Spezia

Spezia in Lincoln, Nebraska, has positioned itself as the city's most refined Italian-American dining experience, combining upscale takes on Italian classics with a supper club atmosphere that sets it apart from more casual options in the Lincoln dining scene. Located on South 59th Street, the restaurant functions as a destination venue drawing guests from across Lincoln and surrounding communities for special occasions and business entertainment. The kitchen produces a menu of elevated Italian-American dishes anchored by lobster ravioli—a rich, cream-sauced pasta that has become the most cited signature of the restaurant—alongside osso buco braised to a Milanese standard that produces tender meat falling from the bone in a saffron-touched reduction. The chocolate lava cake, served warm with a molten center, closes most tables' meals. Live jazz performances on Friday and Saturday evenings add a supper club dimension that distinguishes the experience from standard fine dining formats and makes weekend reservations more competitive than weeknight seats. The wine list is extensive and spans Italian, French, and California producers at a range of price points, and the staff are available to assist with selections matched to specific courses. The dining room is spacious and elegantly appointed with a level of formality appropriate to anniversaries and corporate entertaining without becoming intimidating. Reservations are required and should be made well in advance by calling 402-421-3454; the combination of live music and reliable food quality fills the weekend calendar quickly. The South 59th Street location is car-dependent with ample parking in the lot adjacent to the building.