If you fancy a night out and some Italian food, we’ve featured 10 of the best Italian restaurants in Nebraska. Continue reading to learn about what they offer!
1. Orsi’s Italian Bakery & Pizzeria
World War 1 veteran Alfonso Orsi founded Orsi’s in 1919 in the heart of Omaha’s once-bustline little Italy. Over the years, it’s been handed down from father to son (twice) and rebuilt following a fire. Despite these struggles, Orsi’s is still a household name.
Open from breakfast time through the mid-evening, Orsi’s is a genuinely traditional joint – and just as real Italians would, the family closes up shop on Sundays to rest and build camaraderie. Orsi’s serves a wide range of Italian fare, from pizzas and homemade bread to pasta and even bulk cheese and cured meat sales. If you treasure your tastebuds – take them to eat some garlic bread; trust me, you won’t regret it.
To reach out, head to Orsi’s contact page.
2. Caniglia’s A Mano
Caniglia’s A Mano is an Omaha Italian staple. Over the years, they’ve developed a reputation for authentic Sicilian dishes with a homestyle American twist. Specifically, they’ve developed a reputation as the best American-Italian joint in the area.
Boasting a menu of subs, pizzas, salads, and a few choice appetizers, Caniglia’s has something for everyone. Their hours are hectic, but the wait is worth it. You’ll need to plan for an early lunch or evening meal, as they’re closed in the mornings and 2-4 p.m. on weekdays. Caniglia’s is also closed on Mondays.
If you’d like to reach out, head over to Caniglia’s contact page.
3. Mangia Italiana
Open for lunch and dinner every day of the week except Sunday and Monday, Mangia Italiana is truly an experience. If you’re seeking the classic Omaha American-Italian experience, few places are better than Mangia Italiana. Whether you want a few apps (bruschetta and garlic bread?) and a glass of wine, or you need something more hearty, Mangia has you covered.
You’ll find baked pasta dishes and specialty pizzas are the name of the game here, even going so far as to make breakfast pizza! The Italian desserts, namely Limoncello cake, cannoli, and tiramisu, are also spectacular.
Head to Mangia Italiana’s contact page if you’d like to reach out.
4. The Blackstone Meatball
The Blackstone Meatball is a bit of an oddity in the world of Omaha-based Italian joints. Open every day of the week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Blackstone is dedicated to ensuring you get your Italian fix, no matter what. They boast two locations, Blackstone East and West, so check the location before placing an order to go.
Blackstone has a from-scratch Italian classic waiting for you, no matter your needs. Pasta, meatballs (obviously), meatloaf, and several Americanized Italian classics await alongside Blackstone’s impressive cocktail and wine menu.
To reach out (maybe for catering?), head to Blackstone’s contact page.
5. Spezia Omaha
Spezia is one of the most well-known Italian caterers and restaurants in Omaha, and for a good reason. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. every week, with an extra hour on Friday and Saturday nights and closing one hour early on Sundays.
With a focus on catering large, lavish events, the food at Spezia needs to be unique – and surprise, it is! They boast many true Italian classics, from pasta and risotto to pizza and even a rack of lamb dish. In truth, Spezia is the most authentic Italian joint available in Omaha – no question there.
To reach out for catering or takeout, head to Spezia’s contact page.
6. Le Sole Mio Ristorante
Omaha’s Le Sole Mio Ristorante is a longstanding staple of the city. Whether that status was earned by their exemplary dishes or the friendly family-run business model is unclear, but they’re doing it very well whatever Le Sole is doing. Opened in 1992 by the Losole family, the business is just months away from its 30th anniversary.
While closed on Sundays and Mondays, you can find dinner from 3 to 9 p.m. on weekends and until 8 p.m. on weekdays. The menu consists of pizza, sampler platters (their specialty), and all of the pasta, veal, and seafood meals you’d expect from traditional Italian fare.
To reach out, head to Le Sole Mio Ristorante’s contact page.
7. Dammi Dammi
If you’re feeling the Mediterranean vibe but want something slightly different, Lincoln’s Dammi Dammi is for you. No matter your needs, Dammi Dammi brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table, with Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern influences. Open from late morning through the evening, every day but Sunday, you’re sure to find something to love here.
Dammi Dammi’s specialty lies in tapas – small plates that encourage sharing and community. This environment genuinely brings out the friendliness in anyone who enters and brings delicious drinks (coffee, tea, and alcohol), various tapas, and even gelato for those with a sweet tooth!
To reach out, head to Dammi Dammi’s contact page.
8. Villa Amore
Those in Lincoln who seek a more intimate, traditional Italian experience look no further than Master Chef Florim’s Villa Amore. They boast a wide range of expertly-plated classics and are open for lunch and dinner every day of the week.
Villa Amore’s specialty lies in the traditional Italian classics you’d expect: pasta, seafood, and many house specialties with a unique twist, such as cacciatore. For those with more… American tastes, you’ll find steaks and pizzas and a classic children’s menu consisting of tortellini, spaghetti, and meatballs.
To reach out, head to Villa Amore’s online ordering page.
9. Roma Italian Restaurant
Bellevue’s Italian pickings are slim but not bare. Roma Italian Restaurant is one of the few Italian joints to have stood the test of time, and for good reason. While closed on Mondays, Roma’s service extends from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. most days of the week, with a late open on Tuesday and an early close on Sunday.
Their specialty lies in a few kinds of pasta (ziti, fettuccine, and tortellini), along with a massive range of true Italian classics. No matter your tastes, it’s a guarantee that you’ll enter Roma hungry and leave satisfied.
To reach out, head to Roma Italian Restaurant’s contact page.
10. New York Pizza & Italian Restaurant
If you’re in need of a true American-Italian joint, look no further than Grand Island’s New York Pizza & Italian Restaurant. Open from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day except Sundays (where they close at 6:00 p.m.). While you won’t find Nonna’s recipes, you will find the best-adapted versions of them this side of the Atlantic.
With a focus on pizza, Italian subs (both hot and cold), and baked pasta, there’s a flavor here for everyone. And if you don’t feel like getting off the couch, I have good news – they deliver! At the end of the day, New York Pizza & Italian is genuinely one of the most flavorful meals you’ll have in the Midwest.
To reach out, head to New York Pizza & Italian’s online ordering page.
