6 Local Chefs Reveal Their Favorite Things To Eat in Metro Little Rock
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Sick of scrolling through Yelp reviews? Online critiques can only get you so far. We talked to six of Little Rock’s top chefs to get the scoop on the area’s best dining, including their personal recommendations.
Bruno’s Little Italy | Owner/Chef Vince Bruno
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Owners Chef Vince Bruno and his brother Gio took the reins and brought new life to their father’s beloved restaurant, a place with rich history here. Chef Bruno says...
You must order... Start with a plate of toasted ravioli before moving on to a local favorite, and a Chef Bruno’s own specialty—the Manicotti nel Forno.
If you must go somewhere else... Chef Bruno, like most Arkansans, has a soft spot for fried chicken. If you’re looking to feel like a true local, he recommends you head for Sims Bar-B-Que.
Boulevard Bread Co. | Owner/Head Baker Sonia Schaefer
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If you wonder why the name “Boulevard” keeps popping up in local conversation, that’s because this beloved chain (with a brand new bistro) is a Little Rock staple. Owner Sonia says...
You must order... Grab a fresh baked pastry to go or settle in with the Pasta alla Bolognese, a perfect balance of bright tomato flavor and rich cream sauce.
If you must go somewhere else... “If I go anywhere for a drink, it is usually the White Water Tavern. It’s in my neighborhood and I really like the folks that run the place.”
The Fold Botanas Bar | Chef Alex Smith
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The hippest new restaurant in Riverdale— due in part to its trendy crowd and cool atmosphere—The Fold offers a fresh and creative menu. Chef Smith says...
You must order... Get a table on the patio, order the pork torta and don’t pass on the margaritas.
If you must go somewhere else... “My current favorite is The Pantry Crest. Because of my late hours, it’s nice to have somewhere in my neighborhood to get a nice meal after work while continuing to support a local business.”
Piro Brick Oven & Barroom | Chef/Co-Owner Jason Neidhardt
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New to trendy SoMa in downtown Little Rock, Piro serves traditional Neapolitan-style pizza served in a casual-cool setting and featuring a full bar with 20 beers on tap (including many local craft brews). Chef Neidhardt says...
You must order... Start off with the beef carpaccio, then go for the Salsiccia Pizza.
If you must go somewhere else... “I go to Maddie’s Place as often as I can. I used to live in New Orleans and Maddie’s is the only place in town that comes close. Their crawfish gnocchi just might be the best plate in Arkansas.”
Best hidden gem in Little Rock...
“H.B.’s Bar-B-Q is such a great local spot. It has so much charm and good food..."
Sushi Café | Chef Jose Laguna
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Hailed as one of the city’s best sushi spots, Sushi Café draws the locals in for creative rolls like One Hot Mama and Mango Tango, and the American kobe burger is hard to beat. Chef Laguna says...
You must order... The Pad Thai or the lamb burger
If you must go somewhere else... When he’s not creating new menu items for the Café, you’ll find Chef Laguna at Chi’s Dim Sum & Bistro or The Pantry.
Cache | Chef Payne Harding
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Although the restaurant is named after the Cache River in rural northeast Arkansas, this place is anything but rustic. Instead, you’ll feel like you’re in a major metropolitan city while enjoying the world-class food or sipping cocktails at its glamorous bar. Chef Harding says...
You must order... the filet of beef with truffle demi, whipped potatoes, haricot vert and red peppers.
If you must go somewhere else...“I love any place with pimento cheese and toast.* It’s a real Southern classic."
*Find pimento cheese at Taziki’s, Capital Bar & Grill, Burge’s in The Heights, South on Main and other local restaurants.