Dolomiti Pizzeria & Enoteca co-owner Tim Maides dishes on why Millwork Commons is Omaha’s small-but-mighty foodie hub and shares his favorite way to experience the city, from biking gravel roads to bar-hopping in Benson.
Q: How would you describe Omaha to someone who’s never been?
Unassuming and surprising.
Q: What’s a can’t-miss part of Omaha visitors should go?
I’d say the Old Market. It has that European feel — historic buildings, cobblestone streets, good energy. That vibe inspired our concept here in Millwork Commons. We wanted to bring that same character and community feel into a newer neighborhood.
Q: Tell us about Dolomiti. What’s the vibe, the food, the experience?
Dolomiti was inspired by my time working in Northern Italy with my brother, who’s now the chef-owner at Au Courant in Benson. We fell in love with tavern-style pizzas there and wanted to bring that experience here. We chose Millwork Commons because the Ashton Building has beautiful historical architecture.
Our oven is imported from Verona, Italy. It’s wood-and-gas-fired, pistachio green and a total workhorse. We designed the space so guests can watch their pizzas being made, sip wine, enjoy antipasti, dessert — the full European pizzeria experience.
Q: What makes Millwork Commons special for visitors?
It’s Omaha’s newest neighborhood, right off the airport — super convenient. You’ve got us for pizza, Coneflower Creamery for award-winning ice cream, Archetype Coffee (shoutout to Isaiah, the fourth-best barista in the world!), and partners like Heirloom Fine Foods, Clean Slate and Sweet Magnolias. We all collaborate and lift each other up. It’s a small but mighty community.
Q: Outside of Millwork Commons, what are some of your other favorite Omaha spots?
La Buvette in the Old Market is one of my go-tos — super casual, great wine, lunch or late-night. Au Courant in Benson focuses on European fine dining. I also love Carlos Mendez’s new spot, Rotisserie Urban Bistro. It’s a South American chicken rotisserie restaurant — plantains, rice, beans … it hits the spot every time.
Q: How has Omaha shaped your creativity?
I grew up in Switzerland, moved to Omaha when I was 8, later worked in Germany and Northern Italy, traveled all over and eventually came back to Omaha. This place has a gravitational pull. And when people come back, they bring flavors and experiences with them. That influence is everywhere in our menu and restaurant design.
Q: Best spots in Omaha for coffee, dessert or late-night bites?
Come to Millwork Commons — we’ve got all three. Start with dinner at Dolomiti, grab dessert at Coneflower and sip a beer at Kros Strain. For late-night eats, I also like Cattle Call on South 16th Street. Great food and it’s open late, which is hard to find in Omaha. For coffee, Archetype is the move.
Q: What should visitors do beyond eating and drinking?
Visit the zoo, Kiewit Luminarium and Old Market. You can do the zoo in the morning, then walk The RiverFront, check out Kiewit Luminarium and even go roller or ice skating. East of 72nd Street in Omaha, you can get many places walking, biking or taking the bus.
Q: What’s a perfect Friday night in Omaha for you?
Benson First Friday has local art walks and great restaurants like Au Courant, Yoshitomo and Virtuoso Pizzeria. End the night with a cocktail at Krug Park.
Q: You’re into biking — any recs for visitors?
Yes! If you’re into gravel biking, check out the weekly summer rides that meet on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge every Wednesday. The rides are open to anyone. We ride all the way out into the countryside. It’s a totally different vibe than city biking.
Q: What gives you hope for Omaha’s future?
The growth of downtown neighborhoods. Millwork Commons, Old Market, Little Bohemia — they’re expanding with real intention. Plus, I love that we’re slowly making biking and transit more viable.
Ready to see (and taste) Omaha through Tim’s eyes? Start your day with a coffee at Archetype, grab a pizza at Dolomiti and ride into the sunset on a gravel trail. Learn more about the city’s attractions, neighborhoods and restaurants at VisitOmaha.com.
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