If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Lincoln Nebraska, then you’ve come to the right place.
I was born and raised in the Midwest, and I know that there are so many cities in the Midwest that have an amazing foodie scene. One of those Midwestern cities is Lincoln, NE.
As the capital city of Nebraska, Lincoln is full of fun things to do, amazing restaurants, and so much more.
Lincoln has a growing food scene, with restaurants focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients alongside traditional favourites and international cuisine.
Whether you are looking for vegetarian meals, steak dinners, or world cuisine, there are Lincoln NE restaurants for you!
Let’s take a look at the 15 best restaurants in Lincoln Nebraska that you have to try!
Best Restaurants in Lincoln NE at a Glance
With so many great places to eat in Lincoln, this quick guide will help you find the perfect restaurant for your visit.
| Restaurant | Best For |
|---|---|
| The Hub Cafe | Farm-to-table breakfast and brunch |
| Heoya | Asian fusion and Korean BBQ |
| DISH Restaurant | Upscale dining and date nights |
| Show Stoppers Family Dining & Entertainment | Dinner and live entertainment |
| L’s Kitchen | European-inspired comfort food |
| LeadBelly | Burgers and American pub food |
| The Green Gateau | French-inspired dining and brunch |
| Tiru Ethiopian Restaurant | Traditional Ethiopian cuisine |
| Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill | Hickory-grilled food and local beer |
| Buzzard Billy’s | Cajun and Creole cuisine |
| The Oven | Northern Indian cuisine |
| Venue Restaurant & Lounge | Fine dining and special occasions |
| Pepe’s Bistro | Vegetarian and vegan Mexican food |
| Engine House Cafe | Hearty breakfasts in a historic fire station |
| Sultan’s Kite | Mediterranean food and quick lunches |
15 Best Restaurants In Lincoln NE You Must Try
Enjoy Farm-To-Table Dining At The Hub Cafe
If you’re looking for fresh, locally sourced food in Lincoln Nebraska, then I suggest trying The Hub Cafe.
This welcoming restaurant focuses on farm-to-table cooking, using ingredients from local farmers and producers whenever possible.
The menu has plenty of delicious breakfast and lunch options, including French Toast, Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast, and homemade Biscuits and Gravy.
There are also vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, making it a great choice for people with different dietary preferences.
The menu changes with the seasons, so there’s often something new and interesting to try.
The Hub Cafe also serves dinner on selected evenings, with a changing menu and occasional live music.
It’s a lovely place to enjoy fresh, thoughtfully prepared food and is one of the best restaurants in Lincoln NE for breakfast or brunch.
Experience Asian Fusion At Heoya
If you are looking for Asian fusion food in Lincoln, I suggest trying Heoya.
Heoya now has two permanent locations in Lincoln, one on Superior Street and another on Pine Lake Road. They also have a food truck that you can find at different spots in the city.
Make sure you check the hours and locations for either restaurant or the food truck before you plan your visit, as they can change.
Their menu has appetizers like Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoons, and Spring Rolls.
Most of their ‘fusion’ foods can be found in their entrees and dinner menu.
You can try Korean BBQ Tacos, Grilled Pork Rice Noodles, Korean BBQ Fries, and Fusion Fries.
Heoya is a fun Asian fusion restaurant in Lincoln Nebraska that you are sure to love.
While You’re Downtown, Stop In DISH Restaurant
One of the best downtown restaurants in Lincoln is DISH Restaurant.
With an elevated and somewhat upscale menu, DISH is a great place to eat in Lincoln if you are planning a nice dinner or a date night.
The restaurant focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with a seasonal menu that changes regularly.
Start your meal with a selection of creative small plates, which might include dishes such as smoked salmon, fried chicken, or seasonal vegetables prepared in unusual ways.
For your entree, expect beautifully prepared meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes, with plenty of interesting flavours and combinations.
They also have an extensive drink menu and a selection of creative desserts.
Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for busy evenings.
See A Show At Show Stoppers Family Dining & Entertainment
For those looking for good food and a unique experience, I suggest enjoying a meal at Show Stoppers Family Dining & Entertainment, formerly known as Screamers Dining and Cabaret.
Show Stoppers is a family-friendly restaurant, so don’t worry about bringing the whole family to see a show.
The concept is simple.
While you enjoy a delicious meal, you get to watch performances by the restaurant’s talented singing servers.
The menu is full of American classics, with everything from burgers and sandwiches to steaks, salmon and chicken dishes.
There are also delicious desserts, including chocolate cake, cheesecake and other sweet treats.
With live entertainment and a lively atmosphere, it’s a fun place to enjoy dinner and a show.
You won’t experience a dining treat quite like Show Stoppers anywhere else in Lincoln, and that makes it one of the most unusual restaurants in the city.
Enjoy European-Inspired Comfort Food At L’s Kitchen
For delicious comfort food with a European twist, I suggest visiting L’s Kitchen.
This charming restaurant in Lincoln Nebraska serves American favourites alongside dishes inspired by French and European cooking.
The menu features everything from Quiche Lorraine and Carbonara Pasta to Hungarian Goulash and beautifully prepared chicken dishes.
There are also delicious appetizers, salads, and vegetarian choices, so you’ll find plenty of options.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a lovely place for a relaxed lunch or a special evening out.
L’s Kitchen is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and reservations are a good idea if you’re planning an evening visit.
If you enjoy homemade food with a little European flair, L’s Kitchen is one of the Lincoln restaurants you won’t want to miss.
Indulge At LeadBelly
LeadBelly is a restaurant in Lincoln Nebraska that serves classic American pub fare.
You can find it in the historic Haymarket District, and it’s a popular place for lunch and dinner daily.
Start your meal off with one of their amazing appetizers.
They have a large selection, including Philly Egg Rolls, loaded fries, and other delicious pub favourites.
After your appetizer, you can enjoy a gourmet burger, all of which have fun and unique names, a hearty sandwich, mac and cheese, or fish and chips.
There are also vegetarian and gluten-free options available, so there’s something for everyone.
You can’t go wrong indulging in so many delicious menu options at LeadBelly, one of the best Lincoln restaurants.
The Green Gateau Is One Of The Best Restaurants In Lincoln
For elevated American and French cuisine, make reservations at The Green Gateau.
The Green Gateau is open weekly for lunch and dinner, but they close between meals.
On Saturdays, they are open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and serve a special brunch menu on Sundays.
Make sure you plan ahead when you plan to dine at The Green Gateau. Reservations aren’t required, but they are highly suggested.
On their menu find plenty of options including Truffle Fries, Beignets, Spinach and Artichoke Fondue, Beer Braised Pot Roast, and more.
The Green Gateau has a large, extensive menu, so there is easily something for everyone to enjoy for lunch or dinner.
Try Something New At Tiru Ethiopian Restaurant
If you’ve never had Ethiopian food, then I suggest trying Tiru Ethiopian Restaurant.
Tiru is one of the best Lincoln Nebraska restaurants to visit if you are interested in trying Ethiopian cuisine.
This family-owned restaurant serves traditional Ethiopian dishes, many accompanied by injera, a soft flatbread used to scoop up the delicious stews and vegetables.
They have vegan, vegetarian, and meat options on their menu, so there is something for everyone.
For those that eat meat, I suggest trying the Meat Combo to get a taste of the different ways meat is cooked in Ethiopian cuisine.
They also have Tibs, Lamb Wot, Lentil Soup, and Sambusas.
I highly suggest trying something new at Tiru Ethiopian Restaurant the next time you’re looking for food in Lincoln NE.
Relax At Lazlo’s Brewery And Grill
For some of the best casual food in Lincoln NE, I suggest trying Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill.
Lazlo’s boasts a relaxing atmosphere with creative comfort food, homemade ales, and fresh ingredients.
You can find Lazlo’s in two separate locations in Lincoln, including the Historic Haymarket District, and they also have a restaurant in Omaha.
This is absolutely a ‘hometown’ restaurant and you’ll feel welcome the moment you walk through the door.
Lazlo’s is known for its hickory-grilled food and handcrafted ales from Empyrean Brewing Co., which has been brewing beer in Lincoln since 1991.
Start your meal with an appetizer that sets the tone for the rest of your dining experience.
They have Cold Smoked Salmon, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, or Naked Nachos.
After splitting the appetizer, dig into a delicious burger, a hickory-grilled steak, their signature Rainbow Chicken, or something like the Prime Rib Enchiladas.
If you can find the room, make sure you save some space for dessert!
Test Your Taste Buds At Buzzard Billy’s
Try a bit of the Bayou in Nebraska at Buzzard Billy’s.
Located in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District, Buzzard Billy’s serves lunch and dinner daily, with brunch available at weekends.
Their menu is full of Cajun and Creole classics, and some of them will test your taste buds as they are a bit unusual outside of the Bayou.
As an appetizer, you can try Gator Fingers, Armadillo Eggs, or Catfish Strips if you are feeling a little adventurous.
If not, don’t worry. They also have classics like Fried Pickles and Cheese Curds.
For your main entree, their menu has tons of options.
You can go with Wings, a Salad, or a pasta dish like Crawfish Fettuccine Alfredeaux or Cajun Mac and Cheese.
They also offer traditional Cajun meals like Jambalaya, Chicken Creole, and a selection of seafood dishes.
It’s a great place to try something a little different when you’re looking for restaurants in Lincoln Nebraska.
The Oven Is One Of The Best Restaurants In Lincoln NE
Lincoln Nebraska restaurants come in a wide variety and some feature cuisine from all over the world.
One of those is The Oven, a family-owned and operated Indian restaurant that has been a part of Lincoln’s foodie scene since 1988.
What started out as one family restaurant now has two locations in Lincoln, including the original in the Historic Haymarket District. There is also The Cellar, a wine bar connected to the Haymarket restaurant.
The Oven specializes in Northern Indian cuisine, which is known for its rich flavours, aromatic spices, curries and traditional tandoori cooking.
If you’ve had Indian food before, you’ll likely recognize many of the items on the menu. However, you may see some new things too.
House favorites include Chicken Tikka Madras, Kheema Matar, and Lamb Bhuna.
They also have Tandoori Chicken, Jhinga Biryani, Aloo Gobi, and Saag Paneer.
Finish your delicious meal with a bowl of Kheer and a cup of coffee.
Eat At Venue Restaurant And Lounge For Fine Dining
You can find a wonderful fine dining experience at Venue Restaurant and Lounge, one of the best places to eat in Lincoln.
Venue is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner and has an extensive drink and food menu.
While you enjoy a delicious appetizer like General Tso’s Brussels Sprouts, sip on one of their specialty cocktails or mocktails.
The menu features an interesting selection of dishes, including hearth-baked specialties, fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, and pasta.
There are also vegetarian options and an impressive selection of wines to accompany your meal.
To end your meal, make sure you leave room for one of their delicious desserts.
With its elegant atmosphere and creative menu, Venue is a great choice for a special occasion or a memorable meal in Lincoln Nebraska.
Enjoy Fresh Vegetarian Mexican Cuisine At Pepe’s Bistro
Pepe’s Bistro is known for its menu full of vegetarian Mexican food in Lincoln Nebraska.
You can find Pepe’s open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch, but make sure you check the opening hours before visiting.
Like their schedule, their menu is also seasonal and changes regularly.
Everything on their menu is fresh and locally sourced whenever possible.
You can expect delicious plant-based Mexican dishes, including burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and other creative combinations inspired by the season’s ingredients.
There are also grab-and-go meals available, perfect if you want something delicious to take away.
Pepe’s is a great place to enjoy fresh, flavourful food and is one of the best restaurants in Lincoln NE for vegan and vegetarian diners.
Eat In A Former Fire Station At The Engine House Cafe
The Engine House Cafe is known for its hearty American breakfast and lunch menu.
They are open daily for breakfast and lunch, making it a great place to start your day in Lincoln Nebraska.
On top of their classic and delicious menu, the Engine House Cafe offers a fun and unique atmosphere.
The restaurant used to be a fire station, way back when fire trucks were horse-drawn carriages with water buckets.
It has the original wood ceilings, brick walls, and oozes with charm, which is a comfy space to enjoy a hearty meal.
Their menu includes classics like Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Grilled Cheese, Omelettes, Patty Melts, and more.
Breakfast is served all day, so you can enjoy one of their massive breakfast plates no matter when you visit!
It’s a classic American restaurant in Lincoln NE that you must try!
Enjoy Fresh Mediterranean Food At Sultan’s Kite
If you’re looking for delicious Mediterranean food in Lincoln Nebraska, then Sultan’s Kite is a great place to visit.
This locally founded restaurant serves fresh, made-from-scratch Mediterranean dishes in a casual and welcoming atmosphere.
Their menu includes traditional favourites like Gyro Pitas, Chicken Shawarma, Falafel, and Rice Bowls.
You can also enjoy Greek Salads, Hummus, and delicious Baklava if you’re in the mood for something sweet.
There are plenty of vegetarian options too, including falafel pitas, salads, and bowls.
Sultan’s Kite has several locations throughout Lincoln, making it a convenient choice whether you’re exploring downtown or visiting another part of the city.
With its fresh ingredients, generous portions, and friendly service, it’s a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal and one of the best places to eat in Lincoln NE.
When you’re planning a foodie road trip in the Midwest, don’t forget to include Lincoln Nebraska restaurants in your itinerary.
From international cuisine and American classics to locally owned restaurants and elegant fine dining, there are so many wonderful places to eat in Lincoln.
Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or somewhere a little different, Lincoln has plenty to offer.
And while you’re here, make sure you check out my guide to the best things to do in Lincoln NE to make the most of your visit.
With all that in mind, it’s no wonder Lincoln Nebraska is putting itself on the map as one of the best Midwest cities to visit, especially for foodies!
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Jim Tiedeman
Missed several good places. Mi Tierra Mexican, Excellent Mole’, Carmela’s Bristol, MOMO’s Pizza. All are locally owned and great places to eat. Last I heard Pepe’s has closed.
Midwest Explored
Hi Jim, Thanks so much for these recommendations. I will check on Pepe’s to verify if it is open or closed.