The best in Lincoln: $$$
My Favorite Lincoln restaurants at a more upscale price.
South West
Copal Progressive Mexican Cuisine
Copal is an awesome place to visit if you want an “authentic” Mexican experience … and I don’t mean authentic in the way you think I do. To me authentic is something that is completely unique, created by the chef at that restaurant and an experience that you’re not going to find anywhere else, even … Continue reading "Copal Progressive Mexican Cuisine"
L’s Kitchen
L’s takes over where the Normandy left off, and I’m pretty happy about it. L’s offers what I look for, chef inspired, creative and most importantly really good food. They describe themselves as “Unpretentious, cozy & Sophisticated,” and I would agree with that. L’s is an all-around nice place for an evening out.
Florio’s Italian Restaurant & Grille
Do you like Italian? Yes? You’ll probably like Florio’s. I’ve never left unsatisfied.
Koen
Koen brings a concept that I’ve experienced a couple times outside of Lincoln. Now having it here, I’m happy that we have this experience. From what I’ve been able to gather, Koen’s grill at your own table experience is usually reserved for more high-end dining. Koen has done a great job of re-creating that here … Continue reading "Koen"
Downtown
Blue Orchid Thai Restaurant
I love this place, and I visit often. They have Thai that is as good as anywhere in town + a really cool building. Some adjectives that come to mind when thinking about the Blue Orchid are cool, hip, interesting, spicy, curry, yum. What you’re ordering: The Green Curry with pork. Add a Thai iced … Continue reading "Blue Orchid Thai Restaurant"
Green Gateau
The Green Gateau has been a favorite of mine for quite some time. The start the day with one of my go-to spots for breakfast. Have a really nice lunch vibe, but manage to wrap it all together and are one of the better dinner spots in town. The interior vibe is reminds me of … Continue reading "Green Gateau"
Hub Cafe
Farm-to-table is the theme for the Hub Cafe. It was started as a way to market “Branched Oak Farm’s dairy products, meat and vegetable crops while serving the community of Lincoln.” It’s not your normal “cafe” food so don’t expect anything boring. If you are they type of person who likes fresh, chef-inspired food, it’s … Continue reading "Hub Cafe"
Canyon Joe’s Barbecue
Lincoln has another candidate for best BBQ in town. I’ve had Canyon Joe’s when they were a food truck and loved. They have successfully carried what they do best to their brick and mortar location. Owner Joe Hager may have honed his skills in Texas and may label his BBQ as Texas style. But you … Continue reading "Canyon Joe’s Barbecue"
Misty’s
If you go out and ask people on the street where to get a steak, Misty’s is probably where they will send you. Misty’s has been around forever and beef is what they do. If you find yourself at Misty’s, get the prime rib. While the best prime rib I’ve had is from a caterer … Continue reading "Misty’s"
Billy’s
Billy’s has a great location in an old house close to the Capitol. It is named after William Jennings Bryan and the decor and atmosphere fits the namesake. I think the history and the building is worth the visit alone, but the food isn’t a slouch either.
Haymarket
Single Barrel
When thinking steak and whiskey, it’s hard to not think of the Single Barrel. They’re a steak joint named after a whiskey process. I don’t know if I need to say anything else. Need more? The whiskey they specialize in is Bourbon and the Bourbon selection is excellent. The Bourbon review named them one of … Continue reading "Single Barrel"
The Oven
The Oven serves traditional Indian comfort food, and they do it very well. But to me, the Oven stands out by combining some very solid Indian food with a great wine list and really nice atmosphere. You can get a good Chicken Tikka Masala in a lot of places, but you can’t get it in … Continue reading "The Oven"
Shokunin sushi & ramen
Shokunin occupies the former Bread and Cup space. I have many happy food memories in that space, so they have a good start there. There are other Sushi restaurants in town, other Ramen restaurants in town and other Japanese restaurants in town. But Shokunin is just different enough from all of them to stand out. … Continue reading "Shokunin sushi & ramen"
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Blue has grown to enough cities in the US that it can probably be considered a chain. I’m still going to include them on my list because 1) they started in Omaha, so they are at least a Nebraska Chain, 2) their space in the Haymarket is one of the better places to eat in … Continue reading "Blue Sushi Sake Grill"
Hiro 88
Hiro 88 is from Omaha, but their Lincoln Locations are a (very) welcome addition to our food scene. Hiro is probably my go-to for sushi & sake. Don’t sleep on their other food as their Chilean Sea Bass, Miso-Glazed is probably my favorite seafood dish in town. Both of their locations have great outdoor seating. … Continue reading "Hiro 88"
Vincenzo’s Ristorante
Vincenzo’s is Lincoln’s best pure Italian restaurant. But you may be taking more of a trip to St. Louis than Italy when visiting. The Lou hints are subtle, with dishes like toasted ravioli and one that’s called “The Hill” after St. Louis’s most famous food and their Italian district respectively. But the dead giveaway is … Continue reading "Vincenzo’s Ristorante"
HopCat
I hesitate to add chains to my lists. You won’t see them much on this site. But Hopcat is a fairly small chain and does a really good job with including local beers with their already amazing & large beer list. The list isn’t just large, it’s well thought out and one that’s hard to beat.
LeadBelly
Leadbelly’s version of chili & cinnamon roll, the fully leaded jacket, isn’t your traditional combo. It’s a “burger” that has cinnamon roll buns and chili all over the top with chips and jalapenos. If you’d like (and I do), add a fried egg and some chorizo to make it a breakfast leaded jacket. I know … Continue reading "LeadBelly"
Fleetwood
Fleetwood occupies a fun location in the Haymarket. They’ve done a great job with their atmosphere and their menu. As a new location (writing this in January 2023), I will wait to learn more about how they will evolve and what I like best about them. But so far, they are off to a great … Continue reading "Fleetwood"
Buzzard Billy’s
I might be biassed when talking about Buzzard Billy’s as it is where I worked as a line cook in college. Given the perspective, I’ll tell you a few things about Buzzards. 1) I believe they crank out some very good, well made food. 2) I have always thought they have a fun atmosphere. 3) … Continue reading "Buzzard Billy’s"
South East
Venue Restaurant & Lounge
The Venue is one of the more upscale restaurants in Lincoln and with that, they have one of the better menus. I enjoy their creativity and specials. On a selection & price perspective, the Venue might be the best place in Lincoln to get a good Whiskey. They are also no slouch with their wine … Continue reading "Venue Restaurant & Lounge"
The Oven
The Oven serves traditional Indian comfort food, and they do it very well. But to me, the Oven stands out by combining some very solid Indian food with a great wine list and really nice atmosphere. You can get a good Chicken Tikka Masala in a lot of places, but you can’t get it in … Continue reading "The Oven"
MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante
MoMo calls itself a pizzeria, but it’s so much more than a pizza joint. If I am looking for a nice night out, MoMo always comes up in the discussion. When going for dinner, I’ll snag a spot at their bar if I’m lucky enough to find one. In my humble opinion, the bar is … Continue reading "MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante"
Hiro 88
Hiro 88 is from Omaha, but their Lincoln Locations are a (very) welcome addition to our food scene. Hiro is probably my go-to for sushi & sake. Don’t sleep on their other food as their Chilean Sea Bass, Miso-Glazed is probably my favorite seafood dish in town. Both of their locations have great outdoor seating. … Continue reading "Hiro 88"
Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar
Go to Carmela’s for a nice dinner out. Get a good steak and nice glass of wine to take in the fun atmosphere and you’ll have a very good evening. Not feeling like a steak? Don’t worry, the rest of their menu offers plenty of other creative and good items too.
FireWorks Restaurant
I sort of see Fireworks as Lazlo’s number 3 since it is owned by them and serves a similar, if slightly more upscale menu. This is a good thing, Lazlo’s is probably my most frequented restaurant in Lincoln, which means I go to Fireworks a lot too.
Ginger
Ginger brings a Mongolian grill-style restaurant combined with a more traditional restaurant in one place. I’ve always appreciated the creative and good food at Ginger, which is what keeps me coming back.
Catalyst Beer Patio and Kitchen
Catalyst delivers a solid menu and a good beer list. But the real reason to visit is the patio. It’s one of the best in town.
North East
Piedmont Bistro
Piedmont Bistro is owned by the Venue, and that gives them a very good start. It is the Venu’s take on a bit of a different vibe, i.e., a bistro. I think they’ve nailed it. Breakfast When thinking about breakfast or brunch, the Piedmont Bistro is at the top of the list. Go early or … Continue reading "Piedmont Bistro"
Misty’s
If you go out and ask people on the street where to get a steak, Misty’s is probably where they will send you. Misty’s has been around forever and beef is what they do. If you find yourself at Misty’s, get the prime rib. While the best prime rib I’ve had is from a caterer … Continue reading "Misty’s"
Leighton’s Pub
Awesome sandwiches? Creative Pizza? A nice atmosphere? Leighton’s Pub, you’re speaking my language. I’ve been impressed enough every time I’ve visited that it’s on my radar whenever the “where do you want to eat” question comes up.
North West
Well and Good
Located on Innovation Campus, or the old State Fair Park, in the Scarlet Hotel, Well and Good is in a perfect spot to bring a Nebraska-themed restaurant to Lincoln. They bring things like Dorothy Lynch incorporated in a chef-inspired salad, a chef’s take on Runzas for an appetizer and calling dinner “supper” on the menu. … Continue reading "Well and Good"
Toast
Toast is the gem of Fallbrook in northwest Lincoln. They are located in the neat “downtown” area of Fallbrook which brings a nice setting, especially for outdoor seating in nice weather. I also love that a lot of their trim and fixtures came from Whittier Junior High school, where I have a personal connection to … Continue reading "Toast"
Villa Amore
Are you looking for good Italian in north Lincoln? Villa Amore delivers. It also delivers enough to make the south Lincoln people (gasp) cross O street too. Take it easy, I’m a south Lincoln person and I get it, but there’s some good food to find up here & Villa Amore is definitely part of … Continue reading "Villa Amore"