A date night restaurant doesn’t have to be a fine-dining experience. Chips and queso with margar- itas can be a complete dining experience, as can salads with wine or fish and chips with beer. It’s all a matter of preference. But for those times you want to splurge, whether to celebrate a major accomplishment or mark an important day, these 10 metro restaurants will make the occasion even more special.
Grey Sweater – There really is no argument about where to find the pinnacle of dining in OKC. Chef Andrew Black’s tasting menu destination is a spectacular special-occasion indulgence. (100 NE 4th, OKC)
The Metro Wine Bar & Bistro – LaVeryl Lower has been the queen of upscale dining in the metro for more than three decades, and her wine list is always the best in the city. (6418 N Western, OKC)
Fait Maison – When other chefs are referring to chef- owner Olivier Bouzerand as the “best French chef” in Oklahoma, it’s time for everyone to take note, and this Edmond restaurant’s menu contains some of the best wine pairings available in the state. (152 E 5th, Edmond)
Benvenuti’s Ristorante – Chef Anthony Compagni flies further under the radar than he should, given his remarkable talents. This is the best spot in Norman, and it’s absolutely worth the drive south from OKC. (105 W Main, Norman)
The Hamilton – Yes, you should absolutely take a date to the back side of a mall, because The Hamilton’s Okie-centric dining from Chef Stephanie Miller and massive whiskey selection make this upscale casual spot one of the great success stories of the past few years. (12232 N May, OKC)
Patrono – Chef Jonathan Krell does everything well, and that includes Italian food. This is not a “red sauce and endless pasta bowls” kind of Italian food, but it’s brilliant start to finish, and the service is among the best in the city. (305 N Walker, OKC)
Mary Eddy’s – The restaurant inside 21c Museum Hotel reopened late last year, and the remodel has led to one of the city’s most elegant restaurants. The bar program and Chef Jeff Patton’s menu are both excellent. (900 W Main, OKC)
Frida Southwest – Between Chef Quinn Carroll’s stunning food, Chef Rachel Porter’s stellar desserts, and what is perhaps the best bar program in the city, Frida is a must-try destination. (500 Paseo, OKC)
Milo – The new restaurant inside the Ellison Hotel features Chef Josh Valentine’s food combined with a top three cocktail bar. A blend of Okie-centric and straightforward comfort food, the entire menu reflects Valentine’s creativity and skill at building flavor in layers. (6201 N Western, OKC)
Signature Grill – Chef-owner Clay Falkner’s small, intimate restaurant has quietly been an institution in Edmond for many years, largely on the strength of his skills as a chef. The menu is straightforward American chop-house fare with delicious Continental options. (1317 E Danforth, Edmond)
