The Most Fun Restaurants in Omaha

by The OpenTable Team

Updated November 14, 2019

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!

Sage Student Bistro - Institute for the Culinary Arts

5.0

5 (637)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Downtown / Old Market

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Judy

Dined on Oct 14, 2024

The food was great, with several options. Our waitress was very attentive. We‘ll go back again.

Modern Love - Omaha

4.6

4.6 (1980)

$30 and under

Vegan

Midtown

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Elizabethvip

Dined on Nov 15, 2024

Wonderful first experience at Modern Love with a group of 12 colleagues. Perfect, large long table in restaurant to gather and enjoy. Food was delicious and staff were gracious.

Dolce

4.9

4.9 (1628)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

West Omaha

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Thomasvip

Dined on Nov 16, 2024

This has got to be the most amazing dining experience I have had in Omaha. This little restaurant was spot on with service. We had the Chef's Dinner which was a 6 course meal, and paired it with the premium wines. It was amazing. Every course was picture perfect and the flavor combinations were amazing. It is hard to say which course was the best. We started with the Raw Oysters with a vinaigrette with apple pieces (amazing), then the scallop with soy, and wasabi puree (so flavorful). The Duck had to be the hit of the night. The wines paired with the meal were spot on. I would highly suggest that you let the Chef take you on this culinary journey. I will be back!

Wave Bistro

4.7

4.7 (675)

$30 and under

Asian

West Omaha

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Peter and Jane

Dined on Sep 13, 2024

This is our go-to restaurant. The wait staff to excellent.

Le Voltaire

4.8

4.8 (1850)

$31 to $50

French

West Omaha

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Anavip

Dined 7 days ago

Delicious food, incredible service, William excellent chef and owner. Le Voltiere, always the best food.

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Popular dish

Crème Brulée

Dante

4.8

4.8 (2554)

$31 to $50

Italian

West Omaha

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Kimvip

Dined 1 day ago

We were early but Dante found a table for us on a busy night. The food was excellent and the service was pleasant and timely.

Boiler Room

4.8

4.8 (1967)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown / Old Market

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

becky

Dined 3 days ago

Boiler Room is always an amazing and pleasant experience.

360 Steakhouse - Harrah's Council Bluffs

4.6

4.6 (2141)

$31 to $50

American

Council Bluffs

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Keithvip

Dined 2 days ago

The food was very good as was service. But prices were unreasonable. They keep going up. For example hash browns once were a free side, then went to a couple bucks add on fee. Now we're $14 for a portion 1/3 the size it used to be

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Experience

Three Course Menu Experience

Beacon Hills

4.2

4.2 (806)

$30 and under

American

West Omaha

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Theresa

Dined 7 days ago

Atmosphere was very peaceful and relaxing. Food was delicious. Hotbeef sandwich and the meatloaf. Had a drink called strawberry fields, would definitely order again.

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

4.8

4.8 (3231)

$31 to $50

Steak

Downtown / Old Market

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Scott

Dined 2 days ago

Our group had a great evening. Our server was absolutely amazing. Just a great experience!

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Chicken Tortilla Soup

Railcar Modern American Kitchen

4.6

4.6 (2037)

$30 and under

American

West Omaha

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

KathyH

Dined on Nov 16, 2024

Excellent food! Great selection and everything tasted great!