Best Restaurants: Omaha, NE

Omaha’s culinary landscape in 2025 reflects both its Midwestern roots and its growing international influences, creating a dining scene that is as diverse as it is exciting. Classic comfort foods sit alongside globally inspired dishes, while an increasing emphasis on farm-to-table practices and locally sourced ingredients showcases the city’s commitment to freshness, sustainability, and community. Emerging food trends, from inventive twists on familiar favorites to chef-driven concepts, are shaping the city’s dining experiences, making every meal an opportunity to discover something new.

Supporting local restaurants not only strengthens Omaha’s economy but also nurtures its food identity, as talented chefs bring creativity and passion to every plate. Whether you’re a visitor or a lifelong resident, venturing beyond the chains allows you to connect with the city’s unique flavors and the people behind them.

As you plan your meals, take the opportunity to savor Omaha’s best restaurants, support local chefs, and immerse yourself in a food culture that is both innovative and deeply rooted in the community. Every bite is a chance to experience the city’s flavor, creativity, and hospitality at its finest.

The Best Restaurants in Omaha (2025)

Yoshitomo | Ota Omakase

At one of the best seafood-centric restaurants in the country, with an equally acclaimed chef at the helm, diners will be met with an intricate mix of traditional and modern reinterpretations of sushi and small plates. Though often labeled a sushi restaurant, it offers far more than immaculate rolls made with world-class auctioned fish: the James Beard semi-finalist infuses every dish with playfulness and imagination, reinventing familiar ideas through creations like a multi-layered deviled egg with three types of roe and fried rice cooked in crab fat and studded with sweet snow crab. Every detail of Yoshitomo is intentional, from its long, narrow layout that lets chefs track pacing, to its delivery of dishes in deliberate intervals, to rolls designed with unexpected ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, broccolini, and pickled plums that somehow harmonize beautifully. This intimate, stylish establishment avoids sushi clichés in favor of inventive, meticulously engineered flavors, and its commitment to craft, creativity, and precision makes it a place that could drop seamlessly into any global food capital.

V. Mertz

Tucked into the bottom level of the Old Market passageway, V. Mertz creates an intimate escape from the outside world, offering a near-perfect dining experience shaped by its warm, brick-walled ambiance, eye-opening cuisine, attentive staff, and impeccably spot-on sommelier recommendations. A meal here doesn’t just feel like dinner; it feels genuinely special. The constantly evolving menu showcases a litany of flavors, textures, and techniques, with dishes that consistently subvert expectations: you read the description and think you know what’s coming, but each plate arrives with surprising, masterful combinations. V. Mertz demonstrates a remarkable ability to turn fresh ingredients and inspired ideas into unforgettable moments.

The Boiler Room

The ambiance in this rustic-chic lofted workshop, with steel posts and brick walls, creates a dramatic and beautiful experience, with food to match. The Boiler Room elevates the familiar concept of an open kitchen by seating diners on a second-floor balcony that overlooks the entire operation, giving them a sense of insider access as they watch cooks splash butter onto steaks, add final touches to charcuterie boards, and move in perfect sync under the calm leadership of Executive Chef Tim Nicholson, a five-time James Beard semifinalist. The dishes are filled with passion and character that is comforting yet bold: a constantly evolving menu built around the finest seasonal ingredients, balancing small plates like pastas, croquettes, and crudos with impeccably executed seafood, pork, duck, and steak. You can feel the energy in the room, see the passion of the culinary creations, and taste the care in each bite. The Boiler Room is acutely aware that to be truly special means perfection is not possible, but once you do indulge, you'll quickly realize there is no other way.

Au Courant

There’s nothing else in the city quite like Au Courant, a restaurant with no standing menu whose weekly lineup evolves as chef Ben Maides, a James Beard nominee, and his team craft new dishes inspired by fresh local ingredients and the world around them. The true magic lies in the six-course tasting menu, a two-hour procession of stunning, meticulously composed plates that are as mesmerizing to look at as they are transcendent to taste. Familiar flavors appear in entirely new contexts, executed with such technical mastery that each bite delivers maximum pleasure. Where most restaurants offer dishes that taste consistent throughout, Au Courant fills each forkful with potential surprises. Over multiple visits, you begin to recognize the elegant arc of the experience (an amuse bouche, an egg course, a raw preparation, pasta, seafood, beef, dessert), each dish intentionally preparing your palate for the next. The result is food transformed into something far beyond sustenance: a journey of imagination, delight, and pure culinary joy.

Saddle Creek Breakfast Club

The breakfast food is so tasty that it will make you a morning person. Upon entry, you'll be greeted by a bright, fun atmosphere with neon walls, upbeat music, and eclectic decor that's guaranteed to boost your morning spirits. Saddle Creek Breakfast Club seamlessly blends nostalgia with innovation, drawing both seasoned diner-goers and trendy brunch fans with dishes that feel familiar yet reimagined. The Chef masterfully unites old and new, proving he can both elevate classics, like the simple Saddle Creek Standard of eggs, hash browns, and breakfast meat, and craft inventive hits like the indulgent Cali Club on a buttery croissant. Even pancakes become transcendent, impossibly airy and crowned with thoughtful toppings. Whether you indulge in traditional or eclectic, sweet or savory, each dish will become your next 'must-have'. Your first meal of the day will never be boring here when the flavors hit this good.

Coneflower Creamery

You've heard of farm-to-table, but what about farm-to-cone? Everything from the ice cream to the waffle cones to the sprinkles is prepared with the best ingredients and made in their own kitchen, defining flavor in every bite. The ice cream is smooth, creamy, and velvety, created by culinary artists with a deep passion for the craft who refuse to compromise on ingredient quality for year-round availability. Go for the standard list of classic flavors, or pick from the meticulous yet perfectly balanced flavor menu that shifts with the seasons, and revel in the details that elevate this ice cream shop above the rest.

The Drover

The Drover is a landmark Omaha chophouse, in a state known for its beef and a city famous for its steaks. The inside is old-school classic, with dim lighting, low ceilings, and dark wood, creating a rustic, cozy atmosphere. A trip to the beloved salad bar is a must, while the main attraction, the steak, delivers on all levels: made-to-order, juicy, tender, and flavorful. The whiskey marinade, which they are uniquely known for, is the standout, providing a smoky taste with subtle sweetness, giving it the perfect edge. Its reputation as the city’s best steakhouse, known even to those outside the metro, is well deserved.

Kinaara

What makes Kinaara stand out is their attention to detail: they note the origin of various dishes on the menu and prioritize using quality, local ingredients whenever possible. The menu is concise without feeling limited, whether you lean toward familiar favorites like Butter Chicken or want to explore deeper, more adventurous dishes that leave you in awe. The depth of flavor in sauces is explosive without being overwhelming, and the textures are sensational, both vivid and unique. The chef displays great technique in his cooking of rice, meat, and bread, which are available in six varieties, from cheese-stuffed to almond-studded, perfectly balancing a crisp exterior with a pillowy interior. With healthy portions and food that always delivers something new and exciting, it's a visit you'll want to return to immediately.

Jacobo’s Grocery

An authentic Latin grocer, bakery, and tortilleria known for its legendary deli made fresh daily. You'll frequently find long lines and sold-out items, and for good reason: whether it's corn chips, salsa, tamales, or enchiladas, Jacobo's consistently delivers quality, reasonable prices, and home-made deliciousness. Come hungry and leave the card at home; it's cash-only.

La Buvette

The most authentic French gourmet you'll have outside of a beloved cafe in the heart of Paris. With the charm of a typical small-village wine and grocery you would find anywhere in the French countryside, it's a place where you could spend hours chatting with friends without ever feeling the time has passed. The dining area spills out onto the patio, where you can leisurely sip from an extensive European wine selection, paired with fresh, house-made bread, a meat-and-cheese platter, or delectable small plates. With a small, hand-written menu that changes daily, operating at the relaxed pace you'd find in Europe, it transcends and delivers an everyday out-of-Omaha experience.

Night Owl

Living up to its namesake, Nite Owl is a perpetually dim, vintage-feeling, adults-only bar where cult classics play on a central screen and guests order from a sunken bar before sinking into plush lounge chairs. While the menu looks like standard bar fare—burgers, wings, sliders, and tots—one bite reveals a restaurant cleverly disguised as a dive. Every classic is elevated with chef-driven twists, from Tot-Chos topped with vibrant roasted-pepper salsa verde to hand-cut fries and house-made blue cheese. The funky atmosphere sets the tone for a place that’s anything but typical. Though the acoustics can get loud, the food is worth raising your voice for, especially standout specials like the Korean Style McRib or the Tuesday Korean Corn Dog, and staples like the massive double-fried wings or the crown jewel, the Nite Owl Burger. And if you’re just there for drinks, the slushees, rotating cocktails, and one of Omaha’s best Old Fashioneds more than deliver. Blending dive-bar grit, cocktail-bar creativity, and chef-level execution, Nite Owl is a late-night spot that surprises at every turn.

Umami

Helmed by Chef Keen Zheng, who has spent over a decade honing his craft with New York City's greatest sushi chefs in Michelin-starred restaurants, this popular, unassuming strip-mall eatery is anything but ordinary. Dishes range from basic to extravagant, the menu spanning an abundance of sushi rolls, sashimi, and sushi pieces alongside traditional Chinese, Thai, and Japanese dishes, hibachi options, and three curry selections. While everything at this establishment is excellent, the sushi rolls are a standout. Crafted with noticeable care, the plates are beautifully presented and well-balanced, with even a novice able to discern the fish's freshness and the unique flavors.

Mangia Italiano

The atmosphere of a small hometown kitchen where, when you walk in, the smells of cooking food and conversation just hit you. It's small, unassuming, and absolutely packed with authentic Italian flavor. Delivering both timeless classics and new takes on Italian food, one bite will take you back to grandma's kitchen, where you can't help but beg for another serving. With reasonable prices and portions, try a lot of dishes, from pizza to standout pasta, but don't sleep on the lasagna and meatballs.

Dirty Birds

Fried Chicken classics and fresh takes alike, delivering juicy, melt-in-your-mouth, unapologetically flavorful chicken with every bite. It's fried to a perfect crisp, treated with a special brine, and coated in their own house breading. Though the chicken is the main attraction, the sidekicks are equally delicious: the buns, biscuits, and ranch are homemade. The vibe is casual and cool. Come in the morning for a spicy, savory Bloody Mary or pop by in the afternoon for a snack of fan-favorite hushpuppies and expertly seasoned fries.

Khao Neio

Come here for colorful plates of Thai and Vietnamese food of a quality beyond the rest. The owners are meticulous about their self-developed recipes and the texture layering in every dish. All the ingredients are authentic (tamarind, fish sauce, palm sugar, etc.) and are made from scratch. The restaurant makes its own sauces and seasonings, creating bold, exciting flavors, and the noodles are carefully crafted in-house, tender and chewy, elevating the combination of the two in signature dishes. The inside is warm, small, and insignificant, but who cares when the proteins are cooked to perfection, and the rice is melting in your mouth.

Sauced by Alfaro

Sauced by Alfaro is a genuine scratch kitchen with a menu that’s constantly evolving and never fails to surprise. Chef Alfaro has a remarkable gift for balancing bold flavors and transforming unexpected ingredient combinations into harmonious, unforgettable dishes. She takes comfort-food favorites, fried chicken, burgers, tacos, rice bowls, and elevates them with her signature twists, making each bite feel entirely new. If you can try only one dish, the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is a must. Beyond the standout core menu, be sure to follow their Facebook page for rotating specials you won’t want to miss.

Block 16

Farm-fresh ingredients and creative dishes make the long lunch lines more than worth the wait. The eatery has a strong base menu of fun takes on lunch classics, often blending fancy and casual ingredients into new, elevated territory. With exciting new specials daily that both surprise and delight, you’ll tune in daily so you don’t miss out on a one-of-a-kind creation. But don’t just take my word for it—Food Network personality Alton called their Brown Croque Garcon burger one of his favorites in the country. Come for the poutine burrito, and return for their take on the McRib, one of the many inventive and delicious specials that make this such a thrilling yet satisfying spot.

Gather

Gather offers a refreshing spin on new American dishes across a diverse menu, with eclectic items like Elk Bolognese alongside classics like their flavorful Hamburger. Originally from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the restaurant grows its ingredients on-site in a city-first urban, hydroponic farm located in the basement. The culinary team hand-picks fresh produce, greens, and herbs daily, and after your meal, you can check out the vertical garden yourself to see where the farm-to-table operation begins.

Dolomiti

Dolomiti is a pizza restaurant that nails every component. Each bite bursts with flavor, from the structurally crisp yet delightfully chewy crust to the vibrant sauces to the bold, balanced toppings. It's a testament to how incredibly simple, high-quality ingredients can be when done right. The restaurant's brick walls, wooden pillars, and open kitchen create a warm, lived-in feel, centered around its crown jewel: a giant Marana Forni wood-fired oven shipped from Italy. The oven rotates, cooking each pizza evenly and giving the dough a perfect char. The restaurant offers many other dishes worth trying: the decadent, savory mortadella sandwich and the soft, pillowy housemade bread. The atmosphere is elegant yet comfortable, serving equally well for a date night or a family dinner.

Committee Chophouse

A blend of the old and the new, the Committee Chophouse is a part of the reinvention of Omaha’s storied Blackstone Hotel. It’s old-school meets modern cool, timeless luxury meets cozy sophistication. While the decor and ambiance set the tone, the food elevates the occasion. The restaurant works wonders with its steak, and its sides are equally impressive, making humble ingredients like potatoes and mushrooms the arguable star of the meal. Committee Chophouse delivers a culinary experience, from the tender, juicy Château Briand to the fiery Baked Alaska. Expect impeccable service and steak seared to perfection.

El Basha

A small, self-service Lebanese restaurant tucked into a strip mall, El Basha is consistently fantastic across an expansive menu. It has become a local favorite for those who know and a hidden gem for those just discovering, but one thing is clear: once you give it a shot, you’ll want to keep coming back. What makes El Basha so special is the accents that elevate almost every dish, with fresh chopped herbs, sauces, and spices that create flavor and texture combinations that are perfectly balanced: a lightness to the rich, savory, a fried crisp to the soft, tender, and a subtle tart to the creamy. The Gyro exemplifies such a masterful pairing: cool, creamy tzatziki adds tang, thinly sliced onions add bite, tomatoes add freshness, seared meat adds tenderness, and the brilliantly charred pita adds a slight crisp. Capped with generous portions and reasonable prices, El Basha is more than a hidden gem: it’s a must-visit.

Dante

Dante may be best known for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, but it has firmly established itself as one of Omaha's leading spots for modern Italian cuisine. The restaurant showcases seasonal specials, house-made pastas, an all-Italian wine list, standout cocktails, and its famed Butterscotch Budino. Chef-owner Nick Strawhecker's training in Italy informs a menu that blends rustic simplicity with inventive techniques, all built on hyper-seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. While its blistered, airy pizzas are exceptional, Dante's pasta program is the true highlight, featuring dishes like bison Sunday ragu, rigatoni Bolognese with burrata, and a beloved Lasagna Bolognese. With a constantly evolving menu, wood-fired entrées, and desserts and brunch dishes that exceed expectations, every visit feels fresh.