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15 Best Restaurants in Tulsa, OK

Travel Lens

Oct 11, 2022 • 12 min read

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Tulsa is one of the bustling city destinations in the state of Oklahoma.

It is the second biggest city in the state, only losing out to Oklahoma in terms of total area.

Tulsa is the seat of Tulsa County, located along the Arkansas River.

A section of Tulsa goes by the moniker of "Green Country," which boasts scenic nature views.

This is where the wood for smoking the famous Tulsa barbeque comes from.

Tulsa has its roots as a Native American settlement.

The Loachapoka Band of the Creek tribe began living in the area between 1828 and 1836.

Two centuries later, people of different cultures settled in Tulsa, contributing to a diverse food scene.

In the 20th century, Tulsa was the "Oil Capital of the World" and the cornerstone for US oil production.

At present, Tulsa is famous for the architectural design of its buildings.

Many of the structures in Tulsa are based on Art Deco design principles.

Once a significant player in the oil industry, Tulsa is now a spot for art deco architecture, nature, and varied food options.

Check out the best restaurants in Tulsa, Oklahoma!

Sisserou's Caribbean Restaurant and Catering

Sisserou's Restaurant serves and promotes modern Caribbean cuisine in Tulsa.

You can find Sisserou's Caribbean Restaurant and Catering on Boulder Avenue.

Sisserou's Restaurant and Catering serves delicious appetizers, their specialty being coconut shrimp.

For your main course, you have a wide selection to choose from.

Get their Caribbean jerk chicken or oxtail stew if you want something hearty.

Lighter options include their Cuban and signature "Bake and Shark" seafood sandwich.

Order the creme brulee, bread pudding, or lava cake for dessert.

Charleston's Restaurant

Charleston's Restaurant is a pub-style food joint that specializes in bar food like burgers, chicken tenders, and barbeque ribs.

Charleston's Restaurant can be found along Yale Ave.

If it's a special occasion, order their best-selling prime rib with a side of chips in their Spinach Artichoke Dip.

Cheaper options include their Chicken Fried Steak and French Dip Sandwich.

Italian options like shrimp scampi and chicken piccata are available at Charleston's Restaurant.

Complete your meal with a slice of their Key Lime Pie and your choice of either wine or cocktail.

Nola's Creole & Cocktails

Nola's Creole & Cocktails is an ideal place to go on a date in Tulsa due to its romantic ambiance.

The restaurant looks like an old-school speakeasy with its soft chandelier lighting and vintage portraits that line the walls.

Nola's Creole & Cocktails is on 15th Street.

Get a plate of their famous Fried green tomatoes to start your night.

Order a serving of their red snapper with a side of maque choux, their take on a spicy corn side dish. Other side dishes include deviled eggs and cheese grits.

Those with a more adventurous palate can order their turtle soup.

Cap off your meal with their offerings of Prohibition-era cocktails and a bag of beignets.

SMOKE. Woodfire Grill

SMOKE. Woodfire Grill is one of the many food options for American Barbeque in Tulsa.

Visit SMOKE Woodfire Grill at 15th Street.

This restaurant's cigar lounge is unique and can rent out for your private usage.

They also showcase artwork from local artists in Tulsa around the restaurant's walls.

If you can't decide what to order, you can request their butcher block plate, comprising samples of the different kinds of meat they have in stock.

Get their rack of lamb, pork loin, and a serving of beef brisket.

Smoked meat is best enjoyed with sides.

SMOKE is known for its bacon jam, fried okra, and cauliflower.

If you're in the mood for wine, you're in luck.

SMOKE has a large selection of wines that you can choose from.

Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano

Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano is an old-fashioned yet intimate Italian restaurant in Tulsa.

Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano is situated on Sheridan Road.

Meals in Ti Amo Ristorante are best enjoyed with a partner due to their enormous servings.

Order their crab-stuffed flounder and fresh Bruschetta to taste their unique offerings.

Other dishes you must try include lobster bisque, prime rib, and cannelloni.

Make a reservation at Ti Amo Ristorante to have that romantic Italian dinner you always wanted.

The Vault Restaurant

The Vault Restaurant is a food establishment that specializes in classic American favorites.

You can visit The Vault Restaurant at Cincinnati Ave.

The Vault is famous because it is housed in a repurposed bank built in the 1950s.

This gives the restaurant a unique, retro ambiance you won't find anywhere else in Tulsa.

The Vault will be a haven for vegans and vegetarians that prefer meat-free options.

Try their polenta, cauliflower wings, and a plate of kale salad.

Finish your stay at the Vault Restaurant with one of their many in-house craft cocktails.

Their mimosas are a must-try.

Roosevelt's

Roosevelt's is an excellent option if you want a place to grab a beer while watching the big game of your favorite sport.

Hop on over to Roosevelt's at 15th Street.

Roosevelt's is famous during the holiday season because of the extravagant Christmas decorations and lights that fill up their establishment.

Ask for their grilled cheese sandwich and tomato bisque for food options.

Get a serving of their Ahi Tuna Nachos while having a pint of beer.

If you can't decide which craft beer to get, you can request a beer flight sampler.

Each flight has four glasses of your craft beer of choice, measuring about four ounces.

The restaurant walls are also lined with TVs, so you can keep up with your sport of choice while drinking with your buddies.

If you are in Tulsa during Christmas, don't miss out on Roosevelt's!

Andolini's Pizzeria

Andolini's Pizzeria is one of the recommended places for Pizza in Tulsa, found on 15th Street.

Their pizzas are baked with their signature in-house mozzarella cheese.

The restaurant has a welcoming ambiance, and you can see the chefs hand-toss the pizzas in the kitchen.

Grab a slice of their best-selling Florentine Pizza.

Aside from pizza, they are also known for their delicious sides.

Put in an order for their garlic knows, fried mozzarella slices, and mac and cheese.

Are you craving dessert?

Andolini's offers gelato and their butter cake to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Yokozuna

Yokozuna is an option to consider when you are in the mood for Asian food in Tulsa.

The restaurant has a unique ambiance due to the red brick walls surrounding you as you eat.

Visit Yokozuna on 2nd Street.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by their selection of appetizers, you can grab their Pupu platter, a collection of samples of their best appetizers.

Don't miss out on their fried cauliflower, though.

Their sushi best seller is their Nutty Thai Professor Sushi Roll.

There are also classic Asian dishes, like their pork belly ramen and General Tso's chicken.

If you're feeling a little curious, you can order some fortune cookies with your meal.

Clear your palate after finishing your entree with a serving of their coconut ice cream.

Albert G's Bar-B-Q

Albert G's Bar-B-Q is located on 1st Street, doubling as both a barbeque eatery and a bar.

They offer all the usual smoked and barbecued meats: beef brisket, smoked bologna, pulled pork, ribs, and hot link sausages.

Albert G's sets itself apart from the competition's free pickle bar.

Pair your meat with delicious side dishes such as fried okra and tabouli salad.

You'll find a wide selection of craft beer and cocktails that you can choose from.

Go to Albert G's Bar-B-Q to hit two birds with one stone: mouthwatering barbeque and refreshing drinks.

El Rio Verde Restaurant

El Rio Verde Restaurant is a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant where you can get homestyle Mexican food.

Take a trip to Trenton Avenue to try El Rio Verde.

Considered a hidden gem in Tulsa, their burritos and tacos are a must-try.

They pride themselves on their hospitality and their authentic Mexican dishes.

Order their steak torta and their asada torta if you get the chance to visit.

For tacos, try their shrimp and fish tacos.

They offer their chimichanga to those who are starving for flavorsome Mexican food.

Knotty Pig BBQ, Burger, and Chili House

Previously known as Knotty Pine to Tulsa locals, Knotty Pig BBQ, Burger, and Chili House prepare the best barbeque in town.

Drive to Knotty Pig BBQ, Burger, and Chili House on 15th Street.

Aside from its great food, Knotty Pig distinguishes itself from other BBQ restaurants with its drive-thru option.

They smoke the usual BBQ meats, such as their smoked bologna and hot link sausages, in a way that sets themselves apart from the competition.

Knotty serves exceptional side dishes as well.

Choose from their onion rings, fried pickles, or cowboy beans.

You can't go wrong with any of these.

Are you looking for something different?

Ask for their chili Frito pie and their PB & J Bacon Burger.

If you love BBQ, you must make time for Knotty Pig BBQ, Burger, and Chili House.

All it takes is one simple drive through the restaurant to taste Tulsa's best BBQ.

JINYA Ramen Bar

JINYA Ramen Bar is the restaurant of choice if you're a ramen lover in Tulsa.

You can find JINYA Ramen Bar on 2nd Street.

For a quick appetizer, try their authentic takoyaki.

Takoyaki is small octopus bits covered with batter and fried.

The balls are topped with green onions, mayonnaise, and a savory sauce.

They are famous for their clear yet umami filled with tonkatsu pork broth.

Get a bowl of their signature Sprouting Ramen.

JINYA also serves flavorful chicken ramen.

For vegan options, they recommend their tempura Brussels sprouts.

Are you feeling a little heavy after finishing a big bowl of ramen?

Order their mochi ice cream to cleanse your palate.

Roka

Roka is an Asian fusion restaurant in Tulsa with an in-house bar at Utica Avenue.

You can choose their chicken lettuce wraps, kimchi fries, potstickers, and cheese wontons for your appetizer.

For your main course, try their Mongolian BBQ set and their rice paper salmon.

For dessert, request a bowl of bread pudding with rum.

If you are looking for drinks, go to their in-house bar.

Visit between 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to avail of their Happy Hour promo.

Hideaway Pizza

Hideaway Pizza is a local chain that allows you to design your Pizza by selecting your sauce and toppings of preference.

Find Hideaway Pizza on 15th Street.

If you don't feel confident enough in your pizza-making skills, you can order their best-selling Pizza of the Gods.

Their appetizers, such as fried mushrooms and garlic knots, pair well with their Pizza.

Hideaway Pizza gives away free souvenir cups with every meal.

Drop by Hideaway Pizza multiple times if you want to collect all available designs.

Final Thoughts

Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a bustling urban space with a lot of places for you to explore and discover.

Visit Tulsa if you love American BBQ smoked with wood naturally sourced from Tulsa's very own Green Country.

Ranging from Italian, Mexican, Asian, and Caribbean cuisines, the dining choices in Tulsa will fill your stomach without breaking the bank.

Enjoy the vibrant food scene and nightlife with this list of the best restaurants in Tulsa, Oklahoma!

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