15 Best Restaurants In Omaha NE You Must Try

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Omaha Nebraska, then you’ve come to the right place!

Omaha is a fun city in Nebraska that may surprise you when it comes to it’s food scene.

In the past couple of years, Omaha has become a happening foodie hot spot in the Midwest.

Talented chefs have been working hard on building Omaha’s restaurant scene into one that has become known throughout the Midwest.

Now you can enjoy that hardwork as well!

After a day of exploring all the fun things to do in Omaha, or even during your day, you’ll want to make sure to stop at one of these fantastic Omaha restaurants.

Whether you are looking for fine dining, quick bites, or even vegan options, there’s a restaurant in Omaha that is sure to meet your needs.

These 15 restaurants in Omaha are some of the best, and there’s a little something for everyone.

15 Best Restaurants In Omaha NE You Must Try

Sample ‘New European’ Fare At Au Courant Regional Kitchen

Au Courant Regional Kitchen is the Omaha restaurant to go to if you are looking for updated European fare.

The restaurant is charming and inviting and is designed to look like a more modern representation of a classic European pub.

It is open for dinner Thursday through Sunday, so make sure you check the schedule before you plan on dining there.

On their menu, you’ll find options like Cappallacci, Halibut, Risotto, and Panzanella.

They also have an extensive wine and alcohol list where you can find a drink to pair with every menu item.

The chef also has a 6-course tasting menu that changes weekly.

It’s a unique culinary experience, and because it changes weekly, you can bet you’ll be able to try something new every time you visit.

Au Courant Regional Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Omaha if you are looking for simple, delicious, and a bit upscale.

Smokin Barrel BBQ For Restaurants In Omaha With Amazing BBQ

If you’re looking for home-cooked barbeque, head to Smokin Barrel BBQ, the best barbeque restaurant in Omaha.

You can stop by for lunch Wednesday through Saturday as well as for dinner on Fridays.

Smokin Barrel BBQ features slow-roasted and barbequed meats that you can buy by the 1/2 pound or in sandwiches along with a side.

Their menu is pretty simple, but do not let that fool you. Everything on it is absolutely delicious.

You can try Pulled Pork, Smoked Turkey, Sausage, and Brisket.

All of which you can enjoy by the 1/2 pound or on a warm bun.

For sides, they have barbeque classics like potato salad, trail beans, and coleslaw.

Enjoy Fine Dining At V. Mertz

To try one of the best fine dining restaurants in Omaha, NE, make a reservation at V. Mertz.

It’s one of the best Omaha restaurants downtown and it is perfectly located if you’re spending the day exploring downtown Omaha.

V. Mertz is open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner only.

I highly suggest making a reservation if you want to experience this Omaha restaurant.

They have a dinner menu as well as a tasting menu.

The tasting menu changes daily and is a flat rate per person that features 6-8 menu options.

If you are interested in trying the tasting menu, you can also pair it with a selected wine for an additional flat rate per person.

On their dinner menu, they have items like Russian Ossetra Caviar, Ricotta Tortellini, and Waygu Beef Steaks.

For dessert, enjoy the Dark Chocolate & Tahini Tart and Cheesecake Ice Cream with a glass of port or a cup of coffee.

Vegan Dining At Modern Love Makes It One Of The Best Restaurants In Omaha, NE

Modern Love is a completely vegan restaurant in Omaha Nebraska, and it is actually the first of its kind in Omaha!

Located in Midtown Omaha, Modern Love is one of the best places to eat in Omaha, whether you’re vegan or not.

You can stop into Modern Love for lunch and dinner daily.

However, they do close a bit earlier on weekdays, so make sure to check their schedule before you plan on going.

Their menu is completely vegan and is pretty big as well.

Start your meal with Seitan Buffalo Wings, Cauliflower Honee Garlic Wings, or Garlic Parmesan Brussels.

For both lunch and dinner, you can try their Pepperjack Steak Sandwich, the Chickpea Parmesan Hero, or the Modern Cheeseburger.

They also have entrees like Tempeh BBQ Ribs, Roasted Garlic Alfredo, or Mac and Shews Bowls.

Finish your completely vegan meal with a slice of PB Candy Bar Cheesecake, Blueberry Cheesecake, house-made vegan ice cream, or a Vanilla Bean Shake.

Traditional Italian Can Be Found At Spezia Omaha

You can enjoy traditional Italian food daily for lunch and dinner at Spezia Omaha.

However, they do close in-between meal services, so make sure to check their schedule.

Reservations are encouraged, but you do not need one to dine at this Omaha restaurant.

The charming atmosphere along with the amazing menu at Spezia Omaha makes it easily one of the best places to eat in Omaha.

For dinner, try their Four Cheese Flatbread, the Salmon Ala Rosa, or the Seafood Risotto.

After you enjoy a wonderful dinner, I suggest getting a slice of Tiramasu, Limonetta Bella Cake, or Rustic Apple Galette.

Spezia Omaha is one of the best restaurants in Omaha if you want to enjoy fine Italian dining.

Try Authentic Mexican Food At The Azteca Mexican Restaurant

When you’re exploring Omaha’s foodie scene you’ll want to try one of their authentic Mexican restaurants like the Azteca Mexican Restaurant.

Azteca Mexican Restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner and has a large menu full of authentic Mexican dishes.

You’ll want to enjoy their fresh salsa, tortilla chips, and queso while you peruse the menu.

They have a wide selection on their menu that includes items that you typically expect to see on a Mexican restaurant menu in the US, as well as some you might not expect.

Along with their traditional dishes they also have ones that are a bit of Mexican and American fusion.

For example, you can try the Mexican Pizza or an Azteca Burger if you want something that is a little more American.

Otherwise, I suggest trying the Enchiladas, Burritos, or Tacos.

They even have desserts like Deep Fried Ice Cream, Flan, and Sopapillas.

One Of The Best Omaha Restaurants Downtown Is Block 16

Block 16 can be found in downtown Omaha and is known for its farm-to-table street food.

It is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner with a short closing in between meal services.

They aim to use local ingredients and produce and avoid preservatives whenever possible.

Block 16 also has quite a lot of vegan options on its menu.

So, it is one of the best places to eat in Omaha if you want to make sure there is something for everyone.

There is a daily special, that changes daily of course, but they also highlight several menu items throughout the week.

For vegan or vegetarian diners, I suggest ordering the Block Burger, the Sloppy Nick, the Poutine Burrito, or the Dalo Fries.

Along with their vegan options, they also have a Bacon & Brielt Sandwich, Duck Duck Goose Fries, a Salmon Tartine Sandwich, or Rangoon Fries.

Block 16 is easily one of the best Omaha Nebraska restaurants.

Omaha’s Premier Steakhouse Is The 801 Chophouse At The Paxton

Widely regarded as Omaha’s ‘Premier Steakhouse’, 801 Chophouse at the Paxton is designed to resemble luxurious steakhouses from 1920’s New York City.

With leather booths, dim and ambient lighting, and ornate and dramatic finishes, you’ll know and feel like you’re enjoying a meal at one of the best places to eat in Omaha for fine dining.

Along with all that atmosphere is an excellent menu.

You’ll of course find lots of different steak options. But they also have Lobster Corn Dogs, Tuna Tartare, and Macaroni and Cheese.

There is an extensive wine and alcohol list that pairs very well with all of the menu options

801 Chophouse at the Paxton is open nightly for dinner service, but they close earlier on Sundays. So make sure to check their schedule before you plan your dinner.

While reservations are encouraged you can still enjoy 801 Chophouse without a reservation.

Head To Upstream Brewing Company For Signature Beers And Delicous Meals

The Upstream Brewing Company is Omaha’s first brewery and was opened in 1996.

Ever since it has been a favorite spot for locals and visitors to sample one of their signature beers paired with a classic American lunch or dinner.

They are open daily for lunch and dinner as well as weekend brunches.

Upstream Brewing Company has appetizer selections like a Hummus Platter, Pretzel Encrusted Cheese Curds, and Blackened Baja Shrimp Tacos.

You can also find pizza, salad, and hand-cut steaks, as well as burgers and sandwiches.

On the weekends try their brunch menu which includes a Brunch Buffet that is a flat rate per person.

It includes endless pastries, an omelet station, Bread Pudding French Toast, fresh fruit, and more.

Upstream Brewing Company is a great option for brunch, lunch, and dinner and is a great Omaha Nebraska restaurant.

Head To Plank Seafood Provisions For Coastal Vibes

Plank Seafood Provisions only has two locations in the US.

It is one of the best downtown restaurants in Omaha NE and its second location is actually in Texas.

Plank is perfect if you are looking for more casual restaurants in Omaha to enjoy.

With its coastal atmosphere, excellent seafood grill, and delicious oyster bar, it’s one of the best places to eat in Omaha NE.

They are open daily for lunch and dinner and they have a daily Happy Hour. Sundays are an all-day Happy Hour!

The oysters are guaranteed to be fresh daily. They are flown in every morning to be eaten by you that day.

From their expansive menu start your meal with the Beignet Style Hushpuppies, Lobster Fries, or the Oysters Rockefeller.

Naturally, most of their entrees are seafood dishes like Cedar Plank Atlantic Salmon, Citrus and Herb Snapper, or Yellowfin Tuna Sliders.

For a bit of a coastal experience, try Plank Seafood Provisions one of the coolest Omaha restaurants downtown.

Sage Student Bistro Is One Of The Most Unique Omaha Nebraska Restaurants

The Sage Student Bistro is a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the Omaha Nebraska restaurant scene.

That’s because it is actually a restaurant run by culinary students at the Metropolitan Community College.

Because it is a classroom, the hours vary and depend on when the culinary students have class.

There is a standard menu that is offered each semester as well as a weekly prix-fixe menu that is designed by the students.

On a seasonal menu, you can expect to find options like Gazpacho, Trout, Ricotta Gnudi, and Pavlova.

Most of the produce used in the meals has been provided by the Metropolitan Community College Horticultural Department’s garden and greenhouse.

When you enjoy a meal at Sage Student Bistro, not only do you support culinary students but you also get a delicious meal.

Enjoy A Romantic Evening At Le Voltaire French Restaurant

An Omaha restaurant that is perfect for date night is Le Voltaire French Restaurant.

Le Voltaire French Restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner and Friday. And it is also open for lunch.

Reservations are required if you want to dine at Le Voltaire.

So make sure to plan ahead if you would like to eat there.

Begin your meal with Escargot, Fois Gras, or Meat and Cheese.

Their entrees include Beef Burgundy, Coq Au Vin, Ribeye, and Bouillabaisse.

Before you leave, enjoy a nice glass of wine or cup of coffee with a Creme Brulee or Chocolate Musse.

Le Voltaire is one of the best Omaha restaurants.

M’s Pub Is The Go-To Place For Classic American Fare With A Twist

M’s Pub is another one of the excellent Omaha restaurants downtown that you should try.

As well as being locally owned, it has been open for over 40 years.

Throughout those years, M’s Pub has always been on the cutting edge of culinary excellence.

M’s is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sundays for dinner only.

The bar within M’s Pub has a slightly different schedule than the kitchen, so keep that in mind.

Their menu includes Smoked Salmon Toast, Turkey Burgers, the Carrot Dog, and a Chicken Salad Croissant.

For dessert select a drink from their carefully selected wine and beverage list.

Any of the selections pair perfectly with a slice of Tiramisu or the Flourless Mocha Fudge Torte.

Try A Vegan Hot Dog At Fauxmaha

This all-vegan lunch spot that everyone is talking about is one of the best restaurants in Omaha Nebraska.

It’s called Fauxmaha!

Fauxmaha started out as a traveling food truck but now has a permanent location on 50th street.

They are open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch only and they have limited seating in their dining room.

So make sure to plan ahead if you want to try them out.

Their menu is completely vegan and is a selection of hot dogs, sandwiches, and burritos.

I suggest trying the French Dip, Fauxney Island Dog, the Breakfast Burrito, or the Buffalo Nacho Tots.

Before you leave, grab a vegan cookie!

Sample Asian Cuisine At Crystal Jade Restaurant

If you are in Omaha Nebraska and in the mood for Asian cuisine, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Crystal Jade Restaurant.

Crystal Jade Restaurant is open Wednesday through Monday for lunch and dinner.

They have a very large menu that includes Korean, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, and Malaysian dishes.

For vegans and vegetarians, they also have a specific menu section that you can choose from. Any of the dishes on that menu can also be made vegan upon request.

Their ‘House Specials’ menu features mostly Chinese dishes. So they really have a lot of Asian cuisines represented on their massive menu.

You can choose from General Tso’s Chicken, Chicken Bulgogi, or Chicken Tikka Masala.

There is also Rendang Chicken, Fire Cracker Tofu, and so much more.

With such a large menu that caters to a plethora of dietary needs and tastes, it’s easy to see why Crystal Jade Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Omaha.

There are so many excellent restaurants in Omaha, and their foodie scene is continuing to grow every year.

From classic BBQ joints, steakhouses, vegan hot dog and sandwich shops, and world cuisine, there is an Omaha restaurant for everyone to enjoy.

Omaha Nebraska restaurants are starting to become one of the most popular foodie destinations in the Midwest, so I highly suggest visiting Omaha and giving them a try.

Have you had the pleasure of trying any of these Omaha restaurants? Is there one you think should be on this list?

I’d love to hear about them in the comments!