What’s not to like about Italian food? Most people love it and enjoy it frequently. Luckily, Northwest Arkansas has many outstanding Italian restaurants to choose from. Use the Top 10 list below to find one that is near you.
Bentonville
Tavola Trattoria $$
108 Southeast A Street, (479) 715-4738
If you are craving American Italian with Mediterranean influences, take your family and your taste buds to trendy Tavola Trattoria, a terrific little family-style Italian bistro located just off the Historic Bentonville Downtown Square on Southeast A. St. Customers rave about the Buratta and the Ravioli Tavola.
Eureka Springs
Devito’s of Eureka Springs $$
5 Center Street, (479) 253-6807
Located in Historic Downtown Eureka Springs, Devito’s of Eureka Springs, in business for 27 years, offers farm-raised trout and Italian specialties. Dine overlooking East Mountain in their glassed-in porch or choose intimate street-side dining or try their newest addition, sky-view dining on the roof-top. Trout are obtained from their own family-owned trout farm making it a true farm-to-table restaurant. The trout gets a huge nod, but so does the seafood fettuccine.
Ermilio’s $$
26 White Street, (479) 253-8806
Located on the upper Historic Loop in a an old Victorian home, Ermilio’s received the 2014 Arkansas Times Reader’s Choice Award for Winner: Best Italian Restaurant All Around Arkansas and Winner: Best Restaurant In Eureka Springs. The restaurant features a hearty pasta menu. Salmon, a hard item to do just right, is done perfectly.
Café Amoré $$
2070 East Van Buren, (479) 253-7192
Chef Katherine Zeller creates delicious Italian cuisine at Cafe Amore located on East Van Buren. Popular menu items are the pizza, the lasagna and the creme brulee. One patron describes it as “a little treasure hidden in the hills of Eureka Springs”.
Fayetteville
Bocca Italian Eatery & Pizzeria $$
2036 N College Ave, (479) 301-2688
At Bocca’s you’ll find delicious hand-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas
and sauces made from fresh locally grown ingredients. Salads are fresh
and scrumptious as are the house-made dressings. Delivers consistently
awesome food and service each and every time you visit. Gluten free
options are also available.
Bordinos $$$
310 West Dickson St, (479) 527-6795
Located on West Dickson St., Bordinos is an upscale restaurant offering refined Italian menu items, delicious deserts, wine flights and a weekend brunch. A great romantic dinner venue, it is also appealing to parties. Try the steak, and even if you are not eating bread, taste the profiteroles. Make reservations as they do tend to get crowded.
The Pesto Café $$
1830 College Ave, (479) 582-3330
With pestos made from the freshest ingredients including, the finest extra virgin olive oil, farm fresh herbs, pine nuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts, The Pesto Cafe’ located on College Ave, specializes in amazing Italian creations guaranteed to tempt your appetite. Enjoy relaxing to fun live acoustic music on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Try the Eggplant Parmesan, you will be glad you did.
Rogers
Napoli’s Italian Restaurant $$
4408 West Walnut Street #5, (479) 270-5320
Located on West Walnut St, Napoli’s Italian Restaurant serves some of the best Neapolitan style pizza in NWA. Even people from NYC rave about it. Try the Sausage Pizzaioa once, you’ll be hooked for life. Known in the region for its authentic Italian food, their pasta is amazing as is their Alfredo sauce.
Springdale
Venezia’s Italian Kitchen $$
2009 N Thompson St, (479) 419-9499
The food at this charming Springdale Italian restaurant rivals the food in Italy. Delicious bread and marinara sauce are at your table as soon as you are seated. The menu offers authentic New York style pizza, amazing pasta, and heavenly cheesecake. The owner is friendly, and determined that all customers have an excellent experience from the moment they walk through the door. Atmosphere is cozy, service is attentive and portions are large. Try the Chicken Tuscany.
Venesian Inn $$
582 West Henri De Tonti Boulevard, (479) 361-2562
In business for more than 60 years and located in Tontitown, the Venesian Inn prides itself on serving only authentic Italian food, homemade rolls, southern fried chicken and delicious steak entrées. It’s diverse menu has something for everyone. Experience a little taste of Italy when you choose to dine at the Venesian Inn. Bring a friend and a very healthy appetite and try the spaghetti and fried chicken combination.
Honorable Mention
Vetro 1925 $$$
17 East Center St, Fayetteville, AR, (479) 966-4649
Vetro 1925 Ristorante, located on East Center Street in a charming old renovated building with exposed brick, offers classic Italian flavors & wine in a classy atmosphere. The presentation and service are excellent. Try the cannelloni or the Spaghetti Carbonara made in the Roman way.