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Where is Little Rock located?
- Little Rock is situated along the southern bank of the Arkansas River.
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What is the dining scene like in Little Rock?
- The culinary scene in the state’s capital city reaches far beyond traditional Southern fried foods.
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What types of cuisine can you find in Little Rock’s romantic restaurants?
- You’ll find cuisine from Little Rock’s romantic restaurants ranging from Italian eateries like Bruno’s Little Italy and Ciao Baci to Gulf-style cooking from Copeland’s Restaurant and Cajun’s Wharf.
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Are there Asian dining options in Little Rock?
- The city also offers premier Asian fare at Kiyen’s or Kemuri Restaurant.
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1. Arthur's Prime Steak House
Savor premium steaks, enjoy an upscale dining experience with elegant ambiance.
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
2. Brave New Restaurant
Enjoy gourmet dishes, admire scenic river views during a romantic evening.
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
3. Bruno's Little Italy
Savor authentic Italian flavors, enjoy family-style dining with traditional favorites.
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
4. Cache Restaurant
Savor modern cuisine, enjoy stylish ambiance perfect for couples or special occasions.
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
5. Doe’s Eat Place
Enjoy legendary steaks, savor Southern classics in a casual, lively setting.
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
6. Capeo
Savor rustic Italian dishes, enjoy an intimate dining experience with bold flavors.
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
7. Capers
Enjoy Southern-inspired dishes, savor comfort food with creative twists.
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
8. Ciao Baci
Savor global-inspired cuisine, enjoy a romantic evening on the outdoor patio.
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
9. Purple Cow Restaurant
Enjoy fun, family-friendly dining, savor classic American dishes and milkshakes.
Frequented by families of all ages in Little Rock, Purple Cow Restaurant 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
10. The Root Cafe
Savor farm-to-table dishes, enjoy fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a cozy setting.
Find the freshest bites at The Root Cafe. 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
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