This Is the Best Buffet in Nebraska, Known for Its Italian Food

There are certain institutions that feel so quintessentially Nebraskan, and Valentino's is one of them. This delightful all-you-can-eat buffet is the go-to destination for hearty portions of Italian food, good company, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Though it's since become a regional chain, Valentino's started in the 1950s as a family-run operation. Despite its popularity, each location still retains that hyper-local feel and offers no shortage of delicious homemade Italian food. Let's dive into what makes a trip to Valentino's such a treat.

If you grew up in Nebraska, then Valentino's is no secret; for decades, it has stood as the place for celebrations, family outings, and delicious pizza. Its history dates back to 1957, when a couple named Val and Zena Weiler decided to open a humble fruit stand in Lincoln. Understanding that it would soon be overtaken by larger, corporate supermarkets, they decided to take a leap of faith and open a pizza restaurant. With a few dozen pizza pans and an old family recipe, they opened up shop. And the rest, as they say, is history. Shortly after opening, folks waited outside this new pizza shop, delighting in the handmade pizzas and made-from-scratch pastas on offer.

Of course, a lot has changed since those original days, but there's still something special about stopping into Valentino's Grand Italian Buffet. When you visit today, you'll be in awe of the sheer variety. There are eight separate spreads and 75 options to choose from!

You'll want to start at the salad bar, featuring a handful of fresh salads, homemade dressings, and even a few soup options. But don't fill up too quickly—this is just the beginning! Next stop: the pizza bar. This is where you'll find the crown jewel of Valentino's cooking. From the homemade crust to the fresh, flavorful toppings, there's so much to love about this fan-favorite Nebraska pizza. Here's how one out-of-towner recently discussed his dining experience:

"As a visitor to Lincoln, I found Valentino’s Deluxe Pepperoni with cream cheese pizza to be quite intriguing. It was very delicious - plenty of toppings and sauce, and the crust had a thin, crispy exterior and a soft inside. And while the breadsticks at most pizza parlors are iffy, Valentino’s garlic breadsticks were soft, fluffy, and seasoned incredibly well!"

Not in the mood for pizza? That's no problem! Head to the pasta bar, where you'll have your choice of half a dozen pastas and sauces to choose from. Still have some room on your plate? Help yourself to a warm breadtwist or garlic roll.

And that's not all! After lingering over the last of your Italian feast, stroll past the dessert bar and see if anything piques your interest. You'll see decadent brownies, gooey cookies, and, yes, even some dessert pizzas!

So, what do you think? If you've never visited Valentino's Grand Italian Buffet, it's high time you checked out this iconic Nebraska buffet. Share this article with a friend, find the nearest Valentino's to you, and let the dining adventures begin!

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.