The 6 Best Italian Restaurants in Oklahoma City

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best italian restaurants in okc

Craving some pasta? Although Oklahoma is no Italy, Oklahoma City does boast some pretty incredible Italian food.

After growing up in St. Louis, Missouri near The Hill, a local Italian neighborhood with some amazing food, I can be pretty picky when it comes to my pasta. However, Oklahoma City has pleasantly surprised me with its wide array of Italian restaurants- with great food, service, and experiences.

In this article, I have narrowed it down to my top 6.

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Map of the Best Italian Restaurants in OKC

Best Pasta, Service & Intimate Local Gem: Vito’s Ristorante

Picture this- you’ve just worked a long week. You walk into Vito’s and are immediately greeted with a warm, cozy atmosphere, a smile from the staff and the smell of delicious food. The lights are dim and there is soft music playing. Candles flicker on each table that are adorned with red checked table cloths. You settle in for a glass of wine and some complimentary bread with dipping oil.

Welcome to Vito’s!

Located just outside of Nichols Hills, Vito’s is my personal favorite when I am craving some delicious Italian and a relaxing dinner night out.

Seriously, the service that I have received at Vito’s has been better than some of the fanciest restaurants I have been to in OKC. The owners, Sean and Cathy, are often known by name around here because of how personable they are. I haven’t been to Vito’s a single time without Cathy coming by our table to attend to us and see how the food was.

My personal favorite dish is the tortellini, but my boyfriend swears you can’t go wrong with the classic spaghetti and meatballs. We also love to start out with calamari and their perfect Italian house salads.

  • Address: 7628 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73116
  • Website: Vito’s

Best In Downtown OKC: Stella Modern Italian Cuisine

Stella Modern Italian Cuisine is located in Midtown downtown OKC and is known for good service, original food and a wonderful atmosphere. All of this makes it a great go-to spot for a special occasion or date night out.

The servers here are very detail-oriented and are always extremely accommodating. You will enjoy warm bread with garlic and EVOO immediately upon being seated. Stella’s menu contains a variety of authentic Italian dishes, including starters, pasta and pizzas.

For a delicious appetizer that will keep you dreaming about it afterwards- try the Brick Oven Baked Brie, which is topped with warm peaches, almonds and a honey-balsamic drizzle. Or, for the best of pasta and pizza worlds, many people get one of the pizzas as a shareable starter before diving into one of their many delicious pasta entrées.

Speaking of which, the Short Rib Ragu was one of the best pasta dishes my boyfriend has ever had. People also rave about the Chicken Scallopini and many say their Lasagna is the best around! The Tiramisu is also absolutely delicious and beautifully plated.

Most Authentic Italian In OKC: Patrono

Patrono is a casually elegant spot in downtown OKC that is known for its authentic Italian food and exceptional service. The servers here are attentive, the atmosphere is relaxing, and the food and cocktails are consistently delicious.

Patrono has a very romantic feel to it. There are several private dining booths with curtains that would make for a perfect date night out or anniversary dinner. Surprisingly, many people rave most about bread that comes free to each table. It’s served with a delicious balsamic reduction butter and a green herb oil sauce that is fresh and flavorful.

One of the most popular dishes is the Hand Cut Bone-In Pork Chop- which was described by my friend as “absolutely heavenly.” I would also recommend their Bolognese which was hearty, authentic and delicious. Patrono also has a wonderful Italian wine list to enjoy as you eat.

  • Address: 305 N Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
  • Website: Patrono

Best Pizza & Crowdpleaser: The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen

To tell you about Hall’s I will start off by saying that my own dad, who’s notoriously hard to please and very well traveled, says that Hall’s Pizza is some of the best pizza he’s ever had. And I have to agree with him!

Hall’s is one of those places that I love to take people for their first time, just to watch their joy as they experience it.

Hall’s is located downtown in Oklahoma City and not only has exceptional wood-fired pizza, but also has a charming, trendy dining atmosphere, good service, and lots of other delicious Italian foods. During the warmer months, their rooftop is incredible for a relaxing dinner under twinkling string lights.

My personal favorite pizza is the Blanco, but you can’t go wrong with any of the many unique pies they have to choose from. You can order a whole pizza, or try two with a Half & Half, or one of the daily slices! Make sure that you ask for the secret sauce- a delectable, fresh jalapeno and dill ranch dipping sauce.

To end your time at Hall’s on a sweet note, try one of their delicious bakery items. They are well known for their freshly baked cookies, cakes, and other sweet treats.

Best Atmosphere & Happy Hour: Osteria OKC

Osteria is a gem located in Nichols Hills. The atmosphere is extremely well-decorated and aesthetically pleasing. Their food is always good, they have exceptional cocktails, and we have never had a bad server there.

Osteria is known to be on the pricier-side; however, for a great deal you can visit them on Wednesdays when they have half-priced pizza and wine all day! They also have great happy hour deals Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. where cocktails, wine and beer are $5 and most pizzas are $12. Kids 12 and under also eat free on Monday’s!

For a dessert and a drink all-in-one, I love the Salted Caramel Espressotini. It has a rich coffee flavor, flaky black salt and amazing caramel sauce. If you’re a fan of truffles and mushrooms- the Tartufi pizza, which has a black truffle cream sauce, is a must. I have also heard great things about their pasta, especially the Wild Mushroom Gnocchi and Carbonara In A Jar.

  • Address: 6430 Avondale Dr, Nichols Hills, OK 73116
  • Website: Osteria OKC

Best Trendy Spot & Local’s Favorite: Pizzeria Gusto

Located near the artsy Paseo District, Pizzeria Gusto is a hip, local favorite for wood-fired gourmet pizza, small plates, cocktails and draft beer. The service here is known to be great, and the ambiance is charming and captivating.

Pizzeria Gusto actually has a pizza oven that’s imported from Naples, which makes for very authentic Italian pizza. Crowd favorites include the Gusto Pepperoni, the Pancetta and the classic Margherita.

If you’re visiting on a warm day, try grabbing a spot out on the patio. Whether you’re inside or outside, the atmosphere at Pizzeria Gusto really makes you feel like you’re somewhere special.

  • Address: 2415 N Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
  • Website: Pizzeria Gusto