Best Local Favorite Restaurants in Little Rock, AR (2026)
These Little Rock restaurants have earned devoted followings among Arkansas locals who return again and again. Word-of-mouth favorites where regulars are greeted by name, the food is consistently excellent, and the atmosphere feels like home. When locals recommend a spot to visitors, these are the places they mention first.
Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Grinds Coffee
Cabot
"Visit during weekday mornings for the freshest pastries a..."
Maple Pecan Latte
Breakfast Burrito
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Heights Taco & Tamale
Little Rock
"Visit on weekends when they often have fresh-made churros..."
Carnitas Tacos
Pork Tamales
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Big Orange | West Little Rock
Little Rock
"Visit during weekday lunch hours to avoid the weekend bru..."
Orange Glazed Salmon
Smoked Brisket Benedict
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Lakewood Fish & Seafood House
North Little Rock
"Arrive early on Friday and Saturday evenings to avoid the..."
Fried Catfish Platter
Gulf Coast Shrimp Basket
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Blue Heaven
Benton
"Visit during weekday lunch hours for shorter wait times a..."
Southern Fried Chicken
BBQ Pork Ribs
+1 more
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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 Panda Wok
Conway
"Call ahead during dinner rush hours to minimize wait time..."
General Tso's Chicken
Pork Fried Rice
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Vino’s
Little Rock
"Make a reservation for Friday or Saturday nights, as this..."
Homemade Lasagna
Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Sam’s Pizza Pub & Restaurant
Hot Springs
"Come during weekday lunch hours for faster service and tr..."
Supreme Pizza
Chicken Parmesan
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Eat My Catfish
Benton
"Come hungry because the portions are generous, and don't ..."
Hand-Breaded Fried Catfish
Southern Hush Puppies
+1 more
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Modern Setting ★ 4.0 Rock N Roll Sushi
Little Rock
"Arrive during happy hour for discounted specialty rolls a..."
Rock N Roll Specialty Roll
Spicy Tuna Tempura Roll
+1 more
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Local Favorite ★ 4.0 Tokyo House
Little Rock
"Visit during lunch hours for generous bento box combinati..."
Fresh Salmon Teriyaki
Chicken Katsu
+1 more
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