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.
Upscale Dining ★ 4.1 Eden
Hot Springs
"Make reservations well in advance for weekend dinner serv..."
Wood-fired Heritage Pork Chop
Pan-seared Arkansas Trout
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Izzy’s
Little Rock
"Make reservations for weekend evenings, as the cozy dinin..."
Braised Short Ribs
Herb-Crusted Salmon
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Trio’s Restaurant
Little Rock
"Make reservations for weekend dinner service, as the rest..."
Bourbon-Glazed Salmon
Braised Short Ribs
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.9 Brick & Forge Taproom
Conway
"Visit during happy hour on weekdays for discounted craft ..."
Forge Burger with house-cut fries
Smoked Brisket Flatbread
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.9 Kings
Conway
"Make reservations for Friday and Saturday nights, as the ..."
Grilled Ribeye with Bourbon Glaze
Pan-Seared Salmon with Pecan Butter
+1 more
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Upscale Dining ★ 3.9 The Oak Room & Bar
Hot Springs
"Make reservations for Friday and Saturday evenings well i..."
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.8 Flying Saucer
Little Rock
"Join the UFO Club to track your beer tastings and earn re..."
UFO Nachos
Saucer Burger
+1 more
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Upscale Dining ★ 3.7 Cache Restaurant
Little Rock
"Make reservations well in advance for weekend evenings, a..."
Pan-Seared Duck Breast
Arkansas Trout with Brown Butter
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Upscale Dining ★ 3.7 Copper Grill
Little Rock
"Make reservations for prime dinner hours, especially on w..."
Copper-Seared Ribeye
Pan-Roasted Salmon
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.4 Red Door
Little Rock
"Make a reservation for weekend evenings, as the restauran..."
Red Door Burger with truffle aioli
Pan-seared salmon with bourbon glaze
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Upscale Dining ★ 3.4 SO Restaurant-Bar
Little Rock
"Make reservations for Friday and Saturday nights well in ..."
Pan-Seared Salmon
Dry-Aged Ribeye
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 3.3 Loca Luna
Little Rock
"Visit during happy hour on weekdays for discounted cockta..."
Street Tacos with House-Made Tortillas
Tableside Guacamole
+1 more
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