We’ve put together the best food spots in Lincoln, Nebraska. You can see our methodology here.

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1. LeadBelly

Try the: Raspberry Beret Burger

“Casual outpost serving burgers, sandwiches & finger foods, plus funky cocktails & local draft beer.”

2. Honest Abe’s Burgers and Freedom

Try the: Parmesan Truffle Fries

“The home of crispy bacon, soft buns, good beef, fries that make the French jealous, and food made from the ground up.”

3. Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Try the: Crunchy Blue

Also honored in:

• 2022 Best Restaurants in Omaha
• 2022 Best Restaurants in Fort Worth
• 2021 Best Restaurants in Omaha
• 2021 Best Restaurants in Fort Worth

“Fresh and energetic, Blue offers an inspired mix of creative sushi for purists and adventurers alike. Happy Hour has put Blue on the map, offering value and variety without sacrificing quality or experience. Blue’s vibrant scene offers a dining experience full of creative flavor and intense with spirited atmosphere. A large maki, sashimi and nigiri menu is complemented by Asian-inspired cold plates, hot plates, entrées, soups, salads, desserts and an extensive sake menu.”

4. Banhwich Cafe

Try the: Pork Belly Bahn Mi

“Specializing in Vietnamese Sandwiches (“Banh Mi”) and Bubble Tea. Our restaurant has over 17 styles of sandwiches–including Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, and Thai inspired creations! Come visit our Cafe in the Saigon Plaza, next to Pho Factory! Located just north of 27th & Vine, just 3 blocks west of Peter Pan Park. Minutes from UNL’s City Campus & East Campus. Call ahead or order online for take-out!”

5. The Oven

Try the: Mulligatawny Soup

“The Oven Restaurants specialize in Northern Indian Cuisine which is known for its rich colors, flavor profiles and a unique style of cooking in a clay oven, called the Tandoor. Chicken, shrimp and lamb marinate for several hours in a yogurt and spice mixture and placed on skewers while various breads are being hand made by our chefs fresh each day. The skewers and breads are then placed in the tandoor over an open flame where breads are cooked to perfection and the rich flavors are sealed in to ensure tenderness and quality of the meat.”

6. Sultan’s Kite

Try the: Chicken Shawarma

“In a bustling downtown scene I had this idea in mind after some travel abroad where I was able to eat and enjoy some of the most amazing street food I have ever tasted. During my time in Afghanistan, Turkey, Iran, Italy and Dubai I was able to gather some key flavors I wanted to introduce as a fusion to the downtown scene. What makes “The Kite” unique is you can’t place us into one category. Our Tikka Korma is a traditional Afghani staple where as our Chicken Shawarma and Falafel are essential Middle Eastern street food. Our Gyros round out the menu as a main Greek item. Pair this fusion theme with fresh ingredients and good customer service and hopefully it will continue to please our loyal and friendly customers.”

7. Green Gateau

Try the: Croque Monsieur Sandwich

“Contemporary American Cuisine The Green Gateau offers full-service and drop-off catering services for corporate entertaining, galas and fundraisers, social events, weddings, receptions and business breakfast/luncheons. Our food is prepared from scratch using only the finest ingredients. Providing both on and off-site catering options, the Green Gateau has the imagination and expertise to make your next event sensational.”

8. Phat Jacks

Try the: Pulled Pork Sandwich

“We specialize in award winning competition type Kansas City style BBQ. Burnt Ends and Ribs are always popular with brisket and pork close behind. Most of our sides are award winning as well, sides such as baked beans, sweet cornbread, cheesy potatoes and the ever popular potato salad. We do a get amount of catering for so many different events and other sides and meats are available thru catering.”

9. Cultiva Coffee

Try the: Parisian

“Coffee micro-roastery, full service espresso bar, delicious made-to-order crepes, scratch-made soups, sandwiches and pastry. Lincoln’s finest coffee experience keeps the vinyl spinning all day! Out of towners: We’re a very quick shot down I-180 from the Downtown exit…keep going when it becomes 9th Street in downtown, take a left on G Street, go two blocks, take another left and you’ll be looking at our front door. About 5 minutes most of the time, and we even have some degree of parking!”

10. MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante

Try the: Margherita Pizza

“The MoMo experience is nothing short of extraordinary! At MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante, the high quality ingredients are house crafted and locally sourced ( when they don’t come straight from Italy ). MoMo authentic Italian dishes and pizza are made from scratch and prepared for patrons to share, making MoMo the perfect place to gather with friends and family.”