While Omaha’s culinary scene may get international attention, the restaurant scene in Bellevue is nothing to scoff at. From top-contending burgers at Stella’s to impressive cuisine at Umami, Bellevue’s food scene runs the gamut from nice sit down to popular greasy spoons.
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Where is Bellevue, Nebraska?
Bellevue, Neb., is a suburban city in southeastern Nebraska just to the south of Omaha. It’s considered part of the Omaha Metro area. Many people move to Bellevue when they get stationed at nearby Offutt Air Force Base. Usually, when I venture to Bellevue, it’s to visit Fontenelle Forest or Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Patch (though, if we want to be technical, Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Patch actually in Papillion…but I digress).
Now, on to food!
Best restaurants to try in Bellevue, Neb.
Stella’s Bar & Grill
Where: 106 Galvin Road S, Bellevue, Neb.
Possibly the most famous Bellevue restaurant, Stella’s is known for its Stellanator challenge. Six patties and a ton of toppings invites people with big eyes for the challenge. If you finish the Stellanator and a side of fries within 45 minutes, it’s free and you win a T-shirt. Lose, and it costs $35.
Stella’s regular burgers are a treat. You can get a variety of toppings, such as peanut butter, jalapenos, fried egg and cheese. The eatery serves the burgers on napkins. It’s a fun outing for anyone, including families.
Tip: Be prepared for a short wait regardless of when you visit.
Related post: Stella’s is one of the 15+ Quirky Restaurants in Omaha, thanks largely to its unique Stellanator.
Roma Italian Restaurant
Where: 605 Fort Crook Road N, Bellevue, Neb.
Located in a former Sizzler steakhouse on Fort Crook, Roma features classic Italian dishes, such as spaghetti and meatballs and chicken parmesan. With outstanding appetizers and salads, Roma’s entree portions are large. You may want to consider splitting a dish.
Sinful Burger Sports Grill
Where: 4005 Twin Creek Drive, Bellevue, Neb.
With hearty-sized burgers fashioned after the seven deadly sins, Sinful Burger is an excellent spot to enjoy dinner and watch sports. The family-friendly restaurant also offers the Metro’s only authentic Indian taco, featuring handmade fry bread with taco toppings. Sinful Burger closes on all major holidays, so employees can enjoy family time.
Lil Burro
Where: 12510 S. 29th Ave., Bellevue, Neb.
Using fresh ingredients, including peppers grown in a garden behind the restaurant, Lil Burro’s menu features authentic dishes. From tacos and enchiladas to tamales and burritos, Lil Burro, with its colorful dining room and unique decor, is a popular eatery on Capehart Road, not far from Offutt Air Force Base.
Discover even more unique and quirky restaurants in the book “Unique Eats and Eateries of Omaha.” It’s written by two of my friends, Tim and Lisa Trudell (AKA, The Walking Tourists), and they’ve included and quite a few restaurants on this list, and several more. They provided several photos for this post, too.
Catfish Lake
Where: 16609 Clay St., Bellevue, Neb.
Possibly the best spot in the Metro for catfish and other fish dinners, Catfish Lake relocated from its longtime home near Offutt following the 2019 flood to a spot in south Bellevue near LaPlatte. Open since 1986, Catfish Lake also serves delicious fried chicken and burgers.
John’s Grecian Delight
Where: Inside Southroads Technology Park, 1001 Fort Crook Road N, Bellevue, Neb.
Calling the Southroads home for nearly 40 years, John’s Grecian Delight ranks among the best places in the Omaha area to enjoy a gyro and other traditional Greek cuisine. During Southroads’ heyday, people stood in line for an opportunity to taste John’s food.
Today, the clientele may be a little different, but the food remains outstanding.
Umami
Where: 1504 Galvin Road S, Bellevue, Neb.
Known for its delicious sushi, the popular Asian restaurant on Galvin Road attracts diners from around the area. Besides sushi, Umami’s menu includes Chinese and Thai entrees.
Related post: Umami has such a following, it’s one of the must-try restaurants in the state of Nebraska.
The Banh Mi Shop
Where: 923 Galvin Road S suite 101, Bellevue, Neb.
Just a couple of years old, The Banh Mi Shop on South Galvin Road quickly became popular for its Vietnamese-style sandwiches. With menu items such as shredded pork and cold cut sandwiches, The Banh Mi Shop’s menu features delicious and healthy options.
With a variety of restaurants to choose from in the Omaha area, Bellevue is home to some of the Metro’s best. So, don’t be surprised if the people at the table next to you drove a distance to enjoy their meal.
Tim Boukal
Friday 21st of August 2020
It's not a bad list. Lil Burro should be dropped, they're mediocre at best, and definitely not worthy of jumping over the Korean Grill to be placed on a best of Bellevue list. Roma's is in an old Bonanza, not an old Sizzler's.
Kassandra Johnson
Thursday 23rd of January 2020
IzmirGyro House is way better than John's grecian delights. best gyro in the area, and amazing fries. Never had a bad thing there.
Tim Boukal
Friday 21st of August 2020
Nope, not even close. John's had the best gyros in the United States.
Eric Zeitner
Thursday 23rd of January 2020
How did The Special didn't make this list?
Angela Long
Friday 24th of January 2020
I was thinking the same thing Eric
David Belitz
Thursday 23rd of January 2020
True. B.s. list without the Special.
Kim
Thursday 23rd of January 2020
You're not the first to ask. I haven't been there yet, but it sounds like it definitely is one I need to go check out.
Kassandra Johnson
Thursday 23rd of January 2020
I agree, they also missed Ono Pinay and all of the Korean restaurants nearby. I'm not sure who they got to rank these, but they definitely missed some great places.