Dante Ristorante Pizzeria occupies a neighborhood shopping plaza in west Omaha and has earned a devoted local following for its Italian-American menu that grounds traditional technique in Nebraska-sourced ingredients. The kitchen takes a refined but approachable approach to Italian classics, with handmade pastas forming the backbone of the dinner menu alongside Neapolitan-influenced pizzas and seasonal starters. A Nebraska pork ragù pappardelle—slow-braised pork with hand-rolled pasta and a sauce that builds depth over hours of cooking—is the preparation most closely associated with the restaurant's identity and the dish regulars most frequently recommend. Cacio e pepe, executed with fidelity to the Roman original using quality aged Pecorino and a restrained hand with pasta water, has also become a signature pasta that demonstrates the kitchen's respect for simplicity. The pizzetta appetizer, a small oven-baked flatbread with rotating seasonal toppings, has become the standard opening move for returning visitors. The dining room is warm and intimate: neutral tones, soft lighting, and well-spaced tables create a pace of service that encourages unhurried conversation. It is a strong choice for date evenings and celebratory dinners in Omaha's western suburbs, where comparable Italian quality is not always easy to find. Reservations are recommended for Thursday through Saturday evenings and can be made by calling 402-932-3078. The wine list focuses on Italian regions, with by-the-glass options that pair naturally with the handmade pasta format. The west Omaha plaza location provides ample free parking, which simplifies visits compared to the more congested Old Market or Midtown alternatives.
Signature dishes
- Pizzetta appetizer
- Nebraska pork ragu pappardelle
- Cacio e pepe
Good to know
- Known for
- Italian-American with Nebraska-sourced ingredients
- Hours
- Tue-Thu 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm, Sun 4pm-8pm
- Reservations
- Recommended; call 402-932-3078
Location
16901 Wright Plz, Omaha, NE 68130
41.2245, -96.1551 View on map
Highlights
- Nebraska pork ragù pappardelle—handmade pasta with slow-braised locally sourced pork in a rich sauce
- Cacio e pepe prepared with fidelity to the Roman tradition, a kitchen signature
- Pizzetta appetizer with rotating seasonal toppings is the standard opening move
- Warm, intimate dining room in west Omaha suited to date nights and celebrations
- Italian-region wine list with by-the-glass options matched to the handmade pasta format
Tips for visiting
- Reserve by phone for Thursday through Saturday; mid-week evenings are generally accessible as walk-ins
- Order one pasta and one pizza to cover the full range of the kitchen's Italian-American craft
- The pasta specials board changes regularly—ask the server before ordering from the printed menu
- Portions are generous; starting with the pizzetta and one pasta per person is typically sufficient
- Parking is free and ample in the west Omaha plaza lot, simpler than Old Market options
Accessibility
Dante Ristorante Pizzeria is in a single-level plaza space with flat entry from the parking lot. The dining room is on one floor and accommodates wheelchair users throughout. Restrooms are on the same level. The free surface parking lot makes vehicular access straightforward.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dante Ristorante take reservations?
Yes, reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 402-932-3078. Walk-ins are accommodated on quieter weeknights, but Thursday through Saturday evenings fill up.
What is Dante's culinary approach?
Dante combines Italian-American classics with Nebraska-sourced ingredients, offering handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and traditional Italian starters in a neighborhood-focused setting.
Is the restaurant suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the menu includes vegetable-forward pasta dishes, pizza with vegetarian combinations, and seasonal sides that work for non-meat eaters without requiring advance notice.
What neighborhood is Dante in?
Dante is in west Omaha at Wright Plaza on Wright Street, accessible by car with free parking in the plaza lot—roughly 20 minutes from downtown Omaha or the Old Market.
Does Dante serve lunch?
Dante is dinner-only, opening Tuesday through Friday at 5pm and Sunday at 4pm. It is closed Monday. Saturday service begins at 5pm.