Best Restaurants in Little Rock
Food in Little Rock is all about local influence
Whether you choose locally sourced menu items at The Root Cafe, or hear all about the backstory behind the entrees at Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro, the restaurants all have one thing in common: a special focus on treating diners to food with local flair.
Farm to Table: The Root Cafe
If you’re looking for a true taste of Arkansas, go right to the source. Aptly named, The Root Cafe gets its food locally, so you’ll enjoy Arkansas farm produce, eggs, nuts and meat. The menu also features cheese and bread from local artisans. Find The Root Cafe in the historic Sweden Crème building on Main Street in downtown Little Rock. It's open for breakfast or lunch, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices. This little cafe is so popular that you'll see a line going out the door most every day. Just stake your place in line and plan ahead to wait for up to an hour—the food's worth the wait.
Romantic: Brave New Restaurant
If you’re looking for romance, this is your place: Brave New Restaurant has won numerous local awards for best romantic eatery in Arkansas. Make your reservation in advance; the restaurant regularly books up. Take a quick tour around the main dining room—the walls are covered with original art created by local artists and it's all available for purchase. The restaurant offers a comprehensive wine menu and a host of unique, gourmet dishes. Treat your date to Brave New Restaurant’s famous chocolate crème brulee before you leave. If the weather’s nice, ask to be seated on the patio; the atmosphere is cozy and the view is stunning.
Comfort Food: Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro
Many of the menu items at Dizzy’s come with a story; choose your meal and ask your server to tell you about the origins of the recipe. Diners rave about the Le Petite Roche Cheese Dip, a mixture of three cheeses, grilled peppers, sour cream, salsa and green onion. Don’t skip this creamy appetizer with a kick; it’s well worth the hype. The dinner menu offers plenty of pasta, steak, fish and chicken. Toasting to something special? The drink menu features a wide variety of wines and some creative cocktails. Find Dizzy's in the River Market District, near the Clinton Presidential Center.
Cajun: Maddie's Place
Brian Deloney, owner and chef at Maddie’s Place, once worked for Emeril Lagasse where he fine-tuned his Cajun cooking skills. Both Deloney and his restaurant have garnered plenty of attention from local and national press—for good reason. The menu starts with basic Louisiana home-style fare and introduces a gourmet element. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly; eat right at the bar if you'd like, or choose a booth. Maddie's is a surprising combination of simple furnishings and fancy food. Start your meal with the fried green tomatoes, a favorite appetizer. Don’t skip dessert—the bread pudding is sinful!
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