Restaurants in Lincoln, Nebraska

1. Screamers Dining and Cabaret

Talented singing staff serve great food at Screamers Dining and Cabaret , so much so that it has become a hit in Lincoln and the Midwest.

The restaurant concept is a play on words for “The Scarlet and Cream Singers,” which is a former UNL show choir. Owner and once show choir member, Kevin Witcher came up with the restaurant idea. Guests can expect high-quality, upscale fare from steaks to pasta to seafood, plus vegetarian and vegan options. Witcher’s vision is to provide a place for Lincoln’s most talented music theater artists to perform, while providing the community with great food and entertainment. This is a fun date night destination.

Screamers Dining and Cabaret, 803 Q Street, Lincoln, NE, Phone: 402-500-2550

2. The Green Gateau

For 25 years The Green Gateau has been an up-scale neighborhood staple of fine dining. Located in downtown Lincoln, this restaurant was inspired by the great inns across Europe.

The walls in the Green Gateau are adorned with paintings from France, Germany, Italy, and England. The atmosphere is combined with contemporary American and French-influenced cuisine to create an inviting, cozy feeling paired with scrumptious flavors. The ambience is pure romance. Along with vegetarian and gluten-free options, The Green Gateau’s menu is teeming with delights like coconut shrimp lollipops, baked brie en croute, and flash fried calamari.

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

3. Asian Fusion

At Asian Fusion, the décor sets the ambience inside and out. The roof of the restaurant is adorned with trees. Inside, colorful soft lighting gives Asian Fusion the feel of dining inside a Royal Palace, setting the tone for a romantic dinner for two.

There is plenty of space for large groups to dine as well. The restaurant also gives new meaning to food presentation with culinary details like a butterfly carved from a carrot. Asian Fusion prides itself on its fresh seafood, which makes its many premier sushi rolls the talk of Lincoln.

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

4. Billy's

For three decades Billy's Restaurant has been a staple of upscale casual dining in Lincoln. Located near the State Capitol Building, it was built in 1887.

Billy’s is named after William Jennings Bryan, a former politician from Nebraska. Dining inside transports patrons to an earlier time US history with its interesting décor. It’s a great setting for a special night out for two. Billy’s places a premium on using the finest ingredients in entrées, so local farms are the main source for their ingredients. House specialties include lamb, steak, veal, seafood, duck, and delicious vegetarian dishes.

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

5. Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Blue Sushi Sake Grill is situated inside the Downtown Courtyard Marriott. This restaurant is the premier hot spot for sushi in Lincoln. Blue Sushi’s interior is adorned in Japanese art like Samurai swords, banzai trees and traditional oil paintings.

The lighting is soft and the vibe is tranquil for the couple looking for a quiet dinner out. The restaurant relies on fresh, local produce and ingredients to prepare dishes from fish and seafood that are brought in fresh daily. This is one reason the restaurant has the reputation as one of the best in Lincoln. The other, of course, is their creative culinary expertise.

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

6. Carmela's Bistro & Wine Bar

From first-timers to experienced guests, everyone raves about Carmela's Bistro & Wine Bar. Carmela’s has the perfect mixture of fine service, affordable pricing, and exquisite food complemented by a well-stocked wine bar.

With the feel of home library, the ambience is always inviting and cozy, which makes it an ideal place for a romantic evening. There is also outdoor seating for up to 30 guests.

Carmela’s ingredients are farm fresh daily, which helps bring out the succulent aromas and tastes in each menu item. Diners can expect offerings like poblano salmon, walleye picatta, and lump crab mac ‘n’ cheese. Don’t miss First Thursday wine-tastings or Sunday brunches.

Carmela's Bistro & Wine Bar, 4141 Pioneer Woods Drive, Lincoln, NE, Phone: 402-489-0005

7. FireWorks Restaurant

Cooking done the old-fashioned way is the culinary philosophy at FireWorks Restaurant.

Enjoy a mouthwatering meal at intimate tables for two, or join a lively setting meant to celebrate with a large group of family, friends, or business associates. FireWorks has ample room to accommodate any occasion.

The restaurant’s unique open kitchen concept that allows patrons to observe their meals being prepared fresh on the grill is a big draw. Cooking from scratch with a contemporary flair is a time-honored tradition at FireWorks. Here, chefs have discovered that grilling over a hickory flame is the best way to ensure its prime rib is voted the best in Lincoln.

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