Best Italian in Omaha?

[JBJ]

What's the verdict?  I have a pretty little lady that I'm taking out and she loves Italian food.  What's the best and most authentic in town?  Thanks!!

[Big E]

I don't know about authentic, and best is certainly subjective, but Nicola's in the Old Market will get my nod.  Good date place, too.

-Big E

[Coyote]

I guess that would beg the question 'what is authentic Italian?' Omaha used to have many so called authentic Italian Restaurants, Mr. C's, Venice Inn, Caniglia's, Angie's, Piccolo's, La Casa, Lo Sole Mio's, Trovato's, Malara's...

Many of these restaurants never changed or updated their menus which many of their patrons expected, but for some became tired old dinners. Some had great head chefs - but now depend on whoever they can get. Caniglia's and Angie's closed and Mr C's is about to close. Now we are seeing many Italian Nouveau restaurants open up around town, Carrabba's, Vivace's, Vincenzo's, Biaggi's, and Nicola's as Big E Suggests.

Some have better atmospheres than menus, some are old and quaint. So it really depends on what you are looking for.

When all is said and done I would suggest Lo Sole Mio.

[nebport5]

Vincenzo's has awesome toasted ravioli, but i'd vote for Lo Sole Mio too. Family owned and nice atmosphere.  I'd stay away from any chain "Italian".

[Big E]

Although it is a chain, you won't go wrong with Johnny's Italian in Village Pointe.

-Big E

[NovakOmaha]

I'm with Coyote.  Lo Sole Mio is hands down my favorite restaurant, and not just italian.   The recipes came over from Italy and you've got Mama in the kitchen.  Don, the owner, is a great guy.

[DTO Luv]

I ate at Vincenzo's last night and Le Sole Mio tonight. I had the Veal Franco at Vincenzo's and the Shrimp & Lobster something pasta and Le Sole Mio's. Both places had great food but Le Sole Mio wins for the amount of food you get. I NEVER take food home (those of you who have eaten with me can attest) and I easily brought almost half of my Le Sole Mio order home. I would also give the desserts and Le Sole Mio a SLIGHT edge over Vincenzo's.

[Bomaha]

dude, i work as a busser at lo sole mios and tonight, where did you sit, and can i ask what server you had, if you remember their name.

[wbrook twr]

I've been eating at Lo Sole Mio since '95, and always recommend it to anyone that wants good Italian fare.  D my stomach is just getting back to normal after tonight's meal-glad you enjoyed the experience.  Even though I've been going since forever-I never get tired of the wait staff explaining the bread/garlic/tomato-basil/olive oil custom and of course chowing down on it.

[wbrook twr]

Veronica was our server-I think D'Shawn stepped off the forum.

[DTO Luv]

I've been eating at Lo Sole Mio since '95, and always recommend it to anyone that wants good Italian fare.  D my stomach is just getting back to normal after tonight's meal-glad you enjoyed the experience.  Even though I've been going since forever-I never get tired of the wait staff explaining the bread/garlic/tomato-basil/olive oil custom and of course chowing down on it.

I hope you weren't the guy that 'punched' wbrook twr in the face. That kid was kind of young though. Probably not old enough to frequent the place since '95. We were sitting in the back corner by the way to the kitchen in the newer section. I was with two ladies. We were there from about 5:45 to 7:30.

[jcitta]

Add another vote to the Lo Sole Mio count.  Although, Vincenzo's is pretty good as well.

[nativeomahan]

Omaha is blessed with great Italian ristorantes.  My favorites, in no particular order, include Lo Sole Mio, Nicola's, Vincenzo's (3 Omaha locations, but different ownership), Spezia, Pasta Amore (just ate there 2 days ago, and it was great), La Casa (outstanding Neapolitan pizza and decent other dishes), Biaggi's and Macaroni Grill (yes, the last two are chains, but I have never had a bad meal at either place, and they have great atmospheres).

[Coyote]

One of Omaha's finest is expanding.

Dundee restaurant plans eatery right next door

Trovato's is putting the finishing touches on a trattoria next door to its Dundee restaurant and plans to open it Wednesday. Owner Jeff Camp described the new space as an informal Italian deli and wine shop — with prepared foods, meats and wines available at the counter for takeout or sit-down eating. Camp said prepared foods will include signature Trovato's entrees such as chicken marsala and lasagna in microwaveable containers, as well as made-on-site salami, sausages and patés not on the restaurant menu.

[NDizona]

I want to know your favorite Italian in the city - I want to find something new but I hate wasting a good night out on |expletive|...

My Favorites

Pasta Amore

Lo Sole Mio



Whats better out there?

[joeglow]

I want to know your favorite Italian in the city - I want to find something new but I hate wasting a good night out on |expletive|...

My Favorites

Pasta Amore

Lo Sole Mio



Whats better out there?

I always liked the atmosphere at Malara's.

[icejammer]

I always liked the atmosphere at Malara's.

It's too bad the food can't measure up to the atmosphere (but then again, I know people who swear by the food as great, so to each his own).

[DTO Luv]

wags and I went to Malara's and it was ok.

[Big E]

I want to know your favorite Italian in the city - I want to find something new but I hate wasting a good night out on |expletive|...

My Favorites

Pasta Amore

Lo Sole Mio



Whats better out there?

Give Nicola's a try.  It's not over-roasted prime rib and red suace red sauce red sauce mozarella parmesan pasta red sauce red sauce red sauce (it's more Mediterranean/Greek), but it's damn good.

-Big E

[Omababe]

In my not so humble opinion, for the best Italian in Omaha, go to Dr. Brown, borrow the Flux Capacitor, and time-warp yourself back to 1976 or so. Then visit Marchio's, Cantoni's, Ross', Sparetime, or to 1995 and visit Mr. C, Caniglia's, Angie's, etc. It's a type of cuisine that seems to be vanishing from this area!

It's still around, though, Piccolo's, Cascio's, Venice Inn, La Casa, and a few others.

If you don't appreciate those place, well, then I guess you can try Olive Garden! {looking for a place to hide}  Oh well ...

[Brad]

I like Lo Sole Mio and Vincenzos.

I have heard great things about Malara's, Spezia, and Pasta Amore.

[Big E]

In my not so humble opinion, for the best Italian in Omaha, go to Dr. Brown, borrow the Flux Capacitor, and time-warp yourself back to 1976 or so. Then visit Marchio's, Cantoni's, Ross', Sparetime, or to 1995 and visit Mr. C, Caniglia's, Angie's, etc. It's a type of cuisine that seems to be vanishing from this area!

It's still around, though, Piccolo's, Cascio's, Venice Inn, La Casa, and a few others.

If you don't appreciate those place, well, then I guess you can try Olive Garden! {looking for a place to hide}  Oh well ...

There's a reason that type of cuisine is vanishing from the area.

-Big E

[Omababe]

There's a reason that type of cuisine is vanishing from the area.

Well, many people cite the casinos, but I don't think so.

I just think that the family Italian places are just not very popular with the Gen-Y types (or echoboomers or 20-boppers or whatever you call them), who are the ones who are moving and shaking and spending the $$$ these days.

[Brad]

There's a reason that type of cuisine is vanishing from the area.

Well, many people cite the casinos, but I don't think so.

I just think that the family Italian places are just not very popular with the Gen-Y types (or echoboomers or 20-boppers or whatever you call them), who are the ones who are moving and shaking and spending the $$$ these days.

Exactly.  Don't get me wrong, when where were out shooting photos on Sunday, there were plenty of old timers out at the Casinos (with Nebraska plates), the majority of the places would come to their demise as that group hit the ground.  Places like Anthony's and Lucky's are trying to re-invent themselves but keep the history, and thats cool.

[ricko]

I know I'm going to get a lot of |expletive| for saying this, but the closest thing I found to compare, food wise, to the time I ate my way through Italy was------ahem, the Macaroni Grill (just don't throw anything at me, OK?).  They put out a good product, although my personal favorite is Lo Solo Mio.

[Coyote]

I had friends that went to Spezia's the other day and came back with rave reviews. I have not been there yet. Anyone have a review of the place?

[Uffda]

I haven't eaten in the one here but enjoyed eating at the one in Sioux Falls - where originated.

http://www.speziarestaurant.com/

[Brad]

I had friends that went to Spezia's the other day and came back with rave reviews. I have not been there yet. Anyone have a review of the place?

I have NEVER heard a bad thing about the place!

[onehunglow]

pasta amore and nicola's in the old market are the best in town.  lo sole mio comes in a close second, but not as good.  being a super old restaurant doesn't merit the best italian in town

[Coyote]

 lo sole mio comes in a close second, but not as good.  being a super old restaurant doesn't merit the best italian in town

Lo Sole Mio was founded in 1992 - hardly a 'super old restaurant.'

[NovakOmaha]

 lo sole mio comes in a close second, but not as good.  being a super old restaurant doesn't merit the best italian in town

Lo Sole Mio was founded in 1992 - hardly a 'super old restaurant.'

The thing about Lo Sole Mio is that Don's parents brought the recipe from ITALY, where I assume their family handed it down, so I guess it could be assumed to be super old.  In any event, my opinion is that Lo Sole Mio food is delicious, plentiful and the family is genuinely thrilled to see you when you walk in.

[joebob12]

On the theme of Italian in Omaha, do not go to Casio's Italian in Bellevue. Terrible. Absolutely terrible. I had the Chicken Parm and my chicken was like a sponge. Their menu is limited and the prices are a little high for the area and terribly high for the quality. On otp of the terrible food, it was at least 85 degrees in there. I will never go back, which is too bad because its about three minutes from my house.

[Omababe]

On the theme of Italian in Omaha, do not go to Casio's Italian in Bellevue. Terrible. Absolutely terrible.

I'm assuming then that this has no connection to Cascio's on 10th, correct?

[joebob12]

On the theme of Italian in Omaha, do not go to Casio's Italian in Bellevue. Terrible. Absolutely terrible.

I'm assuming then that this has no connection to Cascio's on 10th, correct?

The owner does have a connection, but I can't remember off hand what it is. She is the wife or sister or sister in law of one of the Casio's. Maybe even a daughter.

[ModestMouse]

Eh, I tried Bianco recently, and I must say...it was better than I expected. I liked it more than Roja and Blue.

[nativeomahan]

Eh, I tried Bianco recently, and I must say...it was better than I expected. I liked it more than Roja and Blue.

I ate there a month or so ago and we really enjoyed it.  Good, no frills Italian menu meets chic streamlined decor.  I also enjoyed the old Italian films playing on the wall.

[Big E]

My vote for best Italian in Omaha?

Bryan Murzyn, owner of Myth.  

-Big E

[cdub]

The wife and I tried Spezia for the first time this weekend.  Wow, great food.  I liked the atmosphere as well and we will definitely be going back.  (Oh, the bread could use some work - seemed like frozen warmed up stuff)

[annad]

The wife and I tried Spezia for the first time this weekend.  Wow, great food.  I liked the atmosphere as well and we will definitely be going back.  (Oh, the bread could use some work - seemed like frozen warmed up stuff)

Oh, I love Spezia!  I know the owners (good people) and it's right by work...hello, happy hour!  Their original location in Sioux Falls has a Sunday brunch buffet that is absolutely to die for.

[Brad]

Spezia (72 & Spring)

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=3 ... d=10499512

Although it's nestled next to a budget hotel near 72nd and Spring Streets, Spezia seems to draw a middle-to-upper-class clientele of mostly couples.

Past the host stand, it's dark and cozy. Black-slat ceilings, a few elevated booths and a grape-covered chalkboard define the wine bar. The adjacent dining room feels earthy and warm with its golden walls, paintings of Tuscan hillsides and Italian feasts, shaded chandeliers and one '70s-esque bank of slanted windows.

Private party rooms for up to 100 spin off the main hallway.

Delectable aromas — pan sauces in various stages, simmering tomatoes and red wine — permeate the air and set your stomach growling.

The music ("Hey, Mambo! Mambo, Italiano!") and bread service (olive oil, balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese mixed with flair tableside and served with hot rolls) probably would seem stereotypical and cheesy if chef Brian Reilly's dishes weren't so good.

Separate lunch and dinner menus include entrée-size salads; a seafood-heavy selection of appetizers; sandwiches; hearty pastas; and wood-grilled or roasted meat, fish and fowl.

The hallmarks: layered sauces, rustic roasting and, often, just the right amount of spezia (Italian for "spice").

At Spezia, lunch is considerably easier on the wallet. While most dinner entrees are between $16 and $37, a smaller menu of smaller-portioned lunch items stays in the $10 to $16 neighborhood. Tax and tip included, I spent about $36 for two at lunch and $96 at a dinner for two that included wine and desserts.

But I wasn't exactly thinking about the economy while licking my lips and sopping up the last drops of sauce.