Arkansas Restaurant and Dining Guide

Arkansas, the "Natural State", home to a deliciously unique fusion of Southern and Ozark regional specialties, Arkansas is a treasure trove of comfort food, signature barbecues, and quirky local eateries. Join us as we taste our way through six vibrant Arkansas cities: Fayetteville, Little Rock, Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Bentonville, and Jonesboro. From delightfully addictive cheese dips to the heavenly taste of fried catfish, brace yourself for a gastronomic adventure you won't soon forget. Plus, we've interspersed our food journey with fascinating local attractions, so there's plenty to explore between bites. Let's dive into this culinary odyssey!

Savory Southern Comfort in Fayetteville

Nestled in the Ozarks, Fayetteville combines Southern charm with a vibrant college-town energy, making it a treasure trove of diverse eateries. First up, let's dive into Cafe Rue Orleans, a NOLA-inspired joint serving up Cajun classics like the Catfish Tchoupitoulas—a seafood-stuffed catfish filet draped in a rich sauce that's just begging to be sopped up with a side of hush puppies.

But if you're craving something more down-home, make your way to Rolling Pin Café, where you'll find hand-breaded chicken tenders so tender they could make a grown man cry. Served atop creamy mashed potatoes and smothered in white gravy, it's comfort food on a whole new level. Looking for a quick bite? Swing by Marlo's Little House of Tacos for the cheese and guacamole dip, and you'll be saying "¡Olé!" in no time. Mockingbird Kitchen also deserves a mention for its inventive dishes. From their Buffalo Cauliflower that makes you forget you're eating vegetables, to the Smoked Duck Breast that's all sorts of divine, it's a must-visit.

After your foodie tour, walk off the calories at the picturesque Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, explore Clinton House Museum, or the Arkansas Air & Military Museum. Trust me, your belly and your Instagram followers will thank you!

The Tasty Tapestry of Little Rock

Welcome to the heart of Arkansas! Little Rock, the state's capital, is a vibrant city with a food scene as diverse as its history. For some delightful Southern fried goodness, stop by Flying Fish. Their chicken salad, grilled or fried, and grilled catfish plate are crowd favorites and for a good reason. At Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro, don't miss the Award-Winning La Petit Roche Cheese Dip. And yes, they take their cheese dip seriously here—Little Rock even hosts the World Cheese Dip Competition!

Feeling Euro-chic? Head over to The Pantry Restaurant. From the hearty Svickova to the savory Jäger Schnitzel, you'll feel like you've been teleported straight to Central Europe. And if you're on a health kick, ZAZA: Little Rock's got your back with their Spinach Bacon Avocado salad and Classic Cobb salad, both bursting with fresh ingredients and packed with flavor.

After your feast, soak in the beauty of Pinnacle Mountain State Park, learn something new at the Old State House Museum, or ignite your curiosity at the Museum of Discovery.

The Flavor Frontier of Fort Smith

Welcome to the frontier of flavor, also known as Fort Smith. The city's culinary delights are as rich as its Western heritage. Anthony's Italian Restaurant serves pizza that could give Napoli a run for its money—try the Anthony's Special, and thank me later. For a taste of Southeast Asia, Green Papaya serves Com Chien Thit Nuong, an appetizing fried rice dish, and Bun Thit Nuong, an impressive medley of charcoal broiled pork and fresh veggies.

Craving BBQ? Look no further than Art's BBQ & Burgers. Whether you're indulging in the Fried Pickles, savoring the Chef’s Cut Sirloin, or chowing down the Loaded BBQ Potato, you'll feel right at home. Now, to shake things up, let's hop over to Rolando's Restaurante. From the flavorful Cuzco’s Fajitas to the hearty El Plato Cubano, your taste buds are in for a Latin treat.

Fort Smith's food scene is as diverse as its attractions. After lunch, take a ride back in time at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, or splash around at the Parrot Island Waterpark. Either way, you're bound to work up an appetite for more.

Sizzling Delights in Hot Springs

Aptly named, Hot Springs is a city that oozes charm, with its cozy restaurants and therapeutic hot springs. Starting with Taco Pronto, the cheese dip and meat burrito are comfort food classics that warm you from the inside out. For a unique German dining experience, visit Steinhaus Keller. Their Smorgasbord, an assortment of delectable bites, and Goulash Soup are sure to satisfy your cravings for hearty, home-style cooking. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, head to Cafe 1217. The Mexican Tortilla Wrap with roasted chicken and the Taco Salad Bowl are flavorful and satisfying without being overly heavy.

Now, don't let the name fool you - Hot Springs is not just about the springs. The Gangster Museum of America tells a fascinating story of crime, while the Ouachita National Forest offers plenty of trails for hiking and exploration.

Gourmet Grandeur in Bentonville

Step into Bentonville, a food lover's paradise, where high-quality ingredients meet culinary innovation. At Blu Fish House, the Shaggy Dog Roll and Wild Coconut Shrimp are nothing short of delicious. Don't leave without trying the Aoi Japanese Nachos, a fusion dish that perfectly encapsulates the creative spirit of this restaurant. Down at Tusk & Trotter American Brasserie, the Tusk Burger and Truffle Shuffle will remind you why comfort food is always a good idea. Over at Table On 6th St, the House Black Bean Burger, Jambalaya, and Caribbean “Billy Bones Pasta” offer a variety of flavors that will surely impress.

Once you've had your fill, explore the charming Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, learn about the retail giant's humble beginnings at the Walmart Museum, or admire American masterpieces at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Juicy Journeys in Jonesboro

Jonesboro is a delightful city that pairs its rich history with an equally enriching food scene. Dive into local flavor at Ron’s Catfish Buffet. The Fried Catfish and Frog legs are scrumptious, offering a perfect mix of crispness and tender meat. A trip to Partovi's Gyros & Falafel gives a Mediterranean twist to your Southern sojourn. The Partovi's Special, with its lamb, chicken, and a side of delicious baklava, is an absolute treat. For Gyro Salad, you've come to the right place. Make your last pitstop at Blue Ember Smokehouse where the Brisket Sandwich, Special Ops Sandwich, and Pulled Pork Sandwich are the stuff of barbecue dreams.

After you've indulged your taste buds, stretch your legs at the Sara Howell Studio and Gallery. Unleash your playful side at Hijinx Family Entertainment Center or embrace your competitive spirit at Civil Axe Throwing . Jonesboro, you've been a delightful finale to our Arkansas culinary journey!

Whether you're chasing the ghosts of gangsters in Hot Springs or admiring the artistic masterpieces in Bentonville, dining in Arkansas offers a backdrop of fascinating locales each with its unique flavor profiles. From the robust cheese dips of Fayetteville and Little Rock to the mouth-watering barbecues of Jonesboro, there's a plate for every palate in the Natural State.

So, there you have it, fellow food explorers! Pack your appetite, bring your adventurous spirit, and embark on this flavorful journey across Arkansas. The rich blend of history, culture, and cuisine in each city is as comforting and warm as a bowl of good ol' southern grits. Happy eating and exploring!

Must-Try Restaurants in Arkansas

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Cities

Bentonville

Conway

Fayetteville

Fort Smith

Hot Springs

Jonesboro

Little Rock

North Little Rock

Rogers

Springdale

Alma
Altus
Amity
Arkadelphia
Arkansas City
Ash Flat
Ashdown
Atkins
Augusta
Austin
Bald Knob
Barling
Batesville
Bearden
Beebe
Bella Vista
Benton
Berryville
Big Flat
Bismarck
Blytheville
Bono
Booneville
Bradford
Brinkley
Brookland
Bryant
Bull Shoals
Cabot
Caddo Valley
Calico Rock
Camden
Carlisle
Cave City
Cave Springs
Center Ridge
Centerton
Charleston
Cherokee Village
Clarendon
Clarksville
Clinton
Colt
Corning
Crawfordsville
Crossett
Danville
Dardanelle
De Queen
De Valls Bluff
Dermott
Des Arc
DeWitt
Dierks
Dover
Drasco
Dumas
Earle
El Dorado
Elkins
England
Eudora
Eureka Springs
Fairfield Bay
Farmington
Flippin
Fordyce
Foreman
Forrest City
Fouke
Garland City
Gassville
Gentry
Glenwood
Gosnell
Gould
Gravel Ridge
Gravette
Green Forest
Greenbrier
Greenwood
Greers Ferry
Gurdon
Hackett
Hamburg
Hampton
Hardy
Harrisburg
Harrison
Hatfield
Hazen
Heber Springs
Helena
Helena-West Helena
Hensley
Hermitage
Highland
Holiday Island
Hope
Horseshoe Bend
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs Village
Hoxie
Hughes
Huntsville
Imboden
Jacksonville
Jasper
Jessieville
Judsonia
Lake City
Lake Village
Lakeview
Lamar
Lavaca
Leachville
Lead Hill
Lepanto
LESLIE
Lewisville
Lincoln
Little Rock Afb
Lonoke
Lowell
Magnolia
Malvern
Mammoth Spring
Manila
Mansfield
Marianna
Marion
Marked Tree
Marmaduke
Marshall
Maumelle
Mayflower
McCrory
McGehee
Melbourne
Mena
Monette
Monticello
Morrilton
Mount Ida
Mountain Home
Mountain View
Mountainburg
Mulberry
Murfreesboro
Nashville
Newark
Newport
Norfork
Ola
Omaha
Osceola
Ozark
Palestine
Pangburn
Paragould
Paris
Parkin
Pea Ridge
Pearcy
Perryville
Piggott
Pine Bluff
Pocahontas
Prairie Grove
Prescott
Quitman
Rector
Redfield
Rison
Rose Bud
Royal
Russellville
Saint Joe
Salem
Scott
Scranton
Searcy
Sheridan
Sherwood
Shirley
Siloam Springs
Smackover
Stamps
Star City
Strong
Stuttgart
Texarkana
Tontitown
Trumann
Van Buren
Vilonia
Waldenburg
Waldo
Waldron
Walnut Ridge
Ward
Warren
Weiner
West Fork
West Helena
West Memphis
Wheatley
White Hall
Wickes
Wynne
Yellville

Points of interest

Dardanelle Nursing Center Inc
Aloft Little Rock West
Crescent Hotel And Spa
Dickson Street Inn
Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Little Rock
Embassy Suites By Hilton Jonesboro Red Wolf Convention Center
Embassy Suites By Hilton Little Rock
Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas Hotel Spa Convention Center
Fort Smith Trolley Museum
Square Gardens
Four Points By Sheraton Little Rock Midtown
Arkansas Museum Of Fine Arts
Arlington Resort Hotel Spa
Arts One Presents
Basin Park Hotel
Beaver Lake Lodge
Bill And Hillary Clinton National Airport
Inn At Carnall Hall
Lookout Point Lakeside Inn
Old State House Museum
Central Mall Fort Smith
Uptown Hot Springs
Northwest Arkansas Mall
Outlets Of Little Rock
Motel 6 North Little Rock Ar Mccain
Mountain Home Inn
Cinemark Towne Centre And Xd
Cinemark Colonel Glenn And Xd
Malco Razorback Cinema Grill Imax
Regal Mccain Mall
Riverdale 10 Vip Cinema
Museum Of Discovery
The Walmart Museum
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Walton Arts Center
Northwest Arkansas National Airport
The Walmart Amp
Simmons Bank Arena
Crystal Bridges Museum Of American Art
Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
North Shore Riverwalk Park
Petit Jean State Park
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Arkansas Public Theatre
Harding University
Buffalo Outdoor Center
Waterfront Resort
Scott Family Amazeum
Pinnacle Hills Promenade
University Of Arkansas
Rogers Aquatics Center
Little Rock Zoo
Lake Ouachita State Park
Regency 7
Mountain View Rv Park Guest Motel
Harrison Rv Park Campground
The Reserve At Hot Springs
Diamond Discovery Center
Tall Pines Inn