If there’s one thing Omahans love to do, it’s eat. You’ll find more restaurants per capita in Omaha than in any other U.S. city. Most visitors come looking for steak, and they don’t go away disappointed. But Omaha is more than a beef town, as the city also boasts excellent Italian, Mexican, Thai, Indian and Continental cuisine.

Downtown
If you find yourself downtown at mealtime, head to the Old Market, where you’ll find everything from fine French dining to a corner hot dog stand. If you’re looking for an outstanding steak dinner, try Omaha Prime, where you’ll select your steak from a tableside array of cuts. For eclectic Italian, try Vivace, where big plates of homemade pasta, irresistible risottos and an extensive Italian wine list are the order of the day. M’s Pub, one of Omaha’s favorite spots, offers an outstanding array of options.

If you’re craving a big, juicy burger and an icy cold brew, stop into Billy Froggs. Veggie lovers enjoy the good food and fresh atmosphere at Dazy Maze: A Veggie Place. For special occasions, try the French Cafe or V. Mertz, two Old Market mainstays featuring romantic ambiance, exceptional service and some of the best food in town. Just west of the Market sits the Flatiron Cafe, the perfect place for a business lunch or a romantic dinner. For old-style Italian dining, try Caniglia’s Original Restaurant.

Central
When you’re ready to enjoy that famous Omaha steak, try one of the many traditional steakhouses in midtown. Anthony’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge and Gorat’s Steak House are two of the oldest and finest in the city. Locals flock to The Drover to enjoy the Whiskey Steak and the freshest salad bar around. For authentic Italian cuisine, try La Casa Pizzeria, home of Omaha’s original Neapolitan pizza. La Strada 72 is an upscale Italian cafe perfect for lunch or dinner meetings. If you’re a barbecue lover, don’t miss McKenna’s Blues, Booze & BBQ. And for a quick bite, try the Dundee Dell or Goldberg’s.

West Central
A cluster of excellent restaurants is located in and around the major West Omaha shopping malls, so you don’t need to hit the food court to reenergize. Imperial Palace, rated “Omaha”s Best Oriental Restaurant” by Omaha Magazine, offers authentic Chinese cuisine in an unforgettably beautiful atmosphere. At Kobe Steakhouse of Japan, diners experience the art of tableside Hibachi cooking. If a more subdued atmosphere is what you have in mind, try the elegant Cafe Di Copia. For food with a little sizzle, try Stokes Grill and Bar.

North Omaha
The north end of town is home to a diverse blend of eateries. No trip to Omaha is complete without a stop at Mister C’s Steakhouse, where you’ll dine surrounded by hand-painted murals of Italy, little Christmas villages and thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. Another North Omaha favorite is Mt. Fuji Inn, where the tempura is tops and the mai tais are marvelous. Travel farther north and you’ll find the Surfside Club—an outdoor eatery situated on the banks of the Missouri River—and the Alpine Inn, where the chicken is greasy and the beer is ice cold.

Northwest
Many excellent restaurants, both new and established, are ready to serve the many residents and visitors of Northwest Omaha. One of the best Chinese eat-in or take-out spots in town is the Jade Garden. A little more upscale is the Thai Spice, a wonderful choice for Thai lovers. If you like Italian, you’re going to love Vincenzo’s. For upscale dining, be sure to try Bebo’s. If your tummy is growling for Greek food, Jim and Jennie’s is always good.

South Omaha
The streets of South Omaha are dotted with restaurants known and loved for generations. This area is the best place to find authentic Mexican, Italian and Old World cuisine. Put some spice in your life with the mouthwatering enchiladas, tacos and margaritas at El Alamo. Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano, a neighborhood favorite, offers heaping bowls of pasta in a friendly atmosphere. For a taste of the Old Country, try the light-as-a-feather dumplings and tangy kraut at the Bohemian Cafe. South Omaha is also known for its impressive list of traditional steakhouses, including Johnny’s Cafe, Cascio’s, Gorat’s and Angie’s. Another mainstay is Joe Tess Place, a greasy fish-and-fries spot popular with the locals.

Southwest
The dining options here include an exciting blend of tried-and-true eateries and newly opened cafes. Big Fred’s Pizza Garden whips up a mean combo topped with “the works.” Brother Sebastian’s Steakhouse & Winery serves outstanding food in a dark, comfortable atmosphere. For great Indian cuisine, try the Jaipur, where the Chicken Tika Korma is out of this world. Some of the newer restaurants include Charlie’s on the Lake and Prima 140.

Drinking
Omaha’s expansive list of bars and lounges offers a cocktail and a setting for every mood and taste. Looking for a large selection of beers and ales? Head downtown to the Dubliner, where you can try more than 100 imported and domestic brews; to the Upstream Brewing Company, one of the city’s few brew pubs; or to the Crescent Moon Ale House, a great after-work hangout. If wine is on your mind, try Vivace, with its all-Italian wine list; M’s Pub, the perfect place to enjoy a bottle of your favorite grape with a yummy appetizer; or La Buvette, a European-style wine bar and grocery.

For classic cocktails, you can’t beat the VIP Lounge or the Interlude. Other memorable cocktail bars include the Old Market’s Mr. Toad and the lounge at The Drover Steakhouse. Both Mt. Fuji Inn and the Imperial Palace make means mai tais, while Charlie’s on the Lake offers an unforgettable martini experience.