I love that the Old Market has this spot. It's kind of hidden, which makes it even better. I didn't even know there was a hidden restaurant there. The ambiance feels airy and open. It just gives that wow feeling. The food was great, you can tell from the picture. They have two styles of caviar and I got to try both. The service was fantastic too. read more

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Service and ambiance is great. Such a cool space and all the servers/staff were very attentive. I tried this steak and the marinated tri tip and both were good. One of the highlights was the brandy cream sauce. The sides I thought were mediocre. excluding the service, I would probably say three stars in part given the combo of flavor/ portion/size of the appetizers, but pumping up to 4 stars given the service read more

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Never disappoints! Our favorite place for special occasions and/or just a quiet, delicious dinner. The location is underground in the Passageway and it's a dark, moody, romantic vibe! We like sitting back by the wine wall, but this last time we ate out in the actual Passageway and that was a lot of fun too! They have a small, thoughtful menu. Great wines! Such attention to detail. We celebrated my husband's birthday there this past month and our server did a number of things to make it so special! read more

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Such a romantic atmosphere. Great spot for anniversary celebration. Super dim lighting and amazing food. The menu items change and I love that. Our waiter was so educated on all the menu items. read more

V. Mertz - New American Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Wow - can't go wrong with the Tasting Menu. Loved the atmosphere and fantastic service. So good, I might return tonight and reorder the exact same dishes!! read more

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I mean this as a very positive 3 stars! We had the tasting menu with wine pairing for our anniversary, and there were many thoughtful touches that stood out, especially the personalized menu, which we truly appreciated. Our waiter was fantastic and incredibly passionate about the wine pairings, which added a lot of charm to the evening. That said, the experience ended up being close to 3 hours, which was a bit longer than we expected. While I understand that traditional French dining often embraces a slower pace, it would have been helpful if that had been communicated upfront. We didn't leave hungry, but we weren't entirely full either. It was an intimate and unique dining experience, but I left feeling slightly underwhelmed given the restaurant's reputation as a classic Omaha staple. Overall, it was enjoyable, but I'm not sure it quite lived up to the high expectations. read more

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Not sure this place needs another endorsement but I had an amazing dinner last night. Wonderful location in a pretty historic basement of Omaha's old market, and great wine list - the sangiovese i ordered was superb enough for me to make a note to find it later. Clearly steak is their thing but the appetizers I had were maybe more noteworthy, since steak places often don't bother with the rest of it. The rolls were beautiful - light and thin-crusty and yet rich with the pork fat they bear. Had a dish of morels, ramps, new potato chips and garlic with a savory sauce that was just perfect, richly flavorful with a pleasing attention to textures. The tenderloin, what can I say, a place that specializes in a dish they've been serving for decades has better be good at it, and they are. Perfectly done (medium) with a brandy sauce over that they tout and rightfully so, thoughtful sides of crispy polenta and vegetables. Creme brulee, perfect:wish i had had room for the other desserts too. read more

A must do for any special occasion or a nice dinner out. In my opinion, reasonably priced for the quality. Would recommend the Nebraska steaks hands down! Service was attentive, took care of my celiac sister and explained what she could and could not have. Personalized menus for my mom's birthday and they were willing to split the bill in a complex way as well. Overall anything here you'll enjoy I'm sure. A top 10 restaurant in any market and a delight for the Omaha area to have. Don't sleep on this classic. read more

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One of , if not the best dinning experiences in Nebraska . The menu changes regularly, the food and drinks specials are actually special and the service is top notch . If you are celebrating a special occasion or just yourself you can't beat it. It is in the basement of the passageway in Downtown Omaha and something that seems more at place in Europe . I had the Duck on the most recent trip and it's the best I've had state side . A fellow dinner had the Wagyu strip and said it was the best steak he's had and being in Nebraska that's saying something. We also tried 3 different desserts as a table and all were great read more

We love trying different places in Omaha, and this was one of our favorite dining experiences thus far! From the drinks (mocktails based on what we were "feeling" that evening), to the food, to the atmosphere, everything was wonderful; however, the service was top-notch! I wish I could remember our server's name - he was phenomenal! We didn't have time to do the tasting menu, as we had a show to get to; but, we can't wait to go back again soon and try it! read more

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V. Mertz is easily one of the best restaurants in Omaha. The whole evening felt seamless -- great service, beautiful atmosphere, and food that really stood out. My boyfriend ordered the duck and it was incredible: perfectly cooked, tender, and full of flavor. Definitely one of those dishes you remember long after the meal. For dessert, we shared the crème brûlée, and it was the best we've had in Omaha. The custard was smooth and rich, and the caramelized top had just the right crunch. Simple, classic, and done perfectly. V. Mertz continues to impress every time we go, and it's become one of our top choices for a special night out in the city. read more

Classy, comfortable. Food is remarkable. Plan on a long dinner experience. Service takes time, order some apps. The charcuterie was a good choice with meats & cheeses. Long wait for the main entrees but the entrees were all perfectly cooked. The duck was properly prepared, salmon was cooked perfectly. Ribeye as 16 oz of tender Wagyu beef. Dinner was quite an experience, relax, don't be in a hurry, order wine & take your time. It's one of those place that feels like you are in a fancy European bistro in the basement of a renaissance era building. read more

Miso-glazed black cod is such a next-level dish -- that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture with that salty-sweet umami glaze is pure perfection. Such a complex, balanced, and with that unforgettable finish!!! Exactly!! That dish is pure culinary poetry -- every bite hits that perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and savory. The miso caramelizes just enough to give it that glossy, almost candy-like crust, while the cod stays tender and velvety underneath. It's the kind of flavor that lingers and makes you pause for a second like... whoa. read more

We had a lovely (day before) Valentine's dinner at V. Mertz. We requested to sit in the passageway, and you can't beat the ambiance. We split a bottle of pinot noir and started with the bread service. The bread was clearly freshly made and had a delicious crust and soft, fluffy interior. The salted butter on the side was a great addition. I opted for the steak. The roasted butternut squash on the side was not what I pictured, but it was tasty nonetheless. The steak itself was very flavorful, especially when smeared with the peppercorn sauce. My boyfriend had the duck. To be honest, the duck was pretty chewy. However, the rub on the outside was absolutely delicious. It also came with potato gnocchi which may have been the most delicious bite of the whole meal. I just wish it came with a little more. I will say, service was pretty slow and it wasn't that busy. Plan to be here for well over an hour. But you can't beat the location for a romantic dinner! read more

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Great dinner experience for two, staff was wonderful and welcomed us in by name. Food was probably the best I've ever had, New York strip as well as an appetizer that featured wagyu. Great location in Omaha for a great dinner with prices that are reasonable for the experience. Low light ambiance with the wife was excellent. read more

We were in town visiting family, and they took us to have dinner at V. Mertz. They had said it is the best steak in Omaha, and I think they are absolutely correct! While it was certainly the most expensive steak I have ever ordered, it was the best steak I have ever had in my life thus far! It melted in my mouth like butter. I ordered the fillet, and the waitress told us that it comes with a sauce that only adds to it, and she was right. Everything was just perfect. My husband shared the tomahawk with my step dad, and he also said it was the best steak he has ever had. It is also located in a really cute alley inside a building. The ambience is great. I'm still dreaming about this meal and I can't wait to go back and have it again on a future visit for a special occasion. read more

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It took me far too long to finally get around to eating at V. Mertz. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu and was able to answer all our questions about it. We chose to do this sharing family style and I'm glad we did so that we could try more things. Some of the plates are very small so it is worth asking about sizes if you plan to share. While all of it was so incredible, my favorites must have been the cabbage wrapped halibut, tomahawk steak, the pierogi, and the short rib pasta- basically all of it! It was also so intriguing being in one of the oldest buildings in old market and the vibe was sophisticated. Great for a celebration dinner read more

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Best steak in Omaha. They always have new items on their menu and I have never ordered something I didn't like. The staff is friendly and personable. A must visit in Omaha. read more

food is amazing you won't believe the nice fancy lighting and wine was AMAZING Caleb was so nice to us and I hope this stays forever!

V Mertz has the hands down best tasting menu in Omaha. The food is always perfect, and the wine pairings are spot on. It's a beautiful location, especially if you can sit in the pathway. Our server last night, Simon, was on top of everything, kind, and knowledgeable. 10/10 read more

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Took a weekend trip to Omaha for a family event, but managed to steal away for a date night with my husband. V.Mertz was listed as one of the better restaurants in Omaha, so we were very excited to give it a try. The restaurant is very lovely. Below street level in a dimly lit, romantic setting. Gorgeous ambiance - a perfect date spot for sure. Bread service isn't free, but it's only $5. You get four toasty coconut rolls; so crusty and soft at the same time. Very very good! Artisan cheese plate was fantastic! Served with butter crackers and some multi grain sourdough cracker that was super good. Round out with some fruit jam, house made whole grain mustard, pickled onion, diced swiss chard, almonds, and three lovely cheeses. A absolutely wonderful dish! At the time we went, there was a divine butternut squash risotto. I see now they have a black truffle risotto instead. If the truffle one is as good as the butternut one, no doubt I would love it. I crave a creamy, flavorful, decadent risotto. The butternut one had kombucha marinated diced pear, garlic chips, edible flowers, and a bit of hot sauce. Such a beautifully presented dish. Hopefully they still serve this from time to time - if so, GET IT. My husband ordered the 14oz wagyu ribeye (which isn't on their current menu). It was such a huge piece - way too big for one person (not complaining!) ... It was cooked slightly under his preference, but that wasn't a big deal. It was served with broccolini and sweet potato gnocchi. He did say there wasn't anything super special about the sides; they were good/fine. We had a great time at V.Mertz. The meal was wonderful, service was very good. I would absolutely go back and try more things from their menu. Highly recommended! read more

Celebrated my birthday at V..Mertz and was blown away! The restaurant itself is in a gorgeously renovated old industrial building. The weight staff was gracious and knowledgeable. The food was sublime! I've eaten my way around the world at some of the best restaurants and this was probably one of the best meals I've ever had. No exaggeration. The wine menu is well thought out; the small plates were so delicious - flavorful and innovative. We could have stopped after the first bite of mini Yorkshire pudding w carrot/ orange butter and scallion jam, but glad we didn't because the salmon and halibut were out of this world. I could go on but you might stop believing me so I will end here with the huge thank you to V..Mertz for giving me an incredible evening. read more

Went twice recently. Room wife and took mother. Both had a great time. Tried several of the starters and they were all good. A little small for starters- 3 is a good amount for 2 people. Tried both strip and tenderloin steak and both were fantastic. Large drink menu and service was extremely accommodating read more

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Encountered this lovely place during my business trip in March. It was a hidden jewel inside a small old town building. Highly recommended as a date night place! They have some incredible dishes sourced from local farms. Their dishes are creative, but still taste very good. We got their bread service, cheese plate, and pasta. If you are not looking for a place for a full dinner, they definitely have great appetizers to go with great selections of wine. read more

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Excellent find in Omaha! On a work trip and sought this place out on Yelp. It did not disappoint! The ambiance is lovely and warm with exposed brick in what I assume is a renovated old building. Lots of street parking available on a Thursday night. It was a bit hard to find but just follow the signs on the sidewalk to inside the indoor "arcade" style building and walk towards back and you will see it. Romantically lit with an upscale feel to it, bar gorgeously decked out with herbs and drink accents in cute glass jars. It gives romantic, first-date-in the- wintertime feels and I loved it! Georgie was the best server ever and I was impressed with her and wondered if they will or are going to get a Michelin star. The menu and service alone would qualify! All locally sourced, and farm fresh, with an ever changing menu based on seasonal availability. Right up my alley! Highly recommend the bread service and the tomato appetizer. I had the salmon and it was perfectly cooked. I didn't like the sides as much- felt the cucumber "sauce" gave a bitter flavor so 1star off for that, but the plate was gorgeous. Highly recommend this lovely local gem! read more

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Simply not what it used to be. New owners, new chefs, but new isn't necessarily better. The attitude that this establishment exudes is based on the restaurant from 20 years ago. This is now something closer to an upscale chain. read more

I've been absolutely wowed each time I've visited V. Mertz. Not only is the food technically advanced and wonderfully inventive, but this restaurant does a wonderful job of creating a wonderful experience that transcends what's on the plate. But could that fine dining experience be transferred when the meal is taken to go? I don't know if most restaurants can pull that off. V. Mertz can. I'll be honest; eating this meal at home wasn't the same as eating in the restaurant. There was no sommelier offering the perfect wine pairing or server thoroughly explaining each of our options. But the food, despite a 30-minute drive home, was as good as ever. We had: Bucatini: A bit thicker than spaghetti, these long noodles were tender and al dente, but the sauce stole the show. The bolognese contained finely diced pieces of carrot (for sweetness) and was covered with a layer of crispy charcuterie, giving it a wonderful sweet/salty combo (not to mention great texture). Imagine fantastic spaghetti with a sauce reminicesent of candied bacon. Baked Salmon: Cooked the point where it flaked away with a touch from the fork, the salmon was delightful on its own. But chunks of blue lump crab and a light, almost airy spaghetti squash amped it up slightly. Coconut Bread: There's a lot of good bread service in Omaha, but I haven't found any as good as this. The exterior of the bread has good crumb and texture, but the middle pulls apart like cotton candy. It's so fluffy, so buttery... I have yet to find anything like it. The bread alone is worth the trip to Mertz. Pâté en croûte: I could try to describe the flavor behind this mix of pork, chicken liver and red currant pâté, all baked into a buttery pie crust, but I'd never experienced a flavor like this before last night, so I'm not sure I'm capable. I'll just leave you with this advice: go get it yourself. To be perfectly clear, I've dined at V. Mertz during COVID, and I've felt as safe and comfortable as I have at any restaurant. Diners and well-spaced out (at least 8-10 feet apart) and staff wears masks at all times. But if you're not comfortable eating out right now (perfectly understandable), keep V. Mertz on your list of options. This food is so delicious, entertaining, and awe-inspiring, it still creates a thrilling experience, even when enjoyed outside the restaurant read more

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Came here for the first time to try caviar and ended up falling in love with their beef wagyu tenderlion! When I found out my brother and sister in law were visiting for their anniversary trip, you know I had to make reservations here. The service, the ambiance, the food! All amazing! It's situated almost in a wine cellar and very intimate. We felt pampered and definitely indulged. My go to place whenever I visit Omaha and feel fancy! Did I mention that beef tenderlion is what dreams are made of ! read more

V. Mertz - Special menu - New American Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Visited V. Mertz in Omaha during a weekend from Des Moines. Located in a charming European-style alley, the setting is wonderfully different. The restaurant's atmosphere is warm and welcoming with soft lighting. Exceptional service throughout the evening complemented our well-crafted drinks. We enjoyed a selection of starters--the foie gras terrine and bread service were highlights. Some dishes like the salmon tartare and Turkish dumplings didn't quite hit the mark for us, but overall, it was a memorable experience with reasonable prices. It's a place I'd return to, and it left me wanting to discover more of Omaha. read more

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The service was excellent. Our server, Georgie, was a pro and very knowledgeable. She provided some great recommendations. Get the bread service! We got two, and it was one of the best things we ordered. It was soft and crusty. My NY cut steak was a little tough, ordered medium, and seemed rare. The wild rice that came with it was room temp, which I would've preferred warmer. Our drinks were delish and came out quickly. We also got another tomato app that was great and accompanied by a lovely eggplant sofrito. The ambiance in this place is intimate with beautiful brick walls. It's a great spot for a date night or special occasion. We were told their menu changes often, and I would like to try more. read more

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V. Mertz is a hidden gem located in the Old Market, tucked down in the "Passage Way" downtown Omaha, NE. The location, ambience, food and drinks are top notch! If you are tired of the same ole boring food and looking for a memorable dinner then V. Mertz will not disappoint. The menu descriptions do not give this fresh, unique and delicious food justice. I seriously think the chefs are geniuses on the combination of foods they pair together to create such tasty food that from the very first bite to the very last bite you take, you are in food heaven!! I am an Old Fashioned cocktail lover and they make the absolute best cocktail I've ever had!! The V. Mertz staff always make their guests feel welcomed and appreciated. My only complaint... Is that the chairs are not comfortable but after two or three cocktails ... You don't mind!! read more

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This is a very adorable, romantic restuarant tucked away in an alley. It's perfect for anyone looking for a nice date spot. The beef tartare was delicious - definitely our favorite appetizer. The steaks are locally sourced from Nebraska and paired with a delicious sauce. Definitely worth checking out this spot if you're in town! read more

V. Mertz - New American Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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Highest quality cut of meat I've had in Omaha. I had the NY strip which was incredibly tender and flavorful. To start I had the bone marrow and chips, the buttery marrow with red onion had me wishing we doubled up on our order. Broccolini, mushroom purée, and crispy layered potato were great as-well. Creme brûlée was delicious and had a thick caramelized sugar top. Cool location between shops. read more

V. Mertz - Creme Brulee - New American Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Food and ambience were both quite nice. Portions are on the small side but the quality good. A nice atmosphere with good service and quality choices prepared well. read more

The tasting menu is worth it. Let me establish that up front. We had reservations and were seated promptly. Didn't realize they hide a bar in back. Next time we'll hit the bar there if we're early. The walk in was festively lit, and worth seeing in this hidden gem. Might be fun to just grab a drink and enjoy stealing away from the crowds. Our seats were cozy, the lighting set for mood lighting, and menus showed us a tasting menu. That choice did not disappoint. We had the wine pairings with the tasting menu, and met the sommelier for each pairing. Felt so fancy! We enjoyed it a lot. Another to visit again. read more

V. Mertz was such a unique and fabulous experience. This is a high end steakhouse, and we came here when we celebrate my birthday. The passageway has always been a favorite spot for me in Old Market, so trying this steakhouse was always on our to do list. Overall, I would rank this spot as top 3 steak in Omaha. The ribeye was absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection. The pasta was different and not my favorite, but it was prepared perfectly and completely made from scratch with farm fresh ingredients. The ambience here was such a pleasure, and the service was on point. We will definitely be back. Next time we'll both get the steak! read more

V. Mertz - Fazzoleti Pasta and 16oz Private Selection Ribeye - New American Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Warm and cosy ambiance nestled in the Passageway in the Old Market. Great choice for a special date night, proposal or celebration dinner. Menu highlights include the extensive range of ingredients, thoughtful food pairings and ingenuity of the chef's rotating menus. We've had some of a few of some of the best meals of our life at V. Mertz but then have experienced a number that have just been so-so. It's unfortunately hard to relive their greatest hits. For the pricepoint, we've been disappointed a few times when the food was just ok. Finally, sometimes servers go into too much detail explaining every ingredient in each entree. When dining with a large group, this has taken 4-5 minutes and seemed unnecessary as our food was cold by then. read more

V. Mertz - Risotto - New American Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

It was pretty good. Small plates, higher price sort of place. The wait staff was friendly. It's definitely in a nice underground area to escape the summertime heat. Decent wine selection. read more

I lived in Omaha for 5 years in the 1980's. I have made it my business to get back annually if only to dine at one of my favorite restaurants anywhere--V. Mertz in the Old Market. This past week I attended a Board meeting at Creighton Law School and we all had dinner together at V. Mertz. I was elated at the choice in restaurants because of their ever evolving and always eclectic food and cocktail menus. I was not disappointed! A wide array of fine wines, classic cocktail offerings including their famous Rye Old Fashion with Luxardo cherries, and outstanding three course dinner options. As an appetizer I had the Coastal Cheddar Tart; shrimp, artichoke & olive relish baked with tomato powder. My first time ever having this dish, but it was absolutely delectable so it won't be my last time ordering it. For my entree I had the 8oz Morgan Ranch Nebraska Waygu Beef NY Strip with rainbow chard, potato Rostock and a peppercorn brandy cream on the side. In popular parlance: "To die for!" The steak was prepared to a perfect medium-rare, seasoned exquisitely, and the only thing that kept it from melting on my palate was the char on the steak! Outstanding!!!! Finally, I ended the meal with a cup of cappuccino (Bailey's added) and an absolutely decadent farm egg creme brûlée for dessert. This is THE BEST dining experience in Omaha! read more

I called ahead to let them know this was our 32nd anniversary and they did not disappoint. From the single red rose in a vase for my bride, very special meaning and too long to describe here, to Johanna remembering every detail I discussed with the manager, it was perfect. Look at the personalized menu! We started with a couple cocktails, never rushed as we sipped and enjoyed each other. The first course was the salmon, pictured, and the pickled shallots with avocado crème added a delicious twist. She had the black cod, the memory of that flavor and texture will swim around in our heads for a while. My tenderloin was prepared perfectly and speaking of swimming, the sauce served with it I would bathe in. We finished with THE BEST crème brûlée we have ever had. The room was warm and comfortable and the noise level was enchanting. Bravo to V Mertz for making our night so special! read more

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