As long-time residents of Norman, Oklahoma, Erika and I visit many of the city's eating establishments. Our experiences are both good and bad, but we decided to compose a list of our favorite places to grab a bite. We provided our favorite menu items from each establishment, and (in some cases) we offered drink pairings, as well.

Please note most of these establishments are strictly local to Norman, or they founded here originally. (Both Erika and I believe strongly in keeping it local.)

Many of these establishments play a large part in our community, and we highly encourage giving each of these establishments a try, especially if you are not native to Norman. Each one brings something different and unique to the table (pun completely intended), and they strive to provide patrons with a great experience, as well as great food.

We also included the average cost of each restaurant in the form of dollar signs ($) with 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest. The price points used for this piece we attained from Zomato.com, formerly Urbanspoon.com, and most are up to date.

Here - in no particular order - are 34 of the best local restaurants in Norman, OK.

1. Blackbird Gastropub ($$)

Campus Corner

Darren's Favorite Menu Item: Loaded Pub Fries with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce

Erika's Favorite Menu Item: Pot Roast Nachos with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce

2. Tarahumara's Mexican Café and Cantina ($$)

Porter Avenue

Darren's FMI: Juevos Rancheros

Erika's FMI: Any of the Enchiladas

3. Tulio's Mexican ($$)

East Side

Darren's FMI: Mexican Steak Tips with Celery Hot Sauce

Erika's FMI: Cancun Chicken with Celery Hot Sauce

4. O Asian Fusion ($$)

East Side

Darren's FMI: Red Curry

Erika's FMI: Yellow Curry

5. Ozzie's Diner ($)

Westheimer Airport

Darren's FMI: All You Can Eat Breakfast

Erika's FMI: All You Can Eat Breakfast

6. Syrup Breakfast Boutique ($$)

Downtown

Erika's FMI: Biscuits & Gravy with Stumptown Coffee

7. O'Connell's Irish Pub & Grille ($)

Campus Corner

Darren's FMI: Ranchhand Burger with Fried Pickles

Erika's FMI: Ranchhand Burger

8. Victoria's Pasta Shop ($$)

Campus Corner

Darren's FMI: Black Pepper Linguini

Erika's FMI: Any of the Daily Pestos

9. Gaberino's Homestyle Italian ($$)

West Side

Darren's FMI: Shrimp Scampi

Erika's FMI: Chicken Parmesan

10. Classic 50's Drive-In ($)

Lindsey Street

Darren's FMI: Pickle-Os

Erika's FMI: Fiesta Potato Boat with Bacon and a Sprittle

11. Sooner Dairy Lunch ($)

Main Street

Darren's FMI: Double Bacon Cheeseburger with a Chocolate Malt

Erika's FMI: Bacon Cheeseburger with a Root Beer Float

12. Greek House ($)

Campus Corner

Darren's FMI: Gyro Sandwich with Fries

Erika's FMI: Gyro Plate

13. Ole Town Gyro and Kabob ($)

Porter Avenue

Darren's FMI: Greek Salad with Extra Gyro Meat

Erika's FMI: Falafel and Dolma

14. Shawarma Vite Mediterranean Grill ($)

University of Oklahoma Campus

Darren's FMI: Mediterranean Platter

Erika's FMI: Chicken Shawarma Rice Platter (Spicy) with a Moroccan Iced Tea

15. Scratch Kitchen + Cocktails ($$$)

Downtown

Darren's FMI: Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict - Brunch Menu

Erika's FMI: Shrimp & Grits - Brunch Menu

16. Blu Fine Wine & Food ($$)

Downtown

Darren's FMI: Flat Bread Pizza

Erika's FMI: Salmon Benedict - Brunch Menu

17. Jax Soul Kitchen ($$)

Campus Corner

Darren's FMI: Jalapeño & Bacon Burger with a Brewhouse Amber Beer

Erika's FMI: Smoked Chicken or Pork Tacos with a Brewhouse Wheat Beer

18. T.E.A Café ($)

Campus Corner

Darren's FMI: Any Noodle Dish and an Almond Milk Tea with Boba

Erika's FMI: Stir-fry Rice Noodles with Chicken (Spicy) and a Papaya Milk Tea with Boba

19. Das Boot Camp ($)

Downtown

Darren's FMI: Jägerschnitzel with a Dunckelweizen House Beer

Erika's FMI: Jägerschnitzel with a Kings Weizen House Beer

20. The Diner ($)

Downtown

Darren's FMI: Tamale Breakfast

Erika's FMI: Tamale Breakfast

21. Benvenuti's Ristorante ($$$)

Downtown

Darren's FMI: Veal Parmesan

Erika's FMI: Veal Ravioli

22. Café Saffron ($)

Campus Corner

Darren's FMI: Chicken Kabob and the Fresh Produce

Erika's FMI: Saffron Rice and the Chicken Kabob

23. Misal Bistro ($$)

Ed Noble Parkway

Darren's FMI: Mediterranean Plate

Erika's FMI: Chicken Tikka Masala

24. Midway Grocery and Deli ($)

University of Oklahoma Campus

Darren's FMI: Sausage Breakfast Burrito

Erika's FMI: Cuban Sandwich

25. Ray's Smokehouse BBQ ($)

Lindsey Street

Darren's FMI: Ribs, Fries, and Potato Salad

Erika's FMI: Smoked Turkey, Hot Links, and Potato Salad

26. Sergio's Italian Bistro ($)

Downtown

Darren's FMI: Chicken Parmigiana

Erika's FMI: Baked Manicotti

27. Land Run Grill & Wine Bar ($)

East Side

Darren's FMI: Eggsplosion Burger

Erika's FMI: Red River Loaded Nachos

28. Full Moon Sushi ($$)

Downtown

Darren's FMI: Zombie Roll

Erika's FMI: Full Moon Roll or Ahi Shake Roll

29. Pepe Delgados ($)

Campus Corner

Darren's FMI: White Corn Tostadas

Erika's FMI: Enchiladas Verdes

30. Mamaveca Mexican and Peruvian ($$)

West Side

Darren's FMI: Avocado Enchiladas

Erika's FMI: Ceviche Mixto

31. Othello's ($$$)

Campus Corner

Darren's FMI: Total Dominance Parmigiana and Nancy’s Coconut Cream Pie

Erika's FMI: Veal Marsala and Tammy’s Italian Cream Cake

32. Meatball House ($$)

Campus Corner

Darren's FMI: Lamb Meatball with Gorgonzola Sauce (Topped with more Gorgonzola Cheese) and Focaccia Bread

Erika's FMI: Lamb Meatball with Gorgonzola Sauce (Topped with more Gorgonzola Cheese) and Focaccia Bread

33. Crimson & Whipped Cream ($)

Campus Corner

Darren's FMI: Turtle Bars

Erika's FMI: Lemon Bars

34. Fancy That Restaurant Wine and Cocktails ($$)

Downtown

Darren's FMI: Patsy's Pecan Chicken Salad

Erika's FMI: Blackened Chicken Mediterranean Salad