Restaurants in Lincoln, Nebraska

Screamers Dining and Cabaret is a lively Lincoln destination where talented singing staff serve up great food and unforgettable entertainment. Inspired by “The Scarlet and Cream Singers,” a former UNL show choir, owner and former member Kevin Witcher created a unique space where guests enjoy upscale fare — from steaks and seafood to pasta, plus vegetarian and vegan options — all while being serenaded by some of Lincoln’s best musical theater performers. It’s a fun and memorable date night destination.

Recommended For: Couples, musical theater fans, groups, and anyone seeking a unique dinner-and-show experience in Lincoln.

• Savor upscale dishes, including premium steaks, seafood, pasta, and plant-based options.
• Enjoy live performances by talented singing staff throughout your dining experience.
• Discover a playful concept inspired by Lincoln’s beloved Scarlet and Cream Singers.
• Make it a fun, memorable date night with great food and top-notch entertainment.
• Support local music theater artists while treating yourself to a one-of-a-kind evening.

803 Q Street, Lincoln, NE
Phone: 402-500-2550

The Green Gateau has been an upscale neighborhood staple in downtown Lincoln for over 25 years, offering fine dining inspired by the great inns of Europe. Adorned with artwork from France, Germany, Italy, and England, this cozy, romantic restaurant pairs contemporary American and French-influenced cuisine with an inviting, intimate atmosphere. The menu delights with vegetarian and gluten-free options alongside favorites like coconut shrimp lollipops, baked brie en croute, and flash-fried calamari.

Recommended For: Couples, special occasions, European cuisine lovers, and anyone seeking a romantic fine dining experience in Lincoln.

• Savor elegant dishes like coconut shrimp lollipops, baked brie en croute, and fresh calamari.
• Enjoy a cozy, romantic setting filled with European art and charm.
• Explore a diverse menu featuring vegetarian and gluten-free options.
• Experience 25 years of culinary excellence at this beloved Lincoln staple.
• Treat yourself to a fine dining escape inspired by European inns.

330 South Tenth Street, Lincoln, NE
Phone: 402-477-0330

Asian Fusion offers a stunning dining experience where every detail — from the rooftop trees to the colorful, soft lighting — evokes the feeling of dining inside a royal palace. Perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a lively group gathering, this Lincoln favorite takes pride in its beautifully presented dishes, including delicate culinary touches like carrot-carved butterflies. Known especially for its fresh seafood, Asian Fusion’s premier sushi rolls have become a local sensation.

Recommended For: Couples, sushi lovers, special occasions, and anyone seeking a beautifully styled Asian dining experience.

• Savor fresh, expertly crafted sushi rolls and top-tier seafood dishes.
• Delight in artistic food presentations with exquisite culinary details.
• Relax in a romantic, palace-inspired setting with soft, colorful lighting.
• Host a memorable dinner for two or a large group celebration with ease.
• Experience why Asian Fusion is a standout destination in Lincoln’s dining scene.

2840 Jamie Lane, Lincoln, NE
Phone: 402-423-8889

Billy’s Restaurant has been a beloved destination for upscale casual dining in Lincoln for over three decades. Located near the State Capitol in a historic 1887 building, Billy’s is named after Nebraska’s own William Jennings Bryan. Dining here transports guests back in time with its charming, history-rich décor, making it an ideal setting for a special night out for two. Billy’s prides itself on sourcing the finest local ingredients, offering house specialties like lamb, steak, veal, seafood, duck, and flavorful vegetarian dishes.

Recommended For: Couples, history lovers, special occasions, and anyone seeking refined, locally sourced cuisine in a historic setting.

• Savor expertly prepared entrées featuring lamb, steak, veal, seafood, duck, and vegetarian options.
• Experience dining in a beautifully preserved 1887 building near the State Capitol.
• Appreciate the rich historic ambiance inspired by William Jennings Bryan’s legacy.
• Enjoy a romantic, upscale atmosphere perfect for memorable evenings.
• Support local farms through Billy’s commitment to premium, locally sourced ingredients.

1301 H Street, Lincoln, NE
Phone: 402-474-0084

Blue Sushi Sake Grill, located inside the Downtown Courtyard Marriott, is Lincoln’s premier destination for sushi lovers. The tranquil interior, adorned with Japanese art like samurai swords, bonsai trees, and traditional oil paintings, creates a serene and romantic vibe perfect for couples seeking a quiet dinner out. Known for using fresh, locally sourced produce and seafood flown in daily, Blue Sushi has earned its reputation as one of the best sushi spots in the city, thanks to its commitment to quality and creative culinary expertise.

Recommended For: Couples, sushi enthusiasts, date nights, and anyone craving fresh, expertly crafted Japanese cuisine.

• Savor premium sushi and sashimi made with seafood brought in fresh daily.
• Enjoy a tranquil, artful setting adorned with samurai swords and bonsai trees.
• Relax under soft lighting, perfect for an intimate dinner for two.
• Delight in the creative culinary expertise that makes this a top Lincoln dining spot.
• Experience the freshest flavors with locally sourced ingredients and impeccable preparation.

808 R Street, Lincoln, NE
Phone: 402-805-4232

Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar is a beloved Lincoln destination where first-timers and regulars alike rave about the perfect mix of fine service, affordable pricing, and exquisite food paired with a well-stocked wine bar. With the cozy charm of a home library, Carmela’s offers a welcoming, intimate atmosphere ideal for a romantic evening, plus outdoor seating for up to 30 guests. Featuring fresh, farm-to-table ingredients, the menu delights with dishes like poblano salmon, walleye piccata, and lump crab mac ‘n’ cheese. Guests also enjoy First Thursday wine tastings and indulgent Sunday brunches.

Recommended For: Couples, wine lovers, special date nights, and anyone seeking a cozy, upscale dining experience with farm-fresh cuisine.

• Savor farm-fresh entrées like poblano salmon, walleye piccata, and crab mac ‘n’ cheese.
• Relax in a cozy, homey atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner or special outing.
• Enjoy outdoor seating for up to 30 guests in a charming setting.
• Indulge in First Thursday wine tastings and delightful Sunday brunch offerings.
• Experience one of Lincoln’s favorite spots for great food, fine wine, and warm service.

4141 Pioneer Woods Drive, Lincoln, NE
Phone: 402-489-0005

FireWorks Restaurant is all about old-fashioned cooking done right, blending scratch-made, contemporary dishes with time-honored techniques. Guests can enjoy mouthwatering meals at intimate tables for two or gather with family, friends, or colleagues in the restaurant’s spacious, lively setting. A major highlight is the unique open kitchen concept, where diners can watch their meals prepared fresh over a hickory flame — a method that’s earned FireWorks’ prime rib the title of best in Lincoln.

Recommended For: Couples, groups, families, business dinners, and anyone seeking scratch-made, flame-grilled dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.

• Savor top-rated prime rib and other scratch-made favorites grilled over a hickory flame.
• Experience the excitement of an open kitchen where you can watch chefs in action.
• Enjoy intimate tables for date nights or large spaces for lively group celebrations.
• Appreciate a culinary philosophy rooted in old-fashioned, fresh-from-scratch cooking.
• Celebrate any occasion at one of Lincoln’s most accommodating and flavorful dining spots.

5750 South 86th Street, Lincoln, NE
Phone: 402-434-5644