Omaha has a variety of fine dining restaurants that make date night a cinch. If you’re looking for a new romantic Omaha restaurant to try, this list is a good start!
Update: This post was first published in 2019 and has been updated in December 2020 to reflect closure of The Grey Plume.
I’ve divided the list into distinct regions of Omaha: Downtown/Old Market; Midtown Omaha; West Omaha; and North Omaha. Am I missing a good one? Leave a comment and let me know!
Table of Contents
Downtown Omaha & Old Market restaurants that should be on your radar
La Buvette Wine & Grocery – This is quite possibly the most charming Old Market restaurant ever. The look and feel is French bistro, with wine bottles lining the wall and small wooden tables crowding the room and patio.
Definitely make an effort to snag a patio table, then just order a bottle of wine, a meat and cheese tray and watch the world pass by. Address: 511 S. 11th St. website
Lo Sole Mio – Away from the bustle of the Old Market, you’ll find this Italian restaurant hidden away in a neighborhood near Hanscom Park. They don’t accept reservations so expect a wait, but I promise it’s worth it. This was one of my first dates with my now-husband.
By the way…go hungry! You get your money’s worth here, and then some leftovers. Address: 3001 S. 32nd Ave. website
Nicola’s Italian Wine & Faire – This small Italian restaurant has a beautiful outdoor seating area that I highly recommend. Imagine fresh food served while seated under strung lights that twinkle. A fence helps make the busy street feel a world away. Address: 521 S. 13th St. website
The Boiler Room – For me, The Boiler Room is the ultimate splurge for a night out. It’s the perfect blend of craft cocktails, expertly prepared American cuisine, and a chic setting. Address: 1110 Jones St. website
V. Mertz – My introduction to V. Mertz, tucked in the uber romantic Passageway, was during a tasting event for bloggers. I returned a few months later with my husband for an anniversary meal. This is the archetype of romantic Omaha restaurants.
Both times, the intimate setting was unparalleled – and the food was delicious. If it’s in your budget, get the tasting menu. Address: 1022 Howard St. website
Midtown Omaha restaurants you shouldn’t skip
Au Courant Regional Kitchen – Benson is one of my favorite neighborhoods and its Maple Street corridor is one of my favorite roads to stroll. Au Courant is arguably one of the best restaurants in the city, so if you want a date night option to impress, make a reservation.
I went with friends and we all opted for the chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings. It was a superb menu. Address: 6064 Maple St. website
Avoli Ostera – This is the lone restaurant on the list that I haven’t been to, but it’s included because its reputation is so solid. This Dundee neighborhood restaurant is designed to impress. The seasonal menu is focused on northern Italian dishes. Address: 5013 Underwood Ave. website
Dario’s Brasserie – This Dundee staple is a favorite go-to restaurant that doesn’t feel overly fancy, but still makes a romantic night out. It feels like a European bistro, with the best Belgian beer menu you can imagine.
It’s not a pretentious place, and if you go, be sure to get the frites with your meal. They are quite possibly the best french fries in the city. Address: 4920 Underwood Ave. website
West Omaha restaurants to add to your list
Brother Sebastian’s – Dim lighting and fireplaces at Brother Sebastian’s sets the mood for a special night out. For a steakhouse aiming for a California monastery feel, it is surprisingly cozy and romantic. Address: 1350 S. 119th St. website
Dante Pizzeria Napoletana – Italian food made with fresh local ingredients? Sign me up. This was a memorable anniversary dinner for me and my husband. I got to return a few years later to have a fall tasting menu with fellow bloggers and it was even better than I had remembered. Address: 16901 Wright Plaza, suite 173. website
Dolce – Dolce serves contemporary American cuisine in an unassuming location in West Omaha. On our date night there, we opted for the tasting menu. This is one of the few places I’ve seen that frequently offers a Groupon. Address: 12317 W. Maple Road. website
North Omaha restaurant to try
Sage Student Bistro – This restaurant tucked in the Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha campus inside the Institute for the Culinary Arts is going to surprise you. It’s gourmet cuisine at a fraction of the cost.
If you can snag reservations for one of their pairing dinners held each quarter, you are in for a treat. I’ve attended dinners ranging from Irish spirit pairing to tapas and sangria pairings. Address: 5730 N. 30th St. website
More great restaurants in Omaha
Date night doesn’t have to be so fancy. Here’s a list of 30+ must-try restaurants in Omaha. You’ll find recommendations for pizza, donuts, ice cream and even brunch ideas.
Don’t want to take your date to a romantic Omaha restaurant? Let’s say you want to take your date out to somewhere a little bit different, something a little bit nontraditional. Check out this list of 15+ quirky Omaha restaurants.
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Daniel O’Connell
Sunday 20th of December 2020
Is there any place that is handicap accessible for me and my girlfriend to go and have lunch or supper
Bart
Saturday 28th of December 2019
Because the food is not that good and stuck innthw 70"s. Huge portions don't make food taste better
Peter Gadzinski
Friday 6th of September 2019
I am surprised you included Brother Sebastian's on your list of romantic dining spots. While the decor is certainly unique, the food is right out of the 50s - everything deep fried, overcooked and under flavored. We ordered the group appetizer plate which consisted of a mound of battered and deep fried veggies offering nothing fresh or interesting. I made the mistake of ordering their pasta dish (my fault) and it tasted like cardboard. The steaks were cooked to order but the prices put it out of our reach for the most part - not that I would return,
Mike Lester
Wednesday 4th of September 2019
Thanks for the list of romantic restaurants, but how could you not include Lo Solo Mio? Best Italian cuisine in town, IMHO.
Kim
Wednesday 4th of September 2019
You know what? You're absolutely correct. That was an oversight. Lo Solo Mio is fantastic, so thank you for reminding me not to overlook the longtime staple in this city. I'll add it to the list!