Pasta and pizza share so much—their heritage, their ingredients, their power to turn any evening into a celebration. Yet, there’s something distinct about twirling al dente strands versus savoring a charred, chewy crust. We’ve savored our way through Tulsa’s Italian offerings to find the absolute best. If you’re craving authentic flavors and don’t want another meal that feels like it’s been shipped from a freezer, start here.
Mondo’s Ristorante Italian
$$ | (918) 561-6300 | WEBSITE
$15 pasta plates are why you’re at Mondo’s, an Italian spot in Brookside. Of the generous portions, go for the half Alfredo half red sauce pasta that comes with a creamy richness nearly twice the flavor of standard dishes, or the chicken parmigiana with the classic combo of crispy breading, melted cheese, and savory tomato sauce. Note that you’ll need to dine-in for the complimentary garlic bread and free Spumoni ice cream celebrations.
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery
$ | (918) 664-4444 | WEBSITE
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery is an Italian spot in Tulsa that always keeps a couple classic dishes on rotation. If it’s the capital-C comforting cheese dippers with pepperoni, put a busy block on your calendar and do whatever it takes to get there. But what really makes this dish is the grilled chicken & jalapeño Alfredo pizza, which should be a legally required menu item at every Italian restaurant in the city.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
$$ | (918) 254-8888 | WEBSITE
For a classic Italian dinner, head to Carrabba’s Italian Grill when they open at 5pm. While this spot offers a full menu, they also make the Sirloin cooked to perfection, served with roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a rich red wine reduction. It’s all complemented by their lovely Lasagna, layered with fresh pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy ricotta. We’ve been known to order one for dinner and take an extra home for tomorrow.
Prossimo Ristorante
$$ | (918) 271-5096 | WEBSITE
Among the spots on this guide, Prossimo Ristorante wins the Most Authentic Italian award by a landslide. Mozzarella made at the table, beet carpaccio, and Caesar salad join that incredible pork chop on plates that showcase locally sourced ingredients. We like to add the pasta in the cheese wheel and finish our meal off with a well-crafted cocktail. For something a little less indulgent, they also serve tableside alfredo with incredible attention to detail.
Hideaway Pizza
$ | (918) 582-4777 | WEBSITE
We’d eat just about anything if it were served on Hideaway’s pizza crust, which is crispy on the edges and chewy with just the right amount of give in the middle. But our standby order is the Extreme Pizza with pepperoni and mushrooms. For a couple of extra dollars, you can add more vegetables or choose the cauliflower crust, but we prefer to keep it classic so we can focus on that pizza with no distractions.
Upper Crust Wood Fired Pizza
$ | (918) 728-7326 | WEBSITE
If you’re tired of the same old pizza joints, there are plenty of standout options on the menu at Upper Crust. The wood-fired oven turns out everything from the classic Margherita to the loaded Kitchen Sink pizza (though we’re partial to the mozzarella rounds). Don’t forget to finish with their warm cookie and ice cream.
Biga
$$ | (918) 743-2442 | WEBSITE
Let’s simplify things for you—don’t let the extensive Italian menu at Biga overwhelm you. Just go for the set price option where you choose an appetizer, entree, and dessert. It includes everything you’d expect from a quality Italian meal (think Bruschetta to start, a homemade pasta or protein, and Tiramisu or Cheesecake to finish). But what we appreciate is how the attentive service and calm atmosphere help balance all the richness.
And, if you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a relaxing dinner, this Tulsa spot also delivers consistently above-average homemade dishes in a comfortable setting.
Andolini’s Pizzeria Cherry Street
$ | (918) 728-6111 | WEBSITE
A straightforward pizza, really—just BBQ chicken with onions and sauce. But what makes it memorable is the in-house crafted dough. It’s got a perfect chew and a crisp edge, and the toppings are layered generously so every bite balances. Compared to Andolini’s otherwise extensive vegetarian options, this one is classic, but at just under twenty dollars, it’s a standout pie for the quality.
Gambill’s Pastaria & Grocery | Fresh Pasta and Scratch Kitchen
$ | (918) 619-6645 | WEBSITE
Gambill’s Pastaria & Grocery keeps their pasta options straightforward—the highly recommended fettuccine pesto Alfredo comes with a choice of extras like Italian sausage. But it’s the fresh, scratch-made quality that earns this spot a place in this guide. This local restaurant offers everything from ricotta balls to tiramisu, with generous portions at reasonable prices around $15-25 per entrée.
The atmosphere is simple with red crossed stripes on white walls and music played from a single speaker, but tables are very clean and service is friendly. Visitors from out of town often find the gelato and pasta dishes enjoyable, and many plan to return when in Tulsa again.
Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano
$$ | (918) 499-1919 | WEBSITE
The lasagna at Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano is reason enough to treat date nights like a weekly celebration. It’s only available as a special and served with a generous portion of fresh pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta. What sets this dish apart, though, is the perfectly balanced seasoning with noticeable depth. If you can’t make it for the lasagna, the fettuccini alfredo with steamed broccoli available regularly is a solid backup.
Villa Ravenna Fine Dining
$$$ | (918) 270-2666 | WEBSITE
Villa Ravenna doesn’t try to reinvent Italian cuisine. Instead, they serve classic dishes like lasagne and eggplant parmesan with a homemade touch. But everything is executed perfectly: the Alfredo sauce clings to the pasta in a rich, creamy embrace. Our favorite is the Vitelo Alla Parmigiano, which offers a tender counterpoint to the crisp breading. This place gets popular for date nights, so to secure a cozy table, consider making a reservation ahead.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$ | (918) 254-0082 | WEBSITE
$25 is all you need for a satisfying meal at Olive Garden Italian Restaurant. The family-friendly spot in Tulsa charges reasonable prices for most of their menu, including a generous Seafood Alfredo with perfectly cooked pasta, creamy sauce, and fresh seafood for less than $20. You’ll need to be patient, though—this welcoming establishment probably serves dozens of these dishes to families and groups celebrating special occasions daily. Make sure to snag their signature salad on the side.
The Krazy Olive
$ | (918) 802-5275 | WEBSITE
The Krazy Olive is a spot devoted to the art of the Mediterranean sandwich. Think fresh bread piled high with Italian sausage or ham—if you know what’s good for you—a generous scoop of hummus that words do no justice. The gyro is great, but our favorite is the version with a meatball sub paired with creamy hummus and warm pita that makes itself known in every bite. Be sure to stop by for lunch or dinner—it’s one of Tulsa’s best kept food secrets.
Bria’s Italian Ice and Ice Cream
$ | (918) 876-0552 | WEBSITE
Bria’s Salted Caramel Ice Cream is unapologetically decadent, with a creamy base holding together ribbons of caramel and flakes of sea salt, and a scoop of Italian ice on the side. It’s the kind of treat that lingers on your palate for a while, but at this cheerful Tulsa spot, there’s plenty of space in the play area for kids to run around—or for parents to relax before heading back out.
il seme
$$ | (539) 525-0265 | WEBSITE
Every component of the steak and ragu is in peak performance mode. The homemade pasta is perfectly al dente, the ragu simmers until it borders on rich silkiness, and the steak adds a much-needed savory depth. Always go for the special, which includes deep-fried olives and a generous coating of their unique cocktail sauce. Il Seme is packed on weekends, but their extended bar space has way more seating.
Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen
$$ | (918) 948-6505 | WEBSITE
Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen goes way beyond the usual one or two Italian offerings. They have a full menu of Californian Italian dishes, each anchored by wood-fired cooking. We always go for the braised beef ravioli: tender pasta that soaks up the rich sauce from a savory beef filling, and has creamy garlic mashed potatoes for added comfort. The restaurant is generous with gluten-free options, so plan on bringing friends who need alternatives without sacrificing flavor.
Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano Downtown
$$ | (918) 592-5151 | WEBSITE
Despite Tulsa’s growing Italian scene, few downtown spots truly capture that perfect blend of historic charm and modern flair. So if, like us, you believe in phenomenal food served in a vibrant atmosphere, seek out Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano Downtown. The downtown bistro stays true to tradition with flaky crab cakes, rich alfredo with gorgonzola, and enough garlic bread to satisfy any craving. And don’t worry, Picatta Di Pollo and fettuccine are also available.
Dalesandro’s
$$ | (918) 582-1551 | WEBSITE
The vegan mushroom risotto at Dalesandro’s is served every evening, and skips the usual dairy to let earthy mushrooms shine. Here, your satisfaction comes in the form of a creamy porcini risotto that melds with a layer of sourdough toast with garlic spread—an especially crunchy addition. Order one before heading to a nearby show, or snag a cozy table by the window.
Oliveto Italian Bistro
$ | (918) 994-7000 | WEBSITE
Oliveto Italian Bistro (featured among Tulsa’s best Italian spots) makes a fork-required Florentino Pizza. Even the crisp, wood-fired crust struggles to contain the overflow of melted cheese, savory toppings, and rich tomato sauce. But if you can get past the mess, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this pie. We like it even more when we pair it with their praised Italian Nachos and a glass of house red in their cozy, inviting dining room.
Jay’s Original Hoagies
$ | (918) 488-8866 | WEBSITE
The star at Jay’s Original Hoagies is the 12″ Italian Special, and for good reason. Still, their Chicken Salad sandwich shouldn’t be overlooked. The habanero sauce delivers a slow burn that borders on addictive, and the whole thing is loaded up with banana peppers and ghost pepper cheese. Adding the creamy Italian dressing will be a choice you’ll remember happily in the months ahead.
