City: Omaha, NE

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (402) 345-8980

Address: 1022 Howard St.

Description: One of the city’s truly romantic spots, V. Mertz is located in the underground Old Market Passageway. Its dim lighting, exceptional service, and elegant decor transports couples into a true fine dining experience. The environment at V. Mertz is authentically vintage, with old wood, worn brick walls and floor, and more modern glass and mirrors surrounding diners. Tables are shrouded in white cloth, and the chairs are classically outfitted with covers bearing the restaurant’s moniker. Service here is top notch yet non-intrusive; prices are what one expects when enjoying fine cuisine. The restaurant puts together special menus when any holiday rolls around, and it’s a popular spot on both Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve. Monthly dinner menus also rotate; a recent menu included a foie gras appetizer, parsnip veloute, entrees like a root vegetable tart and Oregon natural lamb chop, and an array of decadent desserts. Also a popular destination for business lunches, the restaurant has a set lunch menu with a popular Boursin stuffed chicken, among other dishes. An intimate bar in the back of the restaurant is a secret escape in the otherwise bustling Old Market; reasonably priced cocktails and wine by the glass are a small price to pay to enjoy the unique ambiance of V. Mertz.