Oklahoma City’s food scene is gaining major national recognition, with chefs and restaurants consistently earning accolades from prestigious awards and publications. Here’s a deeper dive into the places and people putting Oklahoma City on the map:
James Beard Foundation 2025 Semifinalists
The James Beard Awards are the highest honors in the culinary world, and several Oklahoma City chefs and restaurants are part of the 2025 semifinals:
- Outstanding Restaurateur: Elliot Nelson of McNellie’s Group
McNellie’s Group includes local favorites like The Garage and The Red Door, serving hearty American fare in a relaxed atmosphere. Elliot Nelson’s leadership has helped create a hospitality empire that offers something for everyone, from craft beers to upscale dining. - Outstanding Restaurant: Nonesuch
Nonesuch is a fine-dining establishment known for its multi-course tasting menu that highlights Oklahoma’s local produce. Nonesuch blends creativity with a deep respect for local ingredients, making it one of the most refined dining experiences in the city. - Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Ian Bennett of The Study
At The Study, Ian Bennett has crafted a menu of expertly mixed cocktails in an upscale, intimate setting. Known for his attention to detail, Bennett offers both classic drinks and innovative concoctions like a smoked old fashioned or house-made infusions, all in a cozy, dimly lit bar nestled in the heart of Oklahoma City. - Best Chef: Southwest:
- Tahnee Francis (Naija Wife Kitchen) – Bringing bold Nigerian flavors to OKC, Naija Wife Kitchen serves dishes like jollof rice, suya (spicy skewered meat) and egusi soup, offering a taste of West Africa in the heart of Oklahoma.
- Eric Smith (The Crown) – Chef Eric Smith of The Crown serves upscale Southern comfort food, including shrimp and grits, fried chicken and decadent sides like collard greens with smoked turkey. His creative take on traditional favorites has earned The Crown a loyal following.
- Zack Walters (Sedalia’s) – Co-owner of Sedalia’s, Zack Walters has brought fresh oysters and seafood to the OKC Fairgrounds, transforming the way locals think about seafood.
Past James Beard Honorees
Oklahoma City has had notable James Beard nominees and winners in the past:
- Andrew Black: Best Chef: Southwest (2023)
Andrew Black, known for his work at Ranch Steakhouse, earned a Best Chef nomination for his approach to high-end steakhouse dining, with dishes like wagyu ribeye and seared foie gras.
- Florence Jones: America’s Classics Award for Florence’s Restaurant
Florence’s is an Oklahoma City institution, famous for its down-home soul food like fried chicken, catfish, cornbread and collard greens. Florence’s legacy as a beloved family-run establishment earned it the prestigious America’s Classics Award.
- Jeff Chanchaleune: Semifinalist for Ma Der Lao and Gun Izakaya
While not nominated in 2025, Jeff’s culinary ventures continue to impact the Oklahoma City scene. Ma Der Lao serves bold Laotian flavors with dishes like crispy rice with spicy dipping sauce and papaya salad, while his newer venture Bar Sen adds noodle-based comfort food to the Plaza District.
Other National Recognition
Several Oklahoma City restaurants have received attention from major publications beyond the James Beard Foundation:
- Bon Appétit:
- Ma Der Lao was named one of the 24 Best New Restaurants in 2023, offering a vibrant, spicy menu that reflects the bold flavors of Laos. Sedalia’s was recognized in 2024 for its ability to bring fresh seafood to landlocked Oklahoma.
- Nonesuch: Recognized in 2018 as one of Bon Appétit’s Best New Restaurants in America, Nonesuch continues to set the bar for fine dining in Oklahoma City.
- The New York Times:
- In 2022, Ma Der Lao was featured in a roundup of top restaurants across the U.S. The restaurant’s innovative dishes, like their signature Lao-style sausages, helped put Oklahoma City’s food scene on the national map.
- USA Today:
- Oklahoma City has appeared in multiple USA Today rankings, showcasing its growing culinary reputation. Past honors include Chef Andrew Black’s James Beard nominations and Florence’s Restaurant’s America’s Classics Award.
- Eater:
- Eater has covered Oklahoma City’s rise in the culinary world, from casual eateries like Tacos San Pedro to high-end dining experiences like The Ranch Steakhouse.
Yelp’s Top 100 Brunch Spots (2024)
- Cafe Kacao
Ranked among Yelp’s Top 100 Brunch Spots in 2024, Cafe Kacao is a beloved local gem known for its Guatemalan-inspired brunch dishes. Don’t miss their signature Kacao breakfast with scrambled eggs, chorizo and black beans, or the Churro Waffles that are a hit with both locals and visitors.
As more chefs and restaurants from Oklahoma City gain national recognition, the city is quickly becoming a top culinary destination. The diversity of the dining scene—from international flavors like Naija Wife Kitchen and Ma Der Lao to classic Southern comfort food at The Crown—keeps the city’s food culture dynamic. With continued growth, Oklahoma City is carving out its culinary identity and making a name for itself on the national stage.
