Savor America's Best Sushi
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Omaha chef and James Beard nominee David Utterback, owner of Ota - omakase table and sister restaurant, Yoshitomo, attracts destination diners searching for refined American sushi. A December 2023 profile in The Washington Post quotes food writer Yukari Kane: “I think the best new sushi right now is in Omaha.” Utterback adds a regional touch to dishes, including “prairie tuna” – a slice of wagyu strip loin topped with sea urchin butter and golden osetra caviar. Book your spot for the 20-course chef's tasting at Ota - omakase table, or make your reservation to Yoshitomo for a more casual experience. A third equally attractive Utterback dining option is Koji, serving yakitori (grilled skewered meats), buns, cold and hot plates.
Meet America's Best Barista
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Omaha’s Isaiah Sheese of Archetype Coffee won the 2023 United States Barista Championship and took home fourth place in the World Coffee Championship in Athens, Greece this summer. You don’t have to travel the world to taste his small-batch roasted brews – you only need to visit Omaha. Find Archetype in Little Bohemia, Blackstone District and North Downtown at Millwork Commons. Or order a bag of coffee online.
Taste America's Best Ice Cream
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Yelp recently named Omaha’s Coneflower Creamery the best ice cream shop in the country. (Midwest Living also recognized Coneflower as the best ice cream parlor in the 2023 Best of the Midwest Awards.) Farm-sourced seasonal ingredients make the difference at Coneflower – so does a lot of love and creativity.
View the Best Zoo (and Safari too)
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In 2023, USA Today Readers’ Choice awards named Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium the best zoo – and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland the best safari park. Whether you’re checking out baby elephants playing at the Zoo or scanning for sleeping grey wolves at the Safari Park, you’ll discover your wild side.
Treat Yourself to a Nationally Praised Sweet
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The Cordial Cherry crafts almost-too-pretty-to-eat chocolate dipped cherries. Using quality ingredients like Madagascar bourbon vanilla, Vermont butter and Belgian chocolate, The Cordial Cherry creates whimsical, delicious treasures, from Santa and reindeers to narwhals and tea pots. In 2023, the treats were highlighted by The Today Show, ABC World News Tonight’s Made in America segment, and Fox News’ holiday gift guide.
Grab Bites at a Celebrated Food Hall
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Inner Rail Food Hall at Aksarben Village has up to 10 vendors offering diverse and delicious cuisines. Recently named by Midwest Living as one of its eight favorite food halls in the Midwest, Inner Rail has an outdoor plaza and certified entertainment district where patrons can carry open containers while enjoying lawn games and fire pits.
