The 14 Best Restaurants in Nebraska That Prove It’s More Than Just Cornfields

When you think of Nebraska, endless cornfields might come to mind, but the Cornhusker State has a surprisingly vibrant food scene. From farm-to-table eateries to sophisticated steakhouses, Nebraska’s restaurants showcase the region’s agricultural bounty with creative flair. These 14 dining spots across the state offer unforgettable meals that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about Midwestern cuisine.

1. Salted Edge, Waterloo

Nestled along the Elkhorn River, this farm-to-table gem sources ingredients from local producers within a 50-mile radius. The seasonal menu changes frequently, reflecting what’s fresh and available from nearby farms. Chef-owner Marcus Winters transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes, like his famous cornmeal-crusted walleye with sweet corn succotash.

The rustic-chic interior, with reclaimed barn wood and Edison bulbs, creates a cozy atmosphere. Fun fact: The restaurant’s name comes from the salt harvested from nearby saline wetlands, a unique Nebraska natural resource used in their signature dishes.

2. Brother Sebastian’s, Omaha

Walking into Brother Sebastian’s feels like entering a medieval monastery, complete with servers dressed as monks and stained glass windows casting colorful shadows across wooden tables. This Omaha institution has been serving prime cuts of beef since 1977. Their signature prime rib, aged 21 days and slow-roasted for hours, practically melts in your mouth.

The wine cellar houses over 500 varieties to perfectly complement your meal. Regulars know to save room for their legendary bread pudding, made from a secret recipe supposedly brought over from an actual European monastery.

3. L’s Kitchen, Lincoln

Morning sunshine streams through large windows at this beloved breakfast spot where locals line up on weekends for a taste of Chef Lena’s famous cinnamon roll pancakes. The tiny kitchen somehow manages to churn out huge portions of comfort food with a creative twist.

Family recipes passed down through generations form the backbone of the menu. Their corned beef hash uses Nebraska-raised beef cured in-house for two weeks before being paired with crispy potatoes. The walls feature rotating exhibits from local artists, making the dining experience as much a feast for the eyes as for the stomach.

4. The Boiler Room, Omaha

Housed in the former boiler room of a 100-year-old mattress factory in Omaha’s Old Market, this restaurant perfectly balances industrial chic with culinary sophistication. Exposed brick walls and original piping create a unique backdrop for modern American cuisine.

Chef Tim Nicholson, a James Beard Award semifinalist, crafts dishes that showcase Nebraska’s agricultural bounty. The ever-changing menu might feature hand-rolled pasta with foraged mushrooms or perfectly seared duck breast with local cherries.

Their cocktail program deserves special mention—mixologists create drinks using house-made bitters and syrups that complement the seasonal menu.

5. The Keeping Room, Nebraska City

Apple orchards surround this charming restaurant housed in an 1869 Victorian home. The wraparound porch offers views of the Missouri River Valley while inside, antique furnishings transport diners to a bygone era.

Famous for incorporating apples from neighboring orchards into nearly every aspect of the menu, their apple-brined pork chop with cider reduction has earned regional acclaim. Homemade breads and pies emerge from the kitchen throughout the day, filling the dining rooms with irresistible aromas.

Owner Martha Jenkins still uses recipes from her grandmother’s handwritten cookbook, some dating back to the 1890s.

6. Screamers Family Restaurant, Lincoln

Don’t let the quirky name fool you—Screamers earned its moniker from the enthusiastic reactions of first-time diners! This family-owned spot serves enormous portions of American classics that keep locals coming back for generations. Their famous chicken fried steak covers an entire plate, smothered in peppery gravy made from scratch each morning.

Breakfast is served all day, with fluffy omelets stuffed with ingredients from nearby farms. The walls are covered with decades of local sports memorabilia and photos of customers who completed the “Screamer Challenge”—finishing their five-pound breakfast burrito in under 30 minutes.

7. The Green Gateau, Lincoln

French country charm meets Midwestern hospitality in this Lincoln favorite. The Victorian house-turned-restaurant features multiple intimate dining rooms with floral wallpaper and antique chandeliers, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Their signature dish—beef Wellington with mushroom duxelles wrapped in flaky pastry—rivals versions found in much larger cities. Weekend brunch draws crowds for decadent crab cake benedict and champagne flights. A hidden garden patio becomes the city’s most sought-after dining spot during summer months, where fairy lights twinkle overhead as guests enjoy seasonal soufflés and locally sourced cheese boards.

8. Block 16, Omaha

Food Network star Alton Brown declared their burger the best in America, and locals couldn’t agree more! This unassuming counter-service spot in downtown Omaha consistently draws lines out the door for their farm-to-table street food.

The famous “Croque Garcon” burger features local beef topped with cheese, ham, a sunny-side-up egg, and mustard aioli on freshly baked bread. Vegetarians rave about the “Block Burger,” a house-made vegetable patty that converts even dedicated carnivores.

9. DISH Restaurant, Lincoln

Housed in a former 1920s automotive showroom, DISH combines historic architecture with modern culinary sensibilities. Chef Rachel McGill creates artful plates that celebrate Nebraska’s agricultural heritage. Her sweet corn risotto with locally raised quail has become a signature offering that changes subtly with the seasons.

The restaurant maintains its own urban garden on the rooftop, providing fresh herbs and vegetables just steps from the kitchen. Monthly farm-to-table dinners feature collaborative menus with the farmers who supply their ingredients.

10. Dolce, Omaha

Mediterranean sunshine seems to radiate from every corner of this Omaha gem, where chef Anthony Kueper blends Italian and Spanish influences with Nebraska ingredients. The intimate dining room, with just 12 tables, ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable staff. Hand-rolled pasta dishes change daily, but the saffron risotto with locally raised lamb has earned permanent menu status.

Their wine list focuses on small European producers, with many bottles unavailable elsewhere in the state. A meal here traditionally ends with “dolce moments”—tiny house-made confections served with Italian espresso or Spanish sherry.

11. Piedmont Bistro by Venue, Lincoln

Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the adjacent park at this neighborhood bistro where families gather for special occasions and casual weeknight dinners alike. The restaurant’s design blends contemporary elements with warm woods and soft lighting.

Executive Chef Whitney Crespo transforms comfort foods with unexpected twists, like her famous macaroni and cheese with smoked gouda, local bacon, and crispy breadcrumbs. Sunday brunch has become a Lincoln tradition, featuring brioche French toast and build-your-own bloody mary stations. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond food—even the restaurant furniture was crafted from reclaimed Nebraska barn wood.

12. The Rustic, Fort Calhoun

Motorcyclists, farmers, and food tourists share tables at this roadside eatery housed in a converted gas station from the 1950s. The unassuming exterior gives way to a surprisingly sophisticated menu that blends classic Americana with modern techniques.

Their legendary smoked brisket, cooked for 16 hours over Nebraska cherry wood, sells out almost daily. Chef-owner Bobby Crane, who returned to his hometown after cooking in Chicago restaurants, pairs the meat with unexpected sides like kimchi coleslaw and cornbread with honey-lavender butter.

Weekends feature live bluegrass music on the patio overlooking the Missouri River bluffs.

13. Twisted Fork, Omaha

Playful culinary creativity defines this Old Market favorite where conventional dishes get unexpected—and delicious—makeovers. The eclectic space features mismatched vintage chairs, local artwork, and an open kitchen where diners can watch the culinary magic happen.

Their signature “twisted” dishes include duck confit tacos with cherry salsa and Nebraska wagyu beef sliders with goat cheese and bacon jam. Weekend brunch brings crowds for chicken and waffles drizzled with spicy maple syrup infused with local whiskey.

Sustainability drives their operation—even cocktail straws are made from pasta instead of plastic!

14. The Cedar Room, North Platte

Railroad history comes alive in this elegant restaurant housed in North Platte’s historic train depot. Original architectural details like vaulted ceilings and massive cedar beams create a dramatic backdrop for refined dining in the heart of the state.

Specializing in Nebraska beef, they dry-age steaks in-house for 28 days before cooking them over an open flame. Their impressive wine cellar, built in what was once a railroad storage vault, houses over 300 selections.

For a truly special experience, request the Conductor’s Table—a private dining space in the former stationmaster’s office with views of the still-active Union Pacific tracks.