Dante Business Spotlight: A Taste of Italy in Nebraska

At the heart of Omaha’s culinary scene lies Dante, an authentic Italian restaurant that brings the flavors of Italy to Nebraska. Located off 168th and West Center, Dante is more than just a dining destination—it’s a celebration of handcrafted Italian cuisine made with the finest local ingredients.

Founded by passionate restaurateur Nick Strawhecker in 2009, Dante embodies the philosophy that great food starts with great ingredients. An Omaha native, Strawhecker’s love of cooking with local, fresh ingredients dates to his opportunity to travel and live in Europe, growing his love for fine food.

Strawhecker began his professional path by earning his associate degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales in Providence, RI, before spending two years working at a small bistro while attending Northern Arizona University. He then traveled to the Piedmont region in Italy where he completed the Master Chef’s Program at The Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners and followed that up with a stint at the Michelin-rated Relais & Chataux property Il Falconiere in Cortona, Tuscany. He continued honing his skills at renowned restaurants in Chicago and in Philadelphia before heading back home to Omaha to open Dante.

Dante, named after great medieval Florentine poet Dante Alighieri who wrote the Divine Comedy, was awarded 2019 Pizza Today Independent Pizzeria of the Year. Strawhecker has brought his modern take on traditional Italian cooking to America’s heartland by cultivating relationships with growers and producers across Nebraska and the Midwest.

Coined by its’ owner as a “celebration of Italian food and Nebraska,” the restaurant’s menu features Omaha’s first Neapolitan-style oven-fired pizzas, house-made pasta, and expertly curated Italian wines, creating an experience that transports guests straight to the streets of Naples. “Neapolitan” refers to anything done in the fashion of Naples, a port city in southern Italy. Each dish is crafted with a blend of imported Italian staples and fresh, locally sourced produce, ensuring a unique fusion of tradition and innovation. Strawhecker collaborates with more than 25 farm partners in the Midwest to inspire his creative cooking based on hyper-seasonal and authentic, sustainable ingredients. He shared that last year he bought over 10,000 fresh tomatoes to accompany his dishes. In six weeks, he will be getting asparagus to include in the menu.

Dante is committed to presenting the very best in Italian wines through their innovative wine classes, tasting events and wine dinners. Strawhecker is proud to have his own private label of Dante wines that he embarked on in 2023. Partnering with exceptional vineyards in Gavi, Barolo, and nearby appellations, they found producers who share their same values of sustainability, which resulted in their collection of the Langhe Rostato, Gavi and Barolo Serralunga d’Alba.

A proud Core Bank customer, Dante is now celebrating 15 incredible years of serving the Omaha community. Throughout the years, the restaurant has remained committed to quality, hospitality, and authenticity, making it a beloved staple for food lovers near and far.

Strawhecker shared why he uses Core Bank for his business needs. “It’s personalized and suites my small business as a natural fit. The service is easy and quick, when I have needs such as getting a check, everything is ready and they know my name,” Nick said. He visits with Kathryn Barker, Senior Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer on a regular basis about his business plans and goals. He is excited to be expanding on his catering side by getting a Four Seasons Food Truck that will be in addition to his current mobile wood-fire truck. Future goals include expanding and remodeling his kitchen.

Strawhecker shared that it’s important to him to have something for everyone at Dante so that they can enjoy the experience. Guests can enjoy Dante’s exquisite offerings and hospitality during lunch, dinner, or their Half-Price Happy Hour, available daily from 2-5 PM.

Whether you’re stopping in for a perfectly charred pizza, a glass of world-class Italian wine, or a comforting bowl of handcrafted pasta (Rigatoni Bolognese is a delicious recommendation), Dante promises an unforgettable experience.