NEBRASKA STATE - Omaha, Nebraska, is more than just a stopover in the Midwest; it's a city with a burgeoning culinary scene gaining national recognition. Whether you're a local or planning a visit in 2025, you'll find a diverse range of dining options, from classic steakhouses to innovative New American cuisine.
Omaha's Culinary Scene Heats-Up: 10 Must-Try Restaurants
Here's a guide to 10 must-try restaurants that showcase the best of what Omaha has to offer:
1. Gather in Omaha: Farm-to-Table Excellence in the Old Market
Gather in Omaha is a standout in the Old Market district. It offers a farm-to-table dining experience focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect dishes like the highly praised wagyu, salmon, and Brussels sprouts. The New American cuisine is both creative and comforting. They also offer a full bar with many different cocktails and wines.
- Cuisine: New American, Farm-to-Table
- Price: $$
- Location: 1108 Howard St, Omaha, NE
- Highlights: Seasonal menu, locally sourced ingredients, wagyu, salmon, excellent service, Old Market location
2. Le Bouillon: French Flair in a Lively Atmosphere
Le Bouillon brings a taste of France to Omaha with its French cuisine, fantastic service, and lively atmosphere. Located at 1017 Howard St, this restaurant is perfect for a special occasion or a memorable night out. They also have a large selection of wine. This is one of the best restaurants in Omaha for enjoying French cuisine.
- Cuisine: French
- Price: $$$$
- Location: 1017 Howard St, Omaha, NE
- Highlights: Authentic French dishes, excellent service, lively atmosphere, extensive wine list, romantic setting
3. The Boiler Room: Industrial Chic Meets Refined Dining
The Boiler Room at 1110 Jones St offers a unique dining experience in a beautifully restored industrial space. Their New American menu is refined and approachable, with dishes like the perfectly cooked sirloin steak earning rave reviews. This is a great place to enjoy fine dining in a relaxed setting. They offer a full bar with many cocktail options.
- Cuisine: New American
- Price: $$$$
- Location: 1110 Jones St, Omaha, NE
- Highlights: Industrial-chic ambiance, refined cuisine, perfectly cooked steaks, great for special occasions, creative cocktails
4. Dolce: Upscale Italian with Melt-in-Your-Mouth Dishes
Dolce is an upscale Italian restaurant located at 12317 W Maple Rd, known for its fantastic service and dishes that "melt in your mouth." This is the place to go for a wonderful dining experience in Omaha, with a focus on classic Italian flavors and impeccable execution. They offer a great wine selection and are a favorite for special occasions.
- Cuisine: Italian, Fine Dining
- Price: $$$$
- Location: 12317 W Maple Rd, Omaha, NE
- Highlights: Exceptional service, melt-in-your-mouth dishes, upscale ambiance, romantic setting, authentic Italian
5. Brother Sebastian's Steak House & Winery: A Steakhouse with a Monastery Vibe
Brother Sebastian's is a beloved Omaha steakhouse with a unique monastery-inspired ambiance. It is located at 1350 S 119th St and offers a diverse menu, excellent service, and a great intimate atmosphere. This is one of the best steakhouses in Omaha and a great spot for a romantic dinner or a special celebration.
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, American
- Price: $$$
- Location: 1350 S 119th St, Omaha, NE
- Highlights: Unique ambiance, excellent steaks, great service, romantic setting, extensive wine list
6. Twisted Cork Bistro: Pacific Street's Go-To for Steak and Seafood
Twisted Cork Bistro is a popular spot on Pacific Street, known for its perfectly cooked steaks, flavorful dishes, and welcoming atmosphere. Located at 10730 Pacific St #110, it's an excellent choice for a casual yet delicious meal. They are known for their delicious seafood as well. They also have a great wine list.
- Cuisine: Bistro, Steak, Seafood
- Price: $$
- Location: 10730 Pacific St #110, Omaha, NE
- Highlights: Perfectly cooked steaks, flavorful dishes, great value, Pacific Street location, extensive wine selection
7. Memoir: Unmatched Atmosphere and Delicious Drinks in Midtown Crossing
Memoir quickly becomes a favorite for its unmatched atmosphere, delicious food, and drinks. Located in the Midtown Crossing development at 930 Harney St, this restaurant offers a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience. The dining room at Memoir is genuinely one of a kind. The innovative menu offers many different options.
- Cuisine: American
- Price: $$$$
- Location: 930 Harney St, Omaha, NE
- Highlights: Stylish ambiance, delicious food and drinks, Midtown Crossing location, great for a night out, creative cocktails
8. The Drover: A West Omaha Institution for Steak Lovers
The Drover is a West Omaha institution renowned for its steaks, great atmosphere, and excellent service. Located at 2121 S 73rd St, this steakhouse is a must-visit for any serious steak lover. They are most known for their whiskey-marinated steaks. It is no wonder that many consider this one of the best steakhouses in Omaha.
- Cuisine: Steakhouse
- Price: $$$$
- Location: 2121 S 73rd St, Omaha, NE
- Highlights: Whiskey-marinated steaks, great atmosphere, excellent service, West Omaha landmark, classic steakhouse experience
9. V. Mertz: A Culinary Gem in the Old Market
V. Mertz is a culinary gem hidden in the Old Market. Located at 1022 Howard St, this restaurant offers excellent food, stellar service, and a unique and inviting atmosphere. The New American menu is creative and refined, making it a perfect spot for a special occasion or a memorable night out. They offer a wide variety of wines and cocktails.
- Cuisine: American, New American
- Price: $$$$+
- Location: 1022 Howard St, Omaha, NE
- Highlights: Exceptional food, stellar service, unique ambiance, Old Market location, romantic setting, extensive wine list
10. Jackson Street Tavern: Flavorful Food and Tasty Drinks in the Old Market
Jackson Street Tavern is a popular Old Market spot known for its flavorful food, tasty drinks, and top-notch service. It is located at 1125 Jackson St and offers a casual yet lively atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends. The menu is full of classic American dishes and offers a wide variety of beer, wine, and cocktails.
- Cuisine: American, Pub Fare
- Price: $$
- Location: 1125 Jackson St, Omaha, NE
- Highlights: Flavorful food, great drinks, excellent service, Old Market location, lively atmosphere
Omaha's culinary scene thrives, offering diverse dining experiences to satisfy every taste and budget. These 10 restaurants represent just a tiny sampling of the city's culinary treasures. So, whether you're a local or planning a visit in 2025, be sure to explore these and other great eateries and discover the delicious flavors of Omaha!
Attributions: Restaurant information is based on publicly available information from online review platforms, websites, and local guides.