Omaha's Finest Restaurant

[Coyote]

You have one chance at impressing someone about Omaha cuisine - where are you going to take them?
Prerequisites: Great food, good atmosphere, knowledgeable waiters, price is not a factor.
I will add names to the poll as they are mentioned more than once.

[edit] I moved this to the Rumors thread so guests can chime in also.

[almighty_tuna]

I can only speculate.  The fanciest place I've been to is Mahogany.  It was great food, but I would recommend something in the Old Market for atmosphere.  I suggested "Omaha Prime" to Vicente Fox and he seemed to like it.

[DTO Luv]

After Taco Bell I would say the Flatiron.

[Big E]

I'm basing this on Omaha originals, BTW, and am conceding my downtown/Old Market bias.  

Boiler Room is by FAR the best restaurant to open in Omaha in a long time, but you need to be a bit of a foodie to enjoy it.  They've figured out the rough edges from when they opened, too (slow out of the kitchen, no more wine in brandy sifters, etc.)  The ambience is pretty damn amazing, too.

Haven't been to V Mertz in awhile, but it's up there.  Don't recommend it if its real hot out though, because it can get uncomfortable down there.  (They may have fixed this, though.)

The Flatiron food is still the standard, as well, and the entire staff are pros.  And while pricey, the food is much more accessible to the avergae diner than the Boiler Room's menu.

The French Cafe just hasn't made itself back up the list in my opinion.

As far as steakhouses go, you're not getting anything in Omaha you aren't getting at every other chop house in the country anymore.  But I would say the Paxton is my pick of the litter (and yes, even though it isn't an Omaha original).

(edit: withholding my vote until the Boiler Room is added)

[DTO Luv]

And we've heard from Omaha's biggest fatass so now it's official what the best restaurants are.

[Big E]

And we've heard from Omaha's biggest fatass so now it's official what the best restaurants are.

Wow... someone goes jogging a couple times and turns into quite the authority on fitness.

[justnick]

I'm going to say Flatiron. 'cause it's pretty and I read about it in the reader.
I've never actually been to any of these restaurants. As I'm poor, and perpetually single by choice.

[Brad]

And we've heard from Omaha's biggest fatass so now it's official what the best restaurants are.

Wow... someone goes jogging a couple times and turns into quite the authority on fitness.

No kidding... Even more so since "Mr Fitness" needed me to give him a ride to pick up a pack of smokes last night...

[DTO Luv]

It's been more than a couple. You've been in Europe with those beers as big as your torso.

[DTO Luv]

And we've heard from Omaha's biggest fatass so now it's official what the best restaurants are.

Wow... someone goes jogging a couple times and turns into quite the authority on fitness.

No kidding... Even more so since "Mr Fitness" needed me to give him a ride to pick up a pack of smokes last night...

For the boyfriend.


*EDIT*: Holy balls I just looked at my avatar. Obviously pre finding out that I was a health disaster.

[Big E]

Going to Le Voltaire tonight, too.  Fantastic food, but not sure it would "impress" anyone.  Just "meh" decor in a suburban strip mall.

[Greg S]

I would have added the Drover and Brother Sebastians.

[Bobcat]

Sullivans (even though it's a chain) gets my nod for great service, decent and fun atmosphere and food quality.

Best overall dish in Omaha ... have to say the Peking Duck at New Gold Mountain. Awesome Dim Sum too.

For best atmosphere have to agree with the Boiler Room.  Seems like a few kinks still need to be worked out, mostly quality and portion size of the primary components of the dishes.

Has anyone been to Omaha Prime lately?  Yikes.  The vibe I get there is cafeteria / cruise ship serving food that's prepared for stock photo shoots (waxy, glazy, coated, wierd ??).  Absolutely dead whenever I've visited.

[nativeomahan]

I really want to try the Gold Mountain place.  I love dim sum.

I voted for Sullivans.  The atmosphere is superb and the food generally quite good.  Very sophisticated.  The Drover and Brother Sebastians do not belong on this list, in my opinion.  The menus are very boring, and the food presentation out of the Brady Bunch era.  No "great" restaurant is going to make you wander over to a salad bar for boring iceberg lettuce!  I would add Passport and The French Cafe to the list, and maybe Prima 140.  Their food is very very good.  I have never eaten at Fleming's but hear it is also excellent.  Same with Mahogany.  Several friends have said it was one of the best meals they have ever eaten...anywhere!  The restaurant atop Harrah's hotel/casino, 360, is also excellent, and with a great view of Omaha.  I am surprised it is not on the list.

[Brad]

I would have added the Drover and Brother Sebastians.

While I think both places are GREAT!  I don't know if they qualify as "Finest" since they both have salad bars?

However a local place that is that good, I would over look the salad bar...

[Big E]

I've heard Sullivan's described as a high end Hooters.

One I always forget is Liberty Tavern at the Hilton.  I'd put their food up against the Flatiron and Boiler Room.  It gets overlooked because it is in a hotel, but it shouldn't be.  It's really good food.

But again, for the criteria of this poll, I doubt it would "impress".

[icejammer]

The restaurant atop Harrah's hotel/casino, 360, is also excellent, and with a great view of Omaha.  I am surprised it is not on the list.

I'm surprised as well, as to be one of the best views from any restaurant in town.  Great food as well.

[Big E]

The restaurant atop Harrah's hotel/casino, 360, is also excellent, and with a great view of Omaha.  I am surprised it is not on the list.

I'm surprised as well, as to be one of the best views from any restaurant in town.  Great food as well.

I'm surprised people would look at a list for "Omaha's Finest Restaurant" and wonder why a restaurant in Iowa wasn't on it.

[Big E]

FWIW, I would M's Pub's entree specials up against any food in town.  They just don't have the ambience to get the "fine dining" label, nor are they trying for it.  

But you can spend your |expletive| off in there if you so desire.

[icejammer]

I'm surprised people would look at a list for "Omaha's Finest Restaurant" and wonder why a restaurant in Iowa wasn't on it.

Well, no one differentiated whether we were talking Omaha proper, or Omaha metro.  Don't get your knickers in a bunch over it, I'm not.

[Ben]

I agree with pretty much everything Big E said....  

Boiler Room is heads and shoulders above everywhere else, and may actually get some national attention for the food they're doing, but isn't really "Omaha Cuisine"....

[nativeomahan]

"Finest restaurant" does not have to comport to any particular cuisine.  It doesn't have to be French, or continental, although that would definitely help it's chances.  It means a great combination of exceptional atmosphere, sophisticated menu selection and execution, and attentive, unobtrusive and knowledgeable service.  Price is not a consideration.

[byrdrules]

I would have to go with Mahogany as my top choice, the bone-in filet was superb, but the bill was heart attack inducing.

[gisbuxfan]

I can't believe Lo Sole Mio isn't on this list!

[camps]

I have to go with V. Mertz on this one.

I've been to Mahogany, French Cafe, Flatiron, Drover, Sullivan's, Paxton, Brother Sebastian's, 360, Passport, Omaha Prime, Liberty Tavern, Flemings... but have not been to The Boiler Room yet.  Maybe I can talk the in-laws into it sometime.  

V. Mertz just has that atmosphere, along with being in the Passageway and the whole experience is just fantastic in my opinion.  The waitstaff has always been friendly and knowledgeable and I have never had a bad experience there, and it was relatively reasonable compared to some of the other places (ahem..Mahogany).  

And for what its worth, the best steak I have ever had in Omaha was at Red Rock Canyon, which is what Mahogany was originally, and a close second was The Drover.  

However, The Passport, hands down, has the best Emu Steak ...or was it Ostrich?

[Hawkeye]

One that really needs to be on the list, in Ol' Hawkeye's humble opinion, is Dixie Quicks.

Oh sure, it's not fancy on the inside (or the outside for that matter).  But it's a terrific Omaha restaurant, and the food is truly outstanding in every respect.

No, you don't have to wear high-end attire to fit in there...but you do have to appreciate great food.  And at the end of the day, isn't THAT what defines the "finest" restaurants?

[Brad]

Not all Omaha's "Finest" resterauants, but several of the Finest are on the list...

Bright spots in a dark year

http://www.omaha.com/article/20091225/E ... tainment01

Of the 48 eateries I reviewed in 2009, the best (ranked below) fall into three categories: established, if a bit under-the-radar, restaurants with delicious food and a clear sense of hospitality; new chef-driven eateries that embrace local foods, bold seasoning and from-scratch craftsmanship; and great ethnic spots that transport you for the modest price of a well-spiced meal.

All offered what felt to me like value — satisfying food, warm service and a dining experience befitting the cost — in a year when that became even more important.

1. Boiler Room Restaurant
2. Prima 140
3. La Buvette Wine & Grocery
4. España
5. Steakhouse tie: The Drover and 801 Chophouse
6. Taxi's Grille & Bar
7. New bistro tie: Brunettes Bistro and Ryan's Bistro
8. Gold Mountain Restaurant
9.Dhaba Indian Cuisine
10. Taco tie: California Tacos & More and Taqueria Tijuana

[bbinks]

Although not on the list, I'd say Jerico's.  Best steak I have had in Omaha.

[RegisResident]

I'm surprised Omaha Prime has any votes... I've tried eating there 3 times since I moved here 6 years ago and I never had a positive experience. The last time we tried to eat there (about 2 yrs. ago) we ended up walking out after it took 45 mins. to get a drink and when we tried to order something to eat when we finally got service we were told that they didn't work that way and we had to wait for the waiter to show us the cuts of meat. The crazy part about the entire experience is that there was only one other table that had people sitting at it in the restaurant.

I would definitely recommend Mahogany if someone is looking for a great steak- they have the best steak by far and present it extremely well. For overall ambiance and food, I would say Flatiron- I've taken a number of out of town guests to Flatiron and they have always been very impressed. It is also a great place to take a date.

[Guest]

I'm surprised Omaha Prime has any votes... I've tried eating there 3 times since I moved here 6 years ago and I never had a positive experience. The last time we tried to eat there (about 2 yrs. ago) we ended up walking out after it took 45 mins. to get a drink and when we tried to order something to eat when we finally got service we were told that they didn't work that way and we had to wait for the waiter to show us the cuts of meat. The crazy part about the entire experience is that there was only one other table that had people sitting at it in the restaurant.

I would definitely recommend Mahogany if someone is looking for a great steak- they have the best steak by far and present it extremely well. For overall ambiance and food, I would say Flatiron- I've taken a number of out of town guests to Flatiron and they have always been very impressed. It is also a great place to take a date.

Lol, that was my vote. I have had many steaks at many different restaurants, and I would say Omaha Prime is tied for the best, along with Bistro 1301 atop the Crowne Plaza Hotel in DT KC.

Now I have eaten different foods that I felt were better in other restaurants, but out of the choices given, it's Omaha Prime for me. (Even though they sat me next to a complete douchebag who was on a date with what appeared to be two women at the same time)