You don’t have to be a self-proclaimed “foodie” to enjoy a fine dining experience at one of Omaha’s French restaurants. In fact, everybody is sure to discover an appreciation for the traditional recipes that have been passed down over generations and dishes that feature innovative twists on the classics. Check out the best of Omaha’s French culinary scene, from high-end date night spots such as Le Voltaire to a scratch-made brunch at Le Quartier Bakery & Café.
Le Voltaire French Restaurant
Where? 569 North 155th Plaza
Described as Omaha’s own “corner of France,” Le Voltaire French Restaurant is a must for those looking to experience fine dining in the city. The restaurant was opened back in 2001 and has spent the past two decades refining its dishes and inviting diners to experience a flavor journey that won’t soon be forgotten. The moment you walk inside, you’ll be greeted by stunning interior design, with touches of southern France and a floral arrangement at the restaurant’s full bar. Reservations are recommended.
The menu features French favorites, such as the canard cassoulet, the steak frites, and the boeuf bourguignon. Pair your meal with a glass of wine or a cocktail, such as the Paloma, Paper Airplane, or the A.M. Old Fashion with bacon-washed bourbon. Save room for dessert because you won’t want to miss out on the decadence of the créme brulée à la vanille or the mousse au chocolat. On Tuesdays, Le Voltaire offers patrons half-priced wine. Choose from select bottles between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Other events include Sunday brunch and Mother’s Day dining on May 12th.
Le Bouillon
Where? 1017 Howard Street
Le Bouillon is serving up everyday French cuisine in Omaha’s historic Old Market. Since 2013, the restaurant has been providing the perfect date night atmosphere for couples looking to enjoy a romantic evening out. The dining room is open and decorated with artwork by Sam Mercer and Niki de Saint Phalle. The restaurant hosts oyster happy hours and private events throughout the year. During happy hour on Monday through Saturday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Le Bouillon offers 30% off tap wines.
Begin your dining experience with olives and spiced nuts or an order of the pommes frites with aioli. Craving seafood? Try the shrimp cocktail or the muscles with leek, saffron, and sourdough toast. Entrees feature French dishes like the trout almondine, ratatouille, and filet Wellington. The fried rabbit is served with salsa verde, cabbage, and turnip soubise. The brunch menu includes cocktails such as the Aperol spritz and mimosa, as well as shots of espresso. Pair your drink with eggs Benedict topped with smoked duck or the French omelet with whipped chèvre.
Au Courant Regional Kitchen
Where? 6064 Maple Street
Self-titled as a modern European kitchen, Au Courant has an array of your favorites — including French-inspired dishes. The restaurant focuses on regional ingredients while creating approachable plates that inspire your tastebuds and discover inventive ways to showcase the flavors of the world. The menu is altered weekly, so stay up to date to ensure you don’t miss any of your favorites. Recent menu offerings include a half dozen oysters with a Meyer lemon mignonette and cod with hollandaise, dill, and red onion. Specialty cocktails include the Slow Burn with gin, apricot, and lime and the Peaches with bourbon, honey syrup, peach, and lemon.
Popular options at Au Courant Regional Kitchen include the six-course chef’s tasting menu, which starts at $75. A wine pairing can be added for an additional $45. This is a great way to sample a range of flavors and dishes, especially for those who can’t decide what to choose from the simple, yet mouthwatering menu. Whether you opt for the tasting menu or you order an entree, try the banana cake with chocolate ice cream and rum caramel to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Boiler Room
Where? 1110 Jones Street
The Boiler Room began as an upscale French concept restaurant and has slowly added New American fare into its repertoire. Diners are greeted with a chic and cozy atmosphere, high-end craft cocktails, and top-tier service. The menu begins with small bites and appetizers like the yellowfin tuna crudo and the herbed lamb sausage with spring pea puree and dried cherry relish. Order the house charcuterie with a selection of cured meats, pickles, and mustard. While perfect for sharing, you won’t be judged if you enjoy it all yourself.
Specialty cocktails include the Sabrina V. The People, which mixes apple-infused rye with sherry, sage, honey, and lemon. Non-alcoholic beverages and mocktail options are also featured on the menu, ensuring everybody has something delightful to sip on. Dive into the main menu, with protein options ranging from beer-battered cod with roasted fingerling potatoes to the Little Mountain Ranch pork chop with a sweet potato puree, braised lentils, and roasted cauliflower. The lamb shank has been braised with tomatoes and is plated with confit sweet potatoes, sugar snap peas, and white beans.
Le Quartier Bakery & Café
Where? 5026 Underwood Avenue
Le Quartier set up shop in Lincoln in 2006 and slowly built a business by selling to local restaurants. Soon, the bakery transitioned to farmers markets and local grocery stores. The retail storefront opened later that same year. The bakery is well-known in the local community for its artisan breads and pastries. While you can buy baked goods like baguettes, honey whole wheat loaves, pizza crusts, and rustic sourdough loaves — ordering a meal at the café is where the service really shines. The breakfast menu has traditional favorites, such as quiche, and an array of breakfast sandwiches on freshly baked croissants.
Featured lunch items include the caramelized cauliflower sandwich, complete with avocado, pickled onion, and garlic mayo on house-baked ciabatta. The French dip sandwich is adorned with sautéed onions, roast beef, cheddar, and Swiss cheese and a side of au jus for dipping. Finish your meal with a slice of the vegan chocolate tarte or a 5 pack of French macarons. During the summer months and holidays, you can pick up artisan loaves at farmer’s markets and holiday pop-ups in Aksarben Village, Haymarket, and College View.
La Buvette
Where? 511 South 11th Street
La Buvette is an intimate wine bar located in Omaha’s Old Market area and has been a longstanding favorite for many Omaha locals since opening in 1991. The French menu can be paired with the extensive wine list and is served from 11:30 AM each day until an hour before closing. There is a wide selection of mixed drinks and a beverage cooler of self-serve beer. No reservations are accepted at La Buvette, so plan your schedule accordingly for walk-in service. While take-out orders aren’t provided, the restaurant does offer grocery and deli items like their popular cheese and charcuterie by the pound and loaves of bread.
All plates are served with house-baked bread and butter and there are daily specials to choose from. Shareable appetizers include the feta plate, the mixed meat & cheese plate, and the Italian-style bresaola. Try the smoked salmon with capers and crème fraîche or the hot grilled sandwich with black olives, tomato, and gruyere. “Extras” include a single cheese selection, cucumber, black olives, tomatoes and cornichons, and additional bread and butter.
Le Petit Paris
Where? 567 North 155th Plaza
Le Petit Paris is serving up artisanal bread, such as their classic French baguette, rustic bread, pain de mie, and individual rolls. Pastries include croissants reminiscent of the ones you enjoyed while visiting France and pain au chocolat for those who crave a touch of decadence. Sample the crunchy Nutella brioche or the rum raisin brioche on the weekends. You can also order sweet tarts, such as apple, fresh fruit, or lemon tartlets. Depending on what fruit is in season, there will also be a tart of the day to keep flavors rotating!
Aside from its extensive bakery selection, Le Petit Paris also sells sandwiches for a quick and easy “lunch on the go.” Try the smoked ham or salmon rillette sandwiches topped with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise or mustard. The crustless quiches can be served warm or cold and include the classic Lorraine with smoked bacon, ham, and cheese or the vegetarian and flavor-of-the-day varieties.
Green Gateau
Where? 330 South 10th Street
Green Gateau was opened on Mother’s Day in 2000 by Eric Lemke with a focus on farm-to-table dining. The menu has seen several iterations throughout the years in an effort to keep dishes classic yet fresh. There are weekly specials and whenever possible, local and in-season ingredients are used. Green Gateau’s brunch menu begins with starters like truffle fries, flash-fried calamari, and baked brie en croûte with caramelized pears and cranberries. Dinner menu entrees include chicken au poivre, lobster fettuccine, and a bacon butter filet. On the lighter side, diners can opt for a chicken salad croissant or the salmon and risotto with a lobster bisque.
The extensive martini cocktail list has flavors for everybody, with all drinks being priced at $10. Try the cosmopolitan, the lemon drop, or a piña colada sunrise for something fruity and sweet. Other specialty drinks feature the Manhattan, a blueberry mint julep, and a French 75 with champagne, lemon, and cognac. If you have room left over, try one of Green Gateau’s rich desserts, such as the creme brûlée or the apricot torte.
Craving the Flavors of French Cuisine?
If you’re in the mood for slow-cooked boeuf bourguignon, a cassoulet, or a light and airy chocolate soufflé, you’re in luck! Omaha is home to several high-end French restaurants, as well as a few casual French-inspired cafés and eateries. Where is your favorite place around town to enjoy an order of steak frites?