Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Northwest Arkansas

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!

Petit Bistro

4.8

4.8 (651)

$31 to $50

French

Bentonville

About the restaurant

Located, two miles from Crystal Bridges Museum, in a rustic stone building on north Walton Blvd, this French Mediterranean Restaurant and Lounge has something that will entice anyone.

Top review

Joann

Dined 7 days ago

First time here, we went with another couple, for a lovely dinner. The restaurant ambiance was just amazing, cozy and comfortable. We had the filet mignon, and it was delicious and cooked to perfection. Service was impeccable. We can't wait to come back.

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

Tracy

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Wonderful food and will definitely be back. Lovely menu.

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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

ElizabethVIP

Dined 7 days ago

we loved our dinner at grotto. we snagged a late dinner reservation earlier in the week for a friday night. our server was very sweet and the food was A+!

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4.8

4.8 (111)

$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 3 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

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 5 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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StoneHouse Chaffee Crossing

4.7

4.7 (381)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Fort Smith

About the restaurant

Located at the edge of Fort Smith in Chaffee Crossing. StoneHouse introduces a Chef driven, eclectic menu with a modern approach to new American while focusing on the steak program with prime meats. From the moment you walk-in, plan on encountering the highest level of food in Fort Smith.

Here at StoneHouse our goal is to create a place for friends and families to gather. We pride ourselves in providing a dining experience that will truly impress our patrons and their guests.

Our Steakhouse features primal cuts including Porterhouse, Ribeye, Tomahawk and Filet Mignon. Steaks and chops aren’t the only dishes StoneHouse serves up. Seasonal seafood, Chef inspired dishes and delectable desserts are just some of the tempting offerings. Of course, no meal would be complete without that perfectly paired wine. Knowing this, StoneHouse presents one of the largest wine selections in Fort Smith. When the time comes to impress, we’ll be ready for you and your guests.

Top review

Nancy

Dined 7 days ago

Fantastic overall experience! Tentative service, excellent food! We will definitely come back again! Truly a gem in Fort Smith Arkansas!

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Popular dish

Spinach Dip

Popular dish

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar - Bentonville

4.7

4.7 (91)

$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 3 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 5 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 7 days ago

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!!

Ella's Table

4.5

4.5 (599)

$30 and under

Southern

Fayetteville

About the restaurant

Welcome to Ella's Table, nestled within the Inn at Carnall Hall. Enjoy modern Southern favorites served with an exciting twist in a warm, inviting dining space. Ella's Table is Fayetteville's gathering place for delicious cuisine and easy conversation.

Join us for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and let your senses revel in experiencing the perfect blend of taste and ambiance. There's always a seat waiting for you at Ella's Table.

Call 479-582-0400 or email us at info@ellas-table.com for questions and reservations.

Now accepting reservations for Easter Brunch. Enjoy a fabulous buffet including all your brunch favorites, pastries, dessert and two carving stations. $65 for adults $18 children 3-12.

Top review

Elmer

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Great atmosphere, food and service were outstanding. Celebrated my wife’s birthday and it was a great place to go and enjoy our evening together.

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Experience

Ring in 2025 with us at Ella's Table

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