Dinogo returns to Omaha, Nebraska, spotlighting nine exciting new restaurants that have been creating a buzz. Once again, Dinogo has enlisted Omaha World-Herald food critic Sarah Baker Hansen for her top picks from the latest dining openings.
Hansen notes, “Omaha’s food scene is brimming with new additions, including a couple of standout sushi spots, a vegan coffee shop, upscale breakfast options, and, as ever, premium red meat.”
Among her selections are a new location of a beloved ramen spot with a basement Tiki bar (Ika Ramen and Izakaya and Kaitei), a bakery with a New York flair (Farine + Four), and a revival of a nostalgic 1960s bar (Red Lion Lounge).
Here is the Dinogo Heatmap for Omaha, presented in geographic order.
Ika Ramen and Izakaya
Chef Jose Dionicio’s Ika Ramen has relocated to the heart of Benson, now featuring an expanded menu of ramen, small plates, sushi, and inventive bowls like a fusion of butternut squash soup and fried chicken ramen. Dionicio has teamed up with bartender Alex Diimig, formerly of V. Mertz and a pioneer of Omaha’s first Tiki lounge, to open Kaitei in the basement. Kaitei specializes in sake, cocktails, and Japanese spirits. Both spots are small, so be prepared for a wait. Look for Kaitei’s blue door inside the restaurant or find the alley entrance.
Fried chicken ramen from Ika Ramen and Izakaya
Image: Ika Ramen and Izakaya/FacebookAu Courant Regional Kitchen
Chef Benjamin Maides is currently drawing rave reviews in Omaha with his European-inspired, locally sourced, seasonal menu. This new hotspot replaced the long-standing Espana, reinforcing the neighborhood’s reputation as a top culinary destination. The six-course tasting menu is a steal at $55.
Locally-sourced Barramundi from Webster City, Iowa, with butter beans & chorizo à la nage
Image: Au Courant / FacebookYoshitomo
Chef David Utterback, renowned for his role at Blue Sushi and his exclusive omakase events, has brought his expertise to Benson with Yoshitomo. This restaurant offers inventive nigiri, sashimi, and maki, paired with beer, wine, and sake. Located near several new Benson spots, Yoshitomo also hosts monthly omakase evenings in a private room, featuring special fish prepared just for those events.
A selection of sushi from Yoshitomo
Image: Yoshitomo / FacebookSaddle Creek Breakfast Club
Saddle Creek Breakfast Club combines classic diner vibes with a modern breakfast twist in one of Omaha’s historic districts. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee from local favorite Amateur Coffee, alongside elevated breakfast staples like eggs Benedict and banana pancakes, plus a range of vegan options. Look for the vibrant pink neon sign to guide you in.
Delicious banana pancake from Saddle Creek
Image: Saddle Creek Breakfast Club / FacebookConeflower Creamery
At Coneflower Creamery in the lively Blackstone District, it’s all about “farm to cone.” Brian Langbehn and Katie Arant craft every flavor, cone, and mix-in from scratch. They use locally sourced milk, produce, coffee, and beer. Even in winter, locals flock for vegan and traditional ice cream scoops, along with sandwiches made from house-baked cookies.
Vegan golden milk at Coneflower Creamery
Image: Coneflower Creamery / FacebookAmateur Coffee
As Omaha’s sole vegan coffee haven, Amateur Coffee offers a range of espresso drinks crafted with oat or almond milk. The shop features a selection of vegan pastries from local bakeries and serves homemade vegan waffles, available with or without chocolate chips. Their seasonal coffee beans are sold in a small retail section, and they also offer Artemis tea made locally in Omaha.
Enjoy vegan pastries and coffee at Amateur Coffee
Image: Amateur Coffee / FacebookDante Blackstone
Dante Ristorante, a popular West Omaha Mytoury, has launched its new concept in the bustling Blackstone District, dubbed 'fast fine.' Guests place their orders at the counter and enjoy Neapolitan-style pizzas, homemade pastas, and hearty sandwiches brought directly to their tables. This new location maintains the original menu's essence but introduces unique offerings like a pizza with smoked caciocavallo, Calabrian chiles, soppressata, and mint, alongside house-made gelato.
Pizza served at Dante
Image: OfficialRed Lion Lounge
The Red Lion Lounge, the latest addition to Blackstone’s bar scene, revives the spirit of the 1960s with its namesake nodding to the vintage bar that once occupied this basement spot in the former Colonial Hotel. Now transformed into a chic drinking venue, it offers a curated selection of mid-century cocktails, along with a concise list of wines and bar snacks, curated by Matt Carper of Stirnella.
Craft cocktail at Red Lion Lounge
Image: Red Lion Lounge / FacebookFarine + Four
Ellie Pegler, a Nebraska native who honed her baking skills at New York's Marea and Aquavit, has returned to Omaha to launch Farine + Four. This charming daytime bakery and café offers freshly baked baguettes, muffins, croissants, cookies, and more, along with gourmet bon bons, ice cream, espresso, and a daily lunch sandwich special.
Matcha croissant at Farine + Four
Image: Farine + Four / FacebookMonarch Prime and Bar
Monarch Prime and Bar brings a modern twist to Omaha's upscale dining scene within the revamped Hotel Deco. Located in the hotel's lobby, this steakhouse offers an array of craft cocktails and expertly aged meats, including its standout 60-day aged wagyu tomahawk chop. The ambiance is sultry and dark, with deep purple and black tones highlighted by floral murals with 3D butterflies and a window showcasing the beef aging process.
Signature dish at Monarch
Image: Monarch Prime and Bar / FacebookM's Pub
After a fire gutted this beloved Omaha establishment in January 2016, M’s Pub made a triumphant return in 2017, closely mirroring its original 1972 design. Owner Ann Mellen meticulously restored the iconic Old Market venue, preserving details like brass candelabras and mirrored walls. The menu features old favorites such as the carrot dog, crabcakes, and the renowned baked Havarti and shrimp dish. Chef Bobby Mekiney, an M’s veteran, has reintroduced an array of inventive specials.
Dish served at M’s Pub
Image: M’s Pub / FacebookHoward Street Wine Merchant
Chef Paul Kulik, renowned for his work at La Buvette and Boiler Room Restaurant, brings his extensive wine knowledge to his new venture in the Old Market. His wine shop and bar showcases his favorite selections, including rare finds, along with a curated selection of beer and spirits. The tasting room, located adjacent to his old market restaurant, Le Bouillon, hosts regular tastings and pop-up events. A monthly wine club offers enthusiasts the chance to enjoy exclusive release parties.
Howard Street’s wine club pick-up event
Image: Howard Street Wine / InstagramUmami
In a repurposed Omaha Pizza Hut, Umami showcases the culinary artistry of Keen Zheng, a 32-year-old New York chef with experience at top restaurants like Sushi Nakazawa. Zheng offers a striking presentation of traditional sushi in a lively setting. While omakase is on the horizon, guests can currently enjoy a distinctive array of original rolls and hibachi-grilled dishes.
An assortment of sushi and sashimi at Umami
Image: Umami / Facebook