V. Mertz

There truly aren’t enough words to capture the phenomenal dining experience my team and I — a group of more than 20 professionals — had at this remarkable establishment! From start to finish, every detail reflected an extraordinary level of care, passion, and hospitality. The food was nothing short of exquisite — each dish thoughtfully crafted, beautifully presented, and bursting with flavor. Every plate told a story of culinary expertise and dedication. The wine and cocktail pairings were spot-on, perfectly complementing the flavors and enhancing the overall dining experience. The service was equally impressive. Despite the size of our group, the staff never missed a beat. They were attentive without being intrusive, warm without being overbearing, and professional while still creating an atmosphere that felt comfortable and personal. The ambiance completed the experience — elegant yet inviting, refined yet relaxed. It’s clear that the team here takes pride not only in what they serve but also in how they make guests feel. A special thank-you to the bartenders, wait staff, and sommelier, whose expertise elevated the evening, and to the kitchen team, whose creativity and skill made the magic happen behind the scenes. Simply put: you haven’t truly experienced Omaha until you’ve dined here. I’m already looking forward to returning later this week during my conference — and this restaurant is now officially marked as a Favorite on my Google Maps. Without a doubt, this will be a regular stop every time I’m in town!

The kitchen of V. Mertz celebrates life through creative exploration of food. Each dish we had was simultaneously unique and a variation on a theme. The tasting menu offered incredibly complex flavor destinations on an expertly booked journey. The savory bread roll, risotto, and lamb were especially delicious and the sous chef's experimental sweet potato pie foie gras paired with a bold Sauternes wine was like walking through a portal into fall nostalgia. Every member of the staff contributed to a perfect evening but Drew happened to be our guide through the dinner of the year.

Little late on the review but better late than never! I came in for a birthday dinner. I absolutely loved that the menus said Happy Birthday! Overall I felt the food was good but not wow. The appetizer and the dessert left a little to be desired, but the main course was fantastic! I will say that all the dishes were visually stunning.

Best dining experience in Omaha, hands down. The food is out of this world. If Michelin cared about Omaha, they’d have a star. The service is top notch, probably the finest service in town. They love to share their passion for food, wine, and a great experience with their guests. HIGHLY recommend.

It’s a decent spot with reasonable prices. I was most impressed with their appetizer, which wasn’t on the menu. However, I found their main beef dish and wine-poached pear dessert underwhelming—they sounded better than they actually tasted. That said, I highly recommend the wine pairing; it was excellent.

We loved our steaks very much. The hummus appetizer was the right size and delicious. A great wine list (for Omaha) and a fun vibe.

We absolutely LOVE this place. Never a bad experience dining here and we eat here at least twice a year. The tartare and duck are my personal favorites. The staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. We appreciate the wine recommendations as well as we prefer southern hemispheres wines. This is one of the best, if not the best, fine dining restaurants in Omaha.

Celebrated my wife's birthday and it did not disappoint! Service was excellent. We did the tasting menu and everything was well prepared, very tasty, and filling. The wine pairing with the tasting menu was fantastic as well. After asking about the foie gras dish on the a la carte menu (preparation etc.), we were very grateful to have it offered to us as a gift for no charge! Fantastic venue that has won us food connoisseurs over as future regulars. For those looking for a fine dining tasting menu esque experience in Omaha, this is a home-run. The only down side I would say, is that it was a little noisy in there; not necessarily a negative mark on the restaurant or staff or anything like that, but just something to potentially keep in mind. But overall, was a great date and we will look forward to next time!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 !

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!

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

This place has a very appealing ambiance but the food was way overpriced for the food . I do not mind paying for great quality and preparation . My experience at this place at this time had neither . We have eaten here before and it was expensive but good . New chef or supplier ? Not sure but we will not be back :)

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.

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.

Came here on a Friday night and the food was amazing. Great location, parking was a bit tough but overall would highly recommend for a higher end dinner experience

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!

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!!

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.

I was in town for business and a colleague of mine suggested having dinner at the V. From the moment we arrived I was impressed with the vibe and ambiance of the location. We were greeted immediately upon arrival and were shown to our seats. In less than a minute our waiter greeted us and began pouring water for us as we decided on a cocktail. One of the specials was a 5 course tasting menu. There was also an option for a wine paring with each course if you'd like. From start to finish each course was absolutely delicious and prepared to perfection. I honestly didn't think it was possible to serve hit after hit. A few months back I had the pleasure and opportunity to experience The French Laundry in Napa. I have to say the food experience here was just as good if not better. I do not frequent Omaha that often but if I am ever back there for business, I am eating here once again and will absolutely do the course tasting option as well. See photos below with descriptions of each course!

Overpriced food. Tries to be a fancy upscale restaurant in Vegas but just falls flat.

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.

Caviar was decent. Enjoyed the waffle style toast points. Foie gras was cooked fine but ginger does not complement this luxurious liver. Got the Wagyu filet and NY Wagyu. The filet was ehh and the NY wasn't a NY at all with an unappetizing amount of chew. Both were bland with a black peppercorn sauce that was a miss for me. The sides which included fava beans and grilled asparagus were ambitious but ultimately missed the mark on both flavor and preparation. The server was attentive and friendly promoting the menu with genuine enthusiasm. Love the wine cellar vibe but the chairs are in desperate need of replacement.

Wow what an amazing experience at V. Mertz! Everything about our time here was wonderful! Our waitress was beyond helpful and knew every little detail about the menu. I got the risotto which was by far the best risotto I've ever had. The fish was delicious. We started with the bread service and agnolotti which were both incredible. It's also located in such a cute place tucked away. I will definitely be back!

My husband made a reservation here for my birthday and we were both so excited because we heard such good things. We got there and were seated right away, the staff seemed friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere was great. We ordered drinks and an appetizer. Both came out at a timely manner, but then the disappointment hit with main courses, which are $$$. We spent a lot of time waiting around for our meals, at least 45 minutes to an hour. I ordered a steak medium and my husband ordered duck. Not super complicated. At one point, the waitress told us about 5 minutes (after over 40 minutes of waiting). Needless to say, it was not another 5 minutes and the wait got so ridiculous we talked about just getting up and leaving. We finally got our food and both meals came out COLD! My steak was undercooked and it just did not meet explications at all. It's not like they had a very full house when we got there and even if they did, they should be able to handle it. We won't be coming back. Total waste of a night out for a celebration. There are better places in Omaha to go for a nice meal that are worth your money and time.

Had an amazing meal here. If you're looking for a romantic or intimate dinner experience, this is your spot. Good service and amazing food. I was surprised however that our server didn't offer us the tasting menu since I thought they have one. Would definitely recommend getting the short rib + potato rosti and the bread service. Pass on the risotto.

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!

Everything was PERFECT!!! Ambiance, service, food quality and the little personal touches !! I give it a 10!!

So much has already been written here about V Mertz. It's truly an outstanding eatery. So rather than simply reiterate what others have already said, I want to mention some things that were especially delightful and talk a bit about how they handle special dietary needs. CULTURE OF CARING Hubby brought me to V Mertz for my birthday dinner. This was our first time here, and from start to finish it exceeded my expectations in every way possible. Setting the tone for our whole experience was the menu. On top of my menu just under the date was printed "Happy Birthday!" (Not handwritten, but actually printed as part of the menu itself.) They did that as just a little warm gesture to make me feel special and welcome. As we proceeded through the evening, I saw that really the essence of the culture at V Mertz is a whole collection of special little gestures. I can't really say that any single thing was a hallelujah moment, but it is the collection of those bits and pieces of personal and caring touches that sets V Mertz apart from anywhere else. CULINARY SHEPHERD Our server was Kendra. She was just outstanding. She loves V Mertz and truly believes that the entire staff is the finest in Omaha. To hear her say such kind things and show such obvious admiration and respect for her coworkers was heartwarming. And she was so knowledgeable about every aspect of the food, explaining the cheeses (including what sort of milk they were made from and their country of origin), the sauces and unique jams, the methods, and even in what ways the meats are each different and enhanced by the accompanying vegetables. She knows each item so well and uses such vivid ways to describe them. I felt that I could almost taste items before actually eating them, just by the vibrant and interesting ways she spoke of them. Kendra was the perfect person to expertly shepherd us through this culinary adventure. GLUTEN-FREE When we mentioned to Kendra that we are gluten-free and asked for her to help us safely navigate the menu, she immediately said she would have a chat with the chef and come up with a menu for us that would meet our needs. About 15 minutes later she came and showed me what items were safe for us on the menu. And of the items that were not safe, Kendra told me what the chef would do to alter the dish to make it appropriate for a gluten-free diet. Kendra explained that the owner is Celiac, so the staff is very well trained in how to keep gluten intolerant and celiacs safe. I placed myself and my health in their hands and did not worry for even a moment about whether or not they would truly keep us safe. And I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but it's not a "given". We learned the hard way that there are several places that are either poorly trained or just don't care. And many restaurants, even the best ones, sometimes act like we are a nuisance or a burden when we ask what the gluten-free options are. A server at a West Omaha restaurant was horrified when I asked for a substitution so we didn't get "glutened". The server told us the chef gets very upset when his special creations have to be altered. And I only bring that unpleasant memory up now because it's so different at V Mertz. Special requests are welcomed and given the utmost respect. Kendra explained that the focus isn't on the chef or egos or recipes that absolutely must not be deviated from. The focus is ALWAYS on the guest and what will delight us. And most definitely those with a gluten-free diet will find an abundance of excellent safe food at V Mertz. BIRTHDAY TREAT After one of the best meals we had ever eaten, and as we were settling the bill and preparing to leave, Kendra came to our table one more time. She brought me a plate with a lit candle and two raspberry chocolate bonbons. Hubby quietly sang Happy Birthday to me, I blew out the candle, but I didn't have to make a wish--all the important wishes I could have wanted this evening I already had. A loving hubby, an excellent meal, and a restaurant team who paid attention to the little things because they truly care.

After running into the general manager at a wine function, we reacquainted ourselves with V Mertz after having not been there for over 10 years (we do not get downtown much). Disappointing that the general manager - with whom we made the reservation with and indicated that he might even arrange a special tasting menu depending upon the wine we brought with us given that we only had about 1 hour and 45 minutes and the regular tasting menu usually takes 2+ hours - did not check on our table once even though we inquired with the server (although she was aware that we were attending a play at the Orpheum - so he did communicate that to her). We ordered focaccia to start the meal and inquired if it would be sharable for our table of 4 - the server responded that it would as it was served in a long piece. However, when it was brought to the table, it included 3 small pieces for our table of 4? When we commented, she later brought another piece. Again, customer service? We were also surprised that the menu only included one item that could be remotely called a salad - it was not really a traditional salad (even their version) or caesar, etc. Three of us ordered the cabbage wrapped halibut and one in our party ordered the scallops. Lets start with the scallops, the order came with 3 scallops and asparagus. The asparagus was tender and interestingly came sliced length wise. Again, none of us are big eaters, but the 3 medium to small sized scallops were not much but OK as they were served to the lightest eater of the group. The cabbage wrapped halibut was very good - problem was, it was about 4 bites max. The piece of halibut wrapped in the cabbage was lucky if it was 2 ounces - all for $35. The deserts, creme brulee and a flourless chocolate cake were excellent but we left a little hungry - which is hard to do since none of us are big eaters. We were not charged a corkage fee on our wine but were disappointed that the general manager did not make an effort to even visit with us (we love to talk wine and thought he did too). There are better choices for that price point especially when we have to make the effort to go there by going downtown, paying for parking, etc. Show less

I have always recommended the tasting menu. Top notch. Great service. Amazing food. Beautiful location.

Wow wow wow It was super hot out BUT the downstairs area and food was superb. I did the tasting menu paired with wine Others had the Bison and Filet Dinner was ON point and perfect. Really is a must try for anyone wanting a great experience in the downtown area or visiting.

Loved it. Very small intimate feeling restaurant. We got the tasting menu to be adventurous and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT. The bread is amazing by the way! We had 2 orders. The waiters are VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE about the ingredients and what you might like. They aim to please. It was a fabulous evening

This is the most fancy, while also being cozy, restaurant that I've ever been to in Omaha. My boyfriend and I decided to have a late Valentine's weekend and wanted to spoil ourselves. The atmosphere made you feel like you weren't even in Omaha anymore. The exposed brick and the wall of wine were so aesthetically pleasing. We started out with the 2018 Chardonnay and the carrot and celery root remoulade - the crab and brown better were so good together. I could have had the whole thing to myself. For the entrees - I ordered the shakshouka and my boyfriend got the roasted monkfish. Now, I'd you google either of these dishes, the photos and descriptions would not do them justice. The shakshouka hardly even tasted like butternut squash because the sweet corn, cilantro and other spices were so present throughout the entire squash. The fish was melt in your mouth delicious. This was an amazing experience and such a great restaurant to go to for a special occasion.

Overall good experience, appetizer, entree and dessert was pretty good. Little higher end of price but overall well worth it. Wish my gf was with me but she's not here. Will definitely be back to try the Tomahawk steak. Old fashioned was a little skimpy, only downfall which was disappointing.

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.

The feel is very cozy and intimate. Definitely a good place for a romantic dinner. Server Georgina was an absolute delight, very sweet, attentive and knowledgeable. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection and they have a HUGE wine selection to choose from.

Our favorite place for a cozy, intimate meal, and also the only place we celebrate anniversaries. The menu is always new, the chef has never disappointed us, and the drinks are top shelf. Over decades, we have never once been served anything but delicious and appetizing meals, friendly and observant service, and a wonderful experience. It's not cheap, but the prices are reflective of the quality of the food, not the trendiness of the place. Treat yourself! Next time we go I'll try to add a picture. This will always be a top 5 Omaha restaurant for us.