Elegant Cuisine in Little Rock

Little Rock, like many Southern towns and even cities, did not have a good selection of restaurants that served really fine continental cuisine thirty or forty years ago. In the 1990s, however, the scene really began to change and for a multitude of reasons, cities began to experience a real expansion in dining options, both in the number of restaurants and in the variety of cuisine offered. Today, Little Rock has some lovely restaurants that serve interesting, imaginative cuisine in any number of styles.

http://www.bravenewrestaurant.com/
The Brave New Restaurant, owned and "chefed" by Peter Brave for over 16 years now, has been consistently voted Little Rock's Best.by several media publications. Aside from offering a lovely riverside patio for enjoying meals outdoors, this restaurant is, indeed, true to its name. Brave serves some very inventive dishes and tends to really concentrate heavily on very fresh seafood. There is fish on just about every course, even at lunch, where avocado and crabmeat are served on Bibb lettuce as a salad, or grilled tuna with walnuts tops a bed of mixed salad greens. He has partnered with a company in Arkansas that is producing its own brand of fresh "Arkansas-grown" shrimp called "Brave New Shrimp,'" and Peter says that it beats any other shrimp in a taste test. His lunch menu runs about $8-$14, so is quite reasonable given the quality of the food served. Pinenut Salmon, Pecan Trout, and Tilapia with Gran Marnier are some favorites on his dinner entrees. He serves duck and lamb and beef tenderloin with equal creativity. Salads are served fresh with every dinner entree. The price range here is around $17-$25. Lunch is served Mon.-Fri, 11-2; dinner is Mon.-Sat, 5-10. They can also serve private banquets for up to 50 people in their private banquet room.
2300 COTTONDALE LANE
SUITE 105
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72202
TEL 501-663-2677

Acadia is another popular restaurant that serves "eclectic" contemporary American food and it has received good reviews on several web sites. The chef is New Orleans-trained and the staff is said to be not only knowledgeable but very efficient. They serve a prix fixe menu on Tuesdays and Thursdays with the average price for an entree of around $15, according to Trip Advisor. I believe they've been open around 7 or 8 years now, so it's definitely stood the test of time that does most inferior restaurants in. The dining areas are understated, but the outdoors seems to have the most appeal because of the several decks and very romantic patio area for outdoor dining. They have a very good wine list. Call to see about reservations or to hear a sampling of their menu: 501-603-9630.
Acadia
3000 Kavanaugh Blvd.
Little Rock, AR 72205

http://www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com/
Sonny Williams isn't what the name implies. Yes, they serve the best top-quality steaks, but a master chef's hand is at play in the whole menu. Turtle Soup, Lobster and Artichoke Heart Bisque are hardly the usual steak house fare! Fried calamari, lump crab cakes and frog legs are some of the appetizers, none of which is over $14. The salad offerings are quite ample. Now, as to the dinner menu's entrees. All the steaks and all entrees are really pricey. The chataubriand, for instance, will set a diner back $54.95, and a porterhouse costs $38.95. The range of other entrees is from around $23 all the way to $59.95 for 1 1/2 lb. Alaskan King Crab Legs! They charge $5.75 to split an order, though, so I have a feeling that these dinners are quite large enough to split. Their seafood selections mirror the inventiveness of the appetizers and sound delicious, also in that general price range. The Wine Spectator awarded this restaurant and Award of Excellence for its extensive and very fine wine list. It is extremely varied, extensive and expensive. See for yourself on the web site.
There's a bar room that has live piano music Mon.-Sat. This place is evidently THE place for people to propose marriage or take important out-of-towners they want to really impress. They advise reservations: 501-324-2999.
500 President Clinton Avenue, Suite100
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
(In the River Market District)