8 Chef-Recommended Restaurants in Bentonville, AR, to Try
Bentonville is a vibrant city in northwest Arkansas that’s home to a thriving economy, vibrant culture and historic downtown. Rounding out those perks is a diverse culinary scene that is full of standout restaurants and eateries that cater to a variety of palates.
Matthew Cooper
James Beard Nominated Chef
Conifer restaurant in Bentonville, AR
One of those standout restaurants in Bentonville, AR, is Conifer, an upscale eatery crafting intimate dining experiences for its guests. Led by James Beard Award semifinalist chef Matthew Cooper, Conifer focuses on providing farm-fresh cuisine, supporting local farmers and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment. The menu is entirely gluten-free, and the restaurant caters to a wide variety of dietary needs.
“Conifer is a community restaurant for everyone,” Cooper says. “In northwest Arkansas, we’re in a unique environment that gives us the opportunity to do what we do, with great support from our community. We couldn’t do this anywhere else.”
There is an abundance of extraordinary restaurants in the Bentonville area, Conifer included. When planning a visit to the area, Cooper recommends adding the following places to your itinerary. As a bonus, they’re celiac safe, meaning those who need to avoid gluten can enjoy them, as well.
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Pho Thanh
This corner eatery may look unassuming on the outside, but inside, Pho Thanh is home to delicious, authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
“I eat here probably three times a week,” Cooper says of the Bentonville, AR, restaurant.
Locals love the warm, nourishing pho and stir-fried noodles with beef or chicken. Snack on spring rolls, crispy crab rangoon and banh mi sandwiches while relishing a boba tea. Enjoy your meal at the restaurant or take it to go.
Yeyo’s
What started as a family farm grew into a food truck, then a second food truck, then a flagship restaurant in 2018, and now, a Mezcaleria y Taqueria in downtown Rogers, AR. Yeyo’s is led by chef Rafael Rios, a U.S. Army veteran and fellow James Beard Award semifinalist, who takes immense pride in sharing his family’s cuisine with so many.
Yeyo’s menu highlights Mexican food with soul and is made with the freshest local ingredients. Among menu favorites are the street tacos on housemade corn tortillas, loaded burrito bowls, chilaquiles and enchiladas.
MELD
A warm, freshly baked sandwich is good any time of day, and MELD doesn’t disappoint. This modern, fast-casual Bentonville, AR, restaurant serves its craft sandwiches on baked-to-order bread in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Enjoy your meal in its spacious dining room or on the sunny patio.
If you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, try one of MELD’s scratch-made soups, pizzas, tacos or salads. Finish your meal with a homemade sweet treat, like a salted caramel cookie.
Wright’s Barbecue
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind barbecue experience, Wright’s Barbecue is the spot.
Captained by James Beard Award-nominated chef Jordan Wright, “Arkansas’ finest barbecue” started as a food truck in nearby Johnson and expanded to Bentonville in 2020.
While the eatery shows love to all kinds of Southern barbecue, Texas brisket is a specialty. All meats are smoked in an open-flame, wood-fired pit. Pair your smoked protein with housemade sides and a local craft beer for the true Wright’s experience.
Bar Cleeta
Bar Cleeta opened in Bentonville in 2019, bringing a cozy, imaginative approach to local dining. Its seasonal menu features small plates, desserts and house cocktails, fusing old-world techniques with new-world flavors.
Customization is encouraged; guests can mix and match their plates to create the dining experience they desire. Spanish octopus is a guest favorite as well as the arugula salad and quail (when it’s on the menu).
Crêpes Paulette
Sweet and savory crepes are on the menu at Crêpes Paulette, a French-ish eatery with cafes in Bentonville and Fayetteville. Its traditional buckwheat crepes are naturally gluten-free, and many items are vegetarian and vegan friendly.
Each crepe is served warm and folded to be enjoyed by hand. Try the grilled cheese crepe with creamy tomato soup for a unique twist on the classic pairing.
Pizzeria Ruby
“This is probably the best pizza most people have ever had,” Cooper says of the Springdale, AR, restaurant’s pies. And locals agree; snagging a coveted reservation or spot on its waitlist is a high prize. In addition to fresh pasta, housemade desserts, meatballs and calzones, Cooper says the five-day fermented dough really makes Pizzeria Ruby’s pies stand out. Yelpers say the Caesar salad is “to die for,” and the Spicy Italian Boyfriend pizza is a standout creation.
Punjabi Kitchen
In nearby Centerton, dig into authentic, flavorful Northern Indian cuisine from Punjabi Kitchen. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned connoisseur, Punjabi Kitchen has options for everyone. Its menu features a wide variety of curries, including butter chicken, tikka masala, palak and guest favorite chili chicken. Dine in or order your meal for delivery or takeout.
This article was sponsored by Arkansas Tourism.