Meals can be extraordinary experiences. If you’re looking for the best of the best from renowned chefs–the Ozarks region does not disappoint. Discover the best places to eat in the Ozarks.
If you’re looking for recommendations to eat like a local with a truly extraordinary experience, here are our favorite trendy and upscale dining joints across the Ozarks region–spanning from St Louis, Missouri, to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Best Places to Eat in the St Louis Area
St Louis, Missouri, has been shaped by the influence of German, Italian, and African American heritage. It’s also home to a strong athletic culture built on classic American spectator sports like baseball, courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals. These influences are best acquired through upscale dining experiences in the city. Our favorites include:
Tony’s
Tony’s has been in business for more than 70 years, providing a traditional lineup of Italian-American dishes like veal piccata and lobster tail.
Vicia
If you’re looking for something a little more modern, try Vicia. This vegetable-forward restaurant focuses on locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients. As such, their menu changes frequently. But you’re always sure to find a good variety of innovative and creative dishes like roasted cauliflower and mushroom tartine.
Sidney Street Cafe
Another place to enjoy contemporary American cuisine is Sidney Street Cafe, located in the Benton Park neighborhood. We like this place because it has a warm, friendly atmosphere and traditional culinary favorites with a modern flair–like scallops, lamb, and roasted duck–my favorite!
Das Bevo
For upscale German, try Das Bevo, located in the Bevo Mill neighborhood. This eatery is housed in a historic windmill building, offering an elevated dining experience featuring predominantly German fare. It’s a great place to try schnitzel, bratwurst, and sauerbraten as well as more modern German dishes–and of course, a full selection of German beers and wines with the unique ambiance of their rooftop biergarten featuring stunning views of the city.
Best Places to Eat in the Kansas City Area
Kansas City, Missouri, is known for its barbecue–and that includes every variety, from pit-style service at picnic tables all the way up to fine dining experiences. But, of course, it’s not all smoked and sauced meat. Here are our favorite elevated culinary experiences in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Antler Room
In the KC expression of meat meets culinary innovation, the Antler Room is a popular farm-to-table restaurant located in the Crossroads Arts District. The menu features creative dishes with locally-sourced ingredients like pork belly and seared trout.
Novel
Novel is a modern American restaurant located in the Westside neighborhood that features a rotating menu of inventive dishes. The menu often includes items like charred octopus and chicken liver mousse, and the restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Q39
Q39 is a popular barbecue restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional barbecue dishes. The restaurant serves slow-smoked meats such as brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, as well as creative side dishes like smoked beet salad and roasted cauliflower.
Best Places to Eat in Northwest Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas has experienced a lot more recent growth, thanks to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and Walmart HQ in Bentonville. While the heart of Northwest Arkansas remains small town rural, it's really a cultural melting pot with the most modern infusions from all across the US.
The Hive
Located inside the 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville, Arkansas, you’ll find an upscale farm-to-table cuisine experience inspired by local agriculture across the Ozarks region. This award-winning restaurant is known for its food and cocktails, along with providing a sophisticated yet casual environment.
Eleven at Crystal Bridges
Nothing says fine dining better than eating a seasonal five-course meal with the acclaimed Crystal Bridges art collection as your backdrop. At Eleven, located inside the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art, you’ll find a local, sustainable culinary experience.
Tusk and Trotter
Located on the iconic Bentonville Square, this modern take on Southern cuisine features a lively atmosphere and delightful menu with unexpected surprises like smoked trout dip, duck confit, and an upscale take on a classic dish–shrimp and grits.
The Preacher’s Son
Another downtown Bentonville delight is located inside a renovated church. The Preacher’s Son provides a limited menu of upscale cuisine with a focus on sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients. We recommend trying their crispy pork belly, which is perfectly complemented by a surprisingly sweet and crisp roasted beet salad.
Looking for more? Read our Top 10 Places to Eat in Bentonville, Arkansas post.
Best Places to Eat in the Little Rock Area
Little Rock is more than the capital of Arkansas–it’s a hub of interesting cultural influence bringing together seemingly opposing touches of Native American culture, civil rights progress, and deep southern traditions. Our favorite upscale dining choices in Little Rock, Arkansas, include:
Brave New Restaurant
Brave New Restaurant is a longtime fixture of the Little Rock fine dining scene. Located in the River Market area, the restaurant features an eclectic menu of contemporary American cuisine, with dishes like seared duck breast and pistachio-crusted salmon.
One Eleven at the Capital Hotel
One Eleven at the Capital is located in the Capital Hotel, one of Little Rock's most historic buildings. The restaurant serves up creative and innovative dishes with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients, such as quail and rabbit sausage and pan-seared snapper.
Samantha’s Tap Room and Wood Grill
Samantha's Tap Room and Wood Grill is located in downtown Little Rock and offers a range of creative and flavorful dishes. The menu includes items like duck confit tacos and char-grilled lamb chops, as well as a selection of craft beers and cocktails.
Best Places to Eat in the Tulsa Area
Tulsa is a mix of Native American heritage from various tribes resettled in the area in the 1800s and the western frontier from the same era, layered with heavy influence from African American culture and the boom of the oil industry. Across Tulsa, Oklahoma's culinary endeavors, you'll find subtle nods to these roots and much more. our favorites include:
Stonehorse Cafe
Stonehorse Cafe is a popular spot for upscale dining in Tulsa. The menu features a range of dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, including the pan-seared duck breast and the grilled pork chop.
The Wild Fork
The Wild Fork is an upscale restaurant that specializes in contemporary American cuisine. The menu features dishes such as grilled lamb chops and seared sea scallops, and the restaurant has an extensive wine list.
The Juniper Restaurant and Martini Lounge
The Juniper offers a menu of modern American cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients, including dishes such as the Juniper Burger, seared scallops, and pan-roasted chicken. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a range of signature cocktails and live Jazz music.
Plan an Extraordinary Trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma
Great food is an important part of building memories. As you explore the Ozarks region, take time to enjoy unique experiences from some of the leading chefs in cities like St. Louis, Missouri, and Bentonville, Arkansas.
