Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Nebraska

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Nebraska? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Boiler Room

4.8

4.8 (1975)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown / Old Market

About the restaurant

A converted boiler room in the Bemis Bag building, built in 1896, The Boiler Room is an ingredient driven modern American/French restaurant. Chef Tim Nicholson's menu changes daily to reflect local farm product availability. Now open five days a week for dinner, offering hand crafted cocktails and an extensive domaine driven Old World wine list.

Top review

MaryVIP

Dined on Apr 24, 2025

We really loved our meal at the Boiler Room and have been recommending it right and left. Don't miss this spot - it was the perfect combination or thoughtful and delicious food, well trained and informed wait staff, comfortable seating/ambiance and yet a casual friendliness that is hard to come by.

Sage Student Bistro - Institute for the Culinary Arts

4.8

4.8 (645)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Downtown / Old Market

About the restaurant

SPRING DATES + HOURS OF OPERATION
March 24th - May 13th

Monday - Thursday
Lunch: 11am – 1pm
Dinner: 6pm – 8pm

ABOUT US
Sage operates in line with the students' academic schedule. Hours of operation for lunch and dinner are updated regularly on social media.
Sage Student Bistro operates as a customer-focused classroom providing students an opportunity to refine the skills that they have learned at the Institute for the Culinary Arts. This unique learning environment allows guests the ability to give feedback to students in a supportive environment.

MENU & SPECIALS
Our menus can be found on this website as well as our social medias. Student specials will be posted on those same pages. Menus are subject to change with seasonality and availability.

RESERVATIONS
Reservations are available and recommended for both lunch and dinner. Walk-ins will be served as possible. Groups larger than 6 should contact us directly for reservations.

Top review

Christina

Dined 3 days ago

Positive, good experience. The students do everything….the menu development, cooking, serving, etc. We had a six-course meal with a wine pairing on two courses. Excellent food….hats off to the chefs. Our server seemed shy….which did not get in the way of good service. The entire student team was friendly, supported each other, and took care of the guests. Not only was the food delicious, it was visibly appealing. Great experience….I want to go back!

Gather - Omaha

4.8

4.8 (1024)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown / Old Market

About the restaurant

Gather in Omaha is an epic dining experience. Once inside our historic urban-chic setting, modern eclectic cuisine awaits as our chefs prepare dishes from our year-round hydroponic farm. Guests can enjoy artisan-inspired drinks on our outdoor patios or at our craftsman-style bar, right in the heart of the historic Old Market.

Gather in Omaha is the first and only restaurant in town to offer an on-site hydroponic vertical farm with fresh produce, greens, and herbs, all hand-picked daily by our culinary team.

READ OUR POLICIES BELOW:
*We will only hold your table 10 min beyond your reservation time and your table will be released. All "no-show" reservations and cancellations made within 6 hours of reservation for parties of 6 or less or 12 hours for 6 or more, will be CHARGED $25/person.

Top review

Shawn

Dined 1 day ago

The food was fantastic! Accommodating for food allergies!!

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Bone Marrow Fried Rice

Salted Edge

4.8

4.8 (441)

$31 to $50

American

West Omaha

About the restaurant

Roll up or boat up for high-quality, locally sourced food and drinks to satisfy any craving. Our restaurant overlooks West Shores Lake located just west of 243rd and Dodge in Waterloo, NE.

With both indoor and patio bars, high-end dining, and one of the best wine selections Omaha has to offer, you’re sure to find a cozy corner that’ll delight all senses.

Stop out for a drink, a great meal, shared appetizers, or small bites. Whether you’ve got a hankering for a burger and a beer, or craving a chef-driven dinner and wine pairing, our menu is complete with an exquisite and enjoyable experience for all.

Top review

TonyVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Salted Edge exceeded our expectations for my wife's birthday celebration. The food was absolutely outstanding—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was attentive and friendly without being overbearing, making us feel truly welcomed. The atmosphere was warm, stylish, and perfect for a special evening. We’ll definitely be back soon!

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Popular dish

Brunch Bread Board

Popular dish

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Popular dish

Harvest Salad

Le Bouillon

4.7

4.7 (438)

$31 to $50

French

Downtown / Old Market

About the restaurant

Tucked into the Old Market, Le Bouillon is a timeless Omaha tradition. Bouillon offers up classic mostly French cuisine in a vibrant and airy setting. Find a bottle of wine in the attached wine shop, Howard Street Wine Merchant, enjoy a glass in the basement wine bar Mon Càve, or book a private event in one of the many intimate private event spaces.

Top review

Jason

Dined 7 days ago

My wife and I drove from Chicago to have dinner at Le Bouillon. They had a table waiting for us that was perfect. We were greeted with a big smile and sat immediately. The experience of picking out our own wine was the best experience I have had personally experienced. We picked out a fantastic wine from Spain 🇪🇸. It made our week complete! Looking forward to returning on May 12 for dinner! Jason & Sondra

Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi

4.7

4.7 (325)

$30 and under

Japanese

Lincoln

About the restaurant

Welcome to KOEN, a unique Japanese BBQ and Sushi experience! Sharing a meal has always been a cultural cornerstone that brings people together from all walks of life. KOEN in Japanese simply means, “A gathering place” where creating lasting memories with family, friends, and loved ones is built right into your table, literally!

KOEN is the only restaurant in Lincoln, NE where you can enjoy authentic Japanese BBQ flavors pre-marinated and brought to you plated and ready to grill to your liking. Every guest becomes a world-class chef with personal smoke-less grills built right into each table. Specially designed ventilation systems pull smoke away and vent completely outside, so you can relax in a clean and healthy atmosphere. And if family style grilling isn’t your goal, come in and relax with an Asian inspired cocktail, partake in daily happy hour specials, or order fresh-made sushi for dine in or carry out. Online ordering is also available.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Apr 25, 2025

Our waitress was not very attentive. We ordered a platter that was supposed to come with soup and cheesecake and she never brought the soup and we had to ask for our cheesecake. We also ordered jalapeño poppers, which she also forgot to bring, but remembered and they were delivered cold on the outside and lukewarm in the middle. Our bill was $135 before tax or tip, and the service did not meet my expectations for the amount of money we spent. The food quality was amazing though.

Pacific Eating House

4.7

4.7 (207)

$30 and under

Pacific Rim

West Omaha

About the restaurant

Pacific Eating house is a restaurant serving Pacific Rim inspired cusines. The place offers left coast wines, local beers, and tiki libations. The Eating House has comfortable furnishing and is the perfect setting for a casual yet classy dining experience. Pacific Eating House is currently open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Happy hour is daily from 3 to 5pm.

Some of the fan favorites include the Encinitas tacos, bibimbap, and the Pacific cod and chips. The restaurant serves scrumptious appetizers, sides, soups, salads, and desserts as well. Easy to get to, just a few minutes West of the I-680 Pacific exit.

Top review

S and SVIP

Dined 6 days ago

We loved Pacific Eating House. Can’t wait to visit again and try a new dish.

Cham Pang Lanes - Omaha

4.7

4.7 (44)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Omaha

About the restaurant

Time to ditch the ordinary and level up your night. Our duckpin bowling lanes are for those who know how to mix a little play with their cocktails. Sip on our signature drinks, show off your skills (or at least your style), and let the good times roll. Whether it’s date night, squad goals, or just a reason to strut your stuff—reserve your lane now before someone cooler does.

Top review

DestineeVIP

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

I love this place, the atmosphere is amazing. Whether you’re bowling or sitting at the bar…It’s always a vibe.

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Experience

Bowling Lanes Reservation [Thursday- Saturday]

Experience

Bowling Lanes Reservation [Sunday - Wednesday]

Blue Fork Kitchen

4.5

4.5 (317)

$30 and under

American

Hastings

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

LaVerne

Dined on Apr 20, 2025

The food was very good. The prime rib was heated to our liking! Some of the food was cool when we sat to eat it. Our waitress was freaking awesome!! I’d go back just for her! Overall, I’d go back!

Kona Grill - Omaha

3.6

3.6 (1471)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

West Omaha

About the restaurant

Welcome to Kona Grill Omaha, located in the Village Pointe Shopping Center.
Kona Grill is a classic American Grill with great steak and seafood - complemented by the best choice of sushi and margaritas at any grill in America. Kona Grill features a global menu of contemporary American favorites, award-winning sushi, and specialty craft cocktails in a polished, casual atmosphere. From brunch & lunch to dinner & happy hour, the restaurant offers a range of freshly prepared dishes from the grill, seasonal menu items and fan-favorite dishes across all dayparts. Kona Grill offers both indoor and outdoor patio dining at all its locations, $3, $6, $9 happy hour offered weekdays & NEW weekend brunch, guided by a passion for quality food and exceptional service.

Top review

Morgann

Dined 5 days ago

The food was amazing, the drinks were incredible, and our server grant was fantastic!! Definitely can’t wait to come back !!

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Taste of Kona: 3-Course Prix Fixe Menu

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