Review by J1 Reporter Maeve Wharton

On Thursday, Nov. 28, I visited Ooh De Lally, a semi-casual restaurant serving American cuisine and comfort food. Perfect for a formal family dinner or upscale night out with friends, this spot is located in the heart of historic Dundee, Omaha, at 4916 Underwood Ave. Opened in early 2024, this restaurant is just finding its footing in the culinary world.

Inside, you’ll find a warm ambience, with second-floor tables overlooking the street. Generally open from 4 – 9 p.m., with brunch from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sundays, Ooh De Lally offers a variety of foods, from fresh seafood to gluten-free, vegan macaroni and cheese.

For appetizers, my family ordered the whitewater mussels, $18, and the short rib fries, $16, which were fantastic. For my main meal, I ordered the pan-seared scallops, $25. Cooked and flavored to perfection, I thoroughly enjoyed this dish. I also sampled the chicken sando, $17, and the chopped salad, $17, ordered by my family members. I would highly recommend all of these dishes. Although on the pricier end of dining establishments, the service was excellent and portion sizes were fair.

However, more important than the food this restaurant serves, is its commitment to its mission. Ooh De Lally’s staff consists of formerly incarcerated people who are committed to making a change in their lives. The restaurant uses food and service to promote real changes in the lives of real people.

Overall, I commend this restaurant’s commitment to positive change in the world, enjoy its food and would most definitely return. I rate this restaurant five out of five stars.