SANTORO MEXICAN RESTAURANT — Restaurant in Omaha

Date Night

We were headed to Omaha from Lincoln. While we never had the pleasure of eating at Rivera's I was excited to try the Chef's new hotspot Santoro! I originally heard about it from favorite Local Foodie Restaurant Hoppen a week or so prior.

It was a Saturday and they don't accept reservations. We got there about 7pm, on the list, were told 20-30 min wait, pretty sure we were seated in like 12. There are a minimal amount of tables, maybe 15? It was 100⁰ and even the patio was full. Only a few working the floor, got our chips and salsa fairly quickly. It was different, kinda creamy and smoky. My husband looked at the menu and had a bit of sticker shock. I told him it's supposed to be worth it... he struggled a bit with his decision but we both put in for our mains.

About 45 minutes after arriving our entrees were delivered to the table. He quickly dug into his Chipilo Enchiladas. He specifically chose one with several little chili peppers next to the description. Full of Braised Pork and Onions and topped with a Spicy Almond Mole Sauce I watched his expression change. He Was Stoked! The amount of flavor was Incredible! Completely Unique and Amazing! Even the sides of Rice and Beans were unmatched.

One of the only veg options is the Chile Rellenos. While it's something I do enjoy it's not generally what I'd choose for a main. What was on my plate was unlike anything I'd seen before. Holy Crap it was Delicious! The layers of flavors, cheesy goodness, there are just not enough adjectives. Absolutely Elevated, Warm and Inviting! It's one of only a handful of times I sat there and cussed out loud at my food. Veg Cilantro Lime Rice was intense, and Veg Black Beans (which were a tad overdone for my liking) had lots of veggies.

Decided I had to try the GOAT marg before we left. It was a really good Margarita but nothing really special for me. Most of their craftier choices involve smoky or spicy ingredients which I can't do. Our server Rosa was great but they all seemed to be stretched a bit thin. After it was all said and done my husband was Impressed.

Worth the Wait. Worth the Drive. Worth the Price!

Originally posted to EAT IT in Lincoln,...

When Rivera’s closed about three years ago, I was crushed. I was late to the Rivera’s party, but it had quickly become my favorite restaurant, filling a void left by the closing of Grey Plume. I knew that it was impossible for Santoro to compete with my over-glamorized memory of Rivera’s - much less on day two of being open. I was completely wrong - Chef Rivera’s food was better than any memory I had conjured.

Santoro is loud, it’s expensive, and the wait is long, but if you seek the best food and drink in Omaha, this should not and will not stop you. The combinations of flavors in the food and drink are mind-blowing. Every creation in the place is a culinary adventure not for the faint of heart, nor those susceptible to heartburn.

The margaritas showcase excellent range, with flavors from jalapeño to mango to prickly pear - this one is particularly beautiful - and are best enjoyed while awaiting a table.

Because I’ve only been here once so far, I can’t tell you the best dish on the menu, but if you like hot - really hot - food, the Diablo Enchiladas are one of the best dishes I’ve ever eaten, blending smokey and creamy with habanero spice.

The Cochinita Pibil may be an even better dish, especially for someone who’s not looking for the hottest item on the menu. The smokey, sticky-sweet bark and marinated onions/peppers melt into this juicy, savory block of meat that falls off the bone with a gentle forking. There is just the right level of heat to bring perfect balance to the dish.

The Enchiladas Suizas are a smooth and creamy crowd-pleaser that made the long trip from Rivera’s.

I was impressed by the care taken even in a dish as simple as tacos - the sear on the carne asada showed extreme attention to detail.

In summary, I would recommend this place to anyone...

Food did not disappoint after waiting 3+ years for the return!

Atmosphere: not the highlight. Modern take on restaurant design, but very noisy (even for a restaurant), and other than the beautiful mural and wall of tequila it felt very basic.

Drinks: Freida and the Toxi-mango are winners, flavorful and the tequila/mezcal shined with the flavors! The GOAT margarita can stay home. For being the "goat" it was the most basic and tasteless margarita I have tasted in quite a while.

Apps: we had the nightly special which had the most delicious hibiscus puree and wonderful pork belly. I do miss the old salsa though, something changed and it is not as flavorful.

Main meal: enchiladas especiales and Casuelas Norteña (sp?). The food lives up to its predecessor, everything has spice! The prices have definitely increased, but I think it is mostly on par and they are large portions with one exception. The enchiladas are a bit high and I don't think the amount of lobster used really justified $35. Enchiladas were delicious, but hard to order enchiladas (even as delicious as they were) for that much when most other places are half or less. The white mole is legend, I could drink it plain. The Nortenas was was like a Mexican lasagna and was so flavorful and huge!

Honestly my favorite thing is the rice and beans. So many places screw this part up and leave them bland. I save room to eat the beans and rice here, they are so good!

No room for dessert. We will be back to try more, but will probably leave the "goat margarita" and special...