Lincoln has its fair share of quality restaurants, but Omaha is what I like to call a dining mecca.

The city is filled with several wonderful and, more importantly, locally owned eateries —many with storied histories.

I’ve compiled a list of 10 must-eats with some help from an old high school buddy, who used to work for Omaha Steaks.

Several —such as Gorat’s and V. Mertz —are well known, while others, such as the Dundee Dell and Dinkers, may not be.

Some notables —The French Cafe, Johnny’s Cafe, Vivace — are absent because I limited myself to just 10. Here they are in no specific order:

Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano: This is my favorite restaurant in Omaha. It’s one of the few places I don’t mind waiting an hour for a table. The Italian food is exceptional (and bountiful), as is the ambiance and service.

3001 S. 32nd Ave., (402) 345-5656, www.losolemio.com

M’s Pub: M’s is my choice for a great hot or cold sandwich. The Old Market restaurant’s lahvosh, salads and light entrees are pretty good, too.

422 S. 11th St., (402) 342-2550, www.mspubomaha.com

Bohemian Cafe: No other restaurant illustrates south Omaha’s culturally rich scene more than the Bohemian Cafe. Being Czech, I routinely make the drive to get my fill of dumplings.

1406 S. 13th St., (402) 342-9838, www.bohemiancafe.net

Gorats: The family-owned restaurant is known for its hand-cut, aged steaks as well as the place where investor Warren Buffett likes to hang out. Reservations are a must.

4917 Center St., (402) 551-3733

V. Mertz: When I think of fine dining (and romance), I think V. Mertz. There is no restaurant in Lincoln comparable for food —steak, seafood, veal, lamb —service and atmosphere. Reservations also are a must.

1022 Howard St., (402) 345-8980, www.vmertz.com

Upstream Brewing Company: The brewpub combines a solid continental menu with its home brews. I’m partial to the Blackstone Stout. Kids will like the homemade root beer.

514 S. 11th St., (402) 344-0200 (Old Market) and 17070 Wright Plaza (171st Street and West Center Road), (402) 778-0100 (west); www.upstreambrewing.com

Sushi Ichiban: Blue Sushi Sake and Grill is extremely popular and good, but I tend to send diners to Sushi Ichiban when I’m asked for a recommendation. I’ve never had a bad sushi experience there.

8035 W. Dodge St., (402) 391-5437, www.sushiomaha.com

Big Fred’s Pizza Garden: Sortinos and La Casa are great, but Big Fred’s is my choice because it has history for me. As a former sportswriter, I used to join other scribes for Fred’s huge pies after major sporting events.

101 S. 119th St., (402) 333-4414

Dundee Dell: My old fraternity brothers and I occasionally meet up here for food and beers. Located in the quaint Dundee neighborhood, the “Dell’s” draw is its fish and chips, which often come wrapped in newspapers.

5007 Underwood, (402) 533-9501, www.dundeedell.com

Dinkers Bar & Grill: If you’re in the market for Omaha’s best burger, then Dinkers is the place for you. The neighborhood bar is family-friendly and also known for its daily homemade lunch specials.

2368 S. 29th St., (402) 342-9742

Your favorites

As the restaurant reviewer, Jeff Korbelik gets to eat out at least once a week on the Journal Star’s dime, so he’s our resident expert. But he hasn’t eaten at every restaurant in Omaha, so we asked for your recommendations:

Brother Sebastian’s Steakhouse and Winery: Upscale. Restaurant in early California monastery. Specializes in steak and seafood with intimate surroundings and unobtrusive yet excellent service.

1350 S. 119th St. (one block south of 119th and Pacific streets), (402) 330-0300

Vivace: Casual Italian. Features cuisine from different regions of Italy. Very, very good food, if a bit expensive.

1108 Howard (Old Market), (402) 342-2050, vivaceomaha.com

Sushi Japan/Yakiniku Boy: Awesome, awesome, fun restaurant. Sushi and traditional bento boxes as well as a yakiniku grill where you order the food raw and cook it at the table.

—Michelle Huber, 34, human resources, Bennington

144th and Center, (402) 778-0840

Blue Sushi Sake and Grill: Yes. That is a slice of cucumber in your ice water. The blue waterfall curtain lends to the experience of a posh yet calm atmosphere in this West Omaha sushi bar. The claim is the freshest and most authentic sushi in town. When Blue first opened, they were having trouble keeping track of their silver IKEA chopsticks. Guests were making off with the utensils. The owners continue to order more and set their table with them. When asked why they don’t just switch to cheap wooden disposable chopsticks, the owner says that having those chopsticks out and about in people’s homes is the best advertising he could ever pay for.

—Veronica Morrison, 24, marketing, Omaha

14450 Eagle Run Drive, (402) 445-2583

Das Rheinland: A casual dining spot that emphasizes traditional German fare. The atmosphere is upscale and the food is delicious and satisfying. They feature 25 different German beers and lots of different wines. Moderately priced —around $35 for two.

—Robert Olmsted, 58, retired music educator, Lincoln

414 S. 10th St. (Old Market), (402) 991-5448

Rick’s Boathouse: Great place to eat, drink and listen to smooth jazz on Saturday nights. Customers can dine on the veranda or patio during the summer or take a walk along the river any time. Plenty of parking, and the Old Market is just a stone’s throw away.

Along the Missouri River east of the Qwest Center

Joe Tess Fish Place: This is where all the local people come to eat catfish and fried carp sandwiches. Ask for the rib pieces and avoid the tail. Carp sandwiches come served with rye bread and pickles. Add some hot sauce and you have a great meal.

5424 S. 24th St. (several blocks south of 24th and Q streets), (402) 731-7278

The Amarillo: Probably one of the best, if not the best, mesquite barbecue places in Omaha. The wall near the entrance is lined with celebrity endorsements. Nice booths, beer and good service. If you like mesquite barbecue, this is the place.

303 Fort Crook Road North (just south of the Southroads Shopping Center), (402) 291-7495

Johnny’s Café: One of the best steakhouses in Omaha. Used to be right near the old stockyards.

—Algis Laukaitis, 53, reporter, Lincoln, Omaha native

4702 S. 27th St, (402) 731-4774

Louie M’s Burger Lust: Has GREAT burgers, is very reasonably priced and also serves breakfast all day.

1718 Vinton St. Get off I-80 at 24th or 13th Street and go north to Vinton, then to 17th, (402) 449-9112

Cheeburger Cheeburger: NOT fast food as the signs will tell you inside the place, but HUGE burgers with all the fixings is their specialty! Plan on relaxing and enjoying it.

Two locations: 697 N. 132nd St. (north of 132nd and Dodge), (402) 884-2440; and 17607 Gold Plaza (just north of Center), (402) 884-5554

Dave and Buster’s: Eats and lots of fun games for the whole family! Kind of a more upscale version of an arcade with a dining area and a broad menu, designed for adults as well as youngsters.

2502 S. 133rd (northwest corner of 132nd and Center), (402) 778-3915

The Bagel Bin: Great traditional bagels as well as newer varieties including a great rye and other specialty breads.

—Joe Eisenberg, 51, computers, Lincoln, commutes to Omaha

1215 S. 119th St. (just east of 120th and Pacific), (402) 334-2744

Fuddrucker’s: The best burger in the city I have found thus far, very reminiscent of Flakey Jake’s (a former Gateway eatery). All the toppings you can handle for your burger (including spicy brown mustard, cheddar cheese sauce and all the pickles you can pile on!). Also has great iced tea and video games to occupy your time.

7059 Dodge St., (402) 556-0504

11-Worth Café: Great hot beef sandwich. Excellent diner food overall, though the limited hours (only open until 3 p.m.) can cause a scheduling snag.

—Gerry Beltz, 36, customer service, Lincoln

24th and Leavenworth, (402) 346-6924

Homy Inn: No other pub in Omaha can boast of offering champagne on tap. (Ask about the “Champagne Challenge.”) While there’s no kitchen, there is a hot line to the Italian restaurant across the street, which delivers to the pub.

—Sean Weide, 38, advertising, Omaha

1510 N. Saddle Creek Road, (402) 554-5815

The Laos Thai Market: It’s a tiny little store right across the street from South High School. In the back of the store is a little restaurant —about six or seven tables —serving the best Thai food in the Midwest.

—Therese Bollerup, 53, attorney, Lincoln, commutes to Omaha

4520 S. 24th St., (402) 733-0579

P F Changs China Bistro: Upscale Chinese. Excellent food and service.

10150 California St. (Westroads Shopping Center), (402) 390-6021

Shirley’s Diner: Great atmosphere, great food.

5325 S. 139th Plaza, Millard, (402) 896-6515

Paradise Bakery & Café: Think upscale Panera Bread. Great soup. Great salads. Free cookie with order.

Two locations: Regency Court, (402) 991-8227; Village Pointe, (402) 934-5757

Whole Foods Market Café: Tremendous array of freshly prepared foods all waiting for take-out. Choices are almost overwhelming.

10020 Regency Circle (near Westroads where Burlington Coat Factory used to be), (402) 393-1200

California Tacos and More: Great place for lunch.

3235 California St., (402) 342-0212

La Mesa Mexican Restaurant: 110th and Maple. Fabulous Mexican cuisine. Fun, bright atmosphere.

Two locations: 11002 Emmet St., No. 112, (402) 496-1101; Fort Crook Road, (402) 593-0983

Mimi’s Cafe: New Orleans French Quarter feel that’s reflected in the menu. Favorite place for Sunday breakfast.

301 N. 175th Plaza, (402) 289-9610

Petrow’s: Omaha institution. Great homemade ice cream and pies.

5914 Center St., (402) 551-0552

Pasta Amore: Wonderful Italian cuisine. Pleasant atmosphere.

11027 Prairie Brook Road (Rockbrook Village), (402) 391-2585

Zio’s Pizzeria: New York-style pizza by the slice or whole pie.

Three locations: 7924 W. Dodge St., (800) 645-5734; 1213 Howard St., (800) 645-5734; 13463 W. Center Road, (402) 330-1444

Le Café de Paris: Five-star dining experience.

1228 S. Sixth St., (402) 344-0227

Texas Roadhouse: Great barbecue.

520 N. 155th Plaza (156th and Dodge), (402) 504-4449

The Farm House Cafe and Delicatessen: Great chicken-fried steak, pie.

3461 S. 84th St., (402) 393-0640

Mediterranean Bistro: Outstanding cuisine.

1712 N. 120th St., (402) 493-3080

Spezia: Great steaks, Italian and seafood. Classy atmosphere. It looks small and unassuming from the outside.

—Cynthia Peterson, over 40, project manager/freelance writer

3125 S. 72nd St., (402) 391-2950

Bars

JD Tucker’s: Great sports bar.

—Joe Eisenberg, 51, computers, Lincoln, commutes to Omaha

418 S. 10th St. (Old Market), (402) 934-5190

The Dubliner: My favorite bar. Live Irish music.

—Colleen Kenney, 39, reporter, Lincoln, formerly of Omaha

1205 Harney St. (basement in the Old Market), (402) 342-5887

The Naughty Lounge: The remodeled dance floor at this dress-to-impress martini lounge is now center stage. Mirrors on the walls and plush red furniture, the atmosphere, lighting and colors are dripping with naughty suggestions! Toss back a couple of their signature martinis and hit the dance floor with your main squeeze, someone you just met or a group of your best gal pals. The DJ spins selections from techno to Tone-Loc and Kanye West. Is tonight the night to step out of your comfort zone? There is a pole on the dance floor just waiting to be danced around! Avoid the long wait at the main bar and step over to the miniwindow by the dance floor, where they make a mean vodka tonic! This minibar is great for just a standard drink with no bells or whistles.

—Veronica Morrison, 24, marketing, Omaha

10730 Pacific St., (402) 614-3407

Crescent Moon Ale House: It offers a lot of great beers and a festive atmosphere.

—Kathy Steinauer-Smith, 34, editor, Lincoln

3578 Farnam St. (near Creighton and University of Nebraska Medical Center), (402) 345-1708

Club 415: A staple of the Omaha club scene, it’s the equivalent of The Bricktop here in Lincoln.

—Anthony Roberts, 27, graphic designer, Lincoln

415 S 13th St., (402) 346-7455

Mick’s Music and Bar: A cool neighborhood bar in Benson with blues and folk music, plus a hilarious open mike each Thursday for poets, prose writers and comics.

—Becki Roberts, 38, editor, Lincoln

5918 Maple St., (402) 556-0503