Many things are known about Northwest Arkansas, but some things are kept secret. For example, many people, new to the area or visiting, have no idea just how good the seafood is in NWA’s fine restaurants. Why is it so delicious? First it is prepared by first-rate chefs. Second, it is fresh. Blu Fish House in Bentonville provides fresh caught fish on a daily basis for its own restaurant and to other top seafood restaurants in the area.
Do yourself a favor and choose to dine at one of the fine seafood restaurants listed on the Top Ten list below:
BENTONVILLE
Blu Fish House $$
607 SE 5th St, (479) 273-5400
Blu is your place for the absolute freshest seafood in the area. The fish is flown in daily and has that just-caught flavor. Blu is a fish market where you can select your seafood from ice filled cases or large live fish tanks, and you may also dine in or order takeout. This is fun place to visit with out-of-town guests or the kids.
Flying Fish $$
109 NW 2nd St, (479) 657-6300
If you enjoy fine fish, catfish or ocean fish, in a laid back lakefront atmosphere, you will love the Flying Fish. Selections include catfish, shrimp, oysters, crab, gumbo, Po’ Boys, shrimp cocktail, salmon, trout, and tilapia. Baskets include hush puppies and fries. The main selections are fresh fried catfish and shrimp and oysters, though the restaurant also offers a wide selection of grilled fish, shrimp cocktail, snow crab legs, burgers, chicken and crawfish. Beer, margaritas and wine also are served.
River Grille $$$
1003 McClain Rd, (479) 271-4141
Upscale, and well worth the price. Features steaks grilled to perfection, chicken and a good selection of seafood including halibut, a fresh catch (flown in daily), fresh Atlantic Salmon and Alaskan King Crab Legs. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and wine pairings. You can expect a great time every time at the River Grille.
EUREKA SPRINGS
Local Flavor Cafe $
71 S Main St, (479) 253-9522
Appreciated for its outstanding food, drinks and service. Seafood is prepared and cooked to perfection including the Crab Cakes, shrimp Diablo and Salmon are all delicious. You can expect a terrific experience when you choose to dine at the Local Flavor.
FAYETTEVILLE
Cafe Rue Orleans – Cajun & Seafood $$
1150 N College Ave, (479) 443-2777
Casual restaurant offering classic New Orleans-style seafood dishes including such favorites as Shrimp Pontchartrain, Crawfish Etouffee and Eggplant Napoleon. Easy laid-back atmosphere, authentic flavors and impeccable service make this an area favorite. Make it a point to go there for Sunday brunch, your tastebuds will thank you for it.
Mermaids Seafood $$
2217 College Ave, (479) 443-3737
Upscale restaurant, known for its whimsical decor and Chef Todd’s expertly prepared and superb seafood cuisine featuring many seafood items including salmon, shrimp, fish of the day and scallops. A full bar run by experienced, creative mixologists, ensures that your beverages taste delightful every time. Live music provides a relaxing, entertaining atmosphere.
ROGERS
Bonefish Grill $$
3201 Market Street, (479) 273-0916
Outstanding Rogers seafood restaurant featuring market-fresh seafood cooked over a wood-burning grill. Enjoys rave reviews from many repeat patrons stemming from excellent, top of the line service and excellent food. Seafood items include Chilean Seabass, Atlantic Salmon, Coldwater Lobster Tails and so much more. Try the Bang Bang Shrimp Appetizer.
Crabby’s $$
1800 S 52nd St, (479) 273-0222
Elegant ambiance, fresh seafood and fantastic drinks make this Rogers restaurant a great choice for a romantic evening or a fine dining experience for anyone. Chef insists on only the freshest of ingredients whether he is grilling scallops and shrimp to perfection or creating a colorful, crisp salad. This excellent restaurant consistently delivers flavorful, perfectly cooked seafood based food.
Fish City Grill $$
Pinnacle Hills Promenade, 2203 South Promenade Blvd #3110
(479) 636-8833
Prides itself on being your neighborhood seafood joint. Specializing in great food and friendly, attentive wait staff, Fish City Grill offers NWA residents and visitors from around the world some of the best tasting seafood to be found anywhere. Even Florida Gulf folks love this eatery. Try the Shrimpapalooza, if it is available, or the try the Serafin’s Fish Tacos.
HONORABLE MENTION
