Straddling the Missouri River, the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area has quietly become a Midwestern food destination, where restaurants with globe‑trotting techniques meet prairie swagger. From sleek downtown hotspots to sky-high steakhouses and family-run gems, you'll find something to delight every discerning palate at the restaurants on the Nebraska/Iowa border. Beyond the dinner table, the river‑twin metro brims with character—murals splashed across historic brick, indie boutiques nestled in repurposed warehouses, and trails tracing the water's edge for miles. 

The following will guide you through the best restaurants in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area first, and then shift gears and map out can't‑miss experiences and things to do on both sides of the river: vibrant arts districts, big‑ticket attractions like a world‑class zoo and museums, live‑music haunts, riverside trails, and pockets of local history that give the metro its character. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or scouting new hometown favorites, this is your primer on the tastes and adventures that make Omaha and Council Bluffs worth the trip.

Five Must‑Try Restaurants in the Omaha/Council Bluffs Area

Clio (Omaha)

Set in the Old Market, Clio bills itself as a "Mediterranean muse," pairing shareable mezze, fresh pastas, and wood‑roasted entrées with a sommelier‑driven European wine list. The vibe is sleek but lively, drawing diners for inventive cocktails and late‑night snacks as much as for leisurely multicourse dinners. 

Memoir (Omaha) 

Occupying a brick‑lined warehouse space at 930 Harney, Memoir leans into nostalgia: dishes riff on classic American comfort food while the bar turns out polished craft cocktails. Expect responsibly sourced meats, a solid brunch program, and a "living‑room" atmosphere that encourages lingering conversation. 

Gather (Omaha)

The only restaurant in Omaha with its own underground hydroponic vertical farm, Gather harvests greens moments before they hit the plate. Modern‑eclectic menus (think pork buns next to wagyu tartare) and a chic, rehabbed Old Market dining room make it a go-to for farm‑to‑table purists who still want downtown energy. 

360 Steakhouse (Council Bluffs)

Perched on the 12th floor of Harrah's, 360 Steakhouse puts together prime Nebraska beef and classic steakhouse sides with wrap‑around views of the Missouri River and Omaha skyline—an experience that landed it on OpenTable's Top 100 Scenic Restaurants list. Sunset reservations are prized; the menu also covers seafood, craft cocktails, and a solid wine list. 

Wave Bistro (Omaha)

Family‑run since 2005, Wave Bistro blends Asian techniques with European sauces, such as cashew‑crusted salmon, teriyaki chicken over risotto, and feather‑light crab cakes. The west‑Omaha dining room is casual‑contemporary, service is famously warm, and the bar pours everything from saké to espresso martinis.

Trails, History, and Iconic Attractions

With your appetite satisfied at one of the best restaurants in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, it's time to explore some of the many can't‑miss experiences on both sides of the river, including vibrant arts districts, big‑ticket attractions such as world‑class zoos and museums, intimate live‑music haunts, scenic riverside trails, and pockets of local history that anchor the character of the metro area. Whether charting a weekend escape or uncovering new hometown favorites, you'll find this next section a concise itinerary on the sights, adventures, and things to do that make Omaha and Council Bluffs worth every mile.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Skinzfan23, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Iowa Riverfront Trail

This seven‑mile, fully paved path traces the Missouri levee on the Council Bluffs side, linking landmarks such as the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, Lewis & Clark Monument overlook, and Big Lake Park. It's flat enough for casual cyclists and wheelchair users yet scenic enough for sunrise runs, with frequent river and skyline views.

Wabash Trace Nature Trail

A premier rail‑trail, the Wabash Trace stretches 62 miles from Council Bluffs to the Missouri border, crossing 72 converted railroad bridges through the tree‑tunneled Loess Hills. Town trailheads every few miles supply refreshments and B&Bs, and weekly "Taco Rides" draw hundreds of riders in the warm seasons.

Squirrel Cage Jail Museum
Smallbones, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Squirrel Cage Jail Museum

Built in 1885, this three‑story "rotary" jail—one of only three ever constructed—once spun its pie‑shaped cells like a giant Lazy Susan. Today the National Historic Landmark offers self‑guided and paranormal tours Thursday through Sunday, offering a chilling glimpse of 19th‑century penal innovation.

Desert Dome Omaha Zoo
Collinulness, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Consistently crowned the nation's top zoo (USA Today 10Best, 2023‑25), the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium packs record‑setting exhibits: the world's largest indoor desert beneath the Desert Dome, a lush Asian Highlands habitat, and an immersive nocturnal swamp. More than two million visitors a year flock here for 160 acres of conservation‑starting animal experiences and one of the best things to do in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area.

Omaha, NE Old Market Horse Carriage
DistrictRaymond Bucko, SJ from Omaha, NE, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Old Market Historic District

Cobblestone streets and 19th‑century brick warehouses showcase the arts‑and‑entertainment hub of Omaha, teeming with indie galleries, vintage shops, and street‑corner buskers. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the district pairs historic charm with lively nightlife and is an easy walk from downtown hotels. 

Heartland Properties, Your Guide to Omaha and Council Bluffs Real Estate

Love what you're seeing on either side of the Missouri? Turn a weekend visit into a lifetime view. Heartland Properties combines local know‑how with Midwestern hospitality to help you find the home or investment property in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area that fits your lifestyle. Reach out to our agents today and let the riverfront be your new backyard!