15 Best Restaurants in Omaha

I grew up in Omaha and one thing I’ve loved about growing up in Omaha is watching it change throughout the years.  Gone are the days where the Omaha food scene was defined by chain restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and Texas Roadhouse.  Thankfully, new chefs have moved to the area and started some incredible, local restaurants.  Below you’ll find my favorite restaurants in Omaha (and trust me when I say, I’m a tough critic).  These are the best restaurants in Omaha.

 

1.  Au Courant Regional Kitchen

EUROPEAN FLARE | GO FOR:  DINNER | SEMI-CASUAL | NEIGHBORHOOD:  BENSON

When Au Courant opened up in the Benson neighborhood, I was thrilled.  It felt like Omaha’s first restaurant that wasn’t serving traditional American food and was really trying to branch out and do something a bit different, and I would say that they succeeded.  Not only do they have great food, but they also do a nightly tasting menu and wine pairing which makes Au Courant a fun date night spot!

Please note, Au Courant Regional Kitchen is closed on Monday’s, Tuesday’s, and Wednesday’s.

 

2.  Avoli Osteria

ITALIAN | GO FOR:  DINNER | SEMI-CASUAL | NEIGHBORHOOD:  DUNDEE

Every time I eat at Avoli Osteria, I enjoy it more and more.  This family owned restaurant has done an incredible job at bringing a taste of Northern Italy to the heart of Omaha.  Having been opened since 2013, I would say that Avoli is here to stay – and I am so thankful for that.

Please note:  Avoli Osteria is closed on Monday’s and Tuesday’s.

 

3.  Block 16

SANDWICH SHOP | GO FOR:  LUNCH | CASUAL | NEIGHBORHOOD:  DOWNTOWN

Any restaurant that has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, is good enough for me!  But seriously Block 16 is so much more than just a sandwich shop.  From burgers to gyros, they have some of the most tasty foods (between bread) that I’ve ever had!  It is a casual restaurant and closed for dinner (with the exceptions of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights the restaurant stays open until 8 pm).  So go for lunch and make sure to show up hungry!

Please note:  Block 16 is closed on Sunday’s.

 

4.  Clio

MEDITERRANEAN | GO FOR:  DRINKS & APPS | CASUAL | NEIGHBORHOOD:  DOWNTOWN

Clio is one of the newer restaurants that has opened in Omaha and they’ve done such a great job at decorating like you’ve been transported to Greece.  And while I highly recommend Clio, I will say that it’s probably best for apps and drinks.  I think that their food menu is sub-par and there are better restaurants in Omaha for a sit-down meal.

 

5.  Jams

AMERICAN | GO FOR:  LUNCH | SEMI-CASUAL | NEIGHBORHOOD:  MIDTOWN & DOWNTOWN

Jams is one of my favorite lunch spots when I’m looking for an elevated salad situation.  Unfortunately, the downtown restaurant doesn’t seem to be as good at their first location in Midtown, so if you do visit – go for lunch and make sure to head to the Midtown location!

 

6.  Kinaara

INDIAN | GO FOR:  DINNER/TAKE-OUT | CASUAL | NEIGHBORHOOD:  REGENCY

Kinaara is some of the best Indian food I’ve had in Nebraska.  While the location is a bit random (if you’re a visitor), I promise the food is worth it!  Head here for a casual meal or even order take-out.

Please note:  Kinaara is closed on Sunday’s.

 

7.  Le Bouillon

FRENCH | GO FOR:  DINNER | SEMI-CASUAL | NEIGHBORHOOD:  DOWNTOWN

Le Bouillon is one of Omaha’s more fancy restaurants, serving delicious French cuisine!  It’s chic decor and friendly staff makes it the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends, a date night, or even Saturday brunch.

Please note:  Le Bouillon is closed on Sunday’s.

 

8.  Mula

MEXICAN | GO FOR:  DINNER | CASUAL | NEIGHBORHOOD:  BLACKSTONE

Mula is one of the places to go if you’re looking for a quick casual dinner or a fun night out with friends.  Because of its location in the Blackstone neighborhood, it gets pretty fun on the weekends.  Not to mention Mula has great food and even better cocktails! 

Please note:  Mula is closed on Sunday’s.

 

Don’t miss…

• A Neighborhood Guide to the Blackstone District

 

9.  Nite Owl

AMERICAN | GO FOR:  LATE NIGHT FOOD | CASUAL | NEIGHBORHOOD:  BLACKSTONE

Nite Owl is the place in Omaha to go for late night fare.  They are famous (around Omaha) for their tot-chos (personally, I am partial to their crab rangoons).  Plus the restaurant is open until 2 am so it truly is the perfect place for that late night bite!

Please note:  Nite Owl is closed on Monday’s.

 

10.  Pitch Pizzeria

AMERICAN | GO FOR:  DINNER | CASUAL | NEIGHBORHOOD:  DUNDEE & WEST OMAHA

Pitch is always a comfort spot for me and one of my go-to restaurants when I come to Omaha.  They have amazing wood-fired pizzas, entrees, and even house-made wine.  I enjoy both their Dundee and West Omaha locations, but their Dundee was their first location so if possible – that’s the one I’d choose!

 

11.  Plank Provisions

SEAFOOD | GO FOR:  DINNER | SEMI-CASUAL | NEIGHBORHOOD:  DOWNTOWN

If you love seafood, I can’t recommend Plank Provisions enough.  It’s been around Omaha for a while, but recently got a new head chef so they’ve revamped their menu and it’s better than ever.  Plank happens to be a chain with restaurants in both Austin and Forth Worth.

 

12.  Saddle Creek Breakfast Club

BREAKFAST | GO FOR:  BREAKFAST | CASUAL | NEIGHBORHOOD:  COUNTRYSIDE VILLAGE

Saddle Creek Breakfast Club is the go-to spot for breakfast and brunch.  This daytime eatery offers some of the best breakfast and lunch dishes I’ve ever had and it’s truly an Omaha staple.  If you’re visiting, you can’t miss it!

 

13.  V. Mertz

AMERICAN | GO FOR:  DINNER | FANCY | NEIGHBORHOOD:  DOWNTOWN

Out of all of the restaurants listed here, V. Mertz is not only the fanciest, but it’s also the place to go if you’re looking to taste that famous Omaha steak.  While I grew up in Omaha, it took me until I was 34 to finally visit and let me tell you – V. Mertz stands up to some of the most well-known restaurants in the United States.  The service was impeccable, the wine list was extensive, and the food was out of this world.  V. Mertz is the perfect restaurant for a day night or a celebration.

Please note:  V Mertz is closed on Monday’s.

 

14.  Via Ferina

ITALIAN | GO FOR:  DINNER | SEMI-CASUAL | NEIGHBORHOOD:  LITTLE ITALY

Via Farina is another Italian restaurant located in Omaha serving classic Italian food.  Their home-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas are truly something else.  And just like Avoli Osteria, every time I eat here I walk away more and more impressed.

 

15.  Yoshitomo

SUSHI/JAPANESE | GO FOR:  DINNER | CASUAL | NEIGHBORHOOD:  BENSON

I’ve saved the best for last – Yoshitomo is my number one favorite restaurant in Omaha.  The chef has done such a great job of creating a menu that focuses on small-plates so that you can try many different items offered.  And while the interior decor might be enough to scare you away, trust me when I tell you – the food is absolutely worth it.

Please note:  Yoshitomo is closed on Monday’s.

 

Nebraska Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Nebraska

 

If you’re visiting Omaha, I hope that this “best restaurants in Omaha” list helps guide your travels!  Omaha is pretty casual but its food scene has really become elevated in the past few years.  If you have any questions, let me know in a comment below!

 

If you’re planning a trip to Omaha, don’t miss…

• The Best Hotels in Omaha, Nebraska
• A Local’s Guide to Visiting Omaha, Nebraska
• A Neighborhood Guide to Omaha, Nebraska
• 10 Reasons You Should Want to Visit Omaha, Nebraska

 

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For more recommendations on things to see and do in Omaha, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching #ppinnebraska or finding “Nebraska” or “Omaha, NE” in my highlights.

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