If you’re a foodie looking for a dining experience that’s worth your time and worthy of your tastebuds, we’ve got a shortlist backed by the James Beard Awards. The James Beard annual ceremony is considered the Oscars of the food industry, and getting on their list as a nominee or award winner is the highest honor. Our community is still beaming with pride for Cat Cox and Country Bird Bakery after her big 2025 win for Best Pastry Chef.
So if you’re hungry, sink your teeth into one of these James Beard recognized eateries.
Outstanding Chef Finalist 2025
This farm-to-table favorite sources all of its ingredients from local farms and focuses primarily on multi-course tasting dinners. 10 courses, a wine pairing, and a one of a kind experience meant to take you on a journey back to the origins of the food you're eating, directly from Oklahoma earth. FARMBAR is an extension of Living Kitchen.
Best New Restaurant Semifinalist 2023
Dining with Et Al. is a hidden gem that’s impossible to forget after your first time eating at one of their pop ups. This collective of chefs has a standing residency on Wednesdays and Fridays at Foolish Things Coffee, where they put on their mouthwatering events, Dumpling Night (Wednesday) and Mae Baan thai (Friday). The atmosphere is laid back, but the dedication to the customer experience is 11 out of 10, and Et Al. is totally worth your time.
And once you’re hooked on their pop ups, the Et Al team will be opening its new restaurant, Natsukashi, in December of 2025. Their menu will cover breakfast, lunch, and Izakaya style dinner service. It’s sure to be a Tulsa favorite.
Best Chef Semifinalist 2024
Can’t get enough of FARMBAR and Living Kitchen? Well expand your palate with Lisa Becklund and Linda Ford’s regional Italian restaurant in the downtown Deco District. This dine-in only eatspace follows the same local ingredient philosophy, with a highly detailed Italian spin. If you’re looking for out-of-this-world flavors that root you in the moment, this might be the place for you.
Best Pastry Chef Winner 2025
If you need a reason to get out of bed on a Saturday morning, let it be Country Bird Bakery. Cat Cox and her team of incredible bakers believe that “great bread should tap into a place and time.” Bread, croissants, and pastries line the display as the mouthwatering scent of sourdough fills the air. The bakery’s delicious treats are first come first served and last until the supply is up. Country Bird is open on Saturdays and every other Thursday.
Best Chef Semifinalist 2024
Doctor Kustom is your taste of Brazil in Tulsa. Since its origin as a 2019 food truck, Alexandre Figueira and his family have been sharing authentic flavors of their homeland with the Tulsa community. Now, you can find them at their own location within the shops at Mother Road Market. It's fresh, handmade, and unforgettable.
Noche Woodfire Grill and Agave Bar
Best New Restaurant Semifinalist
Named one of the New York Time’s 34 Best New Restaurants of 2024, Noche Woodfire Grill and Agave Bar brings Mexico City influence and “Arklahoma” inspiration together. Prepare for an upscale evening filled with bold flavorful meals, housemade tortillas, and an array of agave spirits. Located in the historic Greenwood District, Noche’s vibrant atmosphere will transport you into an experience you’ll be excited to repeat.
Outstanding Hospitality Semifinalist 2023
You haven’t lived until you’ve had the full wood-fired experience from SMOKE. This eatery on historic Cherry Street is a great place to have a high-quality meal that is made from the freshest ingredients. The menu changes on a seasonal basis to help the culinary team wow you with every last bite. If smoked food is your thing, then I’d go ahead and reserve a table as soon as possible.
Best Chef Semifinalist 2023
It’s not polite to play with your food, unless you’re going to Mr. Kims. This Asian-inspired steakhouse operates like a Korean barbeque. The atmosphere is warm and modern, which is perfect for those who are looking for something more cozy or intimate. Customers rave about the meat like their A5 Wagyu, and their long list of side dishes like dumplings and udon noodles deepen their experience. Whether it’s with your friends or someone you love, you can’t go wrong with Mr. Kims.
Outstanding Bar Semifinalist 2023
It’s no secret that Tulsa’s craft brew scene is thriving right now. Everybody has their favorite spots, but the one place in everyone’s rotation is American Solera. With a focus on creatively engaging beer drinkers, it always seems like there’s new beer on tap every time you go. Their space is a bright and colorful family-friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for gathering with your people. So if you’re looking to try a new beer freshly brewed in Tulsa, American Solera’s got you covered.
Outstanding Restaurateur: Elliot Nelson
If you’ve lived in Tulsa long enough, you’ve probably eaten at a McNellie’s Group restaurant. This hospitality company has a strong track record of establishing some of the most exciting dining experiences in our city. A lot of this success is attributable to Elliot Nelson, the founder and CEO of McNellie’s Group. His leadership and vision have been the driving force for success, so it’s no surprise that he got the attention of the James Beard team. Check out some of the most popular McNellie’s spots like Bull in the Alley, Maple Ridge Grocer, and Dilly Diner.
Be sure to bookmark this blog or write down your favorite options.
