13 Must-Try Italian Restaurants in Omaha, NE
Omaha is the most populous city in Nebraska and a hub of Italian culture and cuisine. Because of the Italians who moved to Omaha in the late 19th century, the city has a long history and tradition of Italian food.
In this article, we’ll present some of the best Italian restaurants in Omaha that you must try. Whether looking for a cozy and casual place or a more elegant and upscale dining experience, these spots have something for everyone.
In family-run restaurants and local markets, you can find dishes that taste like they came from Italy. The variety and quality of Omaha Italian restaurants and how they reflect the culture and community will amaze you.
If you’re ready to experience Italian dining in Omaha, continue reading our guide to discover the best places for pizza, pasta, and wine.
Italian Restaurants in Omaha
Spezia Omaha
Spezia is a hidden gem in Midtown, Omaha, because of its comfy vibe and excellent service.
A unique feature of Spezia’s offering is the curtained private table called the “Romance Booth.” It’s an unforgettable dinner experience for your loved ones.
Also, if you have about 20 people, you can book their spacious private room for a big get-together.
Whether celebrating something special, a romantic dinner, or a birthday party, Spezia is a top choice among Italian restaurants in Omaha.
What to order at Spezia:
Spezia is known for Italian steaks, seafood, and tasty desserts. You must try the Eggplant Parmigiana. It’s perfectly cooked, with a crispy finish, but not too overdone.
Seafood lovers will enjoy the Cioppino, a hearty dish with a rich tomato sauce and a mix of seafood like big shrimp, white fish, mussels, and tender scallops. They also have a selection of wines and beers to accompany your meal.
Mangia Italiana
Mangia is a family-owned restaurant near Northwest High School, Omaha. It started as a food truck in 2003 and is known for its delicious Italian and Sicilian food.
You’ll love their recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant is small but very popular. It’s like a piece of Italy without leaving town.
One reason for their success is their commitment to using fresh, local ingredients. They want to give you an authentic Italian dining experience.
What to order at Magia:
For appetizers, try their Spinach Artichoke Dip, Garlic Parmesan Rolls, or Bruschetta.
If you want a salad, the Caesar Salad is a great choice. It has Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, croutons, and homemade Caesar dressing. And remember the delicious Cannoli to finish your Italian meal.
Avoli Osteria
Located in the historic Dundee neighborhood, Avoli Osteria brings the flavors of Northern Italy to life.
The restaurant was founded in 2013 by Dario and Amy Shike, a husband and wife team. They combined their daughters’ names, Ava and Olivia, into the restaurant.
Step inside to experience modern style and charm. Beautiful chandeliers hang above, while elegant mirrors enhance the comfortable setting.
What to order at Avoli Osteria:
You can start your culinary journey with delicious antipasti like Burrata and Grilled Octopus. Then, explore the world of pasta with choices like Bolognese Bianco.
If you have difficulty deciding, go for the three-course prix fixe menu. It includes antipasti, pasta, and a sweet ending with gelato.
And, of course, no Italian experience is complete without the perfect wine. Avoli Osteria has a fantastic selection from Northern Italy, or you can enjoy a carefully crafted cocktail from the bar.
Orsi’s Italian Bakery & Pizzeria
If you’re in Omaha’s Little Italy, check out Orsi’s. That place has been operated around since 1919.
This bakery and pizzeria, founded by World War I veteran Alfonso Orsi, show that fantastic food comes from fresh ingredients and cherished traditions.
Every morning, the dedicated staff starts baking tasty bread and making dishes that capture the essence of their time and pride.
Also, you can find a shop in Orsi’s with meats, Italian cheeses, bread, and spices. Though it might not fit big groups, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy Italian pizza, meats, and bread.
What to order at Orsi’s:
For a pizza that goes beyond the ordinary, try the Margherita pizza. It’s a classic delight with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil—simple and delicious.
And if you’re craving something sweet, order a Chocolate Cannoli, a traditional Italian pastry with sweetened ricotta cheese and powdered sugar.
Spaghetti Works
Spaghetti Works has served pasta and other Italian specialties for over 40 years in Omaha’s Old Market. The restaurant is just minutes away from some attractions, like the Henry Doorly Zoo and The Durham Museum, to name a few.
Spaghetti Works is different from your ordinary Italian restaurant. It is housed in a restored warehouse that gives it a rustic and charming atmosphere.
You can dine on the converted loading dock and watch the street musicians and horse-drawn carriages. You can also build your own salad from the back of a Model-T truck that serves as a salad bar.
Spaghetti Works is a great place to celebrate any occasion with family and friends. They have party rooms for up to 125 people and outdoor patio seating for warmer days.
What to order at Spaghetti Works:
You can order their daily lunch specials or appetizers like Garlic Cheese Bread and Toasted Beef Ravioli.
Don’t forget to order a drink from their full-service bar, which offers wine, beer, cocktails, and over 20 flavors of non-alcoholic Italian sodas.
Vincenzo’s Ristorante
Vincenzo’s Ristorante is a locally owned and operated restaurant serving Italian homemade cuisine since 1993.
This award-winning restaurant at Pacific Street in West Omaha is open daily for lunch and dinner.
What to order at Vincenzo’s Ristorante:
Their Linguine Tutto Mare is a pasta dish with shrimp, mussels, scallops, and clams in a white wine sauce for seafood lovers.
You can’t go wrong with the Baked Lasagna, a classic dish with layers of pasta, cheese, meat sauce, and béchamel.
And remember Vincenzo’s happy hour; it’s one of the best happy hours in Omaha! It happens from 3 PM to 6 PM, Sunday to Friday.
You can enjoy discounted appetizers, domestic beers, and house wines at the lounge and bar.
Via Farina
You should go to Via Farina if you want to eat at a modern Italian restaurant that serves special pasta and pizza.
This restaurant is near the Blue Barn Theater in Omaha’s Little Italy neighborhood. A modern European ambiance permeates the restaurant, offering indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting).
What to order at Via Farina:
Fungo Pizza, Arancini, and Rigatoni are just a few of the delicious options available at Via Farina. Mushroom and potato confit come together nicely on the Fungo Pizza.
Via Farina offers a full bar and a wonderful assortment of desserts. You can also order cocktails like the Negroni, Espresso martini, and a wide selection of wines and beers.
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
Biaggi’s is an Italian chain located on California Street and is open daily for lunch and dinner.
One thing that makes Biaggi’s stand out is its Monthly Chef’s Features, which feature new dishes made by the restaurant’s talented chefs that are in season.
You can find a Tuscan decor, warm lighting, comfortable seating, and a romantic atmosphere.
There’s a great patio outside, ideal for relaxing on a warm night. We suggest making reservations during busy times if you want to avoid waiting.
What to order at Biaggi’s:
Your options at Biaggi’s are endless, from appetizers like Fettucine with Lobster and Chicken Parmesan.
Those who’d rather eat at home offer Pronto Packs with pizza, pasta, an entree, salad, and freshly baked bread with Biaggi’s butter. These packs are the perfect size for 4-5 people.
The restaurant also has an entire gluten-free menu for people who have to follow special meals.
Dante
Dante is a must-try if you’re looking for one of the best pizza spots in Omaha.
The restaurant was launched in 2009 by Chef Nick Strawhecker, a native Omahan who has a passion for cooking with seasonal produce and a love for Italian food.
He has developed a close relationship with local farmers to ensure the freshness and quality of his dishes. You can taste the difference in every bite.
Dante is located at The Shops of Legacy, Omaha. You don’t have to worry about parking, as a lot is available.
What to order at Dante:
If you’re looking for a lunch choice, try the Diavolo Pizza, which is spectacular if you like a slight spiciness to your pizza.
For dinner, you can’t miss the Spaghetti Carbonara, a classic dish with house-smoked guanciale, black pepper, and egg yolk.
Remember to save some room for dessert. Dante offers several dessert options, but the seasonal gelato is an exceptional treat. The Blood Orange Gelato is the real star of the dessert menu. It’s refreshing, tangy, and creamy. You’ll love it!
Pasta Amore
Located in Rockbrook Village, Pasta Amore serves many dishes that’ll make your tastebuds happy and make you feel like you’re in Italy.
The place has an elegant vibe, with candles and music setting a romantic mood. You can eat inside, chill on the patio, and breathe fresh air.
The head chef at Pasta Amore is Leo, and he’s crazy passionate about cooking. He treats each dish like a little edible work of art. He uses fresh ingredients and white plates to create colorful, flavorful masterpieces that are a feast.
Pasta Amore is prime for celebrating something special or enjoying a family dinner with your loved ones. It’s one of the best Italian restaurants in Omaha, and you won’t be disappointed. Reserve your table today and experience Pasta Amore for yourself.
What to order at Pasta Amore:
Try their popular item, Chicken Piccata, with chicken sautéed with red peppers, lemon capers, and olives.
For dessert, indulge in their rich, decadent Spumoni. You can pick from their wine list or signature cocktails.
Nicola’s Italian Wine & Fare
Nicola’s has been serving home-style Italian food and wine since 2003 in the Old Market district. When you dine here, you’ll feel like you’re in Florence!
Nicola’s is a hidden gem with its warm, rustic decor, intimate indoor seating, and spacious outdoor garden perfect for enjoying the fresh air.
What to order at Nicola’s:
One of the best Italian restaurants in Omaha for years, Nicola’s menu has paninis, pasta, seafood, salads, pizza, gluten-free items, and more.
Guest favorites include the Antipasto Italiano with cheeses, salami, and olives and the Mediterranean Lasagna, an original recipe from the Mediterranean shores. Compliment your meal with a glass of wine or cocktails at Nicola’s bar area.
Cascio’s Steakhouse
This family-run restaurant has served steaks, pizza, and other Italian fare since 1946.
Omaha’s Little Bohemia district is rich in history and diversity, and that’s precisely where you’ll find Cascio’s.
This restaurant has six private party rooms and an ample dining space, giving it a warm, homey feel.
The early 1980s decor and celebrity sighting images at the place are intriguing.
What to order at Cascio’s:
Order a juicy steak cooked to your preference and served with mostaccioli and meatballs as an accompaniment.
Additionally, you should try the Marco Polo, a chicken breast with ham, cheese, and mushrooms on top. Their red wine pairs nicely with steaks, so order a glass.
Cibo Vino
Cibo Vino means “food and wine” in Italian, and they serve Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes made fresh daily with ingredients from local suppliers.
The restaurant is located in the Old Market area. It has a charming ambiance, with a beautiful patio and floor-to-ceiling windows in the bar area.
They also have a huge party room and banquet hall perfect for big and small celebrations. Whether it’s date night, family dinner, or a night out with your besties, Cibo Vino is the spot!
What to order at Cibo Vino:
Enjoy Italy’s flavors with pasta dishes like creamy Carbonara or fluffy Gnocchi.
Or share some small plates like their crispy Calamari Fritti. Wash it down with a glass or bottle from their unique wine list.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What are some popular Italian dishes to try in Omaha?
Some classic Italian dishes and items to try in Omaha include pasta favorites like lasagna, spaghetti carbonara, and linguine with clams.
Popular appetizers are bruschetta, fried calamari, and antipasto spreads. And remember to finish your meal with Cannoli or gelato for dessert!
What are some family-friendly Italian restaurants in Omaha?
Check out Orsi’s Italian Bakery & Pizzeria, Mangia Italiana, Spaghetti Works, or Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano for casual, family-friendly Italian dining. They have kid-friendly menus, relaxed settings, and Italian comfort food.
Where can I find gluten-free Italian options in Omaha?
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano and Dante Pizzeria offer gluten-free menus and pasta options for gluten-free. Avoli Osteria also has gluten-free items noted on their menu.
Where can I find authentic pizza in Omaha?
Dante is known for its authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with imported ingredients. Via Farina also specializes in Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in a wood-burning oven.
What Italian restaurants in Omaha are suitable for large groups or events?
Spaghetti Works, Biaggi’s, and Cibo Vino have private event rooms to accommodate large parties and celebrations.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
