Nicknamed “Gateway to the West,” Omaha is Nebraska’s largest city. It’s farm country, home to some of the most delicious restaurants at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement.
Did you know that according to Omaha lore, the Reuben sandwich was invented here? As the story goes…in 1925, during a late-night poker game at the Blackstone Hotel, a grocer was asked to create a new dish with his available ingredients. And voila…the Reuben was born.
Omaha is also where Johnny Carson started his broadcasting career in 1950 at WOW Radio and Television. Billionaire Warren Buffett calls Omaha home, bringing thousands of shareholders to the city for the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting. In addition, the NCAA Men’s College Baseball World Series has been a summer tradition in Omaha for over 60 years.
No matter what brings you to town, you’ll want to find the best restaurants in Omaha to enjoy throughout your stay. We’ve compiled a list to help with your search, consisting of excellent Omaha restaurants according to locals.
We came up with the top 25 restaurants by reaching out to our colleagues in the Omaha area and asking what their favorite locally-owned restaurants (no big chains) are in the different food type categories. Then, we narrowed down the list by doing research online, gathering info such as Google reviews and fact-checking.
Top 25 Places to Eat in Omaha:
- Mexican Food in Omaha
- Omaha Italian Restaurants
- Chinese Food in Omaha
- Best Steakhouses in Omaha
- Seafood/Sushi
- Best Burgers & BBQ in Omaha
- Brewhouse/Sports Bar
- Best Pizza in Omaha
- Omaha Breakfast/Brunch
- Vegetarian/Vegan Options & More
Mexican Food in Omaha
Nettie’s Fine Mexican Food
Nettie’s is located in Bellevue, part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area. Not only do they prepare delectable Mexican specialties fresh every day, but some locals say that Nettie’s serves up the absolute best margaritas in town.
7110 Railroad Ave
Bellevue, NE 68147
402-733-3359
Maria’s Mexican Restaurant
Maria’s is just a few minutes away and has been a local favorite since 1976, serving the greater Omaha area with the finest Mexican food. Be sure to try their famous handmade “puffy” tacos or one of their award-winning margaritas when you visit.
Tuesday – Saturday: 4:30p – 9p
7630 Burlington St
Ralston, NE 68127
402-592-3623
Omaha Italian Restaurants
Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano
Family-owned and operated Lo Sole Mio offers both Northern and Southern Italian food for lunch or dinner. When you come here, you’re treated like family, and that’s what so many locals love about this place along with their delectable dishes.
Tuesday – Thursday: 3p-8p
Friday & Saturday: 3p-9p
3001 S 32nd Ave
Omaha, NE 68105
402-345-5656
Bella Vita Ristorante
Bella Vita is located in the historic heart of Elkhorn, a neighborhood on the western edge of Omaha. According to many locals, this cozy restaurant has an awesome wine list and serves the best authentic Italian cuisine in town.
Sunday – Thursday: 11a – 1p, 4:30p – 8p
Friday & Saturday: 11a – 1p, 4:30p – 9p
2620 North Main St
Elkhorn, NE 68022
402-289-1804
Chinese Food in Omaha
Ming’s Restaurant of Papillion
Ming’s laid-back eatery in Papillion, part of the metro area of Omaha, has withstood the test of time, well-known by locals for decades worth of fantastic Chinese dine-in or takeout.
Monday – Saturday: 11a – 8:30p
828 Tara Plz
Papillion, NE 68046
402-592-2390
Hunan Fusion
In the mood for takeout? Order Asian fusion cuisine at affordable prices from Hunan Fusion. Their restaurant is known by the Omaha community for variety and fresh ingredients that will surely please your tastebuds. Check their website for current hours.
2405 S 132nd St
Omaha, NE 67144
402-334-5382
Best Steakhouses in Omaha
Brother Sebastian’s Steakhouse & Winery
Brother Sebastian’s is a unique restaurant, inspired by the Spanish monestaries in California. There you will find stained glass windows, friendly servers dressed as monks and choice cuts of authentic, raised-in-Nebraska beef, consistently named “The Best Steaks in Omaha” since they opened in 1977.
Sunday – Monday: 11a – 2p
Monday – Thursday: 5p-8p
Friday & Saturday: 5p – 9p
Sunday: 4p – 8p
1350 South 119th St
Omaha, NE 68144
402-330-0300
The Drover
For over 40 years, the Drover restaurant and lounge has been known for whiskey marinated steaks. Their special marinade is a combination of secret ingredients including whiskey, and the steak is soaked for only fifteen minutes to ensure the taste of perfection.
Monday – Friday 11a – 2p, 5p – 10p
Saturday: 4:30p – 10:30p
Sunday: 4:30p – 9p
2121 South 73rd St
Omaha, NE 68124
402-391-7440
Seafood/Sushi
Shuck’s Fish House & Oyster Bar
Shuck’s got its start on Wednesday nights, offering a variety of oysters on the half-shell and a small menu to their regulars of Absolutely Seafood Fresh Market. Word spread, and now Shuck’s has three locations in Omaha with happy hour every day fro 2-6pm.
Monday – Saturday: 12a – 9p
Sunday: 12p – 8p
1911 Leavenworth St
Omaha, NE 68102
402-614-5544
Hiro 88
Hiro 88 is an upscale Pan-Asian restaurant group with locations in Omaha and Lincoln, NE. They’ve created distinct atmospheres at each of their locations, inspired by the surrounding neighborhoods. Indulge in robust flavors, inventive dishes, fine wines and trendy cocktails. Here you will find award-winning Chinese cuisine and some of Omaha’s best sushi.
Sunday – Thursday: 11a – 10p
Friday & Saturday: 11a – 12a
3655 N 129th St
Omaha, NE 68164
402-933-0091
Yoshitomo
Locals love Yoshitomo, a sushi bar focused on serving Japanese inspired tasting plates and a diverse menu of sushi, along with a thoughtfully curated wine, sake, cocktail and Japanese beer selection.
Sunday – Thursday: 11a – 9p
Friday & Saturday: 11a – 10p
6009 Maple St
Omaha, NE 68104
402-916-5872
Best Pizza in Omaha
La Casa Pizzaria
La Casa opened in June of 1953 and ran out of food halfway through the evening on their first night because their Napolean-style pizza was such a hit. Now, still operating at their original location, La Casa is recommended by locals for their fresh pasta dishes and their pizza of course…because they finish it on the grill.
Tuesday – Saturday: 11a – 9p
Sunday: 4p – 9p
4432 Leavenworth St
Omaha, NE 68105
402-556-6464
Johnny Sortino’s Pizza Parlor
Serving amazing pizza in Omaha since 1965, Johnny Sortino’s believes that quality just tastes better. This family-friendly restaurant features a wide menu of pies and other dishes. Plus, they have a game room.
Tuesday – Saturday: 11a – 6p
7880 L St
Omaha, NE
402-339-5050
Best Burgers & BBQ in Omaha
Stella’s Bar & Grill
Since 1936, Stella’s has been making their world-famous hamburgers the same way. The family secrets have been handed down to each owner. Their 6 1/2 ounce, hand-pressed, fresh (never frozen) ground beef patties are served on a Rotella’s Hamburger Bun (delivered fresh every morning) with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and real mayo. Stop by and indulge in one of their award-winning burgers.
Monday – Saturday: 11a – 9p
106 Galvin Rd S
Bellevue, NE 68005
402-291-6088
Dinker’s Bar and Grill
Local watering hole since 1965 featuring reasonably priced, quality burgers, beer, appetizers and more. They’ve got plenty of TV’s too. The Haystack is Dinker’s most popular burger with grilled ham, American cheese and a fried egg on a grilled kaiser bun. Dinker’s goes through at least 35 dozen eggs each week, delivered fresh from Thomas Farms in Decatur, Nebraska.
Monday – Saturday: 11a – 10p
2368 S 29th St
Omaha, NE 68105
(402) 342-9742
Wayne’s New Skoo BBQ
This bbq restaurant offers traditional menu items like baked beans, smoked pulled pork and brisket sandwiches. Some locals say that New Skoo has the best bbq ribs. They’ve also made this savory addition to the menu – fried cabbage with bacon, dirty rice and smoked meat nachos. Dine in, carry out, and drive thru are available.
4865 Center St #6
Omaha, NE 68106
402-359-1125
Brewhouse/Sports Bar
Jukes Ale Works
Jukes Ale Works, a family-owned and operated brewery and kitchen, is a top favorite amongst locals, offering 19 house brewed beers on tap and a full menu of comfort food. Cocktails, ciders, seltzers and wine are also available. Jukes has a rooftop patio, and JAWBeer Huts are available for rent during the fall and winter months.
Taproom Hours
Tuesday & Wednesday: 4p-9p
Thursday: 11a – 9p
Friday & Saturday: 11a – 10p
Sunday: 11a – 9p
*Kitchen closes 1 hour prior to taproom
20560 Elkhorn Drive
Elkhorn, NE 68022
402-779-8496
The Good Life Sports Bar & Grill
Their name says it all. With multiple locations, you can enjoy the good life and cheer on your favorite team. There are over 35 flat screen TV’s, including 4 sprawling 80 inchers, so you don’t miss a play. Take part in drinks and some of the best pub fare in Omaha made from scratch. There’s even a large outdoor patio space with a beautiful firepit.
Every day: 11a (or earlier) – 2a
1203 S 180th St
OMAHA, NE 68130
402.933.2947
Omaha Breakfast/Brunch
Bailey’s Breakfast & Lunch
Locals rave that Bailey’s is one of the best brunch places to eat in Omaha with scrumptious, home-made breakfast, delicious coffee, outstanding salads, sandwiches and more in a casual setting. They also offer catering services for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Open 7a – 2p every day. Breakfast is served open to close. Lunch starts at 11a.
1259 S. 120th Street
Omaha, NE 68144
402-932-5577
Le Peep
Le Peep is a local favorite for breakfast, brunch and lunch in Omaha. They’ve been voted “Omaha, Nebraska’s #1 Best Breakfast” restaurant every year since 2007. Their professional, friendly staff, attention to detail and fresh, delicious food keep customers coming back for more.
Monday – Sunday 7a – 2p
6920 Pacific St
Omaha, NE 68106
402-933-2776
Stirnella Bar & Kitchen
Stirnella bar & kitchen, located in the historic Blackstone district, is a refined gastro pub dedicated to serving internationally inspired dishes while using local and seasonal ingredients. The name “Stirnella” stems from the Nebraska state bird, the Meadowlark genus and species Sturnella neglecta. The name represents the desire to create and continue to evolve, while staying true to Nebraska roots.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options & More
Greenbelly
Greenbelly is an eco-friendly establishment that serves responsible fine food. They’ve got three locations with a fourth coming soon. Many locals say that Greenbelly has the best salads in Omaha, both delicious and nutritious. They have a catering menu too.
Monday – Saturday: 11a – 8p
210 N 114th St
Omaha, NE 68154
402-334-1300
The Stokin’ Goat
This spot has a modern rustic décor and a comfortable, casual vibe. Chef Andrew Loughrey’s scratch kitchen creates affordable, delicious dishes with explosive flavors and satisfying textures. Stokin’ Goat features a creatively curated wine list, seasonal craft cocktails and food inspired beer selections.
15805 W Maple Road, Suite 101
Omaha, NE, 68116
402-916-9011
Block 16
Block 16 serves farm-to-table street food, offering combinations that are a little risky, a lot of fun and as fresh as possible. Their family farm is one of their main sources for produce. It’s been in the family for 100 years, so they know it’s high-quality and grown with love. This restaurant is overflowing with creativity. In the past four years, they’ve offered more than 1,400 specials with only a few repeats.
Monday – Wednesday: 11a – 3p
Thursday – Saturday: 11a – 3p, 5p – 9p
402-342-1220
1611 Farnam Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68106
The Omaha Press Club
The Omaha Press Club’s restaurant is a great banquet and special occasion place with a beautiful view of Omaha and the Missouri River Valley. The Omaha Press Club is a private club, so there’s a dress code which members and guests must adhere to. Find more information here to book your reservation.
Monday – Wednesday: 11:30a – 2p
Thursday & Friday: 11:30a – 2p, 5:30p – 9:30p
Saturday: 5:30p – 10:30p
Happy hour is Tuesday – Saturday, 4p-6p
1620 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68102
402-345-8008
And while you’re visiting Omaha, you might want to check out the Strategic Air Command & Space Museum nearby in Ashland, NE.
