What does 2025 have in store for Oklahoma City? We asked our 405 Magazine monthly contributors to give us five things to look forward to in their areas of expertise. Read all about the restaurant and dining options that will be opening, upcoming interior design trends, hot new looks in fashion, innovations in local healthcare and what is on the horizon for city happenings. It stands to be a fantastic year with much to celebrate. Now you are in the know!
FOOD
Restaurant Preview 2025
By: Matt Kirouac
After another banner year of restaurant and bar openings in Oklahoma City, 2025 looks to keep the momentum going with a fresh crop of ambitious projects, expansions, out-of-town arrivals and more. In 2024, we saw wine bars bubble up, and some closures pave the way for fresh perspectives. We saw big-name chefs open big-deal restaurants, and we saw a shuffling of locations and ownership, as Tulsa’s famed Chalkboard settled into Midtown, right across the street from the new location of Mexican Radio, and Nonesuch got a new owner, right in time for said owner to win a James Beard Award. Heading into 2025, with momentum full speed ahead and more eyes than ever on our fast-growing city, here are some of the trends and openings we’re most looking forward to.
A New Era of Italian
From classic to contemporary, and from institutions like Pizzeria Gusto to Vito’s, there’s certainly no shortage of Italian cuisine in OKC, but the sheer variety is going to expand in the months ahead. Likely among the earliest big openings of 2025 will be Elisabetta, an elegant-looking concept from Rachel Cope and 84 Hospitality, in Nichols Hills, while Jonathon Stranger — who closed Osteria temporarily nearby a year ago — is reopening in the Britton District as Osteria Italian-American Diner.
Restaurateurs Branch Out
2025 is going to be a big year for hugely anticipated brand-new concepts from established restaurateurs. First up is Bar Sen, a Laotian noodle bar from Jeff Chanchaleune, the heavily lauded chef behind Ma Der Lao Kitchen right next door in the Plaza District. Then there’s Lori Burson, the veritable queen of hospitality in Midtown, who took over the shuttered 1492 New World Latin Cuisine next to her beloved Stella Modern Italian Cuisine. The restaurant is called Lorena, and the tagline is Southern flair. Named after her grandmother, it’s a concept that she’s had for years, but she wanted to take her time with opening a new concept (Stella opened 15 years ago). Lorena should begin serving elevated Southern cuisine in the first quarter, hopefully before Valentine’s Day, and be open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. “Much like Stella, my desire is to make it a neighborhood restaurant that’s nice, but still has that comfortable feel,” said Burson.
Chefs and Concepts Expand From Out of Town
Expansion isn’t limited to Oklahomans, though. Vecina is a buzzy Phoenix-born Mexican restaurant where James Beard-nodded chef James Fox serves dishes like mussels with jalapeño citrus broth and mesquite-grilled bread; it plans an OKC outpost this year. On the bar side, Dallas-based Truck Yard is turning a portion of the Bricktown canal into a sprawling oasis of outdoor bars and food trucks.
Entertainment Districts Continue to Evolve
One of the biggest developments of 2024 was the rise of OAK OKC, a massive district near Penn Square Mall comprised of a hotel, restaurants, shopping and residential. This year, that development is only going to get bigger and better, providing a downtown-caliber environment in an outlying neighborhood. On the heels of OKC’s first The Capital Grille and Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, OAK OKC soon adds Mesero, specializing in elevated Tex-Mex and Mexican fare, followed in the summer by RH Design Gallery, complete with rooftop restaurant, garden and wine bar. Across town, The Half development is filling in with a mini golf bar, PopStroke, along with a restaurant and bar at forthcoming Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. A boutique hotel, The Elm, is also in the works. Then there’s Alley North, another dining, shopping and entertainment district in the early stages of development on the north end of Automobile Alley.
All Eyes on the River
Among the biggest openings of the year is OKANA resort and indoor water park, a massive riverside project due in the spring next to the First Americans Museum. Much attention will be given to the 11-story hotel and the 100,000-square-foot waterpark, but a concept of this scale and scope is bound to become a dining destination in its own right as well. Indeed, OKANA is poised to contain a dozen food and beverage outlets across a swath of cuisines and dining styles. Details are still largely under wraps, though the resort has hinted that there will be an upscale gastropub, a candy shop and a taqueria, among others.
More Japanese Food
If there’s one cuisine that has taken off in recent years locally, it’s Japanese. Along with the reopening of Nichols Hills’ celebrated Tokyo, new restaurants like Awaji Izakaya and AKAI have offered deeply authentic tastes of Japanese dining and drinking culture. Oshiki Japan opened a location in the Plaza District, offering a Japanese steakhouse experience, while Takaramono is soon to follow just down the block, bringing robatayaki to the former Oak & Ore space.
DESIGN
What’s New in Interior Design?
By Evie Klopp Holzer
Interior designers Marissa Adler and Nina Wadley agree: Trends done well can stand the test of time. Working in their shared office, No Coast Design Studio in Norman, the two friends often discuss their projects and best ways to play up (or play down) the latest Insta-craze. The key, they said, is to be strategic and only incorporate concepts that fit the home’s architecture and reflect the homeowner’s personality. Trends are fun, but — in the end — you want your home to feel uniquely yours. Adler and Wadley recently sat down with us to discuss five interior design trends they’ve been noticing and loving; trends with staying power.
Less White
Things have been warming up in the neutrals department. Instead of cool whites, designers have been pulling in natural materials and shades of ivory and beige to build a neutral base. White and black will always have a place in design (Carrera marble will always be in style, noted Wadley), but too much can feel sterile. Clients are embracing more color, too, as seen in monochromatic themes and European-inspired painted trims.
Darker Wood Finishes
Everything was light and white for so long, but designers are now layering in darker wood tones. While white oak is still popular, you’ll also notice more pine, burl, maple and walnut incorporated into designs.
Enhanced Architecture
It’s the finer details — built-ins, trims, moldings and ceiling details — that make a room feel special, like more than just a box. Architectural details add dimension and result in more curated designs.
More Sustainability
Many suppliers are embracing a cultural responsibility to use more eco-friendly materials and create products that will stand the test of time. Though it can be more of an upfront investment, buying a solidly constructed chair or sofa means you can reupholster it (again and again) when you’re wanting a room refresh. On that note, upcycled vintage furniture is always a great way to add character.
Tucked-Away Tech
We love having the latest technology in our homes, but that doesn’t mean we want to see it. Today, framed televisions that display artwork images when turned off are commonplace — as are hidden charging stations and lighting, shades and fans that can be controlled through a phone app.
FASHION
2025 Fashion Trends
By Bennett Hill
Twice a year, the streets of New York, Paris, London and Milan become the epicenter of the most fashionable fetes: Fashion Week. Buyers, designers, editors and influencers visit these destinations for a sneak peek of what to expect in upcoming seasons. It has undoubtedly been a year of designer detours, with Alessandro Michele unveiling his first Valentino collection and Chemena Kamali’s appointment as creative director at Chloé. Despite these waves of change, fashion remains a powerful means of self-expression and individuality. Ahead are five trends to meet you where you are while ensuring your closet is up-to-date.
Designers Go Demure
The silhouettes we know and love are here to stay, and demure dressing lays the foundation of your capsule wardrobe. Timeless and elegant, picture crisp button-ups, structured and pleated dresses, bow detailing and muted tones. It is not dull, simply simple and suited for every occasion.
Soft Dressing
Draped and free-flowing, there has been a shift from the structured and sharp lines we saw in previous seasons. Can you think of a better place than Oklahoma to give your billowing blouse the dramatic effect it was designed to serve? After all, they filmed Twister in the Sooner State.
Florals Forever
We genuinely believe in the saying, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” and floral prints are the perfect example of why. Plant the seed of good dressing as fashionable foliage changes with the seasons in its tone and flowers of choice, all while complementing whatever garment it adorns.
Boho Riche
What goes around comes around, and boho is back! It’s as if our well-off aunt has left us her wardrobe, and we should be so glad she did. The eclectic blend of bold prints, loose-fitting garments and free-spirited pairings leave no doubt that the boho style has gotten a facelift.
Nautical Nuances
It appears that the ship of style has made its way on shore, and it has done so with elegance and versatility. Big collars and stripes are no longer limited to an oceanic voyage and can instead add a preppy element to any garb. Time to set sail for 2025.
HEALTH
Healthcare Trends for 2025
By Lavinia Creswa
January is the time to think about your health, with millions of people making goals in the new year. Sticking with a New Year’s resolution can be hard, especially if it involves lifestyle change. Research shows that individuals are more likely to succeed in all aspects of life when they have community support. So, grab a friend and read on to learn some of the health and wellness trends coming in 2025 to ensure you are living your best life.
Telehealth Availability
Moving into the virtual sphere is certainly not a new thing in our post-pandemic world, but the preference for telehealth availability has continued to rise each year. With many clinics and hospital systems offering mobile apps and telephone appointments, remote access to regular healthcare is easier than ever.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
With catchy Instagram handles like @pelvicfloormomma and @the.vagina.whisperer, influencers are having a major effect on women’s health, especially when it comes to pelvic floor dysfunction. By highlighting that so many common symptoms are indeed not normal, they’re encouraging more and more women to seek care, including pelvic floor PT, to improve their wellness.
Wearable Technology
Long gone are the days of wearing an old-fashioned pedometer to count your steps. In addition to smart watches, there are now products like the Samsung Ring or Oura Ring to monitor your heart rate and other vital signs, physical activity, sleep patterns and even stress.
3D Printing
3D printing has become an impressive, cost-efficient addition to healthcare with incredible possibilities for the future. This has advanced care in ways like surgeons being able to practice on realistic anatomical models and plan for complex surgeries. Patients benefit by being able to receive custom prosthetics and implants.
Biohacking
Biohacking is the term being used for one of the biggest trends in wellness. “Hacking” your body to improve energy, function and vitality is on the rise with practices like intermittent fasting, nutritional supplements, cold plunges and saunas, all shown to improve the body’s physiological state. Since each body is different, biohacking is like a fun experiment to see which changes can make you feel great in your own body this year.
CITY HAPPENINGS
City Happenings in OKC 2025
By Jake Durham
Oklahoma City is gearing up for an exciting year with transformative milestones and memorable events. As the city grows, its vibrant community, cultural pride and commitment to innovation drive change and new experiences for all. OKC is shaping its identity through landmark moments that attract visitors and engage residents, from major resort openings to annual celebrations. Here are five key happenings highlighting OKC’s journey into 2025, each offering a unique lens into the community’s diverse culture, rich history and dynamic growth.
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark Opening
Scheduled to open February 21, the $400 million OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark will feature a 404-room hotel, a 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, a 4.5-acre outdoor adventure lagoon, 13 dining and multiple retail options. This development is expected to significantly boost tourism and provide unique entertainment experiences in Oklahoma City.
Potential Oklahoma City Thunder Championship Parade
There are still months of games left to play and anything can happen, but with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s recent roster enhancements, many fans are optimistic about a potential championship run in 2025. Should the team secure the title (no jinxes), the city would host a celebratory parade, uniting the community with pride and enthusiasm for its hometown team.
100 Years of Route 66 Celebration Beginning
The beloved Americana classic Route 66 will have its centennial celebration in 2026. In preparation, OKC residents will see installations and celebrations starting to pop up this year. A centennial monument will be installed Uptown at 23rd and Hudson, the first urban district monument installation. Five other monuments have already been installed across the state, with several more installations in progress. The Route 66 Monument Project is a large public art installation effort providing vibrant placemaking for cities, towns and destinations to celebrate the upcoming 100th anniversary.
Big-Time Sports Development
An all-star team has assembled to deliver a new stadium district and future home for women’s and men’s pro soccer and world-class entertainment in downtown OKC. Russell Westbrook, former OKC Thunder superstar and NBA MVP, has joined forces with Christian Kanady, founding partner of multi-strategy investment firm Echo, to energize Oklahoma City’s sports and entertainment scene. In partnership with the City of OKC and Robinson Park, this includes the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium, which will anchor the future district and include a regulation-sized playing surface capable of accommodating high school, collegiate and professional soccer competitions and football, as well as concerts, festivals and other entertainment activities.
Scissortail Park’s Event Lineup Expansion
The park’s role as a central hub for community engagement and outdoor activities is only growing. Union Station will begin undergoing its renovation, and in addition to the weekly Saturday farmers market at upper Scissortail Park, the lower park will begin hosting one every single Wednesday evening from May through September. Additional events scheduled in the lineup include Pubs in the Park, Taking Flight Wind and Kite Festival, free concert series and many more.
Interested in learning more about what’s happening in Oklahoma City? Check out our story on Oklahoma Food Tours.
