Little Rockis situated along the southern bank of the Arkansas River. The culinary scene in the state’s capital city reaches far beyond traditional Southern fried foods. You’ll find the cuisine from Little Rock’s romantic restaurants ranges from Italian eateries like Bruno’s Little Italy and Ciao Baci to Gulf-style cooking from Copelands Restaurant and Cajun’s Wharf to premier Asian fare at Kiyen’s or Kemuri Restaurant.
Arthur's Prime Steak House
A premier southern steakhouse, Arthur’s Prime Steak House is an elegantly designed, romantic restaurant with an extraordinary meat selection including Australian wagyu and authentic Japanese Kobe beef. Dark wood walls, oversized, chocolate-colored leather chairs, and white cloth tables offer a regal quality ensuring their replica of the Mona Lisa doesn’t seem out of place. Providing some of the best grade beef in the world, guests will enjoy selections like broiled pork tenderloin medallions served with a raspberry chipotle reduction paired with a refined, yet extensive list of award-winning wines. The ideal spot for diners in the mood for a little romance, they offer decadent desserts like dark chocolate crème brulee.
16100 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-821-1838
Brave New Restaurant
For an all-around casual, yet refined dining experience, Brave New Restaurant is the choice in the trendy Riverdale neighborhood. The restaurant has an eclectic menu, and proudly grows all of the produce and spices used in each selection. This ensures that each meal is brimming with freshness. With its reasonably priced menu, delicious food, excellent service and warm environment, Brave New Restaurant is an ideal setting for a romantic dinner for two. Views of the Arkansas River enhance its already welcoming ambience. A Little Rock staple, Brave New Restaurant has been pleasing locals and visitors alike for over 25 years.
2300 Cottondale Lane Suite 105, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-663-2677
Bruno's Little Italy
Bruno’s Little Italy opened in 2013 as an off-shoot of the original Bruno’s that was established by family patriarch Vincent “Jimmy” Bruno in 1949. Located in downtown Little Rock, this Italian staple played a big role in the revitalization of trendy Main Street. Opulent pizza ovens, red checkered table cloths, and locally sourced produce make it easy to imagine dining somewhere in Italy. Boasting romantic low lighting and a quality wine list, it’s a great restaurant for a romantic date night. Lobster ravioli, roasted vegetable ravioli, and Pinenut Salmon are just a few of their selections. They also offer gluten-free options.
310 Main Street, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-372-7866
Cache Restaurant
Named after the Cache River, Cache Restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Little Rock. A stylish southern restaurant, it boasts a modern and sleek design with plush red seats, dark-wood tables, funky silver design features, and unique light fixtures that create a warm and romantic ambiance. Owned-and-operated by the Harding family with Rush Harding as the executive chef, the restaurant offers awe-inspiring views of the waterway while patrons dine on a menu made with fresh local ingredients. Guests can expect pastas like their Garganelli – morel mushrooms, peas, and alfredo sauce and exquisite meat dishes like their 10-ounce New York Strip served with blackened shrimp, broccoli, and loaded baked potato.
425 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-850-0265
Doe’s Eat Place
Easy and down-to-earth, Doe’s Eat Place offers award-winning dishes in a casual southern setting. This welcoming eatery located in downtown Little Rock is filled with rustic charm and has attracted a following of loyal customers including former president Bill Clinton who frequented with staff during the 1992 presidential election. A Little Rock landmark in its own right, Doe’s Eat Place is best known for its world-class steaks including T-bone, porterhouse, and sirloin cuts all cooked to perfection. Their menu also features famous hot tamales with chili, grilled seafood, classic burgers, and sandwiches. A full-service bar offers a selection of beer and alcoholic beverages alongside standard favorites like southern sweet tea.
1023 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201, Phone: 501-376-1195, Primland
Capeo
With arched doorways, light yellow walls, white-linen topped tables and cushioned chairs, Capeo is the epitome of a classic, romantic Italian restaurant. Open six nights a week, the eatery situated along Main Street in downtown Little Rock draws in visitors with the subtle aromas of its delectable Italian cuisine. Their eclectic menu ensures everyone can find a dish they like with selections like wood-fired pizzas, antipastos, pastas, shrimp, seafood linguine and various kinds of meat dishes. Veal Saltimbocca with Focaccia di Recco and Pappardelle Pasta made with olives, peppers, and spinach topped with an egg and cheese are just a few of the entrées served here.
425 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-376-3463
Capers
Open for more than 20 years, Capers has been the recipient of many accolades including Most Romantic, Best Wine List, and Best Outside Dining among countless others. One of its best features, the expansive outdoor patio, is surrounded by lush foliage and adorned with gorgeous wicker furniture highlighted by romantic string lights. The only thing that rivals the rustic chicness of the restaurant’s design is their made-from-scratch Cajun-style menu. They offer a variety of starters like stuffed artichoke, crab cakes, and warm camembert. Entrees include Grilled Mahi Mahi, Chicken Picatta, Tortilla Encrusted Red Snapper, and Shrimp and Grits – Gulf shrimp sautéed with a white wine parmesan sauce laid over spicy tomato grits topped with fresh spinach.
14502 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-868-7600
Ciao Baci
Located in the quaint and beautiful neighborhood of Hillcrest in Little Rock, Ciao Baci serves gourmet Italian cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. Housed in a charming refurbished home, the restaurant has a romantic ambiance with dark wood furniture, regal décor and white Christmas-style lights that wrap around rustic wood beams. It also features a quaint porch with wood furniture and streaming lights. Offering seasonal menus that are always changing, patrons can expect delicious dishes like their Spring Green Pesto Cavalappi and their Smoked Half Chicken served with mustard potato salad, chowchow, and chimichurri chicken jus.
605 Beechwood Street, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-603-0238
Purple Cow Restaurant
Frequented by families of all ages in Little Rock, Purple Cow is a hit amongst the young and young at heart. First opened in 1989, this fun and nostalgic restaurant was modeled after classic American diners from the 50s with pops of purple everywhere you turn. Thanks to its delicious food, warm service, and welcoming atmosphere, Purple Cow grew to open several other locations throughout central Arkansas and is still very much loved over 20 years later. Customers love grabbing a bite of their classic burgers and specialty sandwiches while sipping on old-fashioned soda fountain drinks like Purple Cow’s signature hand-dipped purple vanilla shake.
8026 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72227, Phone: 501-221-3555
The Root Cafe
Find the freshest bites at The Root Café. Passionate about building up their local community, the café is committed to sourcing ingredients from local farms and businesses whenever possible. Most of their vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cheeses are grown and produced right in Arkansas along with all of their meat, eggs, and bread. Their standard menu includes multiple variations of burgers, hotdogs, and sandwiches, along with colorful, filling salads such as their spiced pecan salad. Their breakfast menu offers several egg-based dishes, pancakes, and sides, while their dinner menu offers unique entrees like smoked shiitakes with purple hull pea relish. The Root Café accepts dine-in, take-out, and delivery.
1500 S. Main Street, Little Rock Arkansas 72202, Phone: 501-414-0423
Copper Grill
Copper Grill is a favorite of foodies in the downtown Little Rock culinary scene. This inviting bistro is a choice for American dishes with a Southern influence. Inside, the restaurant has a modern industrial chic ambience with concrete floors and walls, wood ceilings with recessed lighting, a wall of windows, and copper finishes throughout. Outdoors, there is generous patio space for dining both relaxing in the shade or enjoying the sun. The eclectic menu boasts dishes with the freshest of local ingredients. Diners will find palate pleasers like fried oysters, French dip, and mouth-watering grilled bone in pork chops.
300 East 3rd Street Suite 101, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-375-3333
Kemuri Restaurant
It took decades for the most creative sushi restaurant to hit Little Rock, but it’s here. This contemporary Japanese restaurant with its sleek, modern décor is a sushi paradise. It features an all-black industrial ceiling, wood flooring, bistro-style tables with comfortable chairs, a bright blue and white sushi bar, and a dramatic aquarium. The restaurant also has stylish patio dining. Diners can expect specialty and signature sushi rolls like The Crazy Monkey with spicy crab, tempura shrimp, masago aioli, and avocado, flame kissed. Kemuri is not only for sushi lovers; they also serve robata-style skewers, seafood dishes, and smoked meats.
2601 Kavanaugh Boulevard, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-660-4100
Loca Luna
Loca Luna is an acclaimed bistro in the blank neighborhood of Little Rock. It has garnered national attention being featured in Bon Appetit Magazine among the “Best Neighborhood Restaurants in America,” and the television show Rachel Ray’s Tasty Travel. Located in the Riverdale neighborhood of Little Rock, Loca Luna offers an airy ambience with a neutral color palette, lots of windows that flood the space with light, and bistro-style tables with fresh flowers making this a perfect place for a romantic dinner. The eclectic menu is a mix of pizza, pasta, and seafood. Renowned owner/chef Mark Abernathy, co-creator of The First White Cheese Dip in America (on the menu), serves an array of signature and classic dishes.
3519 Old Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-663-4666
One Eleven at the Capital
For over 140 years the Capital Hotel has been standing tall in Little Rock. Inside the historic walls of this hotel is One Eleven at the Capital. This restaurant delivers a rich history, as well as some of the finest cuisine in the South. The historic building sets the perfect ambience for the restaurant’s traditional fine dining setting, and a romantic dinner for two. One Eleven’s Chef, Joel Antunes, is a James Beard Award-winner, so diners can expect the best cuisine here. Meticulously prepared with only the finest local ingredients, French-influenced American plates feature dishes like grilled prime beef filet with bordelaise sauce.
111 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-370-7011
Riverfront Steakhouse
Riverfront Steakhouse is the signature restaurant of the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel. The classic décor features tables with black linens, white china, candlelight, and red napkins. With its views of the river, subdued lighting, and outstanding service, Riverfront Steakhouse is a great venue for a romantic meal. The restaurant starts with the finest cuts of USDA Prime beef, and has a unique way of preparing them with an infra-red broiler oven that gives their steaks a distinct flavor that’s different from regular ovens or grills. Diners should try the House Special Surf & Turf – a six-ounce filet with a six-ounce cold water lobster tail.
2 Riverfront Place, North Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-375-7825
SO Restaurant
SO Restaurant in Little Rock, Arkansas, is the perfect spot for couples to relax and unwind, or enjoy a romantic evening out. SO’s inviting atmosphere is a testament to its rustic chic style, and their friendly wait staff. SO Restaurant prides itself on using the freshest quality ingredients, sourcing produce from local farmers. Fine ingredients prepared meticulously means tantalizing cuisine at SO. The menu features classics like chicken marsala, grilled salmon, and duck au poivre. After dinner, couples can enjoy SO’s much talked about Chocolate Sack 13 – tempered chocolate sack with berry jam, vanilla ice cream, chocolate cake, graham cracker crumb, white chocolate, and whipped cream.
3610 Kavanaugh Boulevard, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-663-1464
Sonny Williams' Steak Room
Being awarded Best Steakhouse in Arkansas is an enviable position, and Sonny Williams’ Steak Room bears the moniker with pride. The upscale restaurant serves outstanding thick-cut Angus beef steaks, specialty meats, and fresh game. Guests will also find Alaskan king crab, grilled Chilean seabass, and Sonny’s Cioppino – shrimp, scallops, mussels, and fresh fish in a champagne tomato broth. Dishes are complemented with an award-winning wine list. Located on President Clinton Avenue, in the River Market District of Little Rock, Sonny William’s Steak Room is a great venue for the couple looking for a romantic dinner.
500 President Clinton Avenue Suite 1, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-324-2999
Table 28
Inside The Burgundy Hotel, Table 28 features American cuisine prepared by an award-winning chef. Executive chef Scott Rains’ dynamic cuisine is made from organic produce that is locally grown. The meals at Table 28 are styled with a Southern flair. For an evening of decadent dishes, fine dining and great atmosphere, Table 28 is the place. Table 28 menu features authentic Southern dishes, such as crispy ham hocks, dumplings, rabbit, and of course, their famous fried chicken. The ambience inside Table 28 is set for romance with linen napkins, high booths, and low lighting, all of which help create a memorable evening.
1501 Merrill Drive, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-224-2828
Taj Mahal Indian Kitchen
Taj Mahal Indian Kitchen brings the authentic taste of Halal Indian food to Little Rock. Those with a vague familiarity with it may think that high spicing is required in Indian cuisine, but in actuality, it is the delicacy of spicing that cultivates its taste. Many of the delicately prepared Halal dishes at Taj Mahal Indian Kitchen are cooked in a tandoor (a clay oven), ensuring their flavorful nature, like Chicken Tandoori, Tandoori Masaledar Lamb Chops, and Seekh Kebab. Guests can expect classic and vegan dishes, along with a brunch buffet. Menu highlights include, chicken, lamb, goat, and seafood dishes, desserts, and an extensive wine list.
1520 Market Street, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 832-722-1744
The Pantry
For 10 years, The Pantry in Little Rock has been serving German and Czech classics. The Pantry’s charm may be European, but it also has a few classic American dishes on the menu. Diners can enjoy classics like house made bratwurst with sauerkraut and spicy mustard, goat cheese flatbread with shiitake, Portobello, shallots, and chive oil, or Svickova – Czech roast beef with creamy root vegetable sauce, bread dumplings, and stewed cranberries. Their full bar serves imported beers, microbrews, signature cocktails, and wines. The cozy, homey ambience makes it a great place for a special night out for two.
11401 North Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-353-1875
The Pantry Crest
In 2014, Thomas Bohm opened his second Pantry restaurant in Little Rock – The Pantry Crest. In Little Rock’s historic Hillcrest neighborhood, The Pantry Crest continues the traditional European vibe. The restaurant also held onto that same down-home, casual feeling as the original Pantry. The European décor infuses the restaurant with a romantic vibe. Europe. Serving house made Hungarian sausage, Bratwurst, paté, and Lasagna al Forno, along with its full service bar, The Pantry Crest offers diners the opportunity to sample European cuisine in Little Rock. Family-style dining at an oversized dining table is available upon request.
722 North Palm Street, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-725-4945
The Terrace Mediterranean Kitchen
The Terrace Mediterranean Kitchen has relied on creating dishes with only the freshest Mediterranean ingredients for 30 years. Today, the daughters of the original owners instill that same principle into the employees here. By honoring classic recipes from Mediterranean recipes, The Terrace continues to serve the Little Rock area with a fine Mediterranean dining experience. The Terrace’s menu is a testament to true Mediterranean cuisine with dishes from warm goat cheese, babaghanouj, moussaka, and a Gyros dinner, paired with perfectly selected wines. This is a unique night out for a dinner for two.
2200 North Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-217-9393
Trio's Restaurant
Trio’s Restaurant has evolved from a gourmet shop with coffee, cookbooks, specialty foods, cookware, and a well-stocked deli into one of the finest catering and dining establishments in Arkansas. Established over 30 years ago, Trio’s offers private dining for large groups, but also caters to couples longing for an intimate dining experience. Trio’s has been dubbed the “Grand Dame of restaurants in Little Rock.” Many who dine at Trio’s as adults now, dined there with their families as children. Trio’s menu changes monthly to ensure the freshest local ingredients. The environmentally conscious eatery serves New American cuisine.
8201 Cantrell Road, little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-221-3330
YaYa's Euro Bistro
Named after the co-founders’ grandmother, Yaya’s Euro Bistro serves elegant, honest and simple food. The menu is infused with a mixture of Greek, Italian, French and American cuisine. Yaya’s Euro Bistro is committed to quality and freshness foremost, and sources ingredients from local purveyors whenever possible. Yaya’s has an ambience that others try to emulate but can’t duplicate. With stone columns, heavy beamed ceilings and hand-blown chandeliers, Yaya’s is a great venue for the romantic couple. The restaurant has an extensive wine list that pairs exquisitely with its eclectic menu. Yaya’s has been featured in Ingram’s Magazine and has been a top 100 restaurant in a Zagat’s survey.
17711 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR, Phone: 501-821-1144
