Italian Bistro ($)
Downtown
Darren's FMI: Chicken Parmigiana
Erika's FMI: Baked Manicotti
27. Land Run Grill & Wine Bar ($)
East Side
Erika's FMI: Red River Loaded Nachos
28. Full Moon Sushi ($$)
Downtown
Darren's FMI: Zombie Roll
Erika's FMI: Full Moon Roll or Ahi Shake Roll
29. Pepe Delgados ($)
Campus Corner
Darren's FMI: White Corn Tostadas
Erika's FMI: Enchiladas Verdes
30. Mamaveca Mexican and Peruvian ($$)
West Side
Darren's FMI: Avocado Enchiladas
Erika's FMI: Ceviche Mixto
31. Othello's ($$$)
Campus Corner
Darren's FMI: Total Dominance Parmigiana and Nancy’s Coconut Cream Pie
Erika's FMI: Veal Marsala and Tammy’s Italian Cream Cake
32. Meatball House ($$)
Campus Corner
Darren's FMI: Lamb Meatball with Gorgonzola Sauce (Topped with more Gorgonzola Cheese) and Focaccia Bread
Erika's FMI: Lamb Meatball with Gorgonzola Sauce (Topped with more Gorgonzola Cheese) and Focaccia Bread
33. Crimson & Whipped Cream ($)
Campus Corner
Darren's FMI: Turtle Bars
Erika's FMI: Lemon Bars
34. Fancy That Restaurant Wine and Cocktails ($$)
Downtown
Darren's FMI: Patsy's Pecan Chicken Salad
Erika's FMI: Blackened Chicken Mediterranean Salad
