Whether you’re looking to try something new local to you or you’re just passing through on a road trip and you want a good foodie experience, then you’ve got to check out the 5 best places to eat in Little Rock, Arkansas!
As a local and native to Arkansas but someone who lives a couple of hours from Little Rock, I sometimes travel down there JUST for a good foodie experience. We love food and having new experiences, trying new cuisines, checking out new spots, etc.
So I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 rated restaurants in Little Rock based on Google and I hope you’ll check them out! If you’ve ever eaten at any of these, comment below and let us all know which is your favorite and why!
I’m sharing these is no specific order so make sure you pin this article to save it for later and you get by all 5, especially if you’re local!
Layla’s Gyro
9501 N Rodney Parham Rd #7, Little Rock, AR 72227
Open Sundays 11 AM–4:30 PM and 11 AM–8:15 PM the rest of the week.
Images from Google Reviews
If you’re looking for an authentic Greek experience that offers not only superb food but also a welcome feeling from the staff like you’re family, then you’ve got to try Layla’s! Locals call it a hole in the wall place as the exterior and the interior decor are not fancy but the food is what will have you bragging and coming back for more!
Images from Google Reviews
With a 4.7 out of 5 star rating on Google and over 1,400 reviews…they can’t be wrong!
Image from Google Reviews
El Sur Street Food Co
1214 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202
Sundays 11 AM–3 PM, closed Tuesdays and 11 AM–9 PM the rest of the week.
Where Central Arkansas meets Honduras and Latin America!
El Sur Street Food Co Website
Image from ElSurStreetfoodCo.com
Man, if you’re looking for Latin American flavors AND a great vibe, stop by this place!
Image from Google Reviews
This business was formed by a few guys who wanted to offer Honduran and Latin American food to Arkansas and share their love of this food with the locals! They’ve done a great job setting up a winning vibe in their shop down on Main Street! It’s easy to see why this shop makes the 5 best places to eat in Little Rock, Arkansas!
Images from Google Reviews
With a 4.8 out of 5 star review, it’s easy to see why this place tops the list. You can tell they’re using fresh, local and seasonal ingredients in their recipes. They are garnishing with fresh herbs and including flowers in their mixed drinks! The Sangria is highly recommended and they even have a back room with ping pong tables and other games!
Images from Google Reviews
You can order online and they have vegan options! Parking in this area downtown is easy so that makes it convenient too! Their menu online has pictures of MOST of the food items and I really love that when I’m researching new places to try, especially if I’m not local to the area or have never been there! Stop by and give these guys a try!
The Pantry Eateries
They’re so loved they have two locations in Little Rock, named “West” and “Crest” so check their website for addresses and hours for each. They also offer slightly different menus.
You can check out their website here!
Photos from Google Reviews and littlerockpantry.com
The Pantry Eateries offer Czech and German classics as well as delightful appetizers, burgers, salads, and flatbreads.
littlerockpantry.com
The Crest location in Little Rock is in an old home so the atmosphere is very pleasant and homey! You can have a meal on the front porch or the side deck offers ample room for outdoor dining for up to 20-ish.
Photos from Google Reviews
With a google review rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, it’s easy to see why this delicious European cuisine has locals raving! From the hefty meat platter served on a cutting board to the whimsical deviled eggs, you get a unique experience and menu here.
Photos from Google Reviews
One patron described the food as “elevated comfort food” while also mentioning to be prepared to not find parking super close due to how the area is setup. There is dining upstairs also and navigating the residential/old staircase with a lot of people can be troublesome. In general though they felt the food and service made up for those minor inconveniences.
Photos from littlerockpantry.com
The service is phenomenal and the drink selection is outstanding.
One Hungry Possum, Google Local Guide.
No wonder this one made the list for 5 best places to eat in Little Rock, Arkansas, I’d go just for the deviled eggs honestly!
Ciao Baci
605 Beechwood St #3846, Little Rock, AR 72205
Closed Sundays, open 4–10:30 PM every other day of the week.
Check their website for full menu and other info here!
Images from Google Reviews
Nestled in the beautiful Hillcrest neighborhood in Little Rock, Arkansas, Ciao Baci has been proudly elevating dining, drinking, and relaxing since its inception in 2001.
ciaobacilr.com
Images from Google Reviews
I must admit I’m a sucker for a restaurant in an old home! Throw some good food and candle light in an old bungalow and buddy I’m there! Sign me up for that! It just creates a whole vibe that puts you in the MOOD to try something new and different, slow down and enjoy the experience. It elevates “going out to eat” and turns it into having a slow, present moment with whoever you’re with to focus on food and socializing, something we really don’t do enough in our culture while Europeans nail it!
Images from Google Reviews
From flat breads, empanadas or Lamb Gyro, gorgonzola cheese to lavender lemonade this place offers a wide range of interesting foods you won’t find just anywhere in Little Rock! Their rave reviews state everything tastes so fresh and the general atmosphere and servers are very welcoming and cozy!
Images from Google Reviews
They offer a nightly “Chef’s Tasting Menu” which is a 5 course meal and the spontaneity of that sounds really fun and interesting! If you’ve had that please comment below, I’m dying to know how it was! #foodenvy
The Faded Rose
1619 Rebsamen Park Rd, Little Rock, AR 72202
Open 11 AM–9 PM daily but stays open to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Cajun & Creole-influenced seafood, steaks & more dished up in a roadhouse-style venue with a patio.
The Faded Rose
You can check out their website here!
Images from Google Reviews and http://thefadedrose.com/
Opened in 1982 by a New Orleans local couple and still ran by them today, over 30 years later, in the same location! So from seafood boils to po boys, they’ve got your Creole cravings covered!
Images from Google Reviews and http://thefadedrose.com/
Everyone raves that the creole dishes are authentic creole and I’m sure that tickles the owners heart being as it has always been his mission to bring some good Creole to Arkansas!
Images from Google Reviews and http://thefadedrose.com/
For me I can’t wait to try the shrimp and grits, apparently it is as good as it looks and for that alone I’d make a trip down there! The Faded Rose here I come! I’m glad The Faded Rose made it on the top 5 places to eat in Little Rock, Arkansas LIST so now we all know about them!
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xoxo,
Elizabeth Richey
About the Author: Elizabeth Richey, living and thriving in rural Arkansas, Aquarian and iced coffee enthusiast. When she’s not writing, gardening, playing with her chocolate lab Maple or sharing videos on YouTube (Elizabeth’s Many Adventures) you can find her enjoying time with her family or traveling somewhere new! Most of the time she’s dreaming of being kicked back in her hammock in her cottage garden listening to the birds sing.
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