Omaha’s culinary scene is experiencing an exciting renaissance, with talented chefs and passionate entrepreneurs opening innovative restaurants that are redefining what it means to dine in the heartland.
From elevated Mexican cuisine to French-inspired steakhouses, these five new establishments represent the best of what Omaha has to offer in 2026.
Whether you’re looking for a casual brunch spot or an upscale date night destination, these restaurants deserve a spot on your must-try list.
1. Santoro – Northwest Omaha
Location: 8601 W Dodge Rd
If you’re craving authentic Mexican cuisine with an upscale twist, Santoro is an absolute must-visit.
Helmed by Chef Jesus Rivera, who earned legendary status at his former restaurant Rivera’s, Santoro represents the culmination of decades of culinary mastery.
The food here transcends typical Mexican fare, delivering sophisticated flavors that transport your taste buds straight to Pueblo, Mexico.
The menu’s crown jewel is the enchilada selection, each generously stuffed with tender, perfectly seasoned proteins and paired with complementary sauces and cremas that create layers of complex flavor.
Don’t overlook the buttery Santoro Carne Asada or the innovative Cazuela Al Horno—a Mexican-style lasagna featuring tortilla chips, chorizo, shrimp, chicken, and cheese that’s absolutely decadent.
Why visit: This is widely considered the best Mexican restaurant in Omaha right now, combining traditional techniques with refined presentation.
2. SET The Bar – Benson
Location: 6121 Maple St
SET The Bar isn’t just another neighborhood watering hole—it’s a groundbreaking concept that puts women’s sports front and center while serving elevated bar fare that rivals many upscale restaurants.
With massive TVs showcasing women’s athletics, this Benson establishment offers a refreshing alternative to traditional sports bars.
Chef Kristin Pyle, one of Omaha’s rising culinary stars, has created a menu that transforms comfort food into something extraordinary.
Her Smashburger ranks among the best burgers in the city, with perfectly crispy edges and juicy beef. The Banh Mi Fries offer a sophisticated twist on loaded fries with Vietnamese-inspired flavors.
But here’s the insider tip: visit for Sunday brunch. The Biscoff Crumble French Toast is legendary—thick-cut bread soaked in custard and topped with cookie butter crumbles that create an addictive sweet-savory combination that’s genuinely one of Omaha’s best breakfast dishes.
Why visit: Unique atmosphere celebrating women’s sports, plus brunch that will make you plan return visits.
3. Masa Luna – Little Bohemia
Location: 1258 S 13th St
What began as a creative tamale home delivery service has blossomed into one of Omaha’s most exciting and inclusive dining destinations.
Masa Luna serves what co-owner Gillian Cromwell Cuevas calls “Mexican-ish” food—playful, inventive dishes that honor tradition while embracing culinary creativity.
The menu is delightfully unexpected: pierogies stuffed with chorizo and potato, Manhattans with a mole base, and tortas so generously stuffed with fried oyster mushrooms that you’ll need to unhinge your jaw.
But the heart and soul of Masa Luna remains its tamales—tender pockets of masa filled with roasted pork, vegetables, mushrooms, and seasonal ingredients.
Vegetarians and vegans will find this menu particularly welcoming, with numerous meat-free options that aren’t afterthoughts but rather some of the restaurant’s best dishes.
The Vegan Torta is so satisfying that even carnivores won’t miss the meat.
Why visit: Creative Mexican-inspired cuisine with one of Omaha’s most inclusive menus for plant-based diners.
4. Know Good – Midtown
Location: 3528 Center St
Breakfast sandwich enthusiasts, rejoice—Know Good has arrived to deliver bagel perfection.
This midtown gem specializes in breakfast sandwiches that strike the ideal balance between portability and indulgence.
The house-baked bagels are the foundation of greatness here: crispy and golden on the outside, soft and chewy within.
This texture achieves what many bagel shops can’t—holding together all the fillings without turning into a soggy mess.
The eggs are cooked to perfection, the proteins deliver great texture and flavor, and there’s enough cheese to satisfy even the most devoted dairy lovers.
Beyond the bagel sandwiches, you’ll find creative toast options and pastries from Sweet Magnolias Bake Shop, which shares the same ownership and brings exceptional baked goods to the table.
Why visit: The best breakfast sandwiches in Omaha, with bagels that actually deserve the hype.
5. Pivot Prime – Central Omaha
Location: 13665 California St
For an upscale dining experience that reimagines the traditional steakhouse, Pivot Prime delivers French-inspired techniques and modern innovation courtesy of Chef Joel Hassanali (the visionary behind Salted Edge).
While the steaks themselves are expertly prepared, it’s the creative sides and accompaniments that truly elevate this restaurant.
The Wagyu Meatball is the size of a small meteor and bursting with rich, beefy flavor. The Brussels Sprouts dressed in peanut miso offer an Asian-inspired twist that’s both familiar and surprising.
But the most talked-about item might be the Beef Tallow Candle—a brilliant combination of bone marrow and beef fat that melts down like a candle, creating a luxurious spread for house-made bread that’s pure decadence.
The Red Wine Aged Manhattan Steak showcases the kitchen’s technical prowess, with precise cooking that highlights the beef’s natural flavors while the aging process adds complexity and tenderness.
Why visit: An upscale steakhouse experience that goes beyond traditional offerings with innovative sides and French-inspired techniques.
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