As 2024 comes to a close, Omaha’s culinary scene has proven to be nothing short of extraordinary, with trailblazing establishments like Dolomiti – Pizzeria & Enoteca, Memoir, Ooh Da Lalley, Clio, and Tiny’s Pizza Joint leaving an indelible mark on the city’s food landscape. Originally published nearly 12 months ago in January, this article has been continuously updated throughout the year to reflect the ever-evolving dining scene in Omaha. This year has been a testament to innovation and flavor, offering food lovers an unforgettable journey through some of the best new restaurants Omaha has to offer.
- Clio
- Dolomiti Pizzeria
- Memoir
- Ooh Da Lalley
- Ruhlman's Steakhouse
- Tiny's Pizza Joint
The Omaha Food Magazine, ever the culinary explorer, is poised to embark on a culinary odyssey through Omaha's 2024 restaurant landscape. This journey isn't just about discovering food; it's about uncovering stories, passions, and the relentless pursuit of flavor that drives the city's most innovative chefs and restaurateurs.
As new doors open and the aromas of uncharted kitchens waft through the city streets, we stand ready to seek out and celebrate these new havens of taste. These are not just eateries; they are the birthplaces of future classics, the incubators of culinary genius that will shape Omaha's food narrative.
So, what makes the best new restaurants in Omaha 2024? Let's define culinary excellence!
DOLOMITI PIZZERIA
Memoir
Now open in the Old Market, "Memoir" marks a new chapter in Omaha's culinary evolution, courtesy of the Flagship Restaurant Group's visionary trio: CEO Nick Hogan, President Tom Allisma, and COO Anthony Hitchcock. This team, celebrated for their culinary innovation and striking restaurant designs, has once again elevated the dining experience with Memoir, a testament to their ability to merge traditional grilling with modern flair. Nestled within the vibrant Brickline at The Mercantile, Memoir not only anchors the mixed-use development as a dining destination but also signals Omaha's ongoing transformation into a dynamic culinary hotspot.
With the Flagship Restaurant Group at the helm, known for their commitment to sustainability and boundary-pushing concepts like the elegant PYRO, Memoir is set to be a jewel in downtown Omaha, embodying the city's burgeoning renaissance in food culture and setting a new benchmark for dining excellence nationwide.
Trust us, it didn't take long for Memoir to be considered one of the best new restaurants Omaha 2024!
Ooh De Lally in Dundee
Ooh De Lally, a beacon of hope and culinary redemption in the historic Dundee neighborhood, opens its doors, offering a unique blend of fine dining and second chances. Born from the vision of harnessing the untapped potential of the formerly incarcerated, this establishment, taking over the old Marks restaurant space, partners with Metropolitan Community College's Institute for Culinary Arts to provide a comprehensive training program aimed at reintegrating individuals into the workforce.
With a focus on community support, skill development, and personal growth, Ooh De Lally not only promises an exceptional dining experience but also embodies a profound commitment to societal change, making it a testament to the transformative power of food, compassion, and collective effort.
Read our restaurant spotlight article about Ooh De Lally in Dundee.
Clio in Omaha's Old Market
Stepping into Clio, nestled in Omaha’s historic Old Market, feels like crossing into a sun-drenched Mediterranean haven. As Flagship Restaurant Group's latest jewel, Clio melds the rich traditions of the Mediterranean with modern sophistication. Designed by the acclaimed Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, the interior is a lush garden oasis, with natural textures, raw finishes, and a canopy of vines and flowers. It's a place where the Mediterranean's warmth and elegance blend seamlessly, offering an escape from the everyday.
The culinary offerings at Clio are nothing short of a journey through the Mediterranean. Under the expert guidance of Chief Culinary Officer Tony Gentile and James Beard nominee Benjamin Maides, the menu features housemade spreads like Hummus with roasted garlic and Muhammara with piquillo pepper, alongside mezze such as Merquez Sausage Stuffed Dates and Turkish Dumplings. Each dish is a celebration of vibrant, wholesome flavors, perfect for sharing and embodying the communal spirit of Mediterranean dining.
Clio’s beverage program further enhances the experience, with a wine list showcasing selections from Greece, Turkey, and beyond, and a cocktail menu infused with Mediterranean spirits and flavors. From Dirty Negronis to refreshing spritzes, every sip transports you to the coastal villages and fragrant herb gardens of the Mediterranean. Whether for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a lively happy hour, Clio promises an unforgettable culinary adventure right in the heart of Omaha.
Ruhlman's Steakhouse
When you step into Ruhlman's Steakhouse, nestled in the charming town of Ashland, Nebraska, it feels as though you've entered a sacred space devoted to the exquisite craft of steak preparation. Since its grand opening on July 31st, 2024, this venue has become a beacon for culinary enthusiasts. Michael Ruhlman, a culinary icon renowned for his meticulous approach to food, has masterfully created an environment where every detail is an homage to quality.
The interior exudes a rustic yet sophisticated charm, combining the warmth of a traditional steakhouse with modern elegance. The menu is a symphony of flavors, each dish meticulously curated to celebrate the finest ingredients. The steak, of course, is the star—each cut prepared with precision and served to perfection, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is simply unparalleled.
Sundays at Ruhlman's are particularly special, thanks to their fantastic brunch. Imagine leisurely mornings spent savoring decadent dishes while engaging in delightful conversation with friends. The impeccable service, led by the ever-charming Willy and Van, ensures that every visit feels personal and memorable.
A visit to Ruhlman's is not complete without exploring Ruhlman's Meat Market, where the same dedication to quality is evident in every product. This establishment is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey, a testament to Ruhlman's passion for food, and a new cornerstone of Ashland's dining scene. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Ruhlman's Steakhouse promises an unforgettable dining experience that honors the rich tradition of steakhouse excellence.
Tiny’s Pizza Joint
Sometimes, the most surprising additions to a "best of" list are also the most deserving. Tiny’s Pizza Joint, a vendor tucked inside the bustling Inner Rail Food Hall in Aksarben Village, may lack a brick-and-mortar presence, but it more than makes up for it with culinary craftsmanship. Founded by Sam Laughlin, a chef whose pedigree includes time at Omaha’s fine-dining powerhouse Au Courant, Tiny’s delivers New York-style pizza with the finesse and intentionality of a Michelin-starred kitchen.
Tiny’s pizza is a masterpiece in every bite, starting with its 24-hour fermented sourdough crust, which is hand-stretched, dusted with cornmeal, and baked to perfection in a deck oven. The result? A slice that’s crispy yet chewy, with just the right amount of structure to hold up its carefully selected toppings. And let’s not forget the finishing touch—each crust is brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with parmesan, making every slice end like a breadstick dream.
Fan favorites include the "Hot Girl," a spicy-sweet revelation of crispy pepperoni, hot honey, and red chili flakes, and the "Stacy," a white pie featuring whipped ricotta, fresh basil, and roasted garlic. But let’s not overlook the beauty of simplicity—the Plain Jane. Our editorial team loves this humble yet brilliant cheese pizza. Nothing fancy, just a fastball down the middle of the plate. It’s the perfect showcase of Tiny’s exceptional dough, tangy red sauce, and buttery Grande cheese working in perfect harmony.
Beyond pizza, Tiny’s also impresses with its nightly pasta offerings after 5 PM, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Laughlin’s leap from fine dining to pizza might seem unexpected, but his background shines through in every detail of his craft. Tiny’s elevates pizza from comfort food to culinary art, proving that great food doesn’t need silver platters or fancy tablecloths—it just needs heart, passion, and an oven.
Whether you're grabbing a slice during lunch or settling in for pasta after 5 PM, Tiny’s Pizza Joint is redefining what it means to serve some of the best food in Omaha.
Oh...and those little chocolate mousse cups? Don’t get us started.
Defining Culinary Excellence
In the vibrant culinary landscape of Omaha, extending from the heart of downtown to Papillion, Ralston, Bellevue, Gretna, Elkhorn, Bennington, Fremont, and beyond.
What elevates a new restaurant in Omaha to the esteemed status of 'the best'? It's a symphony of elements, each playing its vital part. Firstly, it's about innovation and daring – a willingness to push culinary boundaries or to reinvent classic flavors with a contemporary twist. Then, there's the commitment to quality – from farm-fresh ingredients to impeccable service, each detail is a stitch in the tapestry of the dining experience.
A great new restaurant understands its community, reflecting the local palate while also challenging it to explore new tastes. It's not just about the food on the plate; it's about the story behind it – the passion, the heritage, the relentless pursuit of culinary perfection. These restaurants create more than just meals; they craft experiences that linger in the memory, long after the last bite has been savored. As we scout the Omaha metro area, we seek these culinary beacons – the restaurants that don't just feed us but inspire us, that don't just meet expectations but redefine them. Think Modern Love, Au Courant, Block 16, Porky Butts BBQ, Yoshitomo, Sauced by Alfaro, Semo Pasta + Wine and others that laid the groundwork in the past.
We invite you to join us on this culinary journey, to savor each bite and story, as we compile a living list of the best new restaurants in Omaha 2024 – a list that promises to be as dynamic and diverse as the city's ever-evolving tastes.
Until then, be sure to review our list of the best new restaurants in Omaha 2023, too!
