Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
Gabriella's Italian Grill & Pizzeria
1226 N.E. 63rd
gabriellasokc.com
478-4955

What works: big portions of classic Italian fare for reasonable prices
What needs work: The hostesses could be a little nicer.
Tips: Urbanspoon says it's open for lunch. Only if you eat lunch at 3 p.m.

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
Tana Thai Bistro
10700 N. May
749-5590

What Works: lovely atmosphere, small and focused menu
What Needs Work: Spice levels seemed to vary dish to dish.
Tips: Take a group, order a bunch, try some of everything.

Restaurant Reviews
Doug Hill
Van’s Pig Stand
320 N. Porter, Norman
364-0600
pigstands.com
What worked: outstanding hickory smoked barbecue that rivals any of the best in the country
What needs work: The baked beans need bolder flavor.
Tip: tried-and-true Oklahoma family recipes at a reasonable price        

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
Pizzini'z Pizza
12101 N. MacArthur
720-8500

What works: simple, delicious pizza for very reasonable rates
What needs work: Not all of its non-pizza offerings are so tasty.
Tip: Make sure you call the right shop, as there are two locations.

Restaurant Reviews
Kinsey Crocker
Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies
3721 N.W. 50th
946-1300

What works: dessert fried pies
What needs work: Not the place to go if you are looking to dine-in.
Tip: If you can’t decide, just ask for a sample. 

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
Foodies Asian-American Diner
1220 N. Hudson
Facebook
235-1111

What works: affordable, tasty Asian treats. Ramen is très spicy.
What needs work: communication with waiter
Tips: Seat yourself, but be sure to look at daily specials first.

Restaurant Reviews
Marisa Mohi
Spoon Restaurant: Fine Thai Cuisine
1428 W. Britton
286-9179

What works: simple menu with all the favorite Thai dishes
What needs work: The décor does little to hide that the building used to be a fast-food restaurant.
Tip: The restaurant itself is tiny. Call ahead if you have a large group.

Restaurant Reviews
Doug Hill
Sandro’s Pizza and Pasta
914 W. Main, Norman
sandrospizzaandpasta.com
701-8822

What worked: excellent pizza and good signature entrees
What needs work: A crisp, ultra-thin pizza crust would be a welcome additional choice.
Tip: Pleasant but not fancy dining room serving a level of Italian cuisine found in much more expensive restaurants.

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
Pho Thai Nguyen
3221 N. Classen Blvd.
525-7373

What works: tasty dishes for all experience levels
What needs work: Pho broth could be hotter.
Tips: free hot tea! Also, the place takes credit cards, which is nice.

Restaurant Reviews
Doug Hill
Spice and Rice
770 DeBarr, Norman
321-7423

What worked: high-quality food at lower prices
What needs work: Addition of beer to the menu would complement the highly spiced cuisine.
Tip: family recipes that haven’t been compromised for American tastes  

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
Opulence is overrated.

Restaurant Reviews
Louis Fowler
Ann’s Chicken Fry House
4106 N.W. 39th
943-8915

What works: absolutely perfect chicken-fried steaks
What needs work: Kitschy decor could use an update.
Tips: Save room for dessert.

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
In the Raw Sushi
200 S. Oklahoma
intherawsushi.com
702-1325

What works: ahi tuna nachos and affordable specialty rolls
What needs work: Non-sushi items need a little more thought.
Tip: Park in the lot on the other side of the building or across the street.

Restaurant Reviews
Doug Hill
Pho B&B Vietnamese Cuisine
1615 S. Interstate 35 Service Road, Moore
794-5261

What works: home-style Vietnamese cooking at fast-food prices in a family-operated establishment
What needs work: Entrées should be brought to the table simultaneously or, at most, just a few minutes apart.
The tip: Pho on the south side is as good as or better than what you’ll find in the Asian District.

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
HD's Onion Burgers
12417 N. Rockwell
621-9522

What works: El Reno-style onion burgers in OKC
What needs work: Grilled chicken sandwich could use more flavor.
Tips: closed on Sunday