Papa Dio’s Restaurant & Wine Bar

I’m not a fan of Italian food, but this place was great. This restaurant has been around for decades and all the recipes are from many generations ago that was brought over from their homeland. The flavor of the food was great. The serving portions were huge, be prepare or you should definitely share.

The price was way too expensive for shrimp pasta. It was definitely overrated for the price. Could have gotten better shrimp pasta for cheaper else where. It was my 1^st time eating there and my last time at least for a long time.

Had the Chicken Picatta again for dinner tonight… it really can’t be beat in OKC! I substitute the fresh Italian green beans for the pasta side dish– and with the wonderful Papa’s salad, eating low carbs and lots of flavor!
Papa Dios is one of our favorite restaurants in OKC! Year after year.

There is so much warm, good feelings I got at Papa Dio’s. Perhaps it is the love this family-​owned restaurant pours into the food, but all around a great experience.
Our meal started with the Fried Pizza, and how fun! You get a little ramekin of powdered sugar to dip your leftover crust in. It was a fun, sweet, surprising way to end my appetizer bite.
The salads were fresh and wonderful. Caesar: spot on (I stole I bite from my friend). I had the house salad w/​ranch (not the house Italian that was suggested to me). Oh my! Fresh, flavorful tomatoes, which are hard to find this time of year, a pepperoni slice, many many olives, a pepperoncini. It was a lot of goodness in every bite. This is how Italian salads ought to be!
I took the suggestion of our waiter and kept it simple: Linguini pasta w/​Italian sausage. «Why not the meatballs?» was naturally my question. «The Italian Sausage is just better!» was the response. And boy was she right. EXCELLENT balance. Wonderfully tomatoey with just the right amount of garlic and spice. It may be the best marinara in town.
Back to the meatballs. She did bring me a meatball to compare. And while it lacked the pizzazz, flavor, and excitement of the sausage, I did talk with the owner about our whole wonderful dining experience and inquired about the meatballs (whether this was a sacrosanct recipe from his grandmother or something, or if the recipe was negotiable). I got the best answer ever! He mentioned the high volume of Jewish patrons they have and how he definitely wants to keep an All Beef meatball on the menu. How wonderful! I do see how easy it would be to pep it up with some pork sausage, but hopefully by the time you read this review it will be a little more flavorful and full-​bodied.
Service was stellar. Ambiance was casual, yet relaxing. Close to the kitchen, with an open window, the sights and smells of steaming garlicy goodness fills the place. It makes it worth it.
I didn’t have room for dessert but they looked and sounded good. I am excited about another visit soon.
This restaurant is a bit hard to find. May and a little south of Hefner, but set off the street in a small strip mall. Get your GPS to help!

Love this place for date night. You know they are cooking to order and its homemade.
The papa salad is awesome (very big portion), I like it with shrimp.
Tip: if you get a side of spaghetti (most entrees do) ask for it without the marinara and you can put the sauce from your entrée on instead, so much more consistent of a taste for me.

Had the dinner special Friday night– VEAL CHOPS! They were incredible!!! Will get them again!
Finished the dinner with their French Silk pie! It is incredible!

Papa Dio’s is one of our go-​to places for special occasions, especially with friends and family. We always eat on the wine-​bar side, which is adults only. Not that we have anything against dining with children, but ours are all grown and it’s usually easier to get seating on the wine bar side if you don’t have reservations. They have a nice wine list, attentive but not overbearing service, and you never feel rushed. For appetizer the clams are divine and the wait staff always makes sure we have plenty of bread for soaking up the delicious broth. I love both the chicken marsala and the chicken piccatta. My husband always says he is going to order something different, but then winds up with the lasagna. I’m not Italian, and I have no experience with east coast Italian dining, but as far as I’m concerned for Oklahoma City, this is 50% of the good Italian restaurants.

Service was good. Great Food. Bread was delicious… for the price it was wonderful. Would definitely return.

Papa Dio’s…YUM!!! We have been eating at Papa Dio’s for decades! THERE’S a Reason for that! The food is consistently wonderful! Don’t let the location fool you. There are plenty of tables to serve you. There is a side for the whole family, and there is a wine side for those who want a quieter and more intimate dinner experience.
I LOVE their Chicken Piccata (with capers)! It is fabulous every time. Papa’s Salad is my favorite! Love their Calamari!!! Oh, and their sautéed spinach is Great!!!

Papa Dios is my favorite Italian in Oklahoma City. I used to live in Manhattan, and this place reminds me of the Italian bistro on my street corner in the West Village. The wine bar side is somewhat fancy, and the family side is more casual. But the food is great no matter where you sit. This is just your typical, hearty, family style Italian fare. Of note is their Shrimp Diablo, one of my personal favorites. Try to save room for dessert (I never do) because it’s also great. Also, such friendly staff. For example, I came here with my grandmother, who likes to drink her red wine with ice (I know). The bartender noticed that she was putting ice cubes from her water into her red wine, and he brought her over a cup of just ice. I thought that was so thoughtful, and one of the many reasons I love Papa Dios.

Papa Dio’s has been an OKC staple for Italian food for some time. Tucked into the back of a small strip center just south of Hefner and May Ave. in Okc.
The restaurant is divided into two sides as you walk in, which can be confusing for first timers. The right side is where you can see the kitchen and is mostly used for the really casual dining customer. The left side is more formal for those seeking a more intimate experience.
They offer a full wine and liquor selection, with reasonable selections and good prices.
The food selection is very well done, with something sure to please most diners. Their eggplant parmigiana and their lasagna are very popular.
They also serve a side of pasta with most entrees, as well as offer soups/​salads.
The big papa’s salad is very well done and U.S. One of my personal favorites.
Be sure to leave room for dessert, as they have a nice selection.
Management is strong and the service is very nice. The owner is often there and stops by to say hello and ask how your experience is.
So enjoy a taste of Italy in OKC at Papa Dio’s.

Delicious Chicken Parm, fresh rolls, and great specials. Their wine selection could stand to expand a few extra glasses of Zinfandel, maybe some montepulcianos, but overall a solid wine selection. Completely satisfied.

Went on a Friday night. Wasn’t packed but a good sized crowd. Terrible service Sat down and it took about 5 minutes to get water. She forgot to give us bread and ten minutes later just kind of threw it on the table. It seemed as though our waitress was more concerned about the table beside us. She would never say anything, just put the food down and quickly walk away. Finally got our food. My wife had the chicken Marsala and I have the tortellini Alfredo. My wife’s meal was okay not great. Mine was greasy and buttery and not a lot of flavor. The pasta was good but the sauce was not. It was not worth the 45 dollars for two meals and a water especially with bad service. Will not go back.

Food is marginal. We have given this restaurant several chances because it is convenient. But, finally fed up. Staff changes constantly. The owner is arrogant and rude. For a wine bar, they often do not have the wine in the list or they cannot find the bottle. Bread was undercooked, cold and bland.

Mmm. We chose to go here last minute for my mom’s birthday dinner this weekend, and it was delicious as always! We started with the fried calamari and some fried mozzarella. I had never seen calamari presented the way Papa Dio’s did (more of sticks than strings), but it tasted great nonetheless. I had the ravioli Florentine with chicken. It was a little greasy, but that’s kind of to be expected with Alfredo sauce. The filling was great and the sauce was delicious. Everyone else was satisfied with their food as well. My parents got the meat lover’s platter and the sausage lasagna and both were HUGE portions. They easily took home enough for another meal or two. Anytime I’ve been here it’s not super busy either, so it’s usually easy to get in (we went on an OU/​OSU football night, so it’s hard to judge by that). It’s a great little neighborhood Italian place and I am always satisfied when I come here!

Our server was very kind, but neglected to offer the Italian Wedding Soup or the special. We became aware when another server was overheard at a nearby table.
The Caesar salad was OK. Just average. The romaine had not been prepared well, leaving a very bitter taste. Overall, the dinner was not a good value. A slightly over cooked eggplant Parmesan was way overpriced at $ 17.99.

I liked this place. Feels exactly like what it is… an old school neighborhood Italian place… friendly…good basic food. I had a basic Italian pasta dish… delivered it’s promise. I left full and with the thought I’d be back. The main room is more comfortable, but if you just want chow and it’s busy, the outer room where the take out is will be a good voice.

I was very surprised to get a reservation here 1 week before the Saturday before the Memorial Marathon. I figured every Italian place would be completely booked. When we got there, they pointed us to a table where someone was already sitting! We were directed to another table only to be redirected back to he same table after they decided to switch us again! When we finally sat down, it took awhile to get our water. The first waitress disappeared and was replaced by a much more efficient waiter. Things got much better once the food came out, as it usually does. My JRW Jr platter with spaghetti, cannelloni, sausage and meatballs was huge!!! The spaghetti was perfectly cooked, the cannelloni had a tasty stuffing and the meats were well-​seasoned. The meatball was firm, without too much flour. I almost forgot, the bread was hot, fresh, and delicious. I could have eaten the entire basket.
My friends, however, we’re not as pleased with their dinner. The chicken lasagna was super greasy and the sausage lasagna had the wrong pasta: meat ratio. Way to much sausage! (That’s not what she said).
Overall, this was a decent dinner at a decent place. I would go back to see what’s it’s like on a non-​carb-​loading night and to try the French (I think they call it «fresh») silk pie.

My friend bought a groupon to Papa Dios and he talked me into going with him. Honestly it is not that hard to talk me into Italian food. I liked the atmosphere and the wait staff was friendly.
The ceasar salad was delicious, but my lasagna was not my favorite. The lasagna is made with sliced italian sausage and I didn’t love it. I prefer a meat sauce with ground sausage for my lasagna.
My friend had the chicken parmesean and he shared it with me and I loved it!!! I wish I had ordered it. We also ordered a ravioli and a meatball alacarte and they tasted so good.
I will totally come back and have the chicken parmesean!

I took my husband here on a Friday night for his birthday dinner (fortunately there was also a Groupon special too so I told my hubby he was my cheap date). Well, even with a Groupon, this place isn’t cheap! It is hidden away behind a donut shop, and I’ve driven by it a thousand times but never went in. The Groupon gave me an incentive to try this place. I made reservations, and was seated in the wine bar section. It was beautiful and cozy and romantic. The other side reminded me of an old world Italian restaurant for big groups. Our server was excellent, very nice and knowledgeable. The wine bar looked awesome and made me wish I could even drink wine. We ordered the fried calamari, then shrimp Pompeii and lobster ravioli. Everything is delicious! The calamari was battered in panko so it fried up light and crispy. The marinara it came with had a slight hint of sweetness that I enjoyed, and I typically don’t like marinara. The shrimp Pompeii was cooked perfectly and you can taste the wine in the sauce. And I’m so glad I ordered the lobster ravioli! They were stuffed with lobster and the sauce has large obvious chunks of crab meat! A seafood lover’s delight! This place is a treat and the food is delicious. I look forward to coming back!

I bought a 36% groupon for this place, not realizing how pricy it is. Meal entrees run from $ 17 – 20. Appetizers cost about $ 8 – 9.
I ordered the eggplant parmigiana. My friend ordered some pasta with chicken, which I don’t remember the name, sorry. We shared the kalamari. Our total bill was $ 50.
I can’t speak for other dishes, but from what I ordered I didn’t think that it was worth what I’ve paid. The tomato sauce in my pasta was a little sour for my taste. However, the salad was excellent. Any real Italian restaurant would give you real grated Parmesan cheese, but not here.
I am not saying that everything is bad. Maybe I’ve ordered the wrong dish!!!

Started with the calamari– soo good.
Got the JWR for my meal — incredible.
So much food, but so worth it to try most of their best entrees!

Papa D, not bad! My parents like to eat Italian food and were in town for a short period of time. I didn’t want to take them somewhere over the top because they aren’t the fancy smancy type. The man zone’s dad has not steered me wrong before, so we decided to head to PD. To my surprise, I’ve passed by the building a dozen times. It’s tucked away in a small parking lot off May with a smallish sign.
Their wine menu is extensive. My dad thumbed through several pages before hitting the moderately priced options. I love me some wine! I just can’t afford a $ 1,000 bottle!!! We ended up with a Rothchild’s white Bordeaux. It was refreshing, crisp and easy to drink. Clams to start. The ‘rents ordered the Meat Eaters platter to share, man zone ordered Pesto Pene and I ordered the Artichoke and cheese fried pizza. You heard me… Fried Pizza.
–Clams w/​white butter sauce (or something like that)… Small, not very meaty. Cleaned well. I maybe had one with some sand in it.
–Meat Eaters = Veal steak, breaded chicken tenders, meatball sausage, & spaghettini. I had a lil’ taster, it wasn’t salty. My better half enjoyed the chicken.
–Pesto= standard issue, not very flavorful. I might be accustomed to a heavy salted/​garlicy pesto maybe.
–Fried Pizza = Papa’s specialty. Cheesy goodness. The base was a little soggy, but the crust was like a crispy french frie. The owner/​chef (not sure) came by our table and gave us a history lesson on this dish. He advised us to cut off the crusts and eat it last. A small dipping bowl of powdered sugar was left at our table to dip the crust in. We all agreed that it tasted like a donut or funnel cake.
Fast and friendly service. I’d probably come back again for the fried pizza.

This place is just ok. The atmosphere is ok. The service is ok. The food is ok. Too expensive for just ok. I really wanted to like this restaurant because Oklahoma City cries for a good local Italian place. This is not it.

It is a really cool place. Their wine bar is where we sat. I liked the setting really well. The only down side was that I’ve had better ravioli else where, perhaps at Zios so I was really thinking of something along the same line but that would be my fault and not the fault of the place. I would def go back. Try it if you get a chance to. A little pricey but def a good pic for a cute date!
P. S. make sure your date is willing to pay. hahahahhaha it could get a little expensive! ;)

This place continues to rock my world. Hands down the best Italian food in OK, no contest.
I actually heard about this place on the Unilocal talk boards. I posted a few months ago asking if anyone knew a good Italian place. After some mediocre suggestions, and some okay, we decided to try Papa Dios. It’s a little out of the way for me, but I figured I didn’t have anything better to do.
The shopping center it’s in is older, and parking is always hard to find in front of the restaurant. I thought it was packed due to the fact that it was a Friday, come to find out it was packed because it’s AWESOME.
I had their special that night, Italian meatloaf, and it was delicious. The only thing I hate is it’s rarely a special when I’m there. Since then, I’ve tried their ravioli (great), sausage lasagna (great), and their spaghetti (also great). The real winner is their spinach and mushroom lasagna. Oh man, veggies shouldn’t ever taste that good.
The pros
1) the food, nothing else need be added… This says it all!
The cons
1) parking
While the regular restaurant environment isn’t anything special, the wine bar (left side) is perfect for dates.
If you live in Oklahoma city, it’s a must try!