While Herb & Omni may be a new name in Whitefish, the building it’s housed within is anything but new.
The two-story structure at 101 Central Avenue has gone through quite a few phases since its construction in 1905—saloon, bar, prohibition-era billiards hall—and in its current, beautifully restored incarnation houses Herb & Omni, the kind of remarkable restaurant that would be a standout just about anywhere in the world, let alone in this relatively laid-back Montana town.
One of their gem-like facets is included right in the restaurant’s name: Herb & Omni are shorthand for “herbivore” and “omnivore,” which speaks to their wide-armed embrace of the broad spectrum of culinary preferences.
“Inclusivity is at the heart of our philosophy. Herb & Omni is literally named for it,” says Steve Labrovic, the restaurant’s General Manager, “and that reflects our desire to thoughtfully serve every guest, no matter how they eat.”
“We’ve seen how often people with plant-based, vegan, or allergen-conscious diets are treated like afterthoughts, especially in fine dining,” he continues. “That didn’t sit right with us. We believe everyone deserves not just something to eat, but something to savor.”
This spirit of inclusion begins not just with the menu, however. Between the reclaimed wood and brick that comprise the walls, floors, and ceilings, to accents that invoke the beauty found in nature, to flourishes that enhance brightness and reflectivity, Herb & Omni has created an environment that welcomes each guest from the moment they walk through the doors.
“We want people to feel cared for the moment they walk in, like they’re entering a space that was built with them in mind,” Steve explains. “At Herb & Omni, the experience is about nourishment in every sense: food, atmosphere, connection.”
“We’ve restored and reimagined this historical building to create something both timeless and current,” he says, “a place where locals and visitors alike can settle in, feel welcome, and leave feeling a little fuller, not just from the food, but from the care we put into everything we do.”
Herb & Omni doesn’t rely solely on décor to evoke the bountiful natural world surrounding Whitefish; their food is sourced locally whenever possible, so visitors to Herb & Omni get to literally taste Montana.
“We’re lucky to be in a region like the Flathead Valley, where you can find incredible farmers, ranchers, and producers who care deeply about their work,” Steve says. “When we buy local, we’re investing in our neighbors and in the land we share. The food tastes better because the ingredients come with intention, and there’s a real integrity in knowing where and who it all comes from. That care translates directly to what’s on the plate.”
As you can see, regionality is a core component of what Herb & Omni strives to embody. Rather than implant a sense of outside worldliness into this tight-knit Flathead Valley community, they’ve taken the steps to represent the place they do business.
“Whitefish is a rare kind of town. It has this wonderful mix of grounded, local roots and curious, worldly visitors. That makes it such a dynamic place to do what we do: to cook, to serve, to gather people,” Steve says. “There’s a genuine appreciation here for quality and connection, and that aligns perfectly with what Herb & Omni stands for. Also, you can’t beat the view—from The Belvedere rooftop [on the third floor of 101 Central Ave.], watching the light change over Big Mountain, it’s a daily reminder of why this place is so special.”