Best Restaurants in Norman (2025)
Benvenuti's Ristorante
Italian restaurant · Norman
Downtown’s white-tablecloth standby for handmade pastas and seasonal Italian from chef-owner Anthony Compagni. Featured by Oklahoma Magazine and praised by local reporters for scratch cooking and elegant service, it’s a classic date-night choice.
Legend's Restaurant
American restaurant · Norman
Family-owned since 1968, Legend’s serves steaks, seafood, pastas and house-made desserts with live piano on weekends. Its desserts have been recognized by national magazines, and locals consider it the city’s special-occasion mainstay.
The Diner
Diner · Norman
A century of breakfast tradition and award-winning chili in a narrow Main Street counter spot. Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, it remains a beloved stop for hearty plates and local lore.
Greek House
Greek restaurant · Norman
Cash-only institution near OU serving generous gyro plates, crisp salads and baklava since the late 1970s. Endorsed by Oklahoma’s state tourism guides and treasured by students and alumni for simple, satisfying Greek fare.
Pepe Delgados
Mexican restaurant · Norman
Campus Corner favorite for fresh, Mexico-forward cooking from owner Emilio Salinas. Celebrated by Oklahoma Gazette for authentic flavors, handmade salsas, and strong margaritas, it’s a lively, independent alternative to Tex‑Mex standbys.
Midway Grocery & Market
Deli · Norman
A 1926 corner store turned sandwich landmark where locals name the menu. Profiled by OU Daily and Oklahoma Gazette, Midway’s made‑to‑order classics, daily soups, and backyard patio capture Norman’s neighborly spirit.
Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails
Fine dining restaurant · Norman
Downtown craft‑cocktail pioneer with a seasonal, from‑scratch menu and a beloved weekend brunch. Noted by state tourism and local critics for house‑made mixers, inventive plates, and a tucked‑away basement bar.
The Mont
Bar & grill · Norman
Since 1976, this Norman staple has mixed Tex‑Mex, burgers and game‑day spirit with its iconic Sooner Swirl. Highlighted by OU Daily and state tourism, the shaded patio and convivial service define the experience.
Ray's BBQ
Barbecue restaurant · Norman
Family‑run smokehouse opened by former OU standout Darrol Ray. Known for ribs, brisket and beans, it’s a friendly, community‑minded spot endorsed by state tourism and beloved by locals for straightforward barbecue.
Volare
Restaurant · Norman
Independent Campus Corner pizzeria with a rooftop and Neapolitan‑style pies. A relaxed hangout for late‑night slices, cocktails, and views over the action—very much a Norman original rather than a chain.