I moved to Omaha a little over two years ago, and I can genuinely say that I love it here. While the weather is not always ideal, Omaha has so many things going for it. It has a “big city” feel without being too big. The shopping and entertainment opportunities are spot on. The beer scene keeps me happy. And the people are fantastic. I have truly met some of my best friends here.
While all of these things are great about Omaha, one of my favorite things (no surprise here) is the food. I swear, a new restaurant pops up almost weekly, which makes it fun because my eating options are truly never-ending.
Most people associate Omaha with steaks. And while there are certainly plenty of those to go around, Omaha restaurants are also incredibly vegetarian-friendly (with many being vegan-friendly). I love the food so much that the thought of leaving Omaha and it’s restaurants makes me super sad. So, for now, I shall stay!
Since I have such a great love for the vegetarian food in Omaha, I thought it was only fitting for me to share my favorites with all of you. This is, by no means, an all-inclusive list. There are tons of vegetarian-friendly restaurants that I have yet to eat at. But I hope you will find it as a helpful resource if you are new to the area, new to eating vegetarian, or if you plan to visit!
The Best Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Omaha
The Best Veggie Burger:
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Omaha Tap House makes a darn good housemade veggie patty! You can sub in a veggie patty for any of their burger combinations, and can simply leave off any meat products (bacon, etc.). My personal favorite is the Hangover Burger. They also offer an Apple Pecan Salad and some seriously amazing french fries.
The Best “Bratwurst:”
This, my friends, would be the Vegan Currywurst from Blatt Beer & Table. It is truly one of my all-time favorite things to eat here in Omaha. How can you not like something served on a pretzel bun with sauerkraut and smoked ketchup? Some other vegetarian options include their Root Burger (which I’m dying to try), a Simple Salad, Falafel Sliders, and Blatt Mac. Blatt also serves amazing sides along with their entrees, and is a great place to venture to for beer!
The Best Pizza:
If you want good pizza, go to Pitch Pizzeria. It is my all-time favorite place to go for a slice of pie (or four). The Veggie Pie is my favorite, as it is made with seasonal vegetables. This means it is always perfectly fresh and flavorful! Pitch enables you to build your own veggie pizza, and also serves things like The Quatro pizza, Margherita pizza, Shrooms pizza, Mac & Cheese, and several salads. I also highly recommend ordering a basket of their Truffle Fries!
The Best Sandwich that is Not a Veggie Burger:
I could eat this Tempeh Reuben sandwich from Marks Bistro in Dundee at least once per week and never tire of it. It is simple, yet flavorful, and I love the accompanying dressing and bread. Despite Marks having many vegetarian options, I always order this sandwich because I love it so much. If you want to step outside of the Tempeh Reuben box (maybe I will someday, too), try the Warm Spinach Salad, Beet Salad, The Sophie sandwich, Pad Thai (vegan with tofu), or Mushroom and Squash Risotto. Marks Bistro’s outside deck is the perfect place to enjoy dinner on a Summer night. Be sure to stop by eCreamery for dessert afterwards!
The Best “Fast” Food:
I refer to Ingredient as “fast” food lightly. It is by no means your typical chain restaurant. I call it “fast” because that is exactly how the food arrives: quickly. To me, it certainly does not taste like fast food. In fact, their West Coast Veggie Burger almost made it into my favorite veggie burger category. It is truly delicious and the variety of side dishes they provide is admirable. I am a big fan of their Grilled and Chilled Veggies. A few vegetarian-friendly menu items to try include: The Granny Smith Salad, Build-Your-Own Salad, Falafel Pita, Portobello Melt, Veggie and Hummus Wrap, a several vegetarian pizzas.
The Best Breakfast:
This picture does not do Wheat Fields justice. I just tend to be a fan of simplicity in the morning. A simplistic breakfast from Wheat Fields definitely hits the spot. They serve perfectly crispy hashbrowns, and their bumbleberry jam on toast is out of this world. For those who want something a little extra special, try Ruth Ann’s Pampered Eggs, the Frittata Lugano Italiano, or various flavors of French toast and pancakes (simply sub in a different side for the bacon). Wheat Fields is also a great place to stop for lunch, dinner, or brinner!
The Best Farm-to-Table:
Ohh, Kitchen Table. How I love thee! This restaurant never ceases to amaze me. They have the perfect farm-to-table atmosphere and a killer menu. I have tried and loved variations of their tacos and veggie burgers. The fun part about Kitchen Table is that in addition to their lunch/dinner menu, they always have a dinner special. What is even better is that the dinner special is always made two ways: with meat and without meat (which can often be made vegan). Generally speaking, Tuesdays (burgers) and Thursdays (tacos) are my favorite nights. I hope to add pizza night to that list soon!
The Best Vegan Food:
Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, pescetarian, or a meat-eater, you have to try Modern Love. It is truly a dining experience. Modern Love recently opened in 2014 and is run by a famous vegan chef, Isa Chandra. It is also Omaha’s first and only all-vegan restaurant. Basically, it is like heaven for me. It is not often that I can order and eat every single item on a restaurant’s menu. Modern Love changes their menu seasonally, but the Grilled Caesar Salad, Beet Burger Royale, and Mac & Shews are staples. Don’t forget to save room for dessert. We’re talking vegan ice cream, cheesecake, and pie!
The Best for Unique Menu Items:
Block 16 serves up out of this world street food, and they do it vegan-style. While they serve plenty of options for meat-eaters, some of their stand out offerings are created with delicious vegan ingredients. They put their creativity to the test with each and every menu item, and they pass with flying colors. I am a big fan of the vegan Philly Sandwich. It’s flavorful, filling, and is guaranteed to be a favorite for all- vegetarian or not. Block 16 also serves up a vegan Reuben, vegan Croque Garcon, vegan Gyros, and a vegan Dragon Wrap. I was not kidding when I said their vegetarian food is unique!
The Best Restaurant/Bar:
If you are anything like me, you probably enjoy visiting restaurants that not only serve up delicious vegetarian food, but also have an extensive beer list. With 24 craft and import beers on tap and several vegetarian menu options, you will leave Wilson and Washburn a very happy camper. If you try anything at Wilson and Washburn, it has to be the Beet Burger! Not only is it topped with pickled jalapenos, but it is also slathered with the most delicious smoked peanut butter. It is the epitome of perfection. If the beet burger isn’t your style, check out the Mac & Cheese, Heirloom Spinach Salad, Baked Pretzel Sticks, or Beet Chips.
The Best Restaurant/Brewery:
There is nothing better than a brewery. Scratch that. There is nothing better than a brewery that also serves amazing food. And if the food is vegan? Well, that’s even better! I love everything about Benson Brewery. The atmosphere is fun, the beer is delicious, and the food is creative and flavorful. The vegan wings are my absolute favorite. Even my meat-eating boyfriend loves them! We both highly recommend the spicy bbq sauce. Other vegetarian-friendly options include the Mac & Cheese (vegetarian), the Butternut Squash Macaroni (Vegan), the Kale Salad, and a Black Bean Burger (Vegan). I was also told that the gravy is vegetarian, so be sure to try the Poutine!
If you thought Omaha was only focused on steaks, you are wrong. Hopefully you’ll venture out and try some of our delicious vegetarian and vegan-friendly options to find out for yourself!
I’m heading out to a new-to-me restaurant for brunch with my girlfriends this morning. I’ll be back tomorrow with a review. Maybe it will become a new favorite of mine (fingers crossed).
Are you from Omaha? If so, which vegetarian-friendly restaurants do I need to try next?
If you are not from Omaha, are your city’s restaurants vegetarian-friendly?
