It can be difficult to find the perfect restaurant for an evening. You may not know what you want to eat, what the best deal for your money is, or even what is nearby.
Omaha, Nebraska is home to many fine restaurants, and, at first glance, the sheer number of restaurants might feel overwhelming.
However, this list of the twenty best restaurants in Omaha has been created to provide a variety of quality restaurants in Omaha for a variety of occasions. Whether it’s a fancy date night or just a family night out, there is something on this list for everyone.
1. Gather in Omaha
$$ | (402) 260-8686 | WEBSITE
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A unique restaurant, Gather in Omaha provides a modern take on American food. It uses local greens grown on-site at the restaurant and provides a very comfortable dining experience.
Their menu options include hand-cut fries, wild mushroom toast with melted brie, red wine marinated bison, along with vegan and gluten-free options upon request. This restaurant was voted Best of Omaha for new restaurant and locally sourced dining.
2. The Blackstone Meatball
$$ | (402) 715-5009 | WEBSITE
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The Blackstone Meatball is a meat lover’s dream. They have starters such as fried cheese tortellini and garlic cheese bread and three different salad options, but their primary focus is on meatballs.
You can order meatballs on a sub sandwich, meatballs on sliders, and even meatballs on a toasted cheese sandwich with one of over six different sauces.
Even their cocktail Bloody Mary comes with a meatball. They’re also well-known for their fried cookie dough. With two locations in Omaha, this restaurant is not one to miss!
3. Plank Seafood Provisions
$$ | (402) 507-4480 | WEBSITE
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The Midwest may not be known for its seafood, but if you are craving seafood, look no further than Plank Seafood Provisions. They fly in their oysters daily for their oyster bar.
The atmosphere is very reminiscent of the coast, and they have a party room for 18 guests, perfect for larger gatherings.
Their menu includes lobster rolls, fish tacos, southern fried seafood, shrimp and grits, and New England clam chowder along with gluten-free options, a lunch menu, and, of course, their oyster bar.
4. Le Bouillon
$$$ | (402) 502-6816 | WEBSITE
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If you’re looking for a little taste of France, try Le Bouillon, a warm and cozy restaurant that specializes in French cuisine. The atmosphere is cozy, and the décor is beautiful, reminding one of France. They even have an outdoor patio where you can take your meal if you feel so inclined.
They serve canapes, oysters, grilled octopus, rotisserie chicken, and duck frites, among many other French cuisine options. While a bit expensive, if you’re looking for exotic cuisine, try Le Bouillon.
5. The Drover
$$$ | (402) 391-7440 | WEBSITE
The Drover is a classic no-windows steakhouse known for its whiskey-marinated steak. They also offer pork chops, crab legs, jumbo shrimp, chicken breast, salmon filet, and steak and seafood combos, among other options including a soup and salad bar and plenty of drinks.
Their hearty dinner options come with complimentary bread, soup or salad, and have multiple side options including rice, a baked potato, or asparagus. If you’re looking for a steakhouse for a romantic evening, give The Drover a try.
6. Twisted Fork
$$ | (402) 932-9600 | WEBSITE
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Twisted Fork prides itself on providing excellent Midwestern service with a cowboy flair. The atmosphere is cozy and has beautiful chandeliers and mirrors, evoking the feeling of an old-timey saloon.
They provide house concoctions that have cowboy-themed names, such as the Saloon Dancer and the Rusty Nail.
They also serve bacon gouda pork chop, smoked gouda mac-n-cheese, and chicken fried steak, among many other entrée options. They serve soups, salads, and sandwiches and also have a kids’ menu.
7. M’s Pub
$$ | (402) 342-2550 | WEBSITE
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Inspired by the hub of shops and eateries in Georgetown, M’s Pub is a place that is built in a historic location. Their menu offers a wide variety of starters, including crab cakes and smoked salmon toast.
They also serve Lahvosh, an Armenian cracker with Havarti cheese. They serve soups and salads and offer a wide selection of wines and drinks. They also have a kids’ menu and many dessert options. If you’re looking for some history, M’s Pub is not to be missed.
8. Brother Sebastian’s Steakhouse
$$$ | (402) 330-0300 | WEBSITE
Brother Sebastian’s Steakhouse is a dining experience like no other. The building is designed to look and feel like an early Californian monastery, complete with pew-like benches at your table, stained-glass windows, beautiful lantern-like lights, and a library wall.
The servers dress up like monks to complete the aesthetic, providing a delightful romantic atmosphere.
On their menu, they offer New England clam chowder, cheese sticks, and fried onion rings, among other options, for appetizers. Their dinner specialty is their steak, though they also serve chicken and seafood. They also offer dessert options and a wide range of wines.
9. Spaghetti Works
$$ | (402) 422-0770 | WEBSITE
Spaghetti Works is a family-friendly Italian restaurant located in Omaha’s Old Market. They have all-you-can-eat pasta, a full-service bar, grilled entrées, sandwiches, and pizzas, and offer over 20 flavors of non-alcoholic Italian sodas.
Set in a converted warehouse with a loading dock that has been transformed into a beautiful outdoor patio, this restaurant is one your whole family can enjoy.
10. Azteca – Mexican Family Restaurant
$ | (402) 896-6766 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a family-friendly cheap restaurant, Azteca is worth the visit. They have a wide variety of Mexican dishes: burritos, taco salad, fajitas, carne and pollo asado, crab enchiladas, fish tacos, a kids’ menu, four different dessert options, and a variety of drinks, including many non-alcoholic ones.
This is a perfect place to take large groups or young kids for a night out.
11. DANTE
$$ | (402) 932-3078 | WEBSITE
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Dante was the first restaurant in Omaha to serve authentic Neapolitan pizza, which is verified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), the Italian organization that regulates the standards for Neapolitan pizza.
Dante utilizes local produce, so their menus change based on the seasons. In addition to pizza, they offer pasta, seafood, beef, chicken, and a variety of greens, depending on what’s in season. They also offer catering, bringing their VPN-verified mobile kitchen to you.
12. Kitchen Table
$$ | (402) 933-2810 | WEBSITE
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If you’re looking for a simple, healthy café-style lunch or breakfast, Kitchen Table may be the spot for you. They support local farmers and the local community and serve simple meals focusing on soups, sandwiches, and breakfast options.
Their selections include overnight quinoa bowls, chili crisp egg biscuit sandwiches, egg and cheese sandwiches, and sofrito quinoa for breakfast, and a tofu Reuben, among others for lunch. If you’re looking to eat healthily, try out the Kitchen Table.
13. Cateus Pita Arabian Grill
$ | (402) 993-4060 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a cheap lunch or dinner, try Cateus Pita Arabian Grill. They’re inexpensive, and the food is good quality.
They offer hummus, a falafel platter, babaganoush (an eggplant paste), Mediterranean fries, chicken and beef shawarma wraps, kafta kabab wraps, falafel wraps, combos, and many other options.
They also serve Arabic-style coffee, along with beer and soda, and other drinks. If you’re looking for healthy, good-quality middle-eastern food, try Cateus Pita Arabian Grill.
14. Early Bird Brunch
$$ | (402) 934-5535 | WEBSITE
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Early Bird Brunch is a chic, modern breakfast restaurant. They have a comfortable dining area that is spacious and conducive to visiting others.
Their menu has a lot of options, including cinnamon rolls, tot poutine, breakfast nachos, churro waffles, a breakfast pot pie, crab cake benny, breakfast burritos, chicken and waffles, and many others. If you want a light brunch or a heavy meal, they have something to suit your palate.
15. Yoshitomo
$$ | (402) 916-5872 | WEBSITE
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It can be difficult to find good sushi joints in the Midwest. But if you’re craving sushi and don’t know where to turn, look no further than Yoshitomo.
There’s a long bar to sit at in their comfortable, cozy dining area where you can watch the sushi masters make the rolls. From salmon to shrimp tempura, there are abundant sushi options. While this may not be the cheapest option on this list, it is well worth the price for quality sushi.
16. Modern Love
$$ | (402) 614-6481 | WEBSITE
Modern Love has a beautiful atmosphere and a welcoming vibe. They serve vegan-friendly versions of comfort food classics.
Their menu includes buffalo wings, cream of tomato soup, nachos, burgers, sandwiches, eggplant parmesan lasagna, roasted garlic alfredo, meatloaf, and many cashew cheddar macaroni bowl options.
They also have a wide variety of desserts, from shakes to brownies to go. This spot is perfect if you’re looking for some new takes on classic dishes.
17. Jackson Street Tavern
$$ | (402) 991-5637 | WEBSITE
Jackson Street Tavern serves American food and has an impressive wine and drink selection. They have a long bar and outdoor dining space. The interior is spacious and well-lit and provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
They serve seafood, steak, chicken, sandwiches, soups, salads, and offer a wide variety of drinks. Jackson Street Tavern is a good stop for any day when you don’t know what to pick.
18. Taste of Thailand
$$ | (402) 691-9991 | WEBSITE
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Taste of Thailand boasts authentic Thai artwork on the walls, giving a genuine vibe to the place.
They serve many classic Thai dishes, including pad Thai noodles, as well as other dishes like chicken basil, Thai style sweet and sour chicken, their house specialty Taste of Thailand noodles, pineapple curry with shrimp, ginger fish, Thai style cod in curry sauce, and many more. If you’re in the mood for Thai, give Taste of Thailand a try.
19. Kobe Steak House of Japan
$$$ | (402) 391-1755 | WEBSITE
Kobe Steak House of Japan provides authentic Japanese food and a fun dining experience. They serve sesame chicken, filet mignon, Ahi tuna steak, hibachi steak, edamame, and much more.
Watch as your Teppanyaki chef fries your food right in front of you, providing both entertainment and your meal. While expensive, the experience and the food make this restaurant one worth visiting.
20. 801 Chophouse at the Paxton
$$$$ | (402) 341-1222 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a restaurant for an extraordinary occasion, and want a quality fine-dining experience, dress up in your best and head to the 801 Chophouse at the Paxton.
With white tablecloths and fine china, not to mention valet parking, this dining experience is not for a casual night out.
They are most known for their prime rib, but they also serve seafood, chicken, lamb chops, and pork chops. This restaurant experience will not be cheap, but worth it if you need to make an evening a night to remember.
Summary
Dining out can be a fun new adventure and a great way to explore your current city. Whether you’re looking for Italian, Mexican, sushi, or have always wanted to try Thai, this list of twenty-two best restaurants in Omaha has got your back. Go out and enjoy the wonderful restaurants that Omaha has to offer!
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
