If you’re visiting Omaha for the College World Series, you’re in for more than just top-tier baseball. This Midwestern gem is home to an incredibly diverse and growing culinary scene—something many travelers discover only after they’ve arrived.
To help you make the most of your trip (and every meal), we teamed up with Dan Hoppen, host of the Restaurant Hoppen podcast and Omaha’s unofficial restaurant guru, to spotlight the best restaurants in Omaha, from upscale dining to epic street eats. Whether you’re grabbing a bite between games or planning a night out with fellow fans, these spots deliver on flavor, atmosphere, and local charm.
The Boiler Room – For Foodies & Fine Dining Fans
📍 Old Market District
Looking for one of the best restaurants in Omaha to celebrate a win (or recover from a tough loss)? The Boiler Room is a top-tier, one-of-a-kind experience. With menus that change each week and highlight seasonal, local ingredients, this Omaha staple presents some of the most creative and delicious plates in the city. Plus, if you sit on the top floor you can look down into the open kitchen, providing a front-row seat to culinary artistry.
“It’s the place I go for special occasions. The flavors, the creativity, the ambiance—everything is just next-level.” – Dan Hoppen
Led by James Beard finalist Tim Nicholson, this is your go-to for upscale dining in the heart of the Old Market.
Block 16 – Flavor Bombs on a Budget
📍 Downtown Omaha
If you’re craving something casual but unforgettable, head to Block 16. Known for mind-blowing sandwiches and burgers, this nationally recognized eatery combines fast-casual vibes with chef-driven flavor. In addition to a standard menu loaded with favorites, the Block 16 team creates a new special every day (they’ve come up with well over 10,000 in their 2012). Take one bite of the Poutine Burrito, which is stuffed with fries, gravy, cheese curds, and prime rib—and you’ll understand why Omaha loves Block 16.
“It’s fever-dream food, and it’s all made by James Beard-nominated chefs.” – Dan Hoppen
Dolomiti Pizzeria – The Best Pizza Near the Ballpark
📍 Millwork Commons (Steps from Charles Schwab Field)
If you need to get your pizza fix on during the College World Series, Dolomiti Pizzeria & Enoteca is cozy joint near the stadium that serves Neo-Neapolitan style pizza. These pies are light and airy with a pleasant chew, yet also sturdy and able to hold up on their own.
“The crust is everything. It’s like New York and Naples had a baby,” – Dan Hoppen
Dolomiti is perfect for families, groups, or anyone craving carbs near game day.
Clio – Mediterranean Done Right
📍 Old Market District
Clio brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to downtown Omaha with flame-roasted kebabs, fresh-baked pitas, and a dreamy space that will transport you straight out of Omaha.
Whether you’re dining in or grabbing something light before a night out, this new hot spot is a rising star in Omaha’s culinary scene.
Dirty Birds – Fried Chicken Perfected
📍 Near Downtown
Serving up the best fried chicken sandwiches in Omaha, Dirty Birds is a fun, no-frills spot that brings big flavor and a casual, lively vibe. Almost everything, from the buns to the pickles and hot sauce, is made in house, and the sandwiches are massive enough to quench any appetite.
It’s the kind of place where you can eat lunch or dinner or stop by for a few drinks and a good time.
Kitchen Table – Vegan-Friendly & Flavor-Forward
📍 Downtown Omaha
For a spot that’s just as accommodating as it is delicious, Kitchen Table is your go-to. Run by a husband-and-wife team, half the menu is fully vegan—yet everything on it is crafted from scratch and full of bold flavor.
Bonus: They were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, so you can feel assured it’s Food Network approved.
Yoshitomo – Sushi That Rivals Tokyo
📍 Benson Neighborhood
It might sound shocking, but you can find some of the best sushi in America right here in Omaha. Yoshitomo, led by two-time James Beard nominee David Utterback, is an absolute must for sushi lovers.
“This is destination dining. Even sushi chefs from Japan have invited him to serve in their restaurants.” – Dan Hoppen
Reservations recommended—this is a top-tier experience that’s worth the drive from downtown.
Dante – Italian, Wood-Fired & Wine-Fueled
📍 West Omaha
With Neapolitan-style pizza, housemade pastas, and a stellar wine list, Dante is worth the trip west of the stadium. The bartenders are pros, and the wood-fired dishes pack serious flavor. Whether you want an elite bowl of pasta, flavor-packed protein, or a delicious pizza, Dante will take you straight to Italy.
J’s Smokehouse – Barbecue with Bite
📍 Central Omaha
One expects great meat in Omaha, but there are more than steakhouses here. The barbecue scene is thriving, and J’s Smokehouse is near the top of the list. Smoked brisket, juicy ribs, and what Dan calls “Omaha’s best smash burger”—J’s Smokehouse brings bold barbecue to every plate.
Kinaara – Indian Cuisine That Converts Skeptics
📍 Midtown
Never tried Indian food? Start here. Kinaara balances vibrant spices, plant-based options, and unique dishes that even first-timers will love.
Sauced by Alfaro – A Hidden Gem with Heart
📍 Papillion
A local home cook turned restaurant owner, Sauced by Alfaro‘s chef/owner Michelle Alfaro crafts epic fried chicken sandwiches and fried shrimp tacos, all paired with her housemade sauces. Located next to Twisted Vine, it’s the perfect combo of craft food and drink.
Plan Your Culinary Tour While Visiting Omaha
From pizza by the stadium to James Beard-nominated chefs in cozy neighborhoods, Omaha restaurants are making a name for themselves nationally—and now’s your chance to taste what the buzz is about.
So whether you’re a lifelong foodie or just looking for the best places to eat in Omaha during the College World Series, this list has something for every craving, vibe, and budget.
For more local guides, fan tips, and CWS restaurant recommendations, check out Beyond the Ballpark: Hurrdat One’s Guide to Omaha.
