Savor Lincoln:A Guide to the City’s Best Eats

by Sriyani Tidball

Lincoln’s dining scene is as diverse as the people who call the Capital City home. From Nebraska-raised steaks to Caribbean spice, Pan-Asian flavors, Mediterranean street eats, and authentic Mexican dishes, you can travel the globe without leaving town. Whether you’re looking for a cozy café, a lively sports bar, a white-tablecloth evening, or that tucked-away neighborhood gem, Lincoln has you covered.

This guide features some of the city’s most beloved spots; local icons, hidden favorites, and new arrivals alike. It’s by no means exhaustive, but it offers a taste of the culinary variety that makes Lincoln one of the Midwest’s best-kept dining secrets.

Italian Favorites

Lincoln has no shortage of Italian tradition, and locals are spoiled for choice.

•   For an upscale, fine-dining, evening you will never forget, Casa Bovina (4841 N. 84th Street) pairs Certified Piedmontese beef with fine Italian cuisine and wines worth lingering over. Reservations required.

•   Florio’s Italian Restaurant & Grille (7300 S. 13th Street) offers hearty, made-from-scratch meals alongside a standout wine list.

•   Vincenzo’s Ristorante (808 P Street)
anchors the Haymarket with timeless Italian dishes, an extensive wine list, and a reputation for impeccable service.

•   In northeast Lincoln, Villa Amore (5353 N. 27th Street) serves handmade pasta in a warm, family-run setting.

•   Napoli’s (locations on S. 48th and Q Street) is another go-to for scratch-made entrées, don’t miss the Shrimp Scallopini.

•   MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante (7701 Pioneers Blvd.) blends Neapolitan-style pizza with a farm-to-table approach, wood-fired entrées, and specialty cocktails.

•   Pizza lovers flock to Yia Yia’s (O Street and S. 70th Street) for its legendary “Around the World” pies and unmatched beer selection; more than
375 varieties.

•   Vic’s Pizza (8340 Glynoaks Drive) is one of Lincoln’s newer pizzerias, introducing a “Nebraska-style” twist.

•   For nearly 50 years, Da Vinci’s has been delivering quality pizza, pasta, and sandwiches across the city.

•   And no list would be complete without
Valentino’s Ristorante (3535 Holdrege Street), a local institution since 1957, still serving classics like Val & Zena’s Lasagna, delicious pizzas and hosting a popular Sunday brunch buffet.

Local Icons

Some restaurants define Lincoln’s dining culture, places locals recommend again and again.

•   Billy’s (1301 H Street), set in a historic home, combines elegant atmosphere with chef Nadar Farahbod’s refined menu, including steaks, seafood and other delicious fare.

•   Misty’s (locations in Havelock and downtown), around since 1963, remains synonymous with Nebraska beef, though seafood and vegetarian options shine too.

•   Since 1992, The Green Gateau (330 S. 10th Street) has charmed diners with incredible European-American fare, mouth-watering seasonal menus, and desserts like the famous Green Gateau cake.

•   Fireworks Restaurant (5750 S. 86th Street) celebrates wood-fired cooking in a striking, eco-friendly building.

•   Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill (Haymarket and Old Cheney Road) is a Lincoln classic, known for scratch-made meals paired with Empyrean Ales.

•   Wilderness Ridge Lodge (1800 Wilderness Woods Place) transports you to a Montana mountain lodge, offering fine dining in a spectacular setting.

•   The Dish (1100 O Street) has been downtown’s upscale favorite for three decades, led by James Beard Award–nominated chef Rachel McGill.

•   JTK Cuisine & Cocktails (201 N. 7th Street), located in the historic train station, delivers contemporary American cuisine in a striking setting.

•   The Venue (4111 Pioneer Woods Drive) and its sister spot, Piedmont Bistro (1265 S. Cotner Blvd.), focus on scratch-made dishes with Nebraska farm-to-table flair.

•   L’s Kitchen (2785 S. 17th Street) puts a continental spin on American comfort food—don’t miss the scallops if they’re on the menu.

•   Well & Good (at The Scarlet Hotel) refines homestyle cooking with a modern twist.

•   Newcomer Fleetwood (801 O Street) is a modern American grill offering breakfast, dinner, and late-night bites.

•   Just up the street, Leadbelly (301 N. 8th Street) has won fans with inventive burgers like the Raspberry Beret.

•   Hub Café (250 N. 21st Street) connects diners directly with local producers, serving fresh, seasonal fare for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.

•   Burger lovers swear by Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom (multiple locations), where creative patties and weekly specials keep things fresh.

•   For Southern-style comfort, Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen (2110 Winthrop Road) delivers smothered pork chops and Nashville-style hot chicken.

•   And for a unique experience, The Course Restaurant (8800 O Street), run by Southeast Community College’s culinary students, offers excellent meals at unbeatable value.

•   Aragon Tavern, located downtown, across the street from the Lied Center, is an elevated, laid-back eatery featuring amazing burgers, steaks and fries.

Asian Flavors

Lincoln’s Asian restaurants bring a world of flavor.

•   The Oven (Haymarket and Pioneer Woods) is a must for authentic Indian cuisine and an acclaimed wine cellar. Downstairs, The Cellar provides a cozy, intimate alternative.

•   Blue Orchid (129 N. 10th Street) serves delicious Thai fusion with flair, while the casual High Peak Asian Restaurant (2840 S. 70th) specializes in Burmese and Thai dishes.

•   For Vietnamese, Pho & Grill (84th Street) and Pho Factory (26th Street) offer hearty soups, fresh rolls, and banh mi.

•   Ms. Chen 56 (5601 S. 56th Street) reintroduces American Chinese classics like Sweet & Sour Shrimp and Moo Goo Gai Pan.

•   For Japanese, Hiro 88, Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Oishii Japanese Steakhouse, and Kinja all deliver sushi and fine dining experiences.

•   Asian Fusion (Jamie Lane) rounds out the scene with modern pan-Asian fare and an all-you-can-eat sushi Sunday.

Mediterranean & Middle Eastern

For shawarma, gyros, and falafel, Lincoln has plenty of casual favorites.

•   Sultan’s Kite (downtown and Pine Lake) is a fast favorite for Mediterranean street food.

•   Ali Baba Gyros (14th Street) and George’s Gourmet Grill (A Street, O Street, and Pine Lake) are also reliable go-tos.

•   Daffodil Mediterranean Cuisine & Catering (Old Cheney Road), run by Narges Montazer, offers home-style dining where you can sample dishes before ordering.

•   Pita & Naan (1434 O Street) combines Mediterranean favorites with Eastern curries in a fast-casual format.

Mexican Musts

From upscale to casual, Lincoln’s Mexican food scene is thriving.

•   Copal Progressive Mexican Cuisine (Pioneers Blvd.) elevates tradition with modern flair and an impressive tequila selection.

•   El Potrero (Haymarket and Village Drive) has been family-run for decades and still delivers awesome, authentic flavors and killer margaritas.

•   Tico’s (S. 17th Street), open since 1976, remains famous for its guacamole and blue margaritas.

•   Muchachos (11th Street + food truck) adds BBQ fusion to the mix with favorites like Hatch Mac.

•   El Toro (S. 48th Street) and the family’s other ventures—Mazatlán, Agave, Los Margaritas—are local staples for authentic fare.

•   Hacienda Real (Pine Lake Road) is known for its poblano enchiladas and vegetarian-friendly options.

•   Mi Tierra Family Mexican Restaurant (Old Cheney & Northwoods) brings festive décor, murals, and garlic shrimp that keep people coming back.

Other Flavors to Try

•   Canyon Joe’s Barbecue (Telegraph District) is a newcomer already winning raves for Texas-style BBQ.

•   Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar (Pioneer Woods) specializes in New American dishes with excellent wine pairings.

•   Art & Soul Kitchen & Wine Bar (Hidcote Drive) offers live music, craft cocktails, and comforting dishes like tomato basil soup, available to take home by the quart.

Final Bite

From classic steakhouses to global flavors, Lincoln’s restaurants reflect both Midwest roots and growing diversity. Whether you’re chasing the perfect slice of pizza, craving spice from afar, or celebrating with a glass of wine and a fine steak, there’s always something new to discover. And in Lincoln, favorites don’t have to be limited to one, so go ahead, explore, and savor it all.