Discover the most iconic Nebraska restaurants that have been featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” and the delicious dishes that make them worth visiting.
Corn and beef may be two of Nebraska’s most popular culinary staples, but anyone who lives in the Cornhusker State can confirm that its wide-ranging, unique restaurants have a lot more to offer hungry diners.
But Nebraska residents aren’t the only ones in the know. The Food Network also recognized Nebraska’s diverse culinary scene and brought its popular “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” show to the state—to Omaha, specifically—to highlight exceptional mom-and-pop restaurants in what the network dubbed a “comfort food haven.”
While in Nebraska, the show’s host Guy Fieri filmed at 12 restaurants; however, only seven of them remain open at the time of writing in 2026. Keep reading to learn more about each featured restaurant and what makes it Triple D-approved, including all the must-try dishes.
1. Big Mama’s Kitchen
For comforting soul food served in a casual diner setting that feels like home, head to Big Mama’s Kitchen. Founded by Omaha native Patricia “Big Mama” Barron, this family-run restaurant started as an in-home catering business and slowly expanded over the years into the operation it is today.
When you dine at Big Mama’s Kitchen, you’re indulging in authentic Southern comfort food made from family recipes that have been passed between generations for more than 100 years.
The star of the menu is the oven-fried chicken, which was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” and is marinated in a special seasoning blend.
In a review of Big Mama’s Kitchen, “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” describes the dish as “the crown jewel, a showstopper that’s as aromatic as it is delicious. The crispy, golden-brown crust hits that perfect crunch, while the inside stays juicy and tender.”
You can also order a variety of hot sandwiches, including a classic fried chicken sandwich and a fried catfish sandwich, as well as sides ranging from fried okra and mac and cheese to cornbread and greens, plus appetizers and desserts.
Address: 2112 N. 30th St., Ste. 201, Omaha
2. Block 16
Block 16 specializes in farm-to-table street food that incorporates fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Chef-owners Paul and Jessica Urban offer up creative twists on classics like burgers and sandwiches—often inspired by memories or family members. Some standout items include the poutine burrito, Croque Garcon burger, and pulled pork roll.
Even the fries are elevated at Block 16. The Duck Duck Goose Fries feature duck confit, crispy skin, cheese curds, mayonnaise, gravy, and gooseberry gastrique over a pile of fries, while the Funky Funghi Fries are topped with griddled curds, truffle aioli, fried mushrooms, house gravy, fried shallots, toasted rosemary, grated parmesan cheese, and green onion.
Address: 1611 Farnam St., Omaha
3. California Tacos & More
Eating at California Tacos & More will transport you out of the Midwest and straight to the West Coast—no plane ticket required. Known for its authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, this casual eatery prioritizes fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
The menu features quesadillas, burritos, and nachos, but the restaurant is known for its puffy tacos. Featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives,” these tacos feature a deep-fried puffy shell stuffed with your choice of meat or beans and topped with fresh lettuce and shredded cheese. California Tacos & More’s chimichangas were also featured on the Food Network show.
Address: 3235 California St., Omaha
4. Dirty Birds
If you’re craving fried chicken, a trip to Dirty Birds is a must. This laid-back comfort food destination serves up multiple fried chicken dishes, including wings and sandwiches, all made with sweet-tea-brined chicken.
Elsewhere on the menu, you’ll find other southern classics like hush puppies, biscuits and gravy, and sweet potato casserole, as well as craft cocktails and beer. “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” also calls out the catfish tacos, fried pickles, and blackberry brie pancakes as standout dishes in its review of Dirty Birds.
Address: 1722 St. Marys Ave., Omaha
5. Izzy’s Pizza
Izzy’s Pizza originated in Las Vegas, where the business was run out of a converted school bus and called Izzy’s Pizza Bus. Founder Brett Geiger moved to Omaha in 2022 and brought Izzy’s with him.
The pizzeria, known for its Detroit-style pizza, now has a brick-and-mortar location in Omaha and serves more than 10 different pizzas, plus garlic knots and a small selection of desserts. Two of the pizzas—the Honeypeno and Miss Mona—were featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.”
Both pizzas feature Izzy’s signature cheese blend. The Honeypeno is topped with pepperoni, house-pickled jalapeños, pizza sauce, and parmesan cheese, while Miss Mona’s toppings include oven-roasted chicken, diced bacon, house-made ranch, barbeque sauce, and green onions.
Address: 522 1/2 S. 24th St., Omaha
6. Kitchen Table
Kitchen Table is a cozy downtown Omaha spot that serves breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch. The husband-and-wife-owned restaurant prioritizes seasonal, high-quality ingredients sourced from local producers and farmers.
Breakfast dishes range from a grits bowl to a chili crisp egg biscuit sandwich. Lunch options include a buffalo tofu sandwich, a wagyu beef hamburger sandwich, and a sofrito quinoa bowl.
“Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” calls Kitchen Table one of its “absolute favorite hidden gems in the great state of Nebraska,” adding “Kitchen Table is what happens when passion meets purpose and quality takes center stage.”
Address: 1415 Farnam St., Omaha
7. WD Cravings
WD Cravings started as a pastry stand in the Aksarben Farmers Market in 2017. After repeatedly selling out, chefs Wendy Delgado and Piero Cotrina opened their own permanent location in 2020.
The patisserie/pasta shop is known for its elevated breakfast fare, such as its short rib sandwich served on an English muffin, as well as its pasta dishes, including a beef bolognese and cheese wheel special (spaghetti in a garlic white sauce finished in a giant Grana Padano cheese wheel).
“Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” also recommends trying the pesto chicken, chicken breakfast sandwich, and cold brew with hazelnut, adding that WD Cravings offers “some of the best food in Omaha.”
Address: 7110 N. 102nd Circle, Omaha
