Tasting the best of East Omaha

By: Jurge Cruz-Alvarez

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
A bright neon sign hanging in Culprit Cafe that keeps in theme with what they specialize in.

                                    
                
            
        
    
    



    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
The Blackstone Reuben, a sandwich that makes Crescent Moon famous

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
Crescent Moon’s bright sign hailing over thirsty and hungry visitors

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
Culprit Cafe’s Chocolate Praline Tart offers a rich chocolate treat with a crisp bottom

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
The pastry box in Culprit Cafe displays some classic sweets

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
Culprit Cafe has been a staple of Midtown and will soon neighbor the new Alamo Drafthouse

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
Via Farina believes an Italian restaurant can be measured by their margherita pizza, and there’s is wonderful

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
The wood fire oven at Via Farina burns every day, even when the restaurant is closed, and heats pizza at 750 to 800 degrees

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
While they have yet to update their menu, Via Farina has a variety of unique Italian dishes

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
The Blackstone Roll, Gold Coast Roll, and Veggie Roll make up this sushi plate,

showcasing the best of Butterfish

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
Salted Edamame and a plate of ginger with wasabi sit at our table as a started

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
Butterfish’s drink menu spotlights a variety of drinks like teas and even sake bombs

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
While Crescent Moon’s glasses are usually filed with good ales, water fills these

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
The Ahi Tuna Tostadas at Hook and Lime are a featured dish, filled with tang and sweet flavors

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
The salsa sampler at Hook and Lime’s showcases the restaurant’s focus on offering different flavors

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    

    

        

            

                
 
                    
                    

                        

                            	
                                                                                    
                    
                    
                                            
The warm and modern atmosphere at Hook and Lime 

                                    
                
            
        
    
    

     
    
    
    
Overlays
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Omaha’s east side is a representation of the town’s history and its present, with its historic Dundee neighborhood having landmarks that have stood the test of time, and emerging businesses adding a new vibrant energy to the city. This is especially true when considering the area’s culinary scene.  

With so much to taste—city favorites and new additions—it can be hard to get a good flavor for what’s out there by only visiting one restaurant every so often. Since 2013, Omaha Culinary Tours has worked with local business to put on tours that give a taste of five to six local eateries. Their Bite of East Omaha Culinary Bus Tour gives those who attend a sample platter of the district’s rich offerings.  

Omaha’s diversity in cuisine was represented in the selection of restaurants showcased on this tour The Omaha News was invited on. Cornerstones of the district like Crescent Moon display Omaha’s history with their comforting Blackstone Reuben, named after the hotel across the street from it where the Reuben originated. New additions to the area, like contemporary sushi eatery Butterfish, highlight some of the new experiences available.   

Other destinations on this flavorful trip included Hook and Lime, who serve flavorful and tangy Mexican inspired dishes in a comfortable and warm cantina themed space. Via Farina, which gives its visitors the idyllic, close and romantic feelings associated with Italy in its restaurant that serves delicious margherita pizza cooked in a massive, wood burning oven at 750 degrees. The trip then concluded with a rich chocolate praline tart at the established coffee house and bakery located on the edge of Midtown, The Culprit Cafe.  

East Omaha’s food locales offer a variety of different experiences, and Omaha Culinary Tours attempt to give those interested in trying something different to get a good taste for what’s on offer. As well as offering the friendly company of strangers who share that bug for adventure. Those interested in attending an Omaha Culinary Tour can sign up by visiting their site.