Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Northwest Arkansas

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Northwest Arkansas? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Vetro 1925 Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (1019)

$31 to $50

Italian

Fayetteville

About the restaurant

At Vetro 1925, we serve classic Italian flavors located in Downtown Fayetteville. Chef Alan Dierks specializes in local ingredients, sustainable seafood and fine cuts of meat. He and his staff strive to preserve simple, clean flavors, using the freshest ingredients. Our meats are sourced from local farms practicing the humane treatment of animals, and we import our cured meats, cheeses, and Sicilian olives from Italy. Depending on the season, you may see a few surprises on the menu in addition to your old favorites. A large portion of our menu is gluten-free, and we always have a vegetarian and vegan option as well!

Top review

John

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

When we arrived at restaurant, there was a Police car with lights flashing in front of the restaurant. Apparently there was some issue at another restaurant down the street. We were welcomed at Vetro and seated. Our Server was very pleasant and explained the menu and specials. We ordered Calamari, a Caesar salad and the Stuffed Ravioli. The calamari was excellent as was the Ravioli, however the Caesar salad was not very good. Overall a good experience.

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Popular dish

Spaghetti Carbonara

Grotto Wood Fired Grill & Wine Cave

4.8

4.8 (1726)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Eureka Springs

About the restaurant

This place is a hidden Eureka gem and located in the beautiful downtown district. The original structure was built on solid rock which has had an active spring running constantly. This unique rock formation provides a comfortable romantic setting for a great dining experience.

Top review

Robin

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

This is one of our favorite restaurants in Arkansas. The food is always beautiful and perfectly created. Allyson is the best server around and makes sure every meal is a delightful experience.

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4.8

4.8 (112)

$31 to $50

Italian

Fort Smith

About the restaurant

Owned by a trio of talented chefs, the menus at Prima Italia were developed to offer patrons authentic, contemporary Italian cuisine. The highest quality raw ingredients, such as eggs from Happy Egg based in Rogers, AR, who also supply Michelin starred restaurants in New York and Los Angeles, are used to create fresh pasta daily. The pasta is made using equipment by Imperia & Monfeṙṙina imported directly from Asti, Italy. Breads are sourced locally from Harvest Moon Bakery.

We are excited for Fort Smith to experience our cuisine in this beautiful space!

Top review

Frances

Dined 4 days ago

my waiter was top tier, He kept my drink filled, he explained different options on the menu, he explained to my husband exactly how his meal would look. His demeanor is very friendly yet professional and I appreciated that ,, he needs a raise!!!

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Experience

A Jazzy New Years Evening

Junto

4.8

4.8 (91)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Bentonville

About the restaurant

Junto boasts a Japanese-inspired menu, including seasonal small plates and chef specialties, alongside an extensive list of traditional sushi, sashimi, and nigiri.

Top review

Paige

Dined 3 days ago

Incredible fresh sushi, prepared perfectly. The service was great.

Cheers at The Old Post Office

4.7

4.7 (540)

$30 and under

Grill

Fayetteville

About the restaurant

Come enjoy a delicious meal right off the wood fire grill! We are located right in the heart of the historic Fayetteville square, and welcome you to join us for an incredible meal in an inviting, lively atmosphere. Our kitchen uses only select mesquite wood to insure every item has just the right amount of smoky flavor. For a grilled lunch or dinner, we offer classic steaks from ribeye to filet mignon as well as a few outside of the box items like lamb chop lollipops and jalapeño-stuffed quail breast. We also have sandwiches, salads, soups, and house-made desserts.

About the Building

Built in 1911, this historic building began its important role in the Fayetteville community as the city Post Office. In 1974 it was saved from demolition by a citizen-led petition, and gained National Historic status. We are honored to continue the tradition of bringing people together and celebrating the citys history in the beautiful Old Post Office.

Top review

MartyVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Cheers is one of my "Fayvorite" restaurants. I love the Hotess (Renee)--she is a peach. However, this visit was disappointing. We sat in the bar area for the first time and it was a bit too noisy and the service was slow, but the Waitress was Lovely! After a long wait for our main entree, my daughter's filet steak was way overdone, and we had to send it back. They brought her a new one, which was delicious, but she waited a long time for it, and by then, she had eaten all the mashed potatoes and much of my salad. However, will this deter me from returning--absolutely NOT--Like I said, it is one of my favorite spots in Fayetteville.

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Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Bentonville

4.7

4.7 (94)

$30 and under

Italian

Bentonville

About the restaurant

Coming soon to Bentonville! Stay tuned for our grand opening date.

At Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar owners Chef Soerke Peters and Amy Stouffer keep this simple and amazing. Fresh pasta, mozzarella, and gelato made fresh daily. Come taste fresh!

Top review

melissa

Dined 4 days ago

What a wonderful meal! My husband and I celebrated our 30th anniversary here, and we were not disappointed! The food was fresh and delicious. Great wine list, beautiful bar area too! Our servers, Viva and Shelby, were wonderful and so friendly. A really enjoyable night! We’ll be back for sure! Many thanks for a great evening!

The Hive at 21c

4.6

4.6 (2301)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bentonville

About the restaurant

Located at 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville, The Hive emphasizes the unique culinary identity of Arkansas.
A communal gathering place, The Hive prepares locally sourced ingredients to showcase the unique culinary identity of Arkansas. The restaurant and lounge are perfect for catching up over drinks friends, entertaining important clients or simply grabbing a bite with friends and family in Bentonville

Top review

Tony

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent food Excellent service from our server Erin. Would certainly return.

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Saltgrass Steak House - Rogers

4.6

4.6 (24)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Rogers

About the restaurant

Saltgrass Steak House is an award-winning steakhouse famous for serving Angus Beef steaks. Each steak is cooked to perfection with Saltgrass-7 Steak Spice, and topped with garlic butter. All breads, dressings, soups and desserts are made from scratch daily. Great food and legendary hospitality make Saltgrass an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Top review

Antonio

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

Fantástico!!! Our waitress was great!! Please promote her!! You need people like her working for you!!! If you don’t promote her I’ll hire her and pay her $500,000!!! And I would be under paying her!!

Texas de Brazil - Rogers

4.5

4.5 (564)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Rogers

About the restaurant

Texas de Brazil, is a Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, that features endless servings of flame-grilled beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and Brazilian sausage as well as an extravagant salad area with a wide array of seasonal chef-crafted items.

Top review

SusanVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Great service and good! Can’t wait to go back! It was a little noisy but I think that was because of the holidays.

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4.5

4.5 (31)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Fayetteville

About the restaurant

The historic house has a new life as a restaurant and bar, with Executive Chef Tyler Rogers creating dishes that celebrate local, seasonal ingredients. Guests and neighbors can take their craft cocktails from the bar to the parlors of the old house or out to the screened porch. We currently offer Dinner from 5pm - 9pm, 7 days a week. Come join us at the top of Markham Hill right next to the University of Arkansas.

Top review

Julia

Dined 3 days ago

Our server Alexis was terrific. The cocktails were unique and tasty. Our appetizer and entree were terrific. I little hard to discern in the construction and without a readable name at night. Definitely more lighting in the parking lot would be good. A fabulous evening, I’ll be back.

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