Exploring the diverse culinary landscape in Arkansas reveals some hidden gems worth visiting. From quaint farm experiences to authentic international flavors, this guide highlights the top 20 dining places outside Little Rock. These establishments not only offer exceptional dishes but also capture the unique essence of Arkansas.
Exceptional farm-to-table experiences in arkansas
Arkansas boasts numerous farm-to-table dining options that guarantee fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The blend of rustic charm and gourmet preparation creates something remarkable in these restaurants.
Rabbit Ridge Farms in Bee Branch is not your typical restaurant, but it offers special dinners, breakfasts, and lunches in a stunning event center overlooking the farm. The highlight is the proteins, raised right on their land, providing an authentic farm-to-table experience.
Another must-visit is The Hive in Bentonville. Located inside the 21c Museum Hotel, this upscale dining spot offers an array of meals prepared by executive chef Matthew McClure, a James Beard Semi-finalist. The wood-fire grilled Berkshire Hog Chop stands out for its rich flavor and impeccable preparation.
Additionally, WunderHaus in Conway brings European comfort food to the table with local ingredients. Staples like the WunderBurger and Farmer’s Daughter acclaimed by regulars provide a cozy and fulfilling meal that supports local agriculture.
The finest pizzas and pastas in arkansas
Pizza and pasta enthusiasts will find some of the best meals in these Arkansas spots, blending traditional ingredients with innovative recipes to craft unforgettable dishes.
Deluca’s Pizza in Hot Springs is renowned for crafting some of the best pizzas in the state. The thin, crisp crust topped with Buffalo mozzarella and other gourmet toppings makes it a favorite among locals and visitors. Don’t forget to try their famous cheeseburger.
Fayetteville is home to Bocca, where house-made pasta like the pappardelle with braised beef and pork shoulder ragu attracts pasta lovers. Steak lovers will appreciate the 35-day aged filet, a dish that epitomizes culinary excellence.
In Benton, My Little Pizzeria brings authentic New York-style pizza to Arkansas. Though the seating is limited, the Lasagna Pizza and Margarita Cold, garnished with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes, make the dining experience worthwhile.
Unforgettable brunch and breakfast spots
The state’s brunch and breakfast scenes are vibrant, offering dishes that range from hearty traditional breakfasts to eclectic modern fare.
Café Rue Orleans in Fayetteville is famous for its brunch, with dishes like Creole Shrimp and Grits, Eggs Pontchartrain, and Catfish Tchoupitoulas drawing large crowds. The portions are generous, and the flavors are robust, creating an unforgettable brunch experience.
For those in Eureka Springs, Mud Street Café is a staple for breakfast on weekends. Their omelets and Veggie Hash Browns are particularly popular, making it a great start to the day.
At Oliver’s Bistro in Mountain View, the Massey Burger impresses, but the house-made desserts truly shine. This charming spot offers a delightful end to any weekend getaway.
Authentic flavors and unique dining experiences
Arkansas’s dining scene wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the eclectic international flavors and unique dining setups available across the state.
Green Papaya in Fort Smith offers Vietnamese staples like pho and Beef Chow Fun, showing that Arkansas has a diverse culinary palette. It’s a no-frills restaurant that emphasizes authentic, rich flavors.
In Rogers, Saiwok Vietnamese Street Food boasts an eclectic menu. Items like Smoked Pork Belly Fries and the Saiwok Lava Rock, a DIY cooking experience with shrimp or beef, provide memorable meals.
For a Southern experience, Jones’ Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna delivers with its famous pork and slaw sandwiches. This iconic spot is a must-visit for fans of classic barbeque flavors.
Lastly, McClard’s Bar-B-Q in Hot Springs offers dishes like the Half Spread, a hearty tamale base with Fritos, chopped beef, cheese, and onion. This iconic location captivates with its rich, smoky flavors.
Special mentions : hidden culinary treasures
Several other notable restaurants shape Arkansas’s dining scene, providing unique and delightful options for every food lover.
Coursey’s Smoked Meats in St. Joe is renowned for its smoked bacon. But the smoked turkey and cheddar sandwiches are equally impressive and worth a try.
The Whippet in Prattsville features perfectly fried catfish matched with a delectable coconut cream pie. The “Set Up” includes beans, slaw, hush puppies, and tomato relish, enhancing your meal.
Taylor’s Steakhouse in Dumas is a top choice for steak enthusiasts. The 20-day dry-aged bone-in ribeye is a rare delight, showcasing expert preparation and rich flavors.
Lastly, Pea Farm Bistro in Cabot offers a simple yet meticulous menu of salads and sandwiches. Their Club and Cuban sandwiches, along with the potato salad, offer a heartwarming culinary experience.
| Restaurant | Location | Highlight Dish |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbit Ridge Farms | Bee Branch | Farm-raised Proteins |
| Deluca’s Pizza | Hot Springs | Thin Crust Pizza |
| Oliver’s Bistro | Mountain View | Massey Burger |
| Café Rue Orleans | Fayetteville | Creole Shrimp and Grits |
| Taylor’s Steakhouse | Dumas | 20-day Dry-Aged Bone-In Ribeye |
| WunderHaus | Conway | WunderBurger |
| The Hive | Bentonville | Wood Fire Grilled Berkshire Hog Chop |
| Green Papaya | Fort Smith | Beef Chow Fun |
| The Whippet | Prattsville | Fried Catfish |
| Coursey’s Smoked Meats | St. Joe | Smoked Bacon |
| Bocca | Fayetteville | Pappardelle with Braised Beef |
| Wright’s Barbecue | Fayetteville | Texas-style Brisket |
| Dondie’s White River Princess | Des Arc | Catfish |
| McClard’s Bar-B-Q | Hot Springs | Half Spread |
| Mud Street Café | Eureka Springs | Veggie Hash Browns |
| My Little Pizzeria | Benton | Lasagna Pizza |
| Jones’ Bar-B-Q Diner | Marianna | Pork & Slaw Sandwich |
| The Grapevine Restaurant | Paris | Meatloaf |
| Saiwok Vietnamese Street Food | Rogers | Saiwok Lava Rock |
| Pea Farm Bistro | Cabot | Club Sandwich |
In Arkansas, the diversity and quality of dining experiences ensure that every meal becomes a memorable event. Whether you prefer rustic farm-to-table meals, international flavors, or hearty Southern classics, this state’s culinary landscape offers something special for every food lover.
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