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 that may surprise you when it comes to its food scene. Over the past few years, Omaha has become something of a foodie hot spot in the Midwest, with talented chefs helping to build a restaurant scene that is becoming increasingly well known.

After a day of exploring all the fun things to do in Omaha, or even during your day, you’ll want to make sure you stop at one of these fantastic Omaha restaurants. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, quick bites, or vegan options, there’s something here for everyone

A view of the Omaha Nebraska skyline on a sunny day. You can see a body of water with a brick path around it, lots of trees and a park like area. In the distance there are taller buildings. The article is about restaurants in Omaha.

Omaha Restaurants at a Quick Glance

Restaurant	Best For
Au Courant Regional Kitchen	New European and tasting menus
Smokin Barrel BBQ	BBQ
V. Mertz	Fine dining
Fifth House	Vegan dining
Spezia Omaha	Italian
Azteca Mexican Restaurant	Mexican
Block 16	Farm-to-table street food
801 Chophouse	Steak
Upstream Brewing Company	Beer and casual dining
Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar	Seafood
Sage Student Bistro	Something unique
Le Voltaire	French and date night
M’s Pub	Classic American
Veg.Edible	Vegan comfort food
Crystal Jade Restaurant	Asian cuisine

If you’re planning a wider food trip, take a look at our Midwest road trip through Nebraska for foodies.

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’re looking for updated European fare.

The restaurant is charming and inviting, with a modern take on a classic European atmosphere. It’s open for dinner Thursday through Sunday, so make sure you check the schedule before you plan on dining there.

The menu focuses on “New European” dishes using regional ingredients, and the restaurant’s speciality is a six-course chef’s tasting menu that changes weekly.

Au Courant Regional Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Omaha if you’re looking for something delicious and a little upscale.

Smokin Barrel BBQ for Amazing BBQ in Omaha

If you’re looking for home-cooked barbecue, head to Smokin Barrel BBQ, one of the best barbecue restaurants in Omaha.

You can stop by Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 8pm, although they may close early if they sell out.

Smokin Barrel BBQ features slow-roasted and barbecued 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 barbecue classics like potato salad, trail beans, and coleslaw.

A rack of bbq ribs on a piece of butcher paper at one of the bbq restaurants in Omaha. You can also see a brush with bbq sauce on it, a small dip bowl with ketchup, fries, coleslaw, and a glass with some beer in it.

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 Wagyu 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 Fifth House Makes It One of the Best Restaurants in Omaha, NE

Fifth House is a completely vegan restaurant in Omaha’s Blackstone District, from the team behind the much-loved Modern Love.

Whether you’re vegan or not, it’s a great place to try creative plant-based comfort food.

Their menu includes dishes such as a Soy Curl Burrito, along with dairy-free desserts including a Deconstructed Cheesecake and macadamia-nut ice cream.

Fifth House is currently open Wednesday through Sunday, with extended weekend hours.

Two bowls on a light gray wood table. The bowls are vegan bowls from one of the vegan restaurants in Omaha. You can see sliced avocado, cucumbers, squash, spinach, chickpeas, and a pink fruit in the bowl. The article is about restaurants in Omaha

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.

A skillet full of sliced beef, peppers, and onions to make fajita filling. The skillet is on a piece of wood on a wooden table and you can see a bowl of salsa, flour tortillas, and sprigs of cilantro.

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, with shorter lunchtime hours Monday through Wednesday and longer hours Thursday through Saturday.

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 every day, but they also highlight several menu items throughout the week.

You can try dishes such as the Block Burger, Sloppy Nick, Poutine Burrito, Bacon & Brie, or Duck Duck Goose 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.

A wooden platter on a wooden table that has a large steak on it. The steak is from one of the steakhouse restaurants in Omaha. Also on the platter is grilled corn, garlic, and different gravy boats. You can also see a roll and a glass of wine on the table. The article is about restaurants in Omaha

Head To Upstream Brewing Company For Signature Beers And Delicious Meals

Upstream Brewing Company is Omaha’s original brewpub and 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, Cheese Curds, and Bavarian Pretzels.

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

On the weekends, try their brunch menu, which includes dishes such as Belgian Waffles, Steak & Eggs, and a Smothered Breakfast Burrito.

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

Head to Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar for Coastal Vibes

Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar is a great choice if you are looking for casual seafood in Omaha.

Known for its fresh oysters and laid-back atmosphere, Shucks serves everything from seafood baskets and crab cakes to clam chowder and lobster rolls.

The Downtown location opened in 2012 and is open daily for lunch and dinner.

If you love seafood, Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar is one of the best places to eat in Omaha.

A large white plate on a gray wooden table that is full of seafood. There is squid, shrimp, lobster, a bowl of butter, and slice lemon.

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 Sunday for brunch.

Reservations are recommended 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 or other classic French starters.

Their entrees include a changing selection of French-inspired meat and seafood dishes.

Before you leave, enjoy a nice glass of wine or cup of coffee with a Crème Brûlée or another dessert.

An ornately plated French dish. The plate is white and there is some sort of pureed squash, grilled duck, some other vegetables, and a brown sauce. The article is about restaurants in Omaha

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 daily for lunch and dinner.

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 Vegan Comfort Food at Veg.Edible

Veg.Edible Take Out Eatery and Bakery is a completely vegan spot in Omaha serving plant-based comfort food and sweet treats.

Their menu includes dishes such as burgers, nachos and other casual favorites, along with a selection of cookies, cupcakes and other baked goods.

The menu is also gluten-free and nut-free, with soy-free options available.

Veg.Edible is open Wednesday through Sunday, with shorter hours on Sundays.

Before you leave, make sure you grab one of their vegan baked treats!

Vegan burrito with black beans and corn on blue plate on table.

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.

A black bowl on a black table that has a set of chopsticks next to it. In the bowl there is grilled mushrooms, grated carrot, ground beef, bean sprouts, wilted spinach, and a soft egg yolk. The article is about restaurants 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 restaurants, and world cuisine, there is an Omaha restaurant for everyone to enjoy.

Omaha, Nebraska restaurants are becoming one of the Midwest’s most exciting foodie destinations, 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!

f you’re exploring more of the state, take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Nebraska.