Best New American Restaurants in Little Rock, AR (2026)
Central Arkansas’s New American restaurants push culinary boundaries while honoring classic techniques. These innovative kitchens blend seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients with global influences to create dishes that surprise and delight. From farm-to-table bistros in the Heights to trendy downtown eateries, Little Rock’s New American scene showcases talented chefs crafting menus that change with the seasons. Expect creative flavor combinations, artful presentations, and carefully curated wine and cocktail pairings that elevate dining into an experience worth savoring.
Local Favorite ★ 4.6 Pea Farm Bistro
Cabot
"Visit during weeknight dinner hours to avoid weekend crow..."
Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Honey Drizzle
Pan-Seared Arkansas Trout with Field Pea Succotash
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.5 Cafe 1217
Hot Springs
"Make a reservation for weekend dinner service, as this po..."
Pan-Seared Salmon with Seasonal Vegetables
Grilled Ribeye with Herb Butter
+1 more
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Upscale Dining ★ 4.4 Allsopp & Chapple Restaurant + Bar
Little Rock
"Make reservations well in advance for weekend evenings, a..."
Pan-Seared Duck Breast
Arkansas Beef Tenderloin
+1 more
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Upscale Dining ★ 4.4 One Eleven At The Capital
Little Rock
"Make reservations well in advance for weekend evenings, a..."
Prime Ribeye Steak
Pan-Seared Salmon
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.4 Petit & Keet
Little Rock
"Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weeke..."
Pan-Seared Salmon with Herb Butter
Braised Short Ribs
+1 more
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Romantic Spot ★ 4.4 Splash Wine Bar
Hot Springs
"Visit during happy hour for discounted wine flights and s..."
Artisanal Cheese Board
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
+1 more
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Upscale Dining ★ 4.3 42 bar and table
Little Rock
"Make reservations well in advance for weekend evenings, a..."
Dry-Aged Ribeye
Pan-Seared Salmon
+1 more
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Historic Building ★ 4.3 VAULT
Hot Springs
"Make reservations well in advance, especially for weekend..."
Vault Burger with Truffle Aioli
Bone-in Ribeye
+1 more
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Hidden Gem ★ 4.2 Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro
Little Rock
"Make reservations for the small alcove tables near the fi..."
Lamb Tagine with Preserved Lemons
Wild Mushroom Gnocchi
+1 more
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Modern Setting ★ 4.2 Brave New Restaurant
Little Rock
"Make reservations for the chef's counter to get the best ..."
Deconstructed Pot Pie with Truffle Foam
Korean-Spiced Pork Belly
+1 more
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Upscale Dining ★ 4.2 Table 28
Little Rock
"Make reservations well in advance, especially for weekend..."
Dry-Aged Ribeye with Truffle Butter
Pan-Seared Gulf Red Snapper
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.2 Stoby’s Restaurant
Conway
"Arrive early for Sunday lunch to avoid the after-church c..."
Southern Fried Chicken
Country Fried Steak
+1 more
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