More restaurants opened in Lincoln in 2022 than in any year since the debut of Pinnacle Bank Arena brought with it a surge in new dining options in 2013.
Robin Eschliman, a commercial real estate agent and co-host of "Grow Lincoln" on KLIN-AM, compiles the list of annual openings each year.
Notable openings included Fleetwood, a new restaurant in the Haymarket, and Well & Good, a dining spot in the new Scarlet Hotel on Nebraska Innovation Campus.
Eschliman's annual survey noted that 26 restaurants closed in 2022, including a couple of Lincoln landmarks. The Valentino's buffet at 70th and Van Dorn streets closed after being shut down during much of the pandemic, clearing the way for a doctor's office to take over the space. The Parthenon, which operated for close to 20 years, was replaced by the Mettle Grill in Lincoln's Edgewood Shopping Center.
MotorFood, 621 N. 48th St.:Â Have you ever had a grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with mac and cheese? Comfort foods with an extra twist make up the menu at this food truck-turned-restaurant.
L's Kitchen, 2785 S. 17th St.: Located in the former Normandy space, popular dishes include the Hungarian goulash and their secret recipe meatloaf. Large selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Raina's On the Run, 1120 N. Cotner Blvd.:Â Homestyle restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring omelets, spaghetti and catfish.
Wendy's, 6841 S. 27th St.:Â The fast-food chain added a new location on the northwest corner of 27th Street and Pine Lake Road.
Firehouse Subs, 5308 S. 56th St.:Â The national sandwich shop chain, known for donating proceeds to firefighters, opened its second Lincoln location at Edgewood.Â
Ms. Chen 56, 5601 S. 56th St.:Â Authentic Chinese cuisine featuring mei fun, wonton soup and chef's specials like the "Dragon and Phoenix."
Daq Shack, 4630 Leighton Ave.:Â Giving Lincolnites a taste of the beach, lobster and fried chicken are served alongside a tropical cocktail menu, and don't forget cotton candy cheesecake for dessert.
Lincoln's Pub, 4630 Leighton Ave.:Â Sharing a kitchen with Daq Shack, bar food favorites are locally sourced and a takeout option is available, called President's Takeout.
Kumbia's, 6100 O St.: New food court option at Gateway Mall.
Abelardo's, 5020 N.W. 12th St.:Â The chain known for fresh ingredients opened its third Lincoln location just off Interstate 80 near the airport.
Pho and Grill, 2901 S. 84th St.:Â Pho noodle soup, seafood pineapple fried rice and tofu rolls are all served at this authentic Vietnamese restaurant.
Sabor Latino, 2701 N. 48th St.: Dishes from Honduras and Mexico fill the menu, featuring seafood and street tacos and empanadas for dessert.
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Pita & Naan, 1434 O St.:Â Gyros. Falafel. Shawarma. Get your fix of Mediterranean food in the heart of downtown Lincoln.
Vern & Ellies, 345 Speedway Circle:Â A drive-thru homestyle restaurant with handmade brats and stuffed green peppers to give a taste of home.
Heoya South, 1501 Pine Lake Road:Â The Asian fusion restaurant offers sandwiches, noodles and Korean BBQ tacos.
Lila Mae's Southern Kitchen, 2110 Winthrop Road:Â Bringing a taste of the South to Lincoln, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner and is named for owner Tramesha Cruse's great-grandmother, who taught her how to cook.
Oishii Japanese Steakhouse, 2949 N. 27th St.:Â Translating to "delicious" in English, Oishii is Lincoln's newest hibachi-style restaurant, allowing guests to watch their food being prepared.
Little Caesars, 4646 W. Huntington Ave.: Little Caesars opened its fourth Lincoln location in Lincoln's Air Park neighborhood.
Chef Shawarma, 831 N. 48th St.:Â Drive-thru Mediterranean cuisine served straight off a cooking spit.
Masa Sushi, 1701 Pine Lake Road:Â A sushi bar with every possible sushi combination imaginable, including local favorites the UNL roll and I-80 roll.
Domino's Pizza, 2801 Pine Lake Road: Domino's has expanded to six Lincoln locations.
QDOBA Mexican Eats, 2900 Cooper Ridge Drive: Fast-casual chain moved into former Salsarita's space in south Lincoln.
B&T's Diner, 4700 Vine St.:Â A diner tucked in on Vine Street serving homestyle breakfast and lunch options like omelets and patty melts.
Chipotle, 4465 N. 27th St.: National chain added location in north Lincoln.
Panera Bread, 4449 N. 27th St.:Â Just steps away from Chipotle, the national chain opened its fourth Lincoln location.
Well & Good, 2101 Transformation Drive:Â Located in the Scarlet Hotel, the restaurant and bar follows a Nebraska theme with its lunch and dinner menu.
Mettle Grill, 5500 S. 56th St.:Â Located at Edgewood, the restaurant boasts a full sandwich and burger menu, with beer on tap and specials at the bar.
Fleetwood, 801 O St.:Â The modern American grill located in the heart of the Haymarket features beef short ribs smothered in beet and port reduction.
Los Gonzalez, 2310 N. First St.:Â Authentic Mexican cuisine featuring birria and known for its cheese pull served everyday.
Taj Ali, 1501 Pine Lake Road:Â Middle Eastern restaurant opened its second location in Lincoln next door to Juice Stop and Paint Yourself Silly.