If you’re visiting Bentonville, AR, you’ll want to know all our hotspots to eat! We have some pretty swanky places to grab a bite and enjoy the atmosphere. We also have quite the scene of hidden gems, where you might be catching a treat off a truck, but what a joy it is!
I’m putting this list together, separated into two categories: Fancy Fixins and Grab and Go’s. You won’t find any fast-food chains on the grab-and-go section, but you can come as you are without any judgment. Here’s a look at the best places to eat in Bentonville, AR, while on an Ozark family vacation.
Fancy Fixins in Bentonville
Okay, so some of the top spots to grab grub are a little more trendy than fancy. Either way, if you pop into one on this list, expect a wait on a weekend evening. Northwest Arkansas is home to about 560,000 people. It’s got a hometown feel with a big city bustle. With that said, if one of these finds your fancy, call for reservations or just expect a long wait.
Eleven at Crystal Bridges
Best for an Upscale Dining Experience | View Menu | 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR
We’ll start the list off right with the top dog. If you want an experience and a meal, check out Eleven at Crystal Bridges. A restaurant as part of our local art museum. There are four options for getting fed here: Coffee and pastries, lunch, bar & bites, and “evenings in Eleven.” The first three have no requirements for seating. Still, if you have “the experience,” you’ll have to make reservations for Evenings in Eleven.
Evenings in Eleven is orchestrated by an Executive Chef who puts together a full five-course meal. It’s as fancy as it sounds, and you’ll feel really out of place if you attend in casual clothing. The dinner is also accompanied by music and an upscale atmosphere. Expect about $90 a person.
Tusk & Trotter American Brasserie
Best for Traditional American Fares | Kids Eat Free* | Full Menu | 110 SE A St, Bentonville, AR
Upscale? Not so much. Swanky or trendy, very! Tusk & Trotter is a beautiful place with a quiet and classy bar atmosphere. They call themselves a casual place with gourmet food, or in my opinion, the best of both worlds. Their drink menu is as extensive as the dinner menu. It’s the perfect place for extended social engagement.
While this place appears to be focused more on drinks, if you have the food, just know that everything is incredible. The steak and frites (just a different way to say fries) is my personal recommendation. The meat melts in your mouth like butter, and they put a twist on their spuds.
Table Mesa
Best for Trendy Takes on Food with Plenty of Variety | Kids Menu Available | Full Menu | 108 E Central Ave, Bentonville, AR
Just around the corner from Tusk & Trotter is Table Mesa. An incredibly cool building with a trendy vibe. The atmosphere here can go either way. You’d be just fine in a pair of jeans and a casual shirt here. You’d also be well within the environment to dress a little nicer.
This restaurant serves a broad selection of bakery and brunch items, delectable lighter fare lunches, and trendy dinners. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what their specialty was.
It's a well-done broad spectrum fusion dining experience on the Bentonville Square. Initially, I thought it was Mexican food, which you’ll find in abundance. We were drawn in at lunch time by the delightful carne asada taco salad. They also offer delectable dishes like Mama Mia, which is grilled chicken and mashed potatoes with cotija cheese, mushrooms, and avocado.
Then again, we also saw dishes of Ramen Birria and other Asian-inspired dishes pass by our table on their way to other patrons. The smells from this place are heavenly, the atmosphere is incredibly chill, and all around, I just say, “go!”
Tip: This place serves an amazing Sunday brunch and kids eat free (brunch only), making it a great choice for something local that's also family friendly.
The Buttered Biscuit
Best for Breakfast in Bentonville | Kids Menu Available | Full Menu | 1403 SE Moberly Ln, Bentonville, AR
If you want an upscale breakfast option in Bentonville, my favorite is The Buttered Biscuit. Weekend mornings will have you waiting awhile, but you can also get in during the week at about 9 am.
If you’re craving a sweet and unique breakfast option, please check out their lemon curd pancakes or beignets or strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast. Both options are sweet, tangy satisfaction. Or, add a delectable, oversized cinnamon roll as a little something sweet for the table.
If you want a savory option, check out the Farmer’s Son omelet with all-the-fixins' topped with gravy or a handmade biscuit with seasonal sage-infused butter.
Tavola Trattoria [Italian on the Square]
Best for Trendy Italian Food | Kids Menu Available | Full Menu | 108 SE A St, Bentonville, AR
If you're looking for classic Italian comfort food, you'll be delighted with a dinner at Tavola Trattoria--one of the trendy dining hotspots on the Bentonville Square. If you order nothing else, get the crab arancini trio. It's three deep-fried crab-stuffed risotto balls topped with three different flavors: parmesan cream, pomodoro, and fresh basil pesto.
We also enjoyed a life-changing lasagna and a delightful wood-fired U District pizza topped with figs, mascarpone, goat cheese, prosciutto, arugula, parmigiano-reggiano and balsamic & truffle oil. Meanwhile, from the kid's menu, our five-year-old devoured the spaghetti and meatball.
Grab and Go Places to Try in Bentonville
Okay, so if you’re planning a trip to the Ozarks and want to keep things casual while not missing local gems, don't miss the options in this category. The establishments simply offer lovely food and friendly service. Come in sweats to these places for all they care.
8th Street Market
Best for an Eclectic Vibe Atmosphere | Dining Options & Menus | 801 SE 8th St, Bentonville, AR
While not one restaurant, in particular, the 8th street market is my go-to place when you play the “what do you want for dinner” game. That’s because 8th street is home to a hub of food trucks, vendors, and order-at-the-counter restaurants.
From pizza to Asian to Mexican and deli options, everyone is guaranteed to satisfy their craving in this centralized food market. Except for a few restaurants, seating is a communal activity, and you meet in the middle after grabbing your choice of cuisine. Do not leave here without trying the Happy Wagon ice cream. I’ll say you're welcome in advance!
The 8th street mall is popular with the local NWA biking community. When the weather is nice, you'll find racks full of bicycles here as the locals pedal up to enjoy draft beer and tasty eats from a dozen or more different order-at-counter dining options.
Sushi House
Best for Sushi in Bentonville | Full Menu | 2501 SE 14th St, Bentonville, AR
This is it if you want to know the best local place to grab sushi! The location is always packed and always fast. The service here is so friendly and customer-centered that you almost feel bad when the 3rd employee asks if you need anything else. Still good from the last time someone checked on me two seconds ago!
Seriously though, they have an expansive menu and also always provide free samples. It’s a fun casual experience or a trendy date-night option. You can dress up, dress down, or grab it to go in PJs. Nobody cares. They’re just here for the incredible sushi and the sweet people running it.
Flying Fish
Best Sea Food in Bentonville | Full Menu | 109A NW 2nd St, Bentonville, AR
Flying Fish is a seafood lover's paradise that offers a delightful dining experience in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. As soon as you step inside, you'll be greeted by a quirky and nautical-themed decor that adds to the restaurant's charm. Its diner ambiance is informal, making it a popular choice for families looking for a relaxed experience.
The menu is a seafood extravaganza featuring a wide range of options from crispy fried catfish to succulent shrimp and oysters, all served with classic Southern sides like hushpuppies and coleslaw. You'll find the perfect balance between affordability and quality here, making it the place to go when you're craving a taste of the sea in the heart of Bentonville, Arkansas.
Wright's BBQ
Best for Pit-Style Barbeque in NWA | Full Menu | 208 NE 3rd St, Bentonville, AR
Wright's is a fan-favorite across Northwest Arkansas with three locations (including one on the Bentonville Square). My first trip to Wrights was surprising in every way. The meat was fall-off-the-bone delectable. I'm a little bit of an oddity in that my first priority isn't usually ribs. I'm more of a brisket and chicken person. So, I can't speak to the quality of their ribs, but judging by the line, I can say there isn't a poor choice on the menu.
When it comes to barbecue places, I typically find that the meat is the showstopper while the sides are an afterthought. Here, I'll give the sides a solid B. The green beans and macaroni shells were big wins with our group while the baked beans were acceptable, but not quite what I was looking for. There is a good selection of sauces, but nothing that was so crave-worthy that I would be anticipating an encore. I actually enjoyed the meat without sauce because it was just that good.
Crepes Paulette
Best for Something Different | Full Menu | 100 SW A St, Bentonville, AR
Have you had a genuine crepe? Sweet or savory, these traditional French delights make a terrific handheld snack or lighter fare lunch. We enjoyed the strawberries and Nutella filled crepe as a quick bite while my five-year-old enjoyed watching the kitchen make crepes of all kinds. We also tried a savory option stuffed with fresh spinach, crisp bacon, and aged cheddar. In the evening, this local eatery offers small plates and wine for a classy place to gather with friends.
Visit the Ozarks and Eat like the Locals
So now you know our popular eating establishments here in the NWA area. If you’re taking a family vacation to the area, putting any of these options on your “must try” list will leave you satisfied and with an appreciation of the local culture.
If you're looking for breakfast, try The Buttered Biscuit. For lunch, we recommend Table Mesa or Spud Doctors. And for dinner, consider Tavola Trattoria, Tusk & Trotter, or Eleven at Crystal Bridges.
Are you ready to plan your trip to Northwest Arkansas?
Get started planning your Ozark family vacation by checking out local attractions. You can reserve your hotels here and pick up a rental car to zip around our little city.
Find Things to do in Bentonville, Arkansas
What's Nearby?
Rogers, AR (15m)
Natural Falls State Park (1.5hr)