The Most Fun Restaurants in Omaha

The all-American city of Omaha, Nebraska has grown into a Midwestern metropolis with a thriving culture, economy and some of the finest cuisine in the region. The most fun restaurants in Omaha form an integral part of the culinary scene, mixing hearty dishes from the Midwest with cutting-edge flavors to give Omaha a taste all its own. But where are the city's smartest, savviest diners headed out to when looking for the most fun restaurants in town? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. Here, we've gathered information from the city's in-the-know diners to put together a list of the most fun restaurant in Omaha. From acclaimed downtown hot spots to beloved local diners, the most fun restaurants in Omaha have a fine meal for everyone. Grab a table in Omaha and enjoy!

The OpenTable Team

12 Restaurants

Updated November 14, 2019

Restaurants:	Sage Student Bistro - Institute for the Culinary Arts, V.Mertz, Modern Love - Omaha…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Contemporary American, Vegan…
Neighborhoods:	Downtown / Old Market, Midtown…

Sage Student Bistro - Institute for the Culinary Arts

$$$$

Contemporary American

Downtown / Old Market

4.8

535 reviews

This novel restaurant in the heart of the city is one of the most fun restaurants in Omaha. It's an excellent combination for visitors. In one visit, diners can help out students and get a delicious meal. All of the meals at the Sage Student Bistro come from the students at the Metropolitan Community College. Dinner entrees include short rib with beech mushrooms, rabbit ragout with parmesan, and duck breast with blackberry. Start the meal with a charcuterie selection or the hot butternut soup. Check in to see the student "prix fixe" menus for the season.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

V.Mertz

$$$$

Contemporary American

Downtown / Old Market

4.8

1835 reviews

The "Old Market" in Omaha is the location for the local favorite V. Mertz. This classically-styled American restaurant boasts an excellent wine menu and a creative selection of dishes. The "Small Plates" selections feature American hackleback caviar, scallop crudo, and seared foie gras. Large plates include roasted pork loin, rainbow trout, and eggplant bulgogi. A menu highlight is the Morgan Ranch American wagyu beef. Try the 8-ounce tenderloin, with broccoli, fresh plum, chanterelle mushroom, and salted strawberry. There's also an extensive dessert selection with pineapple cake and roasted butternut squash mousse.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Modern Love - Omaha

$$$$

Vegan

Midtown

4.7

1874 reviews

Modern Love is a vegan spot that doubles as one of the most fun restaurants in Omaha. It's a place that diners of all tastes will adore. The creative selections on the menu feature starters garlic Parmesan Brussels and seitan Buffalo wings. A "Modern Cheeseburger" includes a lentil patty, cashew cheddar, and "fancy sauce." Larger entrees include eggplant and olive lasagna, chick'n fried steak, and a barbecue tofu bowl. For a sweet dessert, try one of the shakes. They come in Dutch chocolate, vanilla bean, strawberry, and more.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Dolce

$$$$

Contemporary American

West Omaha

4.8

1487 reviews

This upscale restaurant of West Maple Road is one of the finest dining destinations in all of Omaha. A comfortable and airy space, Dolce features New American fare with a focus on fine meat dishes. Start with some of the shared plates, like chorizo macaroni and cheese or "Margarita mussels" made with tequila and grilled focaccia. For entrees, try the pan-seared scallops with pickled onion or Colorado lamb t-bone with falafel and cucumber. Pan-seared duck breast features bulgogi barley, carrot, bok choy, and cabbage. Dolce is also a definite must-try spot for dessert. The Dolce citrus creme brulee with a lemon cookie and ginger snap is a must-have.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Wave Bistro

$$$$

Asian

West Omaha

4.9

624 reviews

This intimate and welcoming Omaha bistro is one of the most creative restaurants in town. Wave features an engaging menu of Asian-fusion eats to locals and tourists. Seafood is a favorite at Wave. Try the cashew-crusted salmon fillet with vegetables and rice in a teriyaki glaze, or the lemon creamy almond shrimp with fruit salad. A chicken menu boasts highlights like orange chicken, teriyaki chicken, and Thai green curry chicken. Don't miss the yakisoba, Japanese-style noodles cooked with vegetables and a choice of protein.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Le Voltaire

$$$$

French

West Omaha

4.8

1592 reviews

An elegant French restaurant, Le Voltaire is one of the most fun restaurants in Omaha. Le Voltaire boasts a full menu of French favorites like escargots de Bourgogne, baked brie, and foie gras on bread. Head to the "Red Meats" menu for boeuf Bourguignon, filet mignon, or Paris-style steak frites. Le Voltaire also includes an excellent selection of desserts, including upside-down apple tart and banana Nutella crepes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Dante

$$$$

Italian

West Omaha

4.8

2163 reviews

Head out to the Shops of Legacy for one of the most fun restaurants in Omaha. Dante is a traditional Neapolitan pizzeria featuring some of the best wood-fired pies in town. There's a full menu of red and white pizzas at Dante. Try the Guiseppe red pizza, with sausage, cipollini, and wood-roasted pepper. A spicy "Diavolo" includes soppressata, link sausage, and Calabrian chili. The "Alborosie" white pizza boasts a farm egg, spicy link sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella. There are also excellent pasta options at Dante. Go for the rigatoni bolognese with red wine and Grana Padano.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Boiler Room

$$$$

Contemporary American

Downtown / Old Market

4.8

1821 reviews

This captivating and rustic loft spot is one of the most fun restaurants in Omaha. It features a focus on local ingredients along with one of the best wine cellars in Omaha. Grab a glass from Spain, Italy, France, or elsewhere to go along with dinner. For an appetizer, try house-marinated olives, cauliflower soup, or tagliatelle with braised pork sugo. Entrees include Pacific sablefish with couscous, seared New Bedford scallops, and Idaho golden trout with black beans. Another highlight is the Morgan Ranch wagyu sirloin steak with braised beans and local mushrooms.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

360 Steakhouse - Harrah's Council Bluffs

$$$$

American

Council Bluffs

4.5

1889 reviews

A short distance from the Iowa/Nebraska border, the 360 Steakhouse is the place to go for a great meal and great view. Head up to the 12th floor of the Harrah's Council Bluffs casino to sample the tastes of 360. The celebrated restaurant features excellent views of the Omaha skyline and the Iowa countryside. For a Midwest taste, try the pork and grits appetizer with Knob Creek honey au jus. Charbroiled Omaha steaks include bone-in New York strip, ribeye, and blackened filet with shrimp. Try the "Steak and Cake," pairing a filet mignon with a jumbo lump crab cake.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Beacon Hills

$$$$

American

West Omaha

4.3

736 reviews

Head out to the Aksarben Village for one of the most fun restaurants in Omaha. This warm and welcoming spot offers some of the best traditional Midwestern dishes in Omaha. Begin the meal with a selection of appetizers, like lasagna bites with marinara sauce or brown-sugar chicken wings. The "Beacon Baskets" include fried catfish, crab cakes, salmon, and chicken tenders. Beacon Hills is also one of the best spots in Omaha for Brunch. Head in during the weekends for favorites like stuffed biscuits and gravy of the "Berry Belgian" waffle.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

J. Gilbert’s - Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood - Omaha

$$$$

Steak

Downtown / Old Market

4.7

2292 reviews

This classic steakhouse is one of the most fun restaurants in Omaha. It's a traditional wood-fired steaks and seafood spot on Capitol Avenue with plenty of the steakhouse trappings. Try the USDA prime bone-in "cowboy cut" of ribeye or wood-grilled ribs alongside thin-cut fries. Shrimp "Durango" includes ancho chile butter and Parmigiano Reggiano, and maple plank roasted salmon features a bourbon glaze and Yukon mashed potatoes. J. Gilbert's also specializes in excellent cocktails. Go for the barrel-aged Manhattan with Maker's Mark bourbon and Italian sweet vermouth.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Railcar Modern American Kitchen

$$$$

American

West Omaha

4.3

1855 reviews

A charming and entertaining spot in Stonehenge Center, Railcar is one of the most fun restaurants in Omaha. It has one of the best happy hours in the city. Start with the Maryland crab cakes or the pan-roasted Brussels sprouts. "The Boiler" includes a diner burger, house-cut fries, beer, and a shot. For dinner, try a selection off of the Railcar "Test Kitchen" menu. Go for the planked Berkshire pork chop, blackened scallops, or butternut squash risotto. On Friday or Saturday night, try the 12-hour Iowa slow-roasted Angus prime rib.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Most Fun Restaurants