Top rated Italian restaurants abound in Northwest Arkansas. Award-winning chefs who focus on creating Italian specialties are the norm in NWA’s Italian eateries. Almost every city in NWA has an Italian restaurant or two.
Below are the Top 10 Italian restaurants in Northwest AR:
BENTONVILLE
Tavola Trattoria $$
108 SE A St, (479) 715-4738
A casual dining experience, specializing in delicious Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, Tavola Trattoria offers fine dining as well as a warm family atmosphere. The food is absolutely amazing and the service is beyond outstanding. Entrees, appetizers, desserts and drinks are all top-notch. The Tavola Giovanni pizza will capture your taste buds, the tiramisu is divine, and the ambience is cozy and warm.
CAVE SPRINGS
Pastafina $$
1045 E Lowell Ave, (479) 844-4081
Looking for amazing Italian food? Interestingly, you can find it in the little town of Cave Springs, AR, which is only an eighteen-minute drive from Bentonville or a half hour drive from Fayetteville. The food is out-of-this-world, they have a cute full bar and the service is impeccable. It is a great place to celebrate any occasion or to have a date night. Try the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo or the Pasta Trio, and don’t forget the rolls. You won’t be disappointed.
EUREKA SPRINGS
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”.
Image Courtesy of Cafe Amore
FAYETTEVILLE
Bocca Italian Eatery & Pizzeria $$
2036 N College Ave, (479) 301-2688
At Bocca’s you’ll find delicious hand-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas and sauces made from fresh locally grown ingredients. Salads are fresh and scrumptious as are the house-made dressings. Delivers consistently awesome food and service each and every time you visit. Gluten free options are also available. (image at top of the page is courtesy of Bocca).
Image Courtesy Bocca Italian Eatery
Bordinos $$$
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.
Bordinos image courtesy Cole Fennel Photography
Vetro 1925 $$$
17 East Center St, (479) 966-4649
Vetro 1925 Ristorante, located on East Center Street in a charming old renovated building with exposed brick, offers classic Italian flavors & wine in a classy atmosphere. The presentation and service are excellent. Try the cannelloni or the Spaghetti Carbonara made in the Roman way.
ROGERS
Capriccio Ristorante $$$
5001 W Pauline Whitaker Pkwy,(479) 633-8954
When you dine at Capriccio Ristorante in Rogers, you can expect a meal you will remember for a very long time. Menu features many authentic Italian dishes including favorite seafood, veal, beef and pasta options. Table service is impeccable and friendly. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, this delightful restaurant should be at the top of your list.
Napoli’s Italian Restaurant $$
463 N 46th St, (479) 631-0851
Located on West Walnut St, Napoli’s Italian Restaurant serves some of the best Neapolitan style pizza in NWA. Even people from NYC rave about it. Try the Sausage Pizzaioa once, you’ll be hooked for life. Known in the region for its authentic Italian food, their pasta is amazing as is their Alfredo sauce.
SPRINGDALE
Fratelli’s Italian Grill $$
1008 W Sunset Ave, (479) 347-7562
A welcome addition the Springdale restaurant scene, Fratelli’s offers amazing classic Italian fare done right and delicious pizzas to please everyone in your family. The rolls are out-of-this-world, the various Italian dishes are spot on. The owners take pride in their fresh made cuisine, and also their service. The portions are large and the prices are affordable. Try the Lobster Ravioli and the Chicken Murphy.
Image Courtesy of Fratelli’s Italian Grill
HONORABLE MENTION
Venesian Inn $$
582 West Henri De Tonti Boulevard
Tontitown, AR
(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.
