The best new restaurant in Omaha 2023 edition is ever evolving, and 2023 has seen a flurry of exciting new dining establishments popping up across the city. From Southern comfort to Mexican street food, the latest additions to Omaha’s food scene offer a diverse range of flavors and experiences that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. In the spirit of the late Anthony Bourdain, we embark on a gastronomic journey to explore some of the freshest and most innovative restaurants that have graced Omaha with their restaurant openings in 2023.
Without further ado here is our list of the best new restaurants in Omaha 2023 edition.
Semo Pasta + Wine
Although not technically located in Omaha, it would be a culinary sin to not include them on this year’s list. Semo Pasta + Wine, nestled in Fremont, Nebraska, is redefining small-town dining with its exceptional cuisine. Under the guidance of Chef Drew Statz, previously known for his culinary prowess at restaurants like Monarch and Dante in Omaha, Semo delivers a gastronomic journey through European-inspired Nebraska cuisine.
The menu boasts unique dishes like blood sausage on polenta and homemade pate on the cheese plate, showcasing a commitment to excellence. Seafood lovers will relish the Alaskan halibut, while pasta aficionados can savor homemade creations like mafaldine and bolognese. Semo’s connection to the local community and dedication to sourcing ingredients locally enriches the dining experience. With an evolving menu and innovative events, Semo Pasta + Wine has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination, epitomizing good food, good service, and good wine in Fremont, Nebraska.
Our list of the best new restaurants in Omaha also includes not one but two pizza joints. Let’s explore NYC flavors in the Omaha metro area.
Image Credit: Semo Pasta + Wine
Williamsburg Pizza
Williamsburg Pizza, a New York City pizza institution, has found a new home in Omaha. Located at 16869 Audrey Plaza Suite 200, this pizzeria brings a slice of the Big Apple to the heart of the Midwest. Co-founded by Omaha native Aaron McCann and renowned chef Nino Coniglio, Williamsburg Pizza has already become a local favorite since its May 30th opening.
The pizza here is a delightful fusion of New York style with a unique twist. From Brooklyn-style thin crust to grandma-style pies with an extra crispy edge, Williamsburg Pizza offers a diverse range of options that cater to all pizza preferences. The cup-and-char pepperoni on the grandma-style crust and the rich combination of cheeses on the Sophia Loren pizza are just a glimpse of the culinary delights awaiting you. Add in some super buttery garlic knots, meatballs, and a warm, inviting NYC like atmosphere, and you have a pizza experience that rivals the best in the city.
If you’re considering dining in, please be aware that seating is limited with just a few tables available. To ensure a smooth experience, it’s recommended to order in advance or order online!
Salted Edge in Waterloo
Nestled along the tranquil West Shores Lake in Omaha, The Salted Edge is a culinary haven that transcends the ordinary dining experience. Led by Chef Joel Hassanali, whose culinary journey spans the globe, this lakeside gem combines picturesque surroundings with exquisite cuisine.
With a diverse menu boasting starters like Bison Filet Sliders and Lobster Bisque, soups and salads featuring modern twists, and a range of delectable entrees like Plum Creek Chicken and Dry-aged Prime Ribeye, The Salted Edge promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
Craft cocktails like the “Over the EDGE Manhattan” add a touch of creativity to your visit. This restaurant is a must-visit for those in search of fine dining that goes beyond the meal, offering a unique culinary odyssey by the lake.
Image Credit: The Salted Edge
Lyle’s Pizzeria
A recent addition to the midtown Omaha dining scene, Lyle’s Pizzeria, located at 5213 Leavenworth Street, has quickly become a local favorite. This locally owned pizzeria and wine bar, which opened its doors in April, focuses on the simplicity of fresh ingredients and boasts an impressive wine selection. The hand-stretched sourdough pizzas, small plates, craft cocktails, and cozy ambiance make Lyle’s Pizzeria a Dundee neighborhood gem.
One of the newest additions to Lyle’s pizza lineup is their Winter Vegetable pizza! This dish replaces burrata with seasonal roasted veggies, tomato sauce, and ricotta cream!
Lyle’s Pizzeria, in the heart of the Elmwood neighborhood, offers a dining experience that combines warmth and flavor, making it a must-visit spot for Omaha food enthusiasts.
Image Credit: Lyle’s Pizzeria
Fig.
Fig., located at 345 Riverfront Drive, is a new café in Omaha brought to you by the team behind Lola’s in Dundee. While Lola’s has made its mark with high-quality ingredients and sustainable sourcing, Fig. takes a different culinary approach. Serving well-executed breakfast, lunch, and happy hour menus, Fig. also offers bakery items like sourdough bread and pastries.
One unique feature of Fig. is its creative partnership with the Kiewit Luminarium. The restaurant explores science and culture through food, offering weekly adults-only nights where visitors can enjoy exhibits and educational programs focused on food and drink. Fig. is a versatile dining destination that combines culinary excellence with a commitment to exploration.
Image Credit: Visit Omaha
Isla Del Mar West
Isla Del Mar, although not a newcomer in 2023, continues to be a standout in Omaha’s culinary landscape. Founded by Ismara Gonzalez, this Mexican restaurant ventured into new territory with its West location near 132nd and Center in a former Aldi’s grocery store space, allowing even more Omahans to savor one of the city’s most unique dining experiences.
Isla Del Mar’s distinctive focus on seafood, combined with some of the best sushi in Omaha and fantastic happy hour offerings, sets it apart from the crowd. The name “Isla del Mar,” translating to “Island of the Sea,” reflects its dedication to bringing the coastal flavors of Mexico to the heart of Nebraska.
With over 6,000 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, seafood holds a significant place in Mexican cuisine, and Gonzalez aims to introduce this often-overlooked aspect to Omaha diners.
Alongside classic Mexican dishes, Isla Del Mar also features sushi, adding a delightful twist to the menu. Gonzalez takes a hands-on approach to her business, from sourcing the freshest ingredients to managing the team and ensuring exceptional service. The restaurant fosters a welcoming and team-oriented atmosphere, making it a delightful dining destination for those seeking a taste of Mexico’s coastal treasures in Omaha.
Backyard Elotes
Backyard Elotes, located at 16827 Q Street, is a new Mexican street food haven in Omaha. Specializing in elotes, the classic Mexican street food of corn on the cob, Backyard Elotes elevates this simple dish to new heights. Traditional elotes are cooked and slathered in a mayo cream sauce, garnished with chili powder, Cotija cheese, and lime. But Backyard Elotes takes it a step further, allowing customers to customize their elotes with a variety of sauces and toppings.
In addition to classic elotes, Backyard Elotes offers elote nachos and elote cups, each brimming with bold flavors. The restaurant’s commitment to providing a range of options ensures that every visit is a unique and flavorful experience. Add in the Mexican Coke and a Picante Party hot sauce station, and you have a fiesta of flavors waiting to be savored.
Image Credit: Backyard Elotes
Goose 120
Goose 120, located at 12051 Blondo Street, opened its doors at the beginning of the year and has quickly become a favorite Italian restaurant in Omaha. Owned by Restaurants Inc., known for its other popular Omaha eateries, Goose 120 offers an extensive menu filled with small plates, flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts.
Highlights from the menu include prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, the Thundergoose salad, garlic butter burger, and lobster gnocchi. Goose 120 also boasts daily happy hour specials, making it an ideal spot for those looking to unwind with discounted drinks and shareable appetizers.
Image Credit: Goose 120
Kamp Blackstone
Kamp is a foodie’s paradise, located in the trendy Blackstone District. This unique food hall takes dining to the next level by offering three distinct concepts, all under one culinary team. Led by Kristina Lee, the flavor-creating genius behind the wildly successful pop-up Nice Rollz, Kamp is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored.
Inside Kamp, you’ll find:
Single Double
This stand serves an amazing burger, but it’s in the conversation for the best in Omaha. With two crusty smash patties, gooey American cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy, creamy house sauce, it’s a sloppy, beautiful mess of a burger.
AngelWingz
Prepare to be amazed by the colossal wings at AngelWingz. Hand-breaded for extra crispiness, these wings are paired with unique sauces like Not Tso Nice and Taki Elote to satisfy your cravings for both sweet and spicy flavors.
Nice Rollz
Nice Rollz embodies the American dream of restaurateurs. It all started with Kristina Lee selling egg rolls from her apartment during COVID, which quickly gained popularity. Moving from a coffee house kitchen to Kamp in the Blackstone district allowed her culinary talents to shine. Her monthly Burger Night event serves Omaha’s most unique and arguably best burger, a fusion of flavors that surprises and delights with its inventive brilliance, making it one of Omaha’s top burger destinations.
Los Rollies
Welcome to Los Rollies, the latest addition to Kamp Blackstone! Los Rollies is now officially open and ready to roll at Kamp. Discover a tempting array of 15 different taquito combinations, featuring options like barbacoa, ground beef, chicken, potato, and bean fillings. Don’t miss out on our mouthwatering street food-style sides, including corn in a cup, guacamole, queso, and cheesy bean dip. It’s time to roll into flavor at Los Rollies.
It’s a Community
While Kamp Blackstone doesn’t fit the traditional restaurant category, its significant influence on the Omaha food scene couldn’t be overlooked in this year’s selection of the best new restaurants in Omaha.
Lemon Tree Cafe in Ralston
Lemon Tree Cafe is an old-school diner with a playful twist, located at near Main Street in downtown Ralston. Founded by sisters Meghan McLarney and Jennifer Maguire, this charming eatery combines the whimsy of Gravy Train with classic recipes from Lisa’s Radial Cafe. The result is a delightful space in downtown Ralston that has captured the hearts of locals.
At Lemon Tree Cafe, you can enjoy classic diner dishes like bacon and eggs or pancakes with a creative twist. Try the Jalapeno Popper Stuffed French Toast or pancakes with bacon, ham, and cheddar cooked inside for a truly unique breakfast experience. The friendly service and cozy 1940s cafe atmosphere make it a welcoming spot for breakfast and brunch enthusiasts.
Image Credit: Lemon Tree Cafe
Clean Slate Food Co. in Millwork Commons
Clean Slate Food Co., located in the popular Millwork Commons District, is the perfect lunch spot for those seeking simplicity, convenience, cleanliness, and above all, deliciousness. Most of the plates coming out of this kitchen are lower in fat and calories but don’t skimp on flavor.
From breakfast sandwiches to vibrant salads and an excellent pork loin sandwich, Clean Slate Food Co. offers a range of options that satisfy your taste buds while keeping you productive throughout the day. Additionally, their grab-and-go meals provide a convenient way to enjoy their wholesome offerings on the go.
Image Credit: Clean Slate Food Co.
Mexitli Restaurant on Harney Street
Mexitli Restaurant, located at 1620 Harney Street, has long been known for serving some of Omaha’s best tacos from its food truck. However, owner Alberto Cardenas took a leap of faith and expanded his culinary empire by opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant this spring.
The additional space at Mexitli Restaurant allows for an expanded menu that goes beyond tacos and tortas. Dive into excellent birria tacos with a rich, complex consommé, savor Mexican hot dogs wrapped in bacon, and indulge in chicken enchiladas that rival any in town. While food trucks have their charm, enjoying Mexitli’s creations in a cozy, friendly space takes the experience to a whole new level.
Mexitli has closed their food truck in an effort to focus on the continued expansion and success of their brick-and-mortar restaurant.
Circo Omaha
Circo Omaha, where dining becomes a spectacle, offers a celebration of culinary artistry with a constantly evolving chef-driven, Italian-inspired menu. Executive Chef Dave Smyrk combines tradition and innovation to craft dishes like homemade pasta and braised pork shanks that tell stories on a plate. The menu is a symphony of flavors, featuring authentic and innovative dishes, complemented by hand-crafted cocktails and a curated wine list designed to elevate your dining experience. Meet the ringmasters of Circo’s team, ensuring each visit is memorable. Located at 19102 Q Street, Circo promises an unforgettable culinary journey that tantalizes all senses. Join Circo Omaha, where every meal is a performance, and every guest is a part of the show.
Although Circo Omaha just opened, we knew they had to be on this year’s list of the best new restaurants in Omaha.
Image Credit: Circo Omaha
Culinary Diversity and Innovation
Omaha’s dining scene in 2023 showcases the city’s culinary diversity and innovation. From Mediterranean-inspired delights to New York-style pizzas and seafood wonders, this year’s list offers something for everyone to savor. These are the best new restaurants in Omaha 2023 edition, each with their unique flavors, make Omaha a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Whether you’re a local or a curious traveler, be sure to explore these new culinary hotspots that have redefined dining in Omaha in 2023. Bon appétit!
