What is it: A modern European eatery serving locally sourced, innovative, finely crafted small plates and entrées, plus craft cocktails. Why go: Chef Benjamin Maides is always changing the menu at Au Courant but one thing remains the same: his satisfying seasonal cuisine never disappoints. One dish, Chovie’s egg, is always on the menu, but it’s constantly evolving, prepared in a variety of different ways each night; don’t skip it.

Beyond Blackstone, Omaha landed on the list thanks to a few other restaurants including the vegan Modern Love bakery and cafe, elegant European fine dining restaurant Au Courant and Kathmandu Momo Station, which brings an Aksarben shoutout into the mix (and also has a Blackstone location). Luckily they did not forget to mention the runza although — Sorry Runza the restaurant — is just referencing the generic meat pocket and not the beloved green-and-gold restaurant chain. Hanscom Park-based Carter & Rye supposedly has a great take on the runza, per writer David Lansel's notes on our Nebraskan city.

Au Courant Regional Kitchen is a pleasant eatery and bar that offers approachable New European fare with a focus on seasonal and regional ingredients. The bistro-style restaurant exudes a casual and friendly atmosphere with warm décor, wooden tables and chairs, and soft lighting, and serves a range of globally-inspired dishes such as prime steaks and chops, housemade pasta and from-scratch sauces, chicken plates and several vegetarian options. The cuisine is accompanied by a selection of global wines, exclusive small-batch beers, imported spirits, and classic cocktails.

There are several very popular dining destinations in the Benson neighborhood, but we have to say that Au Courant is one of our absolute favorites. Chef Benjamin Maides is behind this European-influenced, locavore concept, and he never fails to delight with his practiced techniques and flair for flavor combinations!. Everything on the menu is crafted with the absolute best, local and sustainable products available and the quality definitely shines through in the finished dish.

Why We Love It: Regularly recognized as one of the best restaurants in Omaha, Au Courant Regional Kitchen is a culinary cornerstone of the city’s fine dining scene. Chef de cuisine Anthony “Chovy” Caniglia invites diners into a world of seasonal elegance, offering a rotating chef-driven tasting menu alongside à la carte options. Signature items like Chovy’s Egg and meticulously plated vegetable-forward dishes showcase a perfect balance of innovation and technique.

Au Courant offers diners the choice of two experiences: a $75 chef-driven tasting menu created by chef de cuisine Anthony “Chovy” Caniglia or an a la carte menu that rotates seasonally. To truly experience the kitchen’s cabilities, go for the tasting menu, which features greatest hits like Chovy’s Egg — a rotating, egg-centric dish that’s always on the docket — nicely prepared proteins, and innovative preparations of in-season vegetables.

This beautiful, bright space with its lush plants, large wood bar, and handmade tables and chairs (crafted by the chef) is reminiscent of a small European bistro, yet still decidedly American. The décor is perfectly suited for the space, considering they serve “new European” cuisine using ingredients grown here. The menu is frequently updated by chef and co-owner Benjamin Maides and his talented staff.

When Au Courant opened up in the Benson neighborhood, I was thrilled. It felt like Omaha’s first restaurant that wasn’t serving traditional American food and was really trying to branch out and do something a bit different, and I would say that they succeeded. Not only do they have great food, but they also do a nightly tasting menu and wine pairing which makes Au Courant a fun date night spot!

Au Courant Regional Kitchen – Benson is one of my favorite neighborhoods and its Maple Street corridor is one of my favorite roads to stroll. Au Courant is arguably one of the best restaurants in the city, so if you want a date night option to impress, make a reservation. I went with friends and we all opted for the chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings.

Au Courant Regional Kitchen is the Omaha restaurant to go to if you are looking for updated European fare. The restaurant is charming and inviting and is designed to look like a more modern representation of a classic European pub. It is open for dinner Thursday through Sunday, so make sure you check the schedule before you plan on dining there.

Au Courant Regional Kitchen prepares “New European” dishes with a focus on local products in a cheerful and welcoming ambiance. The 6-course chef’s tasting menu, which changes weekly and can be seen under the “Menu” button, is their specialty. In this intimate setting, they offer private and semi-private dining.

If you’re looking for a tasty date idea in Omaha, try this restaurant experience. Indulge in a culinary adventure at Au Courant, a modern French-inspired bistro. The tasting menu features a selection of small plates, each expertly crafted to showcase the chef's creativity and skill.

6064 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104Phone: 402-505-9917 Visit Website. A post shared by Au Courant | Regional Kitchen (@aucourantrestaurant). Au Courant Restaurant is a modern European restaurant located near the Central Park Plaza.

That’s the amount of time that elapsed between the last time I dined in a restaurant pre-quarantine (Feta’s for Dad’s birthday) until this past Thursday, when my wife and I secured a reservation for Au Courant‘s reopening.

Chef Benjamin Maides and business partner Carlos Mendez are hitting all the right notes for Benson and for Omaha right now: good cocktails, a hip atmosphere, a menu that’s cutting edge but not scary.

A post shared by Au Courant | Regional Kitchen (@aucourantrestaurant). 6064 Maple St | Benson | aucourantrestaurant.com. Au Courant is a modern European kitchen in the heart of Omaha.

- Rating: 4.7/5 (319 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 6064 Maple St. Omaha, Nebraska - Categories: Modern European- Read more on Yelp