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The Oven - Downtown, Lincoln, NE
The Oven - Downtown, Lincoln, NE
The Oven - Downtown, Lincoln, NE
The Oven - Downtown, Lincoln, NE
The Oven - Downtown, Lincoln, NE

The Oven - Downtown

4.6
4.6
446 Reviews
$30 and under
Indian
The first Oven Restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Lincoln, has been around since 1988 and owned/operated by a dedicated family of chefs who have been creating Indian cuisine for over twenty seven years. The Oven Restaurants specialize in Northern Indian Cuisine which is known for its rich colors, flavor profiles and a unique style of cooking in a clay oven, called the Tandoor. Chicken, shrimp and lamb marinate for several hours in a yogurt and spice mixture and placed on skewers while various breads are being hand made by our chefs fresh each day. The skewers and breads are then placed in the tandoor over an open flame where breads are cooked to perfection and the rich flavors are sealed in to ensure tenderness and quality of the meat. Whether you enjoy the historic Haymarket atmosphere to the relaxed vibe of the Cellar, we have what you want!

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Indian, Wine Bar, Asian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch: Monday - Saturday: 11:30am - 2:00pm Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 9:30pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:30pm
  • Phone number
    (402) 475-6118
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Ngawang Rinchen
  • Neighborhood
    Lincoln
  • Cross street
    P Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wine

What 446 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Nebraska

    Best Value

  • Nebraska

    Healthy

  • Lincoln

    Best Overall

  • Lincoln

    Best Food

  • Lincoln

    Best Ambiance

  • Lincoln

    Best Value

  • Lincoln

    Good for business meals

  • Lincoln

    Good for groups

  • Lincoln

    Healthy

  • Lincoln

    Hot spot

  • Lincoln

    Great for fine wines

  • Lincoln

    Romantic

  • Lincoln

    Most Booked

446 Reviews
  1. WillR

    Omaha

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was excellent - as usual. We love it! The wait staff was great and the food wonderful.

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  2. CK6NE

    St. Louis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the food and environment, a great experience!

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  3. NeilT

    Denver

    6 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience5
    Our soup was cold, our tea was never served, and my fish Tikka was okay. Service was slow.

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  4. Dutchman

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Good food. Large menu with lots of choices. Good Naan

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and Emily was fantastic as usual for the wait staff

    Is this helpful?

  6. RCC1

    Yorkshire

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    The restaurant atmosphere and food were quite good overall, but the service was disappointing. I rated the service is fair, but that was very generous. I was entertaining out of town guests who I was hoping to impress with what many consider to be excellent Indian food. Unfortunately, our server was too busy talking to other people (not staff or customers) or playing on his phone. what I recommend The Oven-Downtown? Hmm, I don't know.

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  7. KatieJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is always great, and the location makes it the perfect place to meet for lunch.

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  8. Eisled

    Omaha

    6 reviews

    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall2food4service2ambience2
    In my experience, restaurant service has declined in the past years. Based on our last experience, add the The Oven to the list of restaurants with declining service. This is very sad to me as The Oven was one of our favorite restaurants in downtown Lincoln. To start, we made a reservation for 5 people and it was mentioned that it was for a special occasion, which never was acknowledged. Here is the list… - We arrived and our table was not ready, so we used this time to ask for couple drinks at the bar -a second host asked us if we were helped… as we assumed yes… but she looked confused… she checked again on our reservation (keep in mind this was already after the time of our reservation & we we ready to order a 2nd round of drinks, but never was asked). The host came back to let us know they were working on our table. Hmmm…they didn’t prepare for us even though we had a reservation. - Several minutes later our table was ready… it was a four person table with a folding chair at the end for our fifth guest?! Which was located just next to a utility cart full of Wine Boxes… it was great to give us the warehouse/basement ambience -sever was polite… but didn’t ask if we wanted drinks… and went MIA for a long periods of time -when we finally had the opportunity to ask for a second drink… we were served a bottle of warm beer… -meanwhile at other tables the bartender kept checking the drinks…that was not our case. We were effectively ghosted. Maybe because we were so close to the the stack of wine boxes on the cart? Maybe we we supposed to serve ourselves? The food was excellent as usual… but I would have had better service by getting my meal to-go and eat it at home - better seating and cold drinks… Overall the service was not as we have previously experience at the Oven. Per observation the staff was overworked, running up and down stairs serving both floors, working the bar and tables. Mixed drinks sat idle at the bar for long times, waiting to be picked up and

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  9. wiwi

    Omaha

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Despite some of the past negative reviews, our food was tasty, hot, spice levels as requested, and served within a reasonable time. One appetizer was late coming out… but overall, we were satisfied.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Emily was an outstanding server! She recommended exactly what we wanted!

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Heard a lot of good things about this place. It definitely lived up to the hype. We will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  12. Sylvia

    Denver

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food, nice atmosphere, a favorite of ours

    Is this helpful?

  13. AndrewV

    Calgary

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience4
    We sat outside. Food was good for the most part, but the tandoori chicken was dry. Lamb curry was excellent. Service was horrible. Never got part of our order, waited forever on each thing, barely saw our server. Very disappointing.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If anyone rated anything below 5 stars, they have terrible taste and have no idea what they’re talking about.

    Is this helpful?

  15. MichallaS

    Tampa

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    As always, the food was top notch. However, our reservation requesting a specific seating location for an anniversary was disregarded. This was the second time we had requested seating choice and been disregarded. While the restaurant itself is outstanding, this was disappointing.

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  16. 1China

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall2food4service4ambience1
    Had reservations. Were seated in the basement where it was stuffy and so loud we literally could not hear the person sitting closest. Ruined what would have otherwise been a great experience.

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  17. JodiMontana

    Montana

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    My husband and I tried the Thali sample plate which was a fun experience of different dishes to sample - it was quite delicious. But the server couldn't tell us what each dish in the sampler was. At some point our server got busy and it took a while to get her attention back for drink refills. Overall it was a pleasant experience and I would not hesitate to return.

    Is this helpful?

  18. LindaR

    Phoenix

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    As usual, a wonderful evening....service was excellent, dinners delicious , wine outstanding,and always enjoy our time with friends at the Oven

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  19. ChristinA

    Omaha

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time trying Indian food, and we are hooked! We weren't sure what we would like, so in order to get a broad sampling of everthing, we got the half mixed appetizer and the non vegetarian thali. We both enjoyed every bit of it! I'm a wimp when it comes to hot/spicy, but there was only one thing on the thali plate that was just too spicy for me. Looking forward to visiting again soon and continuing to try new things!

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  20. TinaG

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    If you're looking for great Indian food, this is the spot!!!

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  21. LoriR

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience1
    Unfortunately, the service wasn't great. We were treated like an inconvenience and not worth our server's time.

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  22. BethI

    Philadelphia

    27 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Food is just ok. I’ve eaten a lot of this type of cuisine all over the country and this just didn’t measure up. Good amount of selections on menu and nice atmosphere but food just not too good. Would not recommend

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  23. QueenMo

    Omaha

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Oven is my sons fav place to come when he visits from AZ. The staff was fantastic and attentive and the food delicious!!

    Is this helpful?

  24. HungryJ

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience4
    I've been eating here for almost 20 years, and it's always so consistent! However, there were a few of our go-to dishes that seemed like the recipe had changed. The Malai Kafta was definitely different than nearly every other time we've ordered it. Our server was new, but friendly. Not as polished as some we've had in the past.

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  25. ToddD

    Omaha

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience as always. Kayleigh gave us great service.

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  26. LindaR

    Phoenix

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    One of our favorites in Lincoln ...always enjoy the food and always our favorite bottle oe Seghesio Zinfandel.

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  27. SarahDillon

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 12, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience5
    The service was just okay (forgot a few items here & there), and the main dishes were quite bland. The samosas and the Green cocktail were pretty unique. I would go back again for those items.

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  28. MollyN

    Unspecified

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely delicious meals and friendly, efficient service. We've enjoyed The Oven for 35 years! It's the best.

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  29. NickD

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Excellent food and very good service at a resonable cost. Overall it was a great dining experience snd we will go back!

    Is this helpful?

  30. MaryF

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Oven never disappoints; the staff is friendly, knowledgable, and efficient. Every dish we ordered was exceptional.

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  31. Den1

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Our food was lukewarm, finally received it. Our waiter was less than friendly.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic City

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    The food was tasty. Only issue was it was luke warm. It was tasty however could have been a lot hotter in temperature. Service was attentive. Also they do not offer Veterans Discount.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Ashley

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service, every time! Wine selection is unbeatable!

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  34. AndyK

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience2
    We had a group of 6 for a birthday dinner. Our waiter, Sam, was pushy and rude. The food and drinks were great, but the treatment from our waiter really ruined the experience. We will visit again but will demand a different waiter for sure.

    Is this helpful?

  35. CA009

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great food and good service for how busy they were. Our waiter Sam was great. Also the managers were very responsive for us.

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  36. zachami

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    They were busy because of a concert and graduation but our service was quick and the food was delicious as usual. We love The Oven!

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  37. WilliamW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great meal with family. All the dishes were excellent

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  38. KWOne9

    Omaha

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been to many Indian restaurants in the U.S. and in Europe and the Oven compares to the best. Our recent visit did not disappoint. The food, the service, the ambiance and the price were all well worth the experience. We had Chicken Moglai, Vegetable Madras, and Mulligatawny soup with the meals, as well as Onion Kulcha. Strongly recommended.

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  39. Trista

    Omaha

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Oven is always fantastic. Good and service are unmatched in the area. I highly recommend.

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  40. BenC

    Austin

    8 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience1
    Service was incredibly slow. Very loud atmosphere with drunk Gen Y’ers talking loudly

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FAQs

The Oven - Downtown is rated 4.6 stars by 446 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 times today
Google Map for The Oven - Downtown

201 N. 8th St., Lincoln, NE 68508

Additional information

  • Cross street
    P Street
  • Neighborhood
    Lincoln
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch: Monday - Saturday: 11:30am - 2:00pm Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 9:30pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:30pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Indian, Wine Bar, Asian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ngawang Rinchen
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wine
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