If you love food (like me), you know nothing's better than experiencing a restaurant for the first time. The atmosphere, the food, and the feelings are all brand new. Luckily, through curiosity and hunger, I discovered a few special places tucked away in the hustle and bustle of the OKC Metro.
So fellow foodies, sail away with me into food paradise as we uncover the treasures that are these hidden gems, and don't forget your taste buds!
Breakfast
Ozzie's Diner
Juan del Fuego
Tucked away in the Red Bud Plaza aside Sam's Club in Norman, Juan del Fuego offers breakfast favorites with a Mexican twist. I recommend the Fiesta Plato with Fuego Fries (house skillet potatoes) or the Ranchera Omelet. Both are so good, you'll lick your plate clean!
Lunch
Victoria's Pasta Shop
Back in the winding one-way streets of OU's Campus Corner (and nestled next to Crest off 104th Street in SW OKC), Victoria's Pasta Shop puts a modern twist on Italian classics. Their Two-Piece Cheese Bread takes up an entire plate, and the Lobster Rolls are a must have. You won't regret anything, except wishing you wore bigger pants.
The Stuffed Olive
Next to Brown's Driving School off Penn in a fairly remote little business plaza in West Moore/South OKC, The Stuffed Olive is a foodie's dream come true. Everything on menu is made from scratch daily, and the menu also changes seasonally. The chef-owner has a set menu; however, you can come back each day for a different, delicious special. I never ate anything from here I wouldn't order again.
Nosh
Hidden in the "Storage Strip" off 19th Street in Moore next to Showplace Market, Nosh is sophisticated home style cooking. In addition to the usual beverages, they have a hot/cold tea service, a daily fruit infused spa water, and a daily flavored lemonade. On my most recent trip, I enjoyed Wednesday's Pineapple Lemonade (I had three... or four... glasses), The Best Chicken Sandwich in the World (They aren't lying) served with Ranch-Dusted House Chips, and we ended the meal with their seasonal Pumpkin Tart a.k.a when a cinnamon roll and pumpkin pie have a baby.
As Nosh is my favorite restaurant on this Hidden Gems List, I also recommend their Pot Roast Pot Pie and Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese. (They have a featured Daily Mac every day, but you can request any of them on the days they aren't featured.)
Dinner
McNellie's Abner Ale House
Squeezed next to Syrup Breakfast Boutique in Downtown Norman, it's easy to miss McNellie's among the neighboring shops, unless you look for it's bright red paint job. While the pub is mostly known for it's 200+ beer selection, it also offers quality bar food. I suggest going on Wednesday for their $4 Burger Night. The Charbugers are fantastic when paired with Beer Battered Fries and your cocktail or ale of choice.
Jamil's Steakhouse
Veiled among the business and medical buildings of Lincoln Boulevard in OKC, Jamil's Steakhouse is small, but it is mighty. The restaurant serves conventional steakhouse fare with an added Mediterranean flare. Their in-house pita bread was the best I ever had, they cooked my tender steak to perfection, and my baked potato was just the right amount of crisp on the outside and velvet on the inside.
(Jamil's is on the pricey side, but they offer a half price Steak Dinner for Two or a discounted Lobster Dinner for Two via Groupon.)
Vast
This restaurant is better known in Downtown OKC; however, it's location makes it a perfect addition to this list. Vast, housed on the top floor of the Devon Tower, is prime spot for a date night, anniversary, or special occasion. It is expensive, but it's well worth it. The food and cocktails are on point, the service is excellent, and the view is breathtaking (especially at night).
Dessert
il Dolce Gelato
Located discretely in the Robinson Crossing Shopping Center in Norman, il Dolce is as cute on the inside as it is sweet (literally). The dainty shop offers 24 flavors of gelato daily, as well as Italian Lavazza coffee and espresso. It's the perfect place for a study break or an after dinner sweet treat. (I recommend anything with chocolate!)
Crimson & Whipped Cream
Right next door to Victoria's Pasta Shop on Campus Corner, Crimson & Whipped Cream is the bakery to make all your sweet dreams come true. They serve a variety of coffee and baked goods, including five different types of cookies per day, and then various daily specials. Nonetheless, my weakness is cupcakes, and they have the best Red Velvet I ever had.
I highly recommend all of these lovely and local restaurants and shops, so if you haven't visited them all, you have places to be! Also, keep your eyes peeled for other secret eats because, as you know, they're always bigger than your stomach. Bon appetit!
