Cafe 47 International in Oklahoma City: North Indian Cuisine with Lunch Buffet

Cafe 47 International is a casual North Indian restaurant serving curry-forward dishes, breads, and vegetarian options in a modest dining room suited to weekday lunch groups and family dinners rather than date nights or celebrations.

What Cafe 47 actually is

Located in Oklahoma City, Cafe 47 operates as a full-service restaurant with a lunch buffet and an à la carte dinner menu. The kitchen focuses on North Indian preparations: tandoori chicken, paneer dishes, lamb curries, and dal-based vegetarian plates alongside naan and rice. The space is utilitarian, with tables spaced for efficiency rather than ambiance. Service is straightforward, without table-side flourishes. The restaurant draws regulars from the local Indian community and office workers seeking buffet value during midday hours.

Menu and pricing

The lunch buffet typically runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and includes four to six curries (a mix of meat and vegetable), rice, naan, and a dessert like kheer or gulab jamun, priced around $10 to $12 per person (verify current rates directly, as buffet pricing shifts seasonally). À la carte dinner entrées range from $12 to $18, with chicken tikka masala and lamb vindaloo among the standard offerings. Vegetarian entrées like chana masala and palak paneer cost $9 to $13. Naan bread is typically $2 to $3 per order. Lunch buffet represents stronger value than ordering three entrées individually; dinner is better suited to those wanting a specific dish or higher spice level than the buffet rotation permits.

How it compares to other Indian restaurants in Oklahoma City

Cafe 47 emphasizes buffet convenience and affordability, positioning it against sit-down alternatives like Tandoor, which offers a broader à la carte menu and table service in a more formal setting but without a lunch buffet. Tandoor suits diners who want to order specific dishes and linger; Cafe 47 suits those prioritizing a quick, low-cost lunch. For takeout or delivery-focused ordering, Himalayan Restaurant operates separately from Cafe 47's in-house dining model. Cafe 47's buffet model is its distinction: if you want variety and speed at noon, it delivers; if you want customization or a quieter environment, alternatives may serve better.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

Cafe 47 works well for lunch groups from nearby offices, families with young children, and diners new to Indian food who want to sample multiple dishes without committing to full entrée portions. Vegetarians find adequate options on both the buffet and menu. Those seeking mild heat will find it; those wanting extreme spice should request vindaloo or request the kitchen to adjust. The restaurant does not suit patrons seeking an upscale or romantic atmosphere, alcohol service, or a refined presentation. Buffet timing is rigid; arriving after 2 p.m. on weekdays means à la carte only.

What the first visit involves

Arrive during lunch buffet hours and expect to walk to a counter or be directed to a serving station where you load your plate with warm curries, rice, and naan. Dining is self-paced at a table; staff refill water and clear plates but do not hover. Dinner visits require ordering from a printed menu; standard wait time is 20 to 30 minutes for entrées. The restaurant does not take reservations, and lunch can have a brief wait between 12 and 1 p.m. on weekdays. Takeout is available for both buffet (usually packed in containers by weight or per-person) and à la carte orders.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Cafe 47 operates Monday through Saturday, typically 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (verify weekend hours, as they may vary). The restaurant is located in a small shopping center with dedicated parking; no metered or street parking stress. It is not accessible by public transit as a primary option; a car or rideshare is practical. Call ahead if ordering takeout during peak lunch or dinner hours to confirm wait times.

Cafe 47 fills a straightforward role in Oklahoma City's Indian dining landscape: reliable lunch buffet value and unpretentious dinner service for those seeking North Indian standards without fuss or premium pricing.