Hey all,
I've got a question. Can someone give me some good Italian Restaurants in the Tulsa area. I've been craving Italian food but I want to try somewhere new. Any suggestions would be great!
Mary's Trattoria @ 15th and Peoria
Romeo's @ 31st west of Sheridan
Gina & Guiseppe's @ RiverWalk Landing
Pomodori's @ 3rd and Cheyenne downtown
Biga @ 44th and Peoria
Thank you! Which one is more casual or family-friendly. My parents are coming in town and we'll probably go Italian.
I like Mary's, but it is a small place and parking can be difficult there. It is the best of the bunch for a little romance or a chance to just talk.
Gina and Guiseppe's gives you a chance to be on the river and if the weather is nice, it is a great choice. The last time we were there, we sat on the patio for hours. It is the probably the best choice for younger diners like my children (my kids have no taste, they love Spaghetti Warehouse).
Pomodori's is probably my favorite overall and I think when the arena opens, reservations will be hard to get. I love going there for lunch and having their pizzas.
Romeo's is a little place in a shopping center, nothing special, but her sauces are excellent.
Biga is the nicest of the bunch, but also the most expensive.
They are all excellent choices.
Don't forget Abruzi at 61st & Yale.
I think it's excellent.
and the pasta-nazi - Dalesandro's
and there's Ciao on Brookside
Ti Amo's is another good south-Tulsa spot.
Then there's the 3 chain restaurants
Johnny Carinos
Pomodori's for work lunch
delasandros is officially ****listed after the recent board posting.
Mary's is very quaint -- very small and cozy. The food is not splendtacular, tho. Camarelli's is on cherry street -- and I've heard good things about it. (I think it might be owned by the same person who owns Pomodori's?) Also, Zio's and Macaroni Grill are good (despite the fact that they are sorta chain-like).
Biga is the only really good Italian....once there was Villa Venice which was gold.
For family friendly and cheap, go Zio's. Can't be beat. It's like Rib Crib, not everyone thinks it's the best, but it's consistent and almost everyone will eat there.
Pomodori's is good.
I only tried Mary's once. We were the only people waiting, there was an empty table and it took them almost half an hour to seat us. I work about a mile away and it took 2 hours for lunch.
Sgrizzle owes me a lunch at Pomodori's.
I am hungry now.
Camarelli's on Cherry Street is very good...
Mary's is very gay .... literally.
See I wasn't sure we had established you won yet.
I won the bet.
The arena is over the original budgeted amount.
Pay up pasta boy.
Tucci's on Cherry Street is the best I've had in Tulsa. A bit noisy and crowded but great food, great service and great Martini's.
Its also family owned and a unique urban Tulsa experience. Big plus IMO.
quote:
Originally posted by Trams
Also, Zio's and Macaroni Grill are good (despite the fact that they are sorta chain-like).
who gives a **** if its a chain or not. If the food is good who ****ing cares? Did the thread state "best non-chain italian food"? No,m so who cares. Some of you tards act like you will burst into flames if you step into a chain restaurant (actually that would be too good to be true). It gets really old....there is nothing "cool" about hating on chains...it just makes you look stupid.[:(!]
Yes, chain restaurants are excluded, same with chain stores. They are all a way that "the man" makes you uncool.
Finding the best restaurant no-one has ever heard of is the goal.
This coming form the person whose two most common eating establishments are Quiktrip and Taco Bueno.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
quote:
Originally posted by Trams
Also, Zio's and Macaroni Grill are good (despite the fact that they are sorta chain-like).
who gives a **** if its a chain or not. If the food is good who ****ing cares? Did the thread state "best non-chain italian food"? No,m so who cares. Some of you tards act like you will burst into flames if you step into a chain restaurant (actually that would be too good to be true). It gets really old....there is nothing "cool" about hating on chains...it just makes you look stupid.[:(!]
Such venom. Such fierce venom regarding chain restaurants.
Yet, in truth, I like chain restaurants too. Mac. Grill is one of my favs! But some people judge restaurants on the basis of factors in addition to the following: "How does the food interact with my taste buds?"
For instance, I love Pei Wei (i.e., a "chain") ... but it's very loud in there. If I can get similar food at some other place which is less noisy (chain or no chain), then so be it.
(But, notably, there is also something unmeasurable (indistinct) about a locally-owned, unique restaurant. It's an X-factor or somthin'.)
I heard Tulsa's Pei Wei locations are among the most profitable in the chain.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
quote:
Originally posted by Trams
Also, Zio's and Macaroni Grill are good (despite the fact that they are sorta chain-like).
who gives a **** if its a chain or not. If the food is good who ****ing cares? Did the thread state "best non-chain italian food"? No,m so who cares. Some of you tards act like you will burst into flames if you step into a chain restaurant (actually that would be too good to be true). It gets really old....there is nothing "cool" about hating on chains...it just makes you look stupid.[:(!]
I'll be the first to say that I do give a **** if it is a chain or not. You way over-reacted to Trams' parenthetical statement. I rarely eat at chains, but if you do that's fine. Don't hate the rest of us for choosing non-chains.
My personal favorite is Mary's. Parking ain't that bad. If you cannot find a space in the rear lot, then park on the street .... usually no more than a block or two away.
you just dont ****ing get it do you? You would turn down perfectly good food at a "chain" just out of smug spitefulness and eat **** at a "local" joint.
If the food is good, whether it be a chain or not, don't be afraid to admit it. You just look like a total donkey when you go out of your way to avoid perfectly fine chain restaurants.
SO what happens when your favorite "local" joint decides to franchise? Are they suddenly uncool? I bet some of you smug ****ers would start saying the food is bad the next day.
What's with the *****? Are we so upset in a discussion about eating places we need to resort to cursing?
Personally, I don't care for the taste of chains or other types of metals...
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
Personally, I don't care for the taste of chains or other types of metals...
I don't like chain-flavor either. Very tinny.
It's not really "smug smitefulness." Like Conan, I just don't like the taste of metal.
And, chain is hard on the enamel.
I took the wife to Pomodori's for lunch today.
I had the spaghetti with the red seafood sauce and my wife had the penne noodles with the white seafood sauce.
Each entree costs eight dollars on the lunch menu.
I took myself to Cafe Lean Cuisine. 3 minutes on high.
Does that count as a national chain?
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
I took myself to Cafe Lean Cuisine. 3 minutes on high.
Does that count as a national chain?
Highly commercialized, they sold their souls a long time ago [}:)]
One of the things I discuss in my environmental grocery tours is excessive packaging and those microwave meals often have excess trash.
Never buy the kind that come with a tray inside...you probably already have microwave dishes and don't need the extra waste.
quote:
Originally posted by recyclemichael
One of the things I discuss in my environmental grocery tours is excessive packaging and those microwave meals often have excess trash.
Never buy the kind that come with a tray inside...you probably already have microwave dishes and don't need the extra waste.
This comes with a grill inside.
Remember those "Boiling Bags"? They were the best environmental package, but the marketing department makes them have a sturdy package to put a pretty picture on.
The same applies to breakfast cereal. Bags are available, But the "bag and a box" outsells them 100 to one.
I bought something the other day that was single serving, as in there was no way you would make less than the whole package, and it came in a "resealable container."
I like Zios, especially for lunches. For about the same as you would pay for a burger at other fast food joints you can sit down in a warm, pleasant atmosphere and get some very decent food. I looove their pepperoni chicken.[:P]
One thing I wish they would do is get a Zios near the Utica Square/ downtown area. I Think they would do well there.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
you just dont ****ing get it do you? You would turn down perfectly good food at a "chain" just out of smug spitefulness and eat **** at a "local" joint.
If the food is good, whether it be a chain or not, don't be afraid to admit it. You just look like a total donkey when you go out of your way to avoid perfectly fine chain restaurants.
SO what happens when your favorite "local" joint decides to franchise? Are they suddenly uncool? I bet some of you smug ****ers would start saying the food is bad the next day.
Actually, there are some chains that are decent, but most, IMO are not as good as other smaller restaurants you can find as alternatives that usually happen to be independent, locally owned places. These smaller places often use fresh ingredients and make more of their food from scratch than do the big chains. Also, supporting Mom & Pops helps the local economy and keeps the city unique and different. These are all important to me. It has nothing to do with trying to be 'smug' or cool' which I couldn't give a **** about. Its more about making an informed and educated decision and actually caring about what you eat and what it tastes like. I personally think that Johnny Carino's is crap- not because its a chain but because its just really not that good. IMO there are far better places for Italian in Tulsa. But if you want the same blah food you are familiar with at you favorite chain establishment then by all means go there. Nobody is stopping you.
If one of my local fav's decided to franchise, I would be happy for their success, and hopeful that they would not lose any of their quality which so frequently happens when an establishment franchises.
And I believe the only person here looking like a total donkey is you with your constant hating, btw.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
you just dont ****ing get it do you? You would turn down perfectly good food at a "chain" just out of smug spitefulness and eat **** at a "local" joint.
If the food is good, whether it be a chain or not, don't be afraid to admit it. You just look like a total donkey when you go out of your way to avoid perfectly fine chain restaurants.
SO what happens when your favorite "local" joint decides to franchise? Are they suddenly uncool? I bet some of you smug ****ers would start saying the food is bad the next day.
Yea! I got my first inteller rant aimed at me! I feel so much more a part of this board now!
To be honest, aside from the bland atmosphere of chains, the service is usually at least 50% better at non-chain restaurants. For me, that goes a long way.
quote:
Originally posted by NCTulsan
Yea! I got my first inteller rant aimed at me! I feel so much more a part of this board now!
To be honest, aside from the bland atmosphere of chains, the service is usually at least 50% better at non-chain restaurants. For me, that goes a long way.
I used to have that experience but recently I've had the opposite. The worst service I've had recently was at Los Cabos, Ted's and Mary's. I left all 3 paying the full tab. However at most chains now the managers are becoming more apt to give you stuff for free (I got free food from sonic of all places Sunday) and if the local store doesn't ante up, complain online and the head office will send you free dinner for two at most places.
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
[snip]
However at most chains now the managers are becoming more apt to give you stuff for free (I got free food from sonic of all places Sunday) and if the local store doesn't ante up, complain online and the head office will send you free dinner for two at most places.
Free food?! How, or why so? Something not prepared right? Or, are you just a snappy dresser? Or, do you look like a hobo in need of a warm meal? [;)]
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
quote:
Originally posted by NCTulsan
Yea! I got my first inteller rant aimed at me! I feel so much more a part of this board now!
To be honest, aside from the bland atmosphere of chains, the service is usually at least 50% better at non-chain restaurants. For me, that goes a long way.
I used to have that experience but recently I've had the opposite. The worst service I've had recently was at Los Cabos, Ted's and Mary's. I left all 3 paying the full tab. However at most chains now the managers are becoming more apt to give you stuff for free (I got free food from sonic of all places Sunday) and if the local store doesn't ante up, complain online and the head office will send you free dinner for two at most places.
I guess if the service sucks, don't go there.
Also, just 'cause its free doesn't mean its good. I find many people mistake quantity for quality these days.
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
If one of my local fav's decided to franchise, I would be happy for their success, and hopeful that they would not lose any of their quality which so frequently happens when an establishment franchises.
That concept worked well for Rib Crib through their first three or four restaurants, now I think their food is crap. I loved the original one at 16th & Harvard for a long time, but that's even slipped now. What's with their new concept of chopped beef that is the consistency of tabouli? BBQ is a perfect example of a type of food that just does not lend itself to chains or franchises.
quote:
Originally posted by BKDotCom
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
[snip]
However at most chains now the managers are becoming more apt to give you stuff for free (I got free food from sonic of all places Sunday) and if the local store doesn't ante up, complain online and the head office will send you free dinner for two at most places.
Free food?! How, or why so? Something not prepared right? Or, are you just a snappy dresser? Or, do you look like a hobo in need of a warm meal? [;)]
If you have a reasonable complaint, they send you a coupon or gift card or something.
A great italian restaurant that isn't in Tulsa, but close by in Sapulpa off Dewey St is called Toscano[:P]
Nothing beats a couple of Quicktrip Breadsticks outside by the payphone to get that nostalgic taste of Italy.
Okay, it's a chain, but it's pretty hard to beat the salad and bread sticks at Olive Garden though I can't say any of their other food is very memorable.
Here's The Kid From Brooklyn's take on the OG:
Warning: it's "R" rated
http://www.thekidfrombrooklyn.com/video_disp.asp?videoid=1055
quote:
Originally posted by aoxamaxoa
Biga is the only really good Italian....once there was Villa Venice which was gold.
I appreciated your comment. The Villa Venice was my father's restaurant which we closed in the 70's. Not many people remember it, but those that do generally remember it fondly.
quote:
Originally posted by aoxamaxoa
Biga is the only really good Italian....once there was Villa Venice which was gold.
quote:
Originally posted by Cubs
Mary's is very gay .... literally.
Well call me Bruce and hand the over the lube, because every date I've ever taken there has absolutely loved the atmosphere.
(The food is not that good at all.)
quote:
Originally posted by figbag
I appreciated your comment. The Villa Venice was my father's restaurant which we closed in the 70's. Not many people remember it, but those that do generally remember it fondly.
quote:
Originally posted by aoxamaxoa
Biga is the only really good Italian....once there was Villa Venice which was gold.
I remember Villa Venice's radio commercials back in the 1960s. I also used to like the Italian Inn in the 1970s, but my memories are probably better than it actually was.
More recently, I have always liked Ti Amo, but I haven't been there in about 2 years. I make a lot of Italian at home, so when I go out Italian is not my first choice.
The absolute BEST Italian in the state is Petes Place in Krebs...Well worth the drive, also a good place for a brew as Choc beer is made in the Brewery next to the Restaurant.
quote:
Originally posted by peggysue
The absolute BEST Italian in the state is Petes Place in Krebs...Well worth the drive, also a good place for a brew as Choc beer is made in the Brewery next to the Restaurant.
Like their beer, but theres way better Italian out there...
My favorite place of all time is long gone.
Mondo's quite possibly had the best Chicken Parmesan I ever tasted, and their Lasagna was top notch as well.
quote:
Originally posted by peggysue
The absolute BEST Italian in the state is Petes Place in Krebs...Well worth the drive, also a good place for a brew as Choc beer is made in the Brewery next to the Restaurant.
I disagree. Pete's is WAY overrated. I was not impressed at all. It was the most average uninteresting Italian food I've ever eaten. Many years ago I went to Rosanna's in Krebs with my sister -- now THAT was some excellent Italian food. I still remember the gnocchi. Mmmmm... Is Rosanna's still there?
And if you really need a Choc beer they have it at McNellie's.
somewhat on subject..
I consider Italian food to be "romantic"
What are Tulsa's most romantic restaurants?
V-Day is coming up.
quote:
Originally posted by figbag
I appreciated your comment. The Villa Venice was my father's restaurant which we closed in the 70's. Not many people remember it, but those that do generally remember it fondly.
quote:
Originally posted by aoxamaxoa
Biga is the only really good Italian....once there was Villa Venice which was gold.
YANK OUT THOSE RECIPES! THE FREE PIZZA APPETIZER TO THIS DAY WAS THE BEST! BODEAN'S HAD A MENU ON THE INSIDE OF THE MARKET SEVERAL YEARS BACK! DOVER SOLE, STEAK DIANE(?), THE FIRST TO HAVE DUNGENESS CRAB (THANKS THOSE BOYS AT BODEANS), THE ICE CREAM STINGERS (WHERE I LEARNED TO COP A BUZZ), ETC. A TRUE WORK OF ART!!!!
TONI, TOMMY WAS A GEM!!!!!!!