Arkansas, known as the Natural State, is a hidden gem for food lovers. From award-winning restaurants to charming local eateries, the culinary scene in Arkansas offers a diverse array of flavors and experiences. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 15 must-try restaurants that showcase the best of Arkansas cuisine in 2024.
Culinary excellence across Arkansas
Arkansas boasts an impressive selection of restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. Pea Farm Bistro in Cabot has been recognized as the best overall restaurant around Arkansas, offering a farm-to-table experience that highlights local ingredients. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a loyal following among food enthusiasts.
In Benton, Rober has quickly become a favorite, winning the title of best new restaurant around Arkansas. This establishment has garnered praise for its creative menu and exceptional service. Meanwhile, The Grumpy Rabbit in Lonoke continues to impress diners with its unique blend of Southern comfort food and modern culinary techniques.
For those seeking fine dining experiences, The Preacher’s Son in Bentonville offers a sophisticated menu in a beautifully restored church building. In Hot Springs, DeLuca’s Pizzeria has gained a reputation for serving some of the best pizzas in the state, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Here’s a list of some standout restaurants across Arkansas :
- Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot)
- Rober (Benton)
- The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)
- The Preacher’s Son (Bentonville)
- DeLuca’s Pizzeria (Hot Springs)
Little Rock’s culinary gems
The capital city of Little Rock is home to a thriving food scene, with numerous restaurants earning accolades in 2024. Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom has been crowned the best overall restaurant in Little Rock/North Little Rock, impressing diners with its wood-fired pizzas and craft cocktails. The restaurant’s chef, Cash Ashley, has also been recognized as the best chef in the area.
For those seeking a unique dining experience, The Bagel Shop has quickly become a local favorite, winning the title of best new restaurant in Little Rock/North Little Rock. This establishment has gained popularity for its handcrafted bagels and creative sandwich combinations.
Other notable restaurants in the Little Rock area include :
- Brave New Restaurant
- Bread Cheese Wine
- Ciao Baci
- Three Fold Noodles + Dumpling Co.
- Heights Taco & Tamale
Little Rock also offers a diverse range of international cuisines. Star of India Restaurant is recognized as the best Indian restaurant in the area, while Kemuri takes the top spot for Japanese cuisine.
Specialty dining experiences
Arkansas restaurants cater to various dietary preferences and dining styles. For those seeking vegetarian or vegan options, The Root Cafe in Little Rock and Pea Farm Bistro in Cabot are highly recommended. These establishments offer innovative plant-based dishes that appeal to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Outdoor dining enthusiasts can enjoy meals al fresco at Rolando’s Restaurante in Hot Springs or The Root Cafe in Little Rock. These restaurants provide beautiful settings for enjoying delicious food in the open air.
For a family-friendly dining experience, All Aboard Restaurant & Grill in Little Rock and The Purple Cow in Hot Springs are popular choices. These establishments offer kid-friendly menus and entertainment options to keep the little ones happy.
Wine lovers will appreciate the extensive selections at Rober in Benton and Bread Cheese Wine in Little Rock. These restaurants boast impressive wine lists that complement their delectable cuisine.
| Category | Little Rock Area | Around Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian/Vegan | The Root Cafe | Pea Farm Bistro |
| Outdoor Dining | The Root Cafe | Rolando’s Restaurante |
| Kid-Friendly | All Aboard Restaurant & Grill | The Purple Cow |
| Wine List | Bread Cheese Wine | Rober |
Exploring Arkansas’ culinary regions
Arkansas’ diverse culinary landscape extends beyond its major cities. Each region offers unique flavors and dining experiences that reflect local traditions and ingredients. In Eureka Springs, Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking stands out as the top overall restaurant, serving authentic Italian cuisine in a charming setting.
The Northwest Arkansas region, encompassing Fayetteville, Springdale, and Johnson, boasts a vibrant food scene. Pizzeria Ruby in Johnson has earned recognition as the best overall restaurant in the area, known for its artisanal pizzas and cozy atmosphere.
In the central part of the state, Mike’s Place in Conway has become a local institution, offering a diverse menu that caters to various tastes. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and consistency has made it a favorite among residents and visitors alike.
The following list highlights some of the best restaurants in different regions of Arkansas :
- Benton/Bryant : Rober
- Conway : Mike’s Place
- Eureka Springs : Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking
- Fayetteville/Springdale/Johnson : Pizzeria Ruby
- Hot Springs : DeLuca’s Pizzeria
- Rogers/Bentonville : The Preacher’s Son
These regional favorites showcase the diversity and quality of Arkansas’ culinary offerings, providing visitors with a taste of local flavors and traditions. Whether you’re craving Italian cuisine in Eureka Springs or artisanal pizza in Johnson, Arkansas’ regional restaurants offer something for every palate.
A taste of Arkansas’ culinary future
As Arkansas’ food scene continues to evolve, new and exciting restaurants are emerging across the state. The Bagel Shop in Little Rock and Rober in Benton represent the next generation of Arkansas dining, combining innovative concepts with high-quality ingredients and exceptional service.
Food trucks are also making their mark on the state’s culinary landscape. Hot Rod Weiners has been recognized as the best food truck around Arkansas, offering gourmet hot dogs with creative toppings. In Little Rock, Smashed N’ Stacked has gained a following for its unique burgers and sandwiches.
The rise of farm-to-table restaurants, such as Pea Farm Bistro in Cabot and The Farmer’s Table Cafe in Fayetteville, highlights a growing emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable dining practices. These establishments are not only serving delicious food but also supporting local farmers and producers.
As Arkansas continues to gain recognition for its culinary offerings, food enthusiasts can look forward to even more exciting dining experiences in the years to come. From traditional Southern fare to innovative fusion cuisines, the Natural State is proving itself to be a destination for food lovers from all over the country.
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