Meet Colin Sato
As a co-founder and one of the chefs of Et Al, a Tulsa-based chef collective, and one of the minds behind the soon-to-open Natsukashii, Colin Sato’s culinary vision has won the hearts of both national and local audiences. His work alongside the team at Et Al earned national acclaim as a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for best new restaurant in the US in 2023. Colin’s projects have also been a driving force in rallying Tulsans around intentional food concepts in unconventional forms. Read on for this chef’s top picks in Tulsa.
Go-To Restaurants
Jade Grill at the Pan-Asia Food Court - Located inside Pan-Asia Supermarket at 71st and Mingo, this restaurant serves up Chinese cuisine made with fresh, quality ingredients. When you’re ready to try it for yourself, they’re open 10:30am–7:30pm, everyday.
Favorite Items: You can’t go wrong with their eggplant, dry fried green beans, and cumin beef.
El Hidalguense Restaurant - This casual eatery at 11th and Mingo shares authentic Mexican dishes of all kinds alongside their specialty, barbacoa. Seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients only add to the flavor. Dine in or carry out for lunch and dinner Tuesday–Sunday.
Go-To Order: Colin called their lamb barbacoa some of the best in Tulsa.
Gigi’s Kitchen - This restaurant at 71st and Yale in the Lighthouse Shopping Center offers an extensive menu of homestyle Chinese cuisine as well as sushi and boba tea. They are open everyday but Sunday for lunch, 11am–2:30pm, and dinner, 4:30–9pm.
Why It’s Great: True to its name, you’ll find Gigi grinding it out in the kitchen every single day.
Taqueria Express #2 - This food truck at 21st and Garnett is where a quick bite becomes a culinary experience. They deliver all the bold flavors of authentic Mexican food for affordable prices every day of the week. Swing by Sunday–Thursday, 10am–10pm, or Friday–Saturday, 10am–11pm. Just be sure to bring cash.
Why It’s Great: These are perfect tacos that won’t break the bank.
Craft Cocktails to Craft Beer
Maestro - A sugarcane and agave bar, Maestro is nestled in Santa Fe Square at 2nd and Greenwood. This recent addition to Downtown Tulsa has four main principles that guide their obsession with their craft: land, labor, love, and lime.
Go-To Item: This one might spark some debate, but Colin says their daiquiri is the best cocktail in the whole city.
Heirloom Rustic Ales - A staple in the Kendall-Whittier neighborhood going on 8 years, Heirloom brews small-batch beers and creates spaces for the community to learn, connect and relax. The brewery frequently hosts food truck vendors like Old Dog, Dante’s and Killer Whale BBQ to balance out your drink order.
Why It’s Great: Et Al’s first ever dumpling pop-up was here, and it’s no wonder. Heirloom’s special talent is bringing people together.
Hidden Gems
Tacos El Rinconcito - The most hidden of the gems Colin was willing to out, this Mexican restaurant is located where I-44 meets Yale in Midtown Tulsa. They serve classic Mexican dishes and, according to Colin, have the best tortas in town.
Word of Advice: It helps if you can speak a little Spanish, but there’s no judgement if pointing at the menu is more your speed.
Super Secret Donuts - Headed up by Milton Perry this scratch-made brioche donut operation has made sweet appearances around Tulsa, including inside Foolish Things at 10th and Main Downtown. Each month sees a new lineup of one-of-a-kind flavors like Miso Honeyjoy and Blueberry Vanilla Basil that are as delicious as they are surprising. Stay tuned for pop-up details.
Why It’s Great: Colin says the donuts are “perfect in every way.” Who wouldn’t want to start their morning with that?
Best Neighborhood
The Heights - Located just north of Downtown, The Heights is a historic neighborhood that has been a place of deep community for over a century. Significant efforts have been made to preserve its history and support the new generations that will carry on its legacy. Shared projects, like a community garden, and homegrown shops, like Prism Cafe, highlight the sense of togetherness that marks this unique part of Tulsa.
Why It’s Great: The cost of living is relatively low for this fun, community-minded neighborhood.
Coffee Shops
Coffee @ Heirloom - We’re taking it back to Heirloom Rustic Ales, but this time, for perfect coffee and matcha, according to Colin. Tuesday–Sunday, 7am–3pm, the baristas of Coffee @ Heirloom run this space in Kendall-Whittier before the beer starts flowing for the day.
Why It’s Great: Colin says, “it’s a chef’s chef kind of place, but for coffee.”
Colin’s Tulsa Hot Take
“Immigrants and the children of immigrants cook the best food, lead the best restaurants, and do all the coolest stuff in the food and beverage space,” Colin explains.
The celebrated chef invites Tulsans to welcome and celebrate that diversity and listen to the stories being told through the flavors, grit, and spirit that surround Tulsa’s food scene. Get out in the city to try some of Colin’s favorite spots. What you’ll find beyond the food is hospitality and heart.
