The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in Omaha

Dante is celebrated for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, but it also offers some of the finest modern Italian dishes in Omaha. The menu includes seasonal specialties, house-made pastas, a complete Italian wine list, a curated selection of original craft cocktails, and a butterscotch budino that's among the city's standout desserts. Additionally, Dante doubles as a lively nightlife venue in west Omaha, attracting a fun-loving crowd.

Kinaara offers some of the most luxurious Indian cuisine in Omaha, now in a spacious new dining area. Co-owners Ashish Sathyan and Kimberly Harris have enhanced the menu with a popular wagyu beef coconut fry, featuring locally sourced Morgan Ranch beef chuck cubes, sliced coconut, ginger, garlic, red onion, garam masala, and black pepper. Sathyan intends to introduce a tasting menu, available by reservation only.

For over 40 years, the Bagel Bin — Omaha's leading kosher bakery — has been crafting New York-style bagels based on the Brezack family's Polish recipes. You'll discover a variety of flavors, from classic to unique, including everything, onion, blueberry, egg, cinnamon apple, and salt. At lunchtime, the egg and tuna salad bagel melt is a favorite, along with the pizza bagel. Savory and sweet kugels are also on offer.

David Utterback has gained acclaim for his sushi creations, but at Koji, he focuses on a concise yet impressive selection of yakitori. The menu showcases various chicken cuts, octopus, and a frequently changing lineup of specialty cuts that sell out quickly each evening. There are also playful shareable appetizers, such as a unique take on Korean cheese corn, along with several hand rolls made to order.

Freshly chopped herbs bring vibrant flavors to nearly every dish at El Basha, a cozy Mediterranean Mytoury. The falafel wrap, featuring dill pickle and tahini, is particularly noteworthy, along with the house-made dips like baba ganoush and hummus. The comforting lentil soup is perfect for winter, and meat enthusiasts will love the kebabs and gyros.

The Drover captures the essence of the Nebraska cowboy experience better than any other classic steakhouse in Omaha. Enjoy the Western-themed decor and whiskey-marinated meats, including their famous oversized bone-in rib-eye. If steak isn’t on your agenda, the kitchen also offers a fantastic burger with fries. Don’t miss the salad bar, featuring cold metal plates and classic thousand island dressing.

Blue and Fly is celebrated as one of the top casual Chinese Mytouries in Omaha. While it may not look impressive, it offers a diverse two-part menu with both traditional Chinese dishes and more Americanized fare. Popular choices include sautéed bok choy, mapo tofu, and scrambled eggs with tomato. A whiteboard displays a changing selection of specials, so it’s worth asking about the latest offerings. The restaurant also provides delivery and curbside pickup options.

Once a super trendy beer bar in Benson, Krug Park has now settled into a cozy, familiar vibe. The inviting wood and soft lighting complement a thoughtfully curated selection of taps and a unique array of mostly original cocktails, alongside classic drinks expertly prepared by the bartenders. It’s a neighborhood favorite for good reason.

As one of the city’s pioneering ramen establishments, Ika has expanded to four locations throughout Omaha and its suburbs, even increasing its presence during the pandemic. It’s renowned for offerings like the rich pork tonkotsu, the vibrant green Mary Jane ramen with chicken, an intensely spicy “hot noods” dish, and exceptional poke and donburi bowls featuring rice, your choice of raw or cooked protein, and flavorful sauces. Don't overlook the cocktail menu, as two locations house hidden speakeasies.

At Au Courant, guests can choose between two distinct dining experiences: a $75 chef-driven tasting menu curated by chef de cuisine Anthony “Chovy” Caniglia, or a seasonal a la carte menu. For a true taste of the kitchen's artistry, opt for the tasting menu, which includes highlights like Chovy’s Egg—a rotating, egg-focused dish that’s always available—alongside skillfully prepared proteins and creative presentations of seasonal vegetables.

David Utterback, Omaha’s first James Beard finalist for Best Chef: Midwest, crafts some of the city's most innovative fish dishes, utilizing the freshest ingredients. At Yoshitomo, you can enjoy a variety of offerings, including nigiri, sashimi, a curated selection by the chef, and various rolls. For a special treat, visit Ota next door for Utterback's exclusive reservation-only omakase service, which has become so popular it now features a substantial waiting list.

Chef Dario Schicke made the decision to close Dario’s Brasserie in 2022, channeling all his energy into Avoli Osteria, his Northern Italian restaurant. This shift has significantly enhanced Avoli’s offerings. Known as one of Omaha’s pioneers in house-made pasta, Avoli continues to impress with rotating pasta specials such as delicate tajarin and hearty carbonara. The dry-aged rib-eye is another standout dish worth trying.

While Omaha is renowned for its meat dishes, the kale salad at Lola’s deserves attention; it’s enriched with spiced almonds and fresh jalapenos, all drizzled with a zesty lemon Caesar dressing. Nestled within a locally owned movie thMytour, Lola’s attracts a loyal following for its brunch featuring eggs, delectable pastries, and excellent coffee, along with an impressive roast chicken served in the evenings.

Saddle Creek Breakfast Club offers elevated and vegan takes on classic diner breakfasts, featuring dishes like banana pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and several Mexican-inspired options. The restaurant is experiencing a surge in popularity and plans to open a second location further west later this year.

Salween began as a go-to spot for Midtowners craving takeout pad thai after work but has now grown into the city's largest Thai chain with four locations. In addition to their pad thai, popular offerings include Panang curry and drunken noodles, with hidden delights like a comforting coconut chicken noodle soup and spicy larb.

La Casa evokes strong feelings in locals: love it or hate it, with little room for indifference. Its pizza boasts a thin, biscuit-like crust with a flaky edge, complemented by the option to sprinkle on robust Romano cheese, generating passionate opinions. The menu also includes Italian American favorites like fried ravioli, cannoli, hearty lasagna, and calzones.

Since its inception, Kathmandu Momo Station has maintained a refreshingly concise menu: three varieties of momos (vegetarian, chicken, and pork), a select range of sauces, and a handful of additional dishes, including tea leaf salad and coconut shrimp. Be sure to try co-owner Aagya Subedi’s Burmese ramen. The original Blackstone location shares its space with Scriptown Brewing, while a second branch can be found inside Inner Rail Food Hall.

At Coneflower, everything is crafted in-house, including the sprinkles and the warm chocolate chip cookies that accompany the ice cream sandwiches. The menu features classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate, as well as more adventurous options such as halva and honeycomb. The original Blackstone location remains a favorite, with a second spot now open downtown.

Nite Owl is a restaurant and bar that captures the vibe of a trendier version of your grandparents’ basement, embodying the essence of a modern dive. The bar offers a delicious signature burger and house-cut fries, alongside hearty and vegan sliders, plus a uniquely inventive drink menu. Don't miss cocktails like the Tijuana Brass, featuring mezcal, tequila reposado, serrano, ginger, lime, cilantro, and allspice, or the on-tap Suffering Bastard, made with dry gin, apple brandy, ginger, lime, and bitters.

The historic Blackstone Hotel in Omaha — famous as the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich — has undergone a transformation in recent years, introducing a lively pool club and the cocktail lounge known as the Cottonwood Room. Within the Committee Chophouse, guests can savor classic cuts like Delmonico and chateaubriand, paired with reinterpreted vintage side dishes such as Lyonnaise potatoes and creamed spinach. The restaurant’s version of the iconic Reuben, available at the more casual Orleans Room in the lobby, features a touch of tangy mustard that perfectly balances the rich sauerkraut and Russian dressing.

Locally celebrated for its outstanding Reuben sandwich, the Crescent Moon has a rich history (legend states that the Reuben was first crafted across the street at the former Blackstone Hotel, now the Cottonwood). In recent years, the restaurant has built upon the classic with innovative creations like Reuben egg rolls, a highlight of its annual Reuben Fest. The Moon is a key player in Beer Corner USA, a collection of four interconnected beer-centric establishments, including Huber Haus (offering Bavarian bites and German beer served in boots), Max & Joe’s (specializing in Belgian brews), and the beer shop Beertopia.

Many Omahans have fond memories of attending college at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where they discovered the Mill, a beloved café with multiple locations throughout Lincoln. Now, both loyal patrons and newcomers are flocking to the original Omaha location, which roasts its own coffee beans and offers popular items like the granita, a delightful sweet coffee slush. This location also features the brand's very first drive-thru.

Chef and author Isa Chandra Moskowitz offers a delightful array of vegan comfort food, featuring dishes like mac and shews made with creamy cashew cheese, seitan and cauliflower Buffalo wings, and a homemade seitan burger that mimics a popular fast-food option. Her rich desserts, such as cheesecake, thick milkshakes, and pies, are beloved by both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Founded by the late Patricia “Big Mama” Barron, this restaurant is now managed by her daughter, Gladys Harrison, who moved the establishment to a bustling new location in 2020. The menu preserves Barron’s beloved home-style cooking featuring family recipes, including a century-old cornbread skillet recipe, along with comfort foods like mac and cheese, fried catfish, sweet potato pie ice cream, and a signature oven-fried chicken seasoned with a secret spice mix.

Dinker’s is a beloved local bar focused on two passions: fantastic burgers and the Creighton Bluejays. One dedicated flattop grill is used exclusively for toasting burger buns, featuring popular options like the haystack burger topped with ham, cheese, and a fried egg, or the Bluejay burger with melted Swiss, crispy bacon, and a generous serving of blue cheese dressing. Don’t forget to bring cash!

Founded by Polish immigrant Frank Kawa a century ago, Johnny’s Café in south Omaha is now operated by his family and remains the state’s most renowned steakhouse. Nestled in the Union Stockyards area, once the largest livestock market in the nation, the restaurant welcomes guests with a lobby filled with memorabilia and historical menus. It's famous for its prime rib, hearty soups, and signature salad dressing. Enjoy a classic cocktail in the cowboy-themed bar and experience true Midwestern hospitality.

Located on South 24th Street, El Dorado specializes in parrilladas, offering an array of grilled platters. Opt for the seafood version, featuring a delightful mix of fresh fish, shellfish, various seafood, sauces, garnishes, and homemade tortillas. The menu also includes a la carte seafood options like fresh oysters, ceviche, and hearty seafood stews, as well as a full range of breakfast dishes, fajitas, and tacos. On weekends, enjoy lively performances by a mariachi band in the evenings.

Chef-owners Paul and Jessica Urban, both experts in fine dining, create some of Omaha's most inventive daily lunch specials. Choices include classic options like a delicious Nashville hot chicken sandwich, as well as unique dishes such as a burrito inspired by Xi’an Famous Foods, filled with spicy cumin wagyu beef, local cheese curds, cilantro slaw, fried jalapeños, a griddled local duck egg, house Fresno hot sauce, and fried potatoes wrapped in a large tortilla.

Though a craft cocktail bar might not be the first place you'd expect to find house-made pasta or a great burger, Mercury excels in both. An ideal stop for pre- or post-show dining near the historic Orpheum Theatre, their menu features delectable dishes like pappardelle with red wine, pork and beef bolognese, and maltagliati with rustic pasta, blue crab, beurre blanc, dill, and Calabrian chili. Their playful drink menus, including a recent Kama Sutra theme, are executed with care.

Opened just before the pandemic in spring 2020, Fizzy’s has blossomed into a beloved, adults-only retro diner. Guests enjoy TV dinner-style dishes, spirited shakes, and nostalgic cocktails, alongside themed events like Emo Brunch or the Pulp Fiction-inspired Pulp Fizzys.

At this quirky Little Bohemia bar, co-owner Megan Malone crafts creative cocktails within the cozy confines of a converted old house. Her politically inspired drinks, like the now-iconic Obama Sex Dream, sit alongside seasonal specials such as the Flaming Cottontail Martini, featuring dragon fruit, jalapeno gin, and raspberry. The inviting patio is perfect in summer, while winter brings a heated outdoor igloo. The bar also hosts regular comedy nights, movie screenings, and drag shows.

With three locations in Little Bohemia, Blackstone, and Millwork Commons, Archetype Coffee elevates the local coffee scene. Owner and head barista Isaiah Sheese, a seasoned competitor in the U.S. Coffee Championships, leads the café teams in crafting dependable favorites like cappuccinos, lattes, and pour-overs, all in a welcoming environment ideal for meetings and remote work. Their house-roasted beans, particularly the signature Home blend, are a hit among customers looking to take some home.

In Nebraska's vibrant dining scene, the Boiler Room stands out with its unique take on meat dishes, moving beyond the traditional steakhouse. Chef Tim Nicholson and his team craft delicious cured charcuterie, homemade sausages, and pork belly, featuring plenty of wagyu, all complemented by exceptional wines and cocktails. Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the crudo. Housed in the original boiler room of a downtown warehouse, the industrial yet artistic dining area offers a distinctive and enjoyable ambiance.

Marta Keller, a longtime member of the M’s Pub team, acquired the restaurant from its founder, Ann Mellen, upon her retirement in 2022. Keller and head chef Jared Combs have maintained the beloved menu, featuring popular sandwiches made with beef and pork, lavash cracker pizzas, and baked shrimp topped with bubbling Havarti. Diners keep returning for regularly updated specials, including duck and smoked pork, as well as a constantly rotating selection of homemade soups.

La Buvette is truly flourishing. Initially a deli counter in the mid-1990s, it evolved into a Parisian-inspired dining spot, only to revert to its deli origins during the pandemic. The owners then launched a sister venture, Mercer and Sons, offering sandwiches, meats, cheeses, freshly baked bread, and bagels next door. What was once a temporary patio has now become a year-round feature. The daily changing specials showcase classic French cuisine, including mussels, roasted chicken, cheese platters, house-made sausages, and reasonably priced wines.

With its artistic new French vibe and a constantly changing selection of intriguing natural wines, this establishment in the heart of the Old Market has become a downtown favorite. Must-try items include the Bouillon burger, succulent roast chicken, and an updated take on the classic French onion soup once served at the long-standing French Cafe that previously occupied the same space. Le Bouillon’s adjacent wine shop is a popular destination for afternoon tastings.

Established in 1977, V. Mertz is a cornerstone of Old Market dining, renowned for romantic evenings and special celebrations. Led by Nebraska native head chef Jonathan Miller, the kitchen emphasizes seasonal and local ingredients with unique twists. A recent tasting menu showcased halibut paired with grilled Chinese broccoli, black garlic, and marinated cauliflower. All of this unfolds in one of the city's most stunning dining rooms.

Umami stands out as one of the few locations in Omaha offering an omakase experience. At the sushi bar, you might be served by Keen Zheng, a New York transplant who left the Michelin-starred Sushi Nakazawa to settle in a suburb of Omaha. The restaurant also features a dependable menu of cooked Chinese and Thai dishes, alongside sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi for both dine-in and takeout options.