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

4.7

4.7 (639)

$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

Jean

Dined 3 days ago

I took my family to the Sage Bistro to celebrate the holidays. Everyone's food was fantastic! We all loved the experience as well as trying gourmet food we might not find at other area restraurants. I highly recommend Sage Bistro!

Modern Love - Omaha

4.5

4.5 (1981)

$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

5.0

5 (1633)

$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

Jane

Dined 5 days ago

The four course date menu or the chef’s 7 course tasting menu are our favorites! Tonight the Korean chicken starter had great flavor with the right amount of heat! The butternut squash soup with homemade roasted marshmallow was our next selections. Terrific! I chose the scallops for my main course while my spouse had the linguini with clams. The pumpkin crème brule dessert and coconut sorbet were a nice ending to our meal! Our friends had a beautifully plated and delicious beet salads and rack of lamb with mango sorbet. We had a relaxing 2 hour dinner with great service and time with Chef Anthony! Our favorite chef-owned restaurant in Omaha!

Wave Bistro

4.8

4.8 (676)

$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

PhilVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Wave is one of our favorite restaurants. Jenny and her team always deliver great food and service.

Le Voltaire

4.8

4.8 (1855)

$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

WilliamVIP

Dined 3 days ago

The food was excellent as always. We had a great weight staff person. The wine selection is very good and it is a price performer.

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Popular dish

Crème Brulée

Dante

4.8

4.8 (2565)

$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

Carmen

Dined 3 days ago

Love Dante. Never disappoints. The zucchini chips are worth the trip. Mature, friendly, informed staff always make for a great experience.

Boiler Room

4.8

4.8 (1970)

$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

Christine

Dined 7 days ago

Our server was really exceptional. The food was perfect.

360 Steakhouse - Harrah's Council Bluffs

4.6

4.6 (2154)

$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

Todd

Dined 3 days ago

Beth and staff were amazing in making sure we were taken care of. It was our first time dining there. The food was amazing. It was fresh, hot and the flavors were outstanding. The view was incredible and we had a wonderful time.

Beacon Hills

4.1

4.1 (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

Rolley

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Good food, quick service. Pot pie and lasagna were delicious.

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

4.7

4.7 (3277)

$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

ReneeVIP

Dined 2 days ago

First time we visited J Gilbert’s. Food was so good. We ordered off the PreFix menu. The amount of food was great for the value. The ambience was warm and comfortable. Our server was very sweet and attentive. We will be back!!

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Chicken Tortilla Soup

Railcar Modern American Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (2046)

$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

MarkVIP

Dined 6 days ago

The hacked salad was the best my wife ever experienced! Thank you Railcar !