Nebraska might be famous for corn and beef, but the state has quietly built an incredible pizza scene that rivals any coastal city. From century-old family recipes to innovative wood-fired creations, these local gems serve up slices that will make you forget about chain restaurants forever. Whether you crave authentic Italian tradition or bold new flavors, Nebraska’s pizza makers are ready to blow your mind with every bite.
1. Dante (Omaha)
Wood smoke curls through the air as master pizza makers slide perfectly crafted Neapolitan pies into blazing ovens that reach temperatures most home cooks can only dream about. Dante brings authentic Italian tradition to Omaha with ingredients imported directly from Italy and techniques passed down through generations.
Each pizza emerges with leopard-spotted crusts that are crispy outside yet tender within. The San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella create flavors so pure they transport you straight to Naples with every bite.
2. Yia Yia’s Pizza (Lincoln)
Massive pizza slices practically spill off the plates at this funky Lincoln hotspot where bigger is definitely better. College students and pizza lovers flock here for portions so generous that one slice often becomes a full meal, paired with cold selections from their legendary beer collection.
With over 350 different beers available, choosing your drink takes longer than deciding on toppings. The eclectic atmosphere buzzes with energy while friendly staff serve up comfort food that hits differently after a long day.
3. La Casa Pizzeria (Omaha)
Since 1953, this Omaha institution has been perfecting their signature thin-crust recipe that locals consider sacred. Generations of families have gathered around tables here, sharing rectangular pies topped with their famous Romano cheese and ground hamburger combination that sounds simple but tastes extraordinary.
The biscuit-like texture of their unique crust provides the perfect foundation for house-made sauce recipes that remain closely guarded family secrets. Walking through the doors feels like stepping into Nebraska pizza history where tradition never goes out of style.
4. Zio’s Pizzeria (Omaha)
New York transplants and pizza purists have found their holy grail at Zio’s, where authentic Big Apple-style pies have developed an almost religious following among Omaha locals. The thin, foldable slices arrive with that perfect balance of crispy bottom and chewy texture that defines true New York pizza.
Word spreads quickly when something this good exists in the heartland. Regular customers become evangelists, bringing friends and family to experience what many consider the most authentic East Coast pizza west of the Hudson River.
5. Isles Pub & Pizza (Lincoln)
The Lean-N-Mean pizza at Isles has achieved legendary status among Lincoln residents who know good food when they taste it. This pub combines the best of both worlds, offering craft beverages alongside creative pizzas that push boundaries while respecting classic techniques.
Sports fans gather around screens while friends share perfectly balanced pies that showcase innovative topping combinations. The relaxed pub atmosphere encourages lingering conversations over another round and maybe just one more slice of their famous specialty pizza that keeps people coming back week after week.
6. Piezon’s Pizzeria (Omaha)
Family ownership makes all the difference at Piezon’s, where creative topping combinations reflect the passion and personality of people who truly care about their craft. Innovation thrives here as they experiment with unexpected ingredients that somehow work perfectly together on their expertly crafted crusts.
Regular customers eagerly anticipate seasonal specials and limited-time creations that showcase the family’s culinary creativity. The welcoming atmosphere feels like visiting relatives who happen to make incredible pizza, where every order receives personal attention and genuine care from people who take pride in every pie.
7. Orsi’s Italian Bakery & Pizzeria (Omaha)
A full century of baking expertise goes into every square-cut Sicilian pizza at Orsi’s, where recipes have been treasured family heirlooms since 1919. This historic bakery represents the longest continuous tradition of Italian food craftsmanship in Nebraska, serving thick-crust pies that honor old-world techniques.
The aroma of fresh bread mingles with pizza ovens as fourth-generation bakers continue methods their great-grandparents brought from Sicily. Each square slice carries the weight of tradition and the satisfaction that comes from recipes perfected over decades of dedicated service to Omaha’s Italian-American community.
