The best restaurants in Arkansas in 2023 (2024)

For 43 years the Arkansas Times has been asking its readers to vote for their favorite restaurants. Looking back at the winners from years past it’s clear that Arkansas has a rich history of incredible restaurants, and the food scene just keeps getting better and better. The year 2023 is no exception.

It was a big year for Little Rock’s South Main district. Voters chose farm-to-table restaurant The Root Cafe as Little Rock’s Best Overall Restaurant, and the team at Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom won Best Brunch, Best Pizza and Best Chef in Little Rock/North Little Rock. Rhett Brinkley profiled Chef Cash Ashley, who in his fourth year as Raduno’s head chef is a first-time winner in the Best Chef in Little Rock\North Little Rock category.

Just down the road from Raduno, Honduran restaurant El Sur moved from a food truck into a new brick and mortar last summer and voters took note with owners Luis Vasquez and Darren Strayhorn winning Best New Restaurant.

Readers have found that Lonoke’s The Grumpy Rabbit is certainly field trip worthy; it racked up scores of awards, including Best Restaurant Around the State.

Stephanie Smittle ate donuts at Dale’s Donuts, sharpened her axe throwing skills at Valhalla Restaurant and Axe Throwing, sampled the one-pound pork belly bacon flight at ROBER: co*cktails + Culinary to answer the question: Is Benton delicious now? Arkansas Times staff also riffed on 25 bites we crave in Central Arkansas.

BEST OF THE BUNCH

Best overall restaurant inLittle Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: The Root Cafe

Finalists: Ciao Baci, Cypress Social (North Little Rock), Petit & Keet, Trio’s Restaurant

Brian Chilson

Best overall restaurant around Arkansas

Winner: The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)

Finalists: Conifer (Bentonville), Kaper’s (Clarksville), The Hive (Bentonville), Red Oak Steakhouse at Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff)

Best new restaurant in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: El Sur

Finalists: The Bagel Shop, Big Bad Breakfast, Kemuri Chenal, Three Fold West Little Rock

Best new restaurant aroundArkansas

Winner: KnightFire BBQ (Searcy)

Finalists: Bentonville Taco & Tamale Co. (Bentonville), Conifer (Bentonville), Kasper’s (Clarksville), Oak Room and Bar (Oaklawn Casino Resort, Hot Springs)

Best chef in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Cash Ashley (Raduno)

Finalists: Peter Brave (Brave New Restaurant), Brayan McFadden (Brood & Barley, North Little Rock), Jeffrey Owen (Ciao Baci), Capi Peck (Trio’s Restaurant)

Photo: Sara Reeves

Best chef around Arkansas

Winner: Kyle Carson (The Grumpy Rabbit)

Finalists: Diana Bratton (Taco Mama, Hot Springs), Ebony Warfield (Saracen Casino and Resort, Pine Bluff), Charles Duncan (Copper Mule Table & Tap, Bryant), Rob Nelson (Tusk & Trotter, Bentonville)

Best server in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Mary Katherine Peek(Flying Saucer)

Finalists: Armando Bolaños (La Terraza Rum & Lounge), Libby Corinne (Pizza D’Action), Sheri Smith (Ciao Baci)

Best server around Arkansas

Winner: Haley McGee Sansom (The Grumpy Rabbit, Lonoke)

Finalists: Christopher Carter (Copper Mule Table and Tap, Bryant), Maci Lewis (Baja Grill, Benton), Casey Newboles (Rock N Roll Sushi, Benton) Anna Dixon (Baja Grill Benton)

BEST EARLY EATS

Bakery in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Boulevard Bread Co.

Finalists: The Bagel Shop, Cinnamon Creme Bakery, Community Bakery, Dempsey Bakery

Bakery around Arkansas

Winner: Wild Sweet William’s Baking House (Searcy)

Finalists: Ozark Mountain Bagel Co. (Bentonville), PattiCakes Bakery (Conway), Serenity Farm Bread (Leslie), Will’s Cinnamon Shop (Hot Springs)

Brian Chilson

Breakfast in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: The Root Cafe

Finalists: @ the Corner, Big Bad Breakfast, Delicious Temptations, Red Door

Breakfast around Arkansas

Winner: Ozark Cafe (Jasper)

Finalists: Blue House Bakery & Cafe (Bryant), The Buttered Biscuit (Fayetteville), The Delta Biscuit Co. (Bentonville), The Farmer’s Table Cafe (Fayetteville)

Brunch in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Raduno

Finalists: @ the Corner, Four Quarter Bar, Lost Forty Brewing, The Root Cafe

Brunch around Arkansas

Winner: The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)

Finalists: Copper Mule Table and Tap (Bryant), The Farmer’s Table Cafe (Fayetteville), The Parsonage (Jonesboro), Tusk & Trotter (Bentonville)

Brian Chilson

Coffee in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Fidel & Co.

Finalists: Boulevard Bread Co., Guillermo’s Gourmet Coffee, Nexus Coffee and Creative, Paranoid Android

Coffee around Arkansas

Winner: Onyx Coffee Lab (Fayetteville)

Finalists: Arsaga’s (Fayetteville), Doomsday Coffee (Fayetteville), Mountain Bird Coffee Company (Eureka Springs), Red Light Roastery Coffee House (Hot Springs)

BEST SINGLE DISHES

Barbecue in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Whole Hog Cafe North Little Rock

Finalists: Corky’s Ribs & BBQ, Count Porkula BBQ, HB’s Bar-B-Q, Sims Bar-B-Que

Barbecue around Arkansas

Winner: KnightFire BBQ (Searcy)

Finalists: Jones Bar-B-Q Diner (Marianna), McClard’s Bar-B-Q (Hot Springs), Smokin’ Buns (Jacksonville), Wright’s Barbecue (Johnson)

Burger in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Big Orange

Finalists: Charlee’s Good Time Drinkery, Ciao Baci, Midtown Billiards, Petit & Keet

Burger around Arkansas

Winner: The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)

Finalists: Big Orange (Rogers), Copper Mule Table & Tap (Bryant), Deluca’s (Hot Springs), Hugo’s (Fayetteville)

Catfish in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Eat My Catfish

Finalists: Crazee’s Cafe, Cypress Social (North Little Rock), Flying Fish, Lassis Inn

Catfish around Arkansas

Winner: Dondie’s White River Princess (Des Arc)

Finalists: Catfish Hole (Fayetteville), Eat My Catfish (Benton), Flying Fish (Bentonville), The Hook (Jacksonville)

Cheese dip in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Heights Taco & Tamale

Finalists: Baja Grill, Camp Taco, La Hacienda, Mockingbird Bar and Tacos

Cheese dip around Arkansas

Winner: Stoby’s Restaurant (Conway)

Finalists: Baja Grill (Benton), Copper Mule Table & Tap (Bryant), Local Lime (Rogers), Taco Mama (Hot Springs)

Desserts in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Cheesecake on Point!

Finalists: Cypress Social, Petit & Keet, Table 28, Trio’s Restaurant

Desserts around Arkansas

Winner: The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)

Finalists: The Hive (Bentonville), Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot), Theo’s (Fayetteville), Tusk & Trotter (Bentonville)

French fries in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Big Orange

Finalists: Brood & Barley, Ciao Baci, David’s Burgers, Doe’s Eat Place

French fries around Arkansas

Winner: The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)

Finalists: Big Orange (Rogers), Copper Mule Table & Tap (Bryant), Hugo’s (Fayetteville), The Tamale Factory (Gregory)

Fried chicken in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Finalists: Ceci’s Chicken N Waffles, Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill, South on Main, YGFBFKitchen Restaurant (Little Rock)

Fried chicken around Arkansas

Winner: The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)

Finalists: AQ Chicken House (Springdale), Campground Grill (Austin), Holly’s Country Cookin’ (Conway), Monte Ne Inn Chicken (Rogers)

Ice cream/cool treats inLittle Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Loblolly Creamery

Finalists: Kilwins, Le Pops, The Original ScoopDog (North Little Rock), The Purple Cow

Ice cream/cool treats around Arkansas

Winner: Andy’s Frozen Custard (Conway)

Finalists: Just Ice Cream (Benton), Mamoo’s Paradice Cream (Hot Springs), Scoops Ice Cream (Hot Springs), Trash Creamery (Bentonville)

Pie in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Blue Cake

Finalists: Bobby’s Country Cookin’, Community Bakery, Rosie’s Pot and Kettle, Trio’s Restaurant

Pie around Arkansas

Winner: Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets (Keo)

Finalists: Holly’s Country Cookin’ (Conway), Mud Street Cafe (Eureka Springs), Rhoda’s Famous Hot Tamales (Lake Village), Tusk & Trotter (Bentonville)

Pizza in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Raduno

Finalists: Damgoode Pies, Iriana’s, Vino’s Brewpub, Zaza Fine Salad + Wood Oven Pizza

Pizza around Arkansas

Winner: DeLuca’s Pizzeria (Hot Springs)

Finalists: MuleKick (Magnolia), Pizzeria Ruby (Johnson), SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint (Hot Springs), Valhalla Kitchen + Bar (Benton)

Salad in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Zaza Fine Salad + Wood Oven Pizza

Finalists: All in a Bowl, The Faded Rose, The Root Cafe, U.S. Pizza,

Salad around Arkansas

Winner: Zaza Fine Salad + Wood Oven Pizza (Conway)

Finalists: Copper Mule Table and Tap (Bryant), Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot), MuleKick @ MAD (El Dorado), Valhalla: Kitchen + Bar (Benton),

Sandwich in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: The Root Cafe

Finalists: The Bagel Shop, Boulevard Bread Co., The Croissanterie, Hillcrest Artisan Meats

Sandwich around Arkansas

Winner: Copper Mule Table & Tap (Bryant)

Finalists: The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke), MuleKick @ MAD (El Dorado), Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot), SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint (Hot Springs)

Soup in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Mike’s Cafe

Finalists: Baja Grill, Boulevard Bread Co., Cafe Bossa Nova, Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co.

Soup around Arkansas

Winner: The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)

Finalists: Baja Grill (Benton), Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse (Eureka Springs), Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot), Pho 85 Noodle House (Bentonville)

Steak in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Doe’s Eat Place

Finalists: Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse, Cache, Petit & Keet, Sonny Williams’ Steak Room

Brian Chilson

Steak around Arkansas

Winner: Red Oak Steakhouse at Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff)

Finalists: The Hive (Bentonville), Mike’s Place (Conway), The Tamale Factory (Gregory), Taylor’s Steakhouse (Dumas)

Sushi in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Kemuri

Finalists: Kamikaito, Mt. Fuji Japanese Restaurant, Ocean’s at Arthur’s, Rock N Roll Sushi

Sushi Around Arkansas

Winner: Sushi House (Bentonville)

Finalists: Ai Sushi (Hot Springs), Blu Fish House (Bentonville), Meiji Japanese Cuisine (Fayetteville), Osaka Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar (Hot Springs)

Tacos in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Heights Taco & Tamale

Finalists: Baja Grill, Camp Taco, The Fold Botanas & Bar, La Hacienda

Tacos around Arkansas

Winner: Baja Grill (Benton)

Finalists: Bentonville Taco & Tamale Co. (Bentonville), Local Lime (Rogers), Torchy’s Tacos (Fayetteville), Taco Mama (Hot Springs)

Tortilla chips in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Baja Grill

Finalists: Camp Taco, Casa Mañana, The Fold Botanas and Bar, La Hacienda

Tortilla chips around Arkansas

Winner: Local Lime (Rogers)

Finalists: Baja Grill (Benton), Bentonville Taco & Tamale Co. (Bentonville), Taco Mama (Hot Springs), Xuma Kitchens (Fayetteville)

Wings in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Four Quarter Bar

Finalists: Brood & Barley, Chicken King, North Bar (North Little Rock), Waldo’s Chicken and Beer

Wings around Arkansas

Winner: Arkansas Best Wings (Sherwood)

Finalists: Frickin’ Chicken (Fayetteville), Pedaler’s Pub (Bentonville), Penguin Ed’s (Fayetteville), Walker’s Wings & Things (Hot Springs)

Yogurt/smoothies in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Finalists: Argenta Nutrition, The Nutrition Place, TCBY

Yogurt/smoothies aroundArkansas

Winner: Grinds Coffee Co. (Cabot)

Finalists: Natural State Smoothies (Fayetteville), Panther Nutrition of Cabot (Cabot), Snack Lab (Bentonville)

BEST INTERNATIONAL

Chinese in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co.

Finalists: Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Cooking, Fantastic China, Fu Lin,New Fun Ree

Chinese around the state

Winner: Jade China Restaurant (Conway)

Finalists: Lin’s Garden (Bentonville), Mong Dynasty (Fayetteville), The Wok (Hot Springs), Ying Chang Hmong & Chinese Hot Food (Fayetteville)

Indian in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Star of India

Finalists: Bawarchi Biryanis, The Indian Feast, Saffron Indian Cuisine,Taj Mahal Indian Kitchen

Indian around Arkansas

Winner: Saffron Indian Cuisine (Rogers)

Finalists: Curry Point (Bentonville), Flavors Indian Cuisine (Bentonville), Khana Indian Grill (Fayetteville), Pandiya’s South Indian Cuisine (Bentonville)

Italian in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Bruno’s Little Italy

Finalists: Graffiti’s Italian Restaurant, Raduno Brick Oven and Barroom, Ristorante Capeo (North Little Rock), Rivera Italian Restaurant (North Little Rock)

Italian around Arkansas

Winner: Luna Bella (Hot Springs)

Finalists: Italy in Town (Benton), J&S Italian Villa (Hot Springs), Tavola Trattoria (Bentonville), Vetro 1925 (Fayetteville)

Japanese in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Kemuri

Finalists: Aji Ramen Bar, Benihana (North Little Rock), Kamikaito (North Little Rock), Sky Modern Japanese

Japanese around Arkansas

Winner: Osaka Japanese Steakhouse and Bar (Hot Springs)

Finalists: Kimono Japanese Steak House (Paragould), Meiji Japanese Cuisine (Fayetteville), Sushi House (Bentonville), Tokyo House Sushi & Ramen (Fayetteville)

Mexican in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: La Hacienda

Finalists: Baja Grill, Casa Mañana, El Palenque, Tacos Godoy

Mexican around Arkansas

Winner: Mariachi Grill (Lonoke)

Finalists: Avocado Grill (Paragould), Taco Mama (Hot Springs), Tres Agaves (De Queen), Yeyo’s El Alma De Mexico (Bentonville)

Other international inLittle Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Cafe Bossa Nova

Finalists: Buenos Aires Grill and Cafe, La Terraza Rum & Lounge, Layla’s Gyro, Maryams Grill

Other international aroundArkansas

Winner: Baja Grill (Benton)

Finalists: Diamondhead (Fort Smith), Saiwok Vietnamese Street Food (Rogers), A Taste of Thai (Fayetteville), Tangiers (Fayetteville)

BEST SPECIALTY DINING

Business lunch in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill

Finalists: Capital Bar & Grill, Cotham’s in the City, Doe’s Eat Place, Star of India

Business lunch around Arkansas

Winner: Mike’s Place (Conway)

Finalists: Copper Mule Table & Tap (Bryant), The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke), The Parsonage (Jonesboro), Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot)

Dog friendly in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: The Rail Yard

Finalists: Bark Bar, Dugan’s Pub, Flyway Brewing, The Fold Botanas & Bar, Hill Station

Dog friendly around Arkansas

Winner: The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)

Finalists: Good Dog Cafe (Fayetteville), Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Beer Garden (Hot Springs), Nomad’s Southtown Kitchen + Bar (Fayetteville), Valhalla (Benton)

Fine dining in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Brave New Restaurant

Finalists: Allsopp & Chapple, Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse, Ciao Baci, Table 28

Brian Chilson

Fine dining around Arkansas

Winner: The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)

Finalists: The Hive (Bentonville), The Preacher’s Son (Bentonville), Red Apple Inn (Heber Springs), Red Oak Steakhouse at Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff)

Fun in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Hill Station

Finalists: Camp Taco, Cypress Social, Dust Bowl, Midtown Billiards

Fun around Arkansas

Winner: Topgolf (Rogers)

Finalists: JJ’s Grill (Fayetteville), SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint (Hot Springs),Valkyrie Axe Throwing (Benton), Valhalla Kitchen & Bar (Benton)

Gluten free in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: The Root Cafe

Finalists: Cafe Bossa Nova, Dempsey Bakery, La Terraza Rum & Lounge, Star of India

Gluten free around Arkansas

Winner: Baja Grill (Benton)

Finalists: Cafe 1217 (Hot Springs), Conifer (Bentonville), Snack Lab (Bentonville),Tavola Trattoria (Bentonville)

Healthy in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: The Root Cafe

Finalists: All in a Bowl, Neighborhood Nutrition Hillcrest, Vito & Vera, Zaza Fine Salad + Wood Oven Pizza

Healthy around Arkansas

Winner: Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot)

Finalists: HWN Juice Bar (Cabot) MELD kitchen+sandwich bar (Bentonville),The Parsonage (Jonesboro),

Home cookin’ in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: K. Hall & Sons

Finalists: David Family Kitchen, Eat MyCatfish, House of Mental, Maddie’s Place

Brian Chilson

Home cookin’ around Arkansas

Winner: Pig ’N Chik BBQ (Sherwood)

Finalists: Campground Grill (Austin), Holly’s Country Cookin’ (Conway), Niecy’s (Benton), Peggy Sue’s Place (Heber Springs)

Outdoor dining in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Cypress Social

Finalists: 42 Bar & Table, Brave New Restaurant, Casa Mañana, La Terraza Rum & Lounge

Brian Chilson

Outdoor dining around Arkansas

Winner: The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)

Finalists: Blue Heaven (Benton), Postmaster’s Grill (Camden), Rolando’s Restaurante (Hot Springs), Valhalla (Benton)

Place for kids in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Purple Cow

Finalists: All Aboard Restaurant & Grill, Big Orange, Crazy Hibachi, The Root Cafe

Place for kids around Arkansas

Winner: The Purple Cow (Hot Springs)

Finalists: Big Orange (Rogers), MuleKick (Magnolia), Smitty’s Garage Burgers & Beer (Rogers), Stoby’s Restaurant (Conway)

Seafood in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Kemuri

Finalists: Brave New Restaurant, Eat My Catfish, Lassis Inn, La Terraza Rum & Lounge

Seafood around Arkansas

Winner: Who Dat’s Cajun Restaurant (Bald Knob)

Finalists: Blu Fish House (Bentonville), Copper Mule Table & Tap (Bryant), Dondie’s White River Princess (Des Arc), Fred’s Fish House (Mountain Home), Leon’s Catfish and Shrimp (Pine Bluff)

Vegetarian/vegan in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Star of India

Finalists: Blue Sage Vegan Bistro, House of Mental, Maryams Grill, Vito & Vera

Vegetarian/vegan aroundArkansas

Winner: Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot)

Finalists: Baja Grill (Benton), Cafe 1217 (Hot Springs), Snack Lab (Bentonville), SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint (Hot Springs)

Wine list in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Petit and Keet

Finalists: Cache, Ciao Baci, Graffiti’s Italian Restaurant, Table 28

Wine list around Arkansas

Winner: The Grumpy Rabbit (Lonoke)

Finalists: Conifer (Bentonville), The Hive (Bentonville), Oak Room and Bar (Oaklawn Casino Resort, Hot Springs), Red Oak Steakhouse at Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff)

BEST TAKEAWAY/MOBILE DINING

Butcher in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Hogg’s Meat Market (North Little Rock)

Finalists: The Butcher Shop, Edwards Food Giant (Cantrell), Hillcrest Artisan Meats, Heights Corner Market

Butcher around Arkansas

Winner: Weldon’s Meat Market (Hot Springs)

Finalists: The Buck Stop Meat Store (Monticello), Butcher Boys Meat Market & Deli (Van Buren), Jim’s Meat Market (Bentonville), Mercado El Valle (Sherwood)

Caterer in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Trio’s Restaurant

Finalists: Catering to You, Heritage Catering, The Root Cafe, RX Catering

Caterer around Arkansas

Winner: Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot)

Finalists: Carmelita Catering Co. (Bentonville), Gina’s Catering (Benton), Two Sisters Catering (Sherwood), Wright’s Barbecue (Johnson)

Deli/gourmet to-go in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Boulevard Bread Co.

Finalists: Burge’s Hickory Smoked Turkeys and Hams, The Croissanterie, Hillcrest Artisan Meats, Terri-Lynn’s BBQ & Deli

Deli/gourmet to-go aroundArkansas

Winner: Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot)

Finalists: Breitweiser’s Meat Market (Benton), Cabot Cafe & Cake Corner, Cafe 1217 (Hot Springs), Stone Mill Bread & Cafe (Springdale)

Food truck in Little Rock/North Little Rock

Winner: Lili’s Mexican Street Food

Finalists: Cajun Trouxth, Cheesecake On Point!, La Casa De Mi Abuelita Mawmaw’s House, Tacos Godoy

Food truck around Arkansas

Winner: Rock ’N’ Roll Hibachi (Hot Springs)

Finalists: La Casa De Mi Abuelita Mammaw’s House (Redfield), Yacht Club (Fayetteville), Yeyo’s Food Truck (Bentonville), Ying Chang Hmong & Chinese Hot Food (Fayetteville)

BEST BY REGION

Overall restaurant in Benton/Bryant

Winner: Baja Grill (Benton)

Finalists: Eat My Catfish (Benton), Copper Mule Table & Tap (Bryant), Valhalla: Kitchen + Bar (Benton), Verona Italian Restaurant (Benton)

Overall restaurant in Rogers/Bentonville

Winner: Tusk & Trotter (Bentonville)

Finalists: The Hive (Bentonville), Local Lime (Rogers), The Preacher’s Son (Bentonville), Tavola Trattoria (Bentonville), Wright’s Barbecue (Bentonville)

Overall restaurant in Conway

Winner: Mike’s Place

Finalists: Holly’s Country Cookin’, Pasta Grill, Stoby’s, WunderHaus

Overall restaurant in Eureka Springs

Winner: Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking

Finalists: Grotto Wood Fired Grill and Wine Cave, Le Stick Nouveau, Local Flavor

Overall restaurant inFayetteville/Springdale/Johnson

Winner: Hugo’s (Fayetteville)

Finalists: Bocca Italian Eatery & Pizzeria (Fayetteville), The Farmer’s Table Cafe (Fayetteville), Theo’s (Fayetteville), Wright’s Barbecue (Johnson)

Overall Restaurant in Hot Springs

Winner: DeLuca’s Pizzeria

Finalists: 501 Prime, The Bugler, Cafe 1217, The Vault