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Italian eateries in Omaha bring a warm, hearty charm to the heartland: family-style tables, rich sauces simmering for hours, and a sense of tradition in every bite. It’s where I twirl my fork, sip a bold red, and forget I’m anywhere but Tuscany.
I’ve got creamy risotto with wild mushrooms, a glass of Nebbiolo, and the soft hum of conversation around me—right here in flavorful, welcoming Omaha, Nebraska. Who knew the Midwest could serve up such a taste of Italy?
"Hearty dishes, rustic ambiance, and comforting tradition? This is Omaha’s Italian side—soulful, satisfying, and full of love."
This is Why I Keep Coming Back for More:
- Classic trattorias and cozy neighborhood gems
- Handmade pastas, house specialties, and wood-fired pizzas
- Perfect for romantic dinners, family nights, or comfort cravings
- Warm service, candlelight, and hearty Italian hospitality
- A rich blend of old-world tradition and Midwestern soul
Unique Italian Eateries in Omaha:
1. Savor Northern Italian Elegance at Avoli Osteria
I like:
"Upscale and intimate, with housemade pastas, curated wines, and a refined European touch."
© Avoli Osteria
Avoli Osteria is a chef-owned restaurant serving Northern Italian cuisine in a casual, elegant atmosphere. Located in the historic Omaha neighborhood of Dundee and owned by Dario and Amy Schicke, Avoli Osteria brings the taste of Italy to Omaha with a menu of delicious, freshly prepared Italian fare with a modern twist. Diners can tuck into small plates of antipasti, handmade pasta, and thick and creamy sauces, and entrées of chicken, prime meat cuts, and hearty sides from the a la carte menu or a set three-course Prix Fixe menu. Avoli’s fine food is paired with a selection of wine from the Northern regions of Italy as well as imported liqueurs and spirits.
5013 Underwood Avenue, Omaha, NE 68132, Phone: 402-933-7400
2. Taste Tradition with a Twist at Dante Ristorante Pizzeria
I recommend:
"Neapolitan pizza from a wood-fired oven and rustic-modern Italian fare done right."
© Dante Ristorante Pizzeria
Dante Ristorante Pizzeria is a family-friendly restaurant specializing in authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and rustic Italian cuisine. Committed to providing patrons with an authentic Italian experience, Dante Ristorante prepares each dish from scratch using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients from regional farms and producers. Open for lunch and dinner with daily specials and happy hour throughout the week, Dante Ristorante serves a variety of delicious Italian cuisine from hand-tossed pizza and house-made pasta dishes to fresh garden salads and hearty entrées. Signature dishes include wood-oven roasted duck breast with sweet potato gratin and pumpkin seeds, wood-oven roasted Nebraska Rib-Eye with shitake mushrooms and sun’-chokes, and Ácqua Pazza with Manila clams, roasted scallops and tilefish, and lemon aioli.
The Shops of Legacy -168th & Center, Phone: 402-932-3078
3. Go Classic at Don Carmelo’s Pizzeria
I love:
"Neighborhood favorite with New York-style slices, crisp crusts, and no-frills flavor."
© Courtesy of fabiomax - Fotolia.com
Located in the historic Rockbrook Village and Elkhorn, Don Carmelo’s Pizzeria is a family-owned and operated pizzeria that prides itself on serving authentic Italian food cooked in traditional ways. Owned by the Magistro family, who immigrated from Sicily to America in the late 50s, Don Carmelo’s Pizzeria features a menu of delicious dishes of fresh salads, small appetizer plates, handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, calzones, Stromboli, Hoagies, and specialty combinations. There are tempting desserts on offer, a special kid’s corner, and catering services available for functions and events. More Things to Do in Omaha
Elkhorn: 1024 N 204th Ave, Elkhorn, NE 68022, Phone: 402-289-9800
Rockbrook: Rockbrook Village, at 108th and Center, Phone: 402-933-3190
Date Ideas:
4. Dig Into Comfort at Mangia Italiana
I enjoy:
"Generous portions, family recipes, and cheesy goodness in every bite—Mangia, indeed!"
© Courtesy of M.studio - Fotolia.com
Mangia Italiana is a casual, family-friendly restaurant that serves a diverse array of Italian-American cuisine in a relaxing atmosphere. The comprehensive menu features appetizers, freshly prepared soups and salads, traditional and specialty pizzas with a variety of toppings, entrées of house-made pasta dishes, fresh seafood, fish and chicken plates, hearty sandwiches, and a tempting dessert list. Mangia Italiana is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. A catering service is available seven days a week.
6516 Irvington Road, Omaha, NE 68134, Phone: 402-614-0600
5. Bite into History at Orsi’s Italian Bakery & Pizzeria
I like:
"Serving Omaha since 1919—legendary square-cut pizza, garlic bread, and that old-world aroma."
© Orsis Italian Bakery & Pizzeria
Orsis Italian Bakery & Pizzeria is a long-running Italian throwback offering specialty foodstuffs, baked goods and wood-fired pizza in a casual, laid-back setting. Established in 1919 by World War I veteran Alfonso Orsi, Orsis Italian Bakery & Pizzeria is one of the remaining icons of Omaha’s Little Italy and has been serving fresh and savory Italian foods for nearly 100 years. The authentic Sicilian style pizza and Italian twist bread have been staples of the bakery since inception, along with imported Italian meats, homemade Italian sausage, aged cheeses, olives, peppers, creamy mozzarella, and other excellent deli offerings. The Bakery also serves hand-spun, wood-fired pizza with a variety of toppings, savory goudarooni, and garlic bread.
621 Pacific St, Omaha, NE 68108, Phone: 402-345-3438
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What makes Omaha a great city to visit?
- The largest city in Nebraska not only packs a punch when it comes to beautiful scenery, historic sites, and an array of attractions and activities to enjoy, but it also offers a variety of great restaurants serving exceptional food.
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Does Omaha have good Italian restaurants?
- Italian cuisine is one of the standout options, with restaurants serving everything from traditional meatballs and spaghetti to succulent veal chops and ocean-fresh seafood.
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Where can you find top Italian restaurants in Omaha?
- Here are a few of the top Italian restaurants in Omaha where you can wine and dine on delicious homemade Italian cuisine.
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