Best Restaurants In Eureka Springs, Arkansas

| Photo by Bryan Woolbright on Unsplash
Sian Atkins

Eureka Springs is a friendly historic town nestled in the stunning Ozark mountains of Arkansas. From fine-dining establishments to home-cooked Southern comfort food, the buzzing culinary scene is bound to satisfy anyone’s taste buds. You’ll find gourmet regional food, Mexican with an Arkansas twist, French, Cajun, Italian and plenty of indulgent sweet treats as well. Here are ten of the very best picks.
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Local Flavor Café

Located in the historic heart of downtown Eureka Springs, this restaurant is headed up by owner and chef, Britt Evans, a sixth generation native Eurekan with a passion for serving fresh, gourmet-style regional food. Dine on an eclectic range of dishes, from the pear pistou and salmon caesar salad, to the flavor-loaded Sante Fe pita, or the gorgonzola caramelized onion burger. For dessert, be sure not to miss out on the hearty bread and butter pudding with bourbon cream. Dine on the outdoor patio and admire the bustling street scene, or sit inside to fully appreciate the warm atmosphere and inspiring local art that adorns the walls. Local Flavor Café also offers a substantial gluten-free menu, as well as an impressive list of wines and cocktails to complement your meal.

Ermilio’s

Boasting several local and regional awards, Ermilio’s has received rave reviews for its authentic down-to-earth Italian food and attentive service. Highlights of the menu include the roasted red pepper risotto, any one of the fish specials, the original take on lasagna, along with plenty of rustic bread and roasted garlic cloves. Have fun picking from the wide choice of freshly prepared sauces and dressings, made using gorgonzola, Italian sausage, grilled vegetables, pesto, meatballs, and more. The warm, welcoming staff ensures a memorable dining experience. Reservations aren’t accepted, but there is an outdoor porch and an upstairs seating area that are great places to unwind and enjoy a drink while you wait to be seated.

Mud Street Cafe

Coffee lovers everywhere will rejoice upon entering Mud Street Cafe. This historic restaurant boasts award-winning espressos, freshly ground and brewed coffees with strong distinctive flavors, along with an astonishing variety of teas. Mud Street Cafe also serves great food, especially if you’ve come in search of breakfast or dessert. Try the delicious omelets packed full of fresh ingredients, the veggie hash browns, or the spicy cinnamon rolls, and don’t miss out on the famous homemade muffins. The café is housed in a spacious old-fashioned room below street-level in so-called ‘underground’ Eureka. The interesting art work and friendly staff add even more charm to the experience.

The Stone House

The Stone House is a great place to stop by for those looking to unwind in a quaint, cozy setting with some great wine and tapas-style food. Indulge in a platter of sliced meats, handcrafted cheeses, breads and spreads. Select glasses from the extensive list of wines, and finish off with a tray of exotic fresh fruits. The Stone House is run by an enthusiastic team who is bound to make you feel right at home. The owners are eager to share some of the town’s history and local secrets with diners. There is also live entertainment on certain nights, including hillbilly music from the Camptown Ladies band.

Nibbles Eatery

Despite what the name suggests, this place offers a substantial menu along with generous portions that are great for both lunch and dinner. All the food is prepared by a talented chef with a commitment to using quality, fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Choose from a selection of sandwiches, gourmet salads, quiches, and quesadillas. Round off your meal with a rich coffee or one of the thick smoothies. Located in the heart of the historic downtown area, and run by passionate owners who provide gracious service, this charming restaurant is a must-try in Eureka Springs.

Grand Taverne

The Grand Taverne restaurant, which forms part of the historic Grand Central Hotel, focuses on elegant American and French-inspired cuisine served in a fine-dining setting. The immaculate presentation, candlelit tables, sophisticated décor and piano playing create a refined ambience, making it a particularly good option for romantic dinners and special occasions. The Grand Taverne is renowned for its fish and seafood dishes. Be sure to sample the meaty crab cakes, ribeye steak, or the red lentil-encrusted walleye halibut. The lounge is an atmospheric place to unwind in a more laid-back setting. The bar offers a full drinks list, including beers, wine, whiskey, and liquors, along with specialty drinks such as the decadent chocolate martini.

Oasis

This small, quirky restaurant treats diners to a delicious array of ‘Ark-Mex’ dishes packed full of flavor-loaded fresh ingredients. Select from a choice of creatively prepared enchiladas, tacos, pies, pizzas and melts, along with a few unique house specialties. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by choice, you won’t do much better than the baked quesadilla of the day served with the restaurant’s legendary salsa verde. With the plethora of salads and fresh greens on offer, Oasis is a particularly good option for vegetarians and vegans. Tucked down a narrow side alley down a flight of stairs, it’s not the easiest place to find, but well worth making the extra effort.

Rockin Pig Saloon

Rockin Pig combines a steakhouse, pizzeria and a biker-friendly bar all in one. It makes a great spot for some hearty American food that far exceeds the standard fare. Dishes range from burgers and sandwiches, to tender steaks served with braised collard greens, as well as large crispy pizzas, wood-baked pies and brisket tacos. The top quality burgers made with Kobe beef, along with the house-cut BBQ fries and smoked jalapeño poppers, receive regular rave reviews. Expect large portions, craft beer on tap, fast service, and a lively bar at the weekends or during sports matches.

Le Stick Noveau

Le Stick Noveau offers guests fine dining and French-inspired cuisine at affordable prices. This restaurant is led by a talented chef who thrives on adding creative twists to traditional dishes, experimenting with novel cooking techniques and dabbling in molecular gastronomy. Highlights not to be missed include the scallops, French onion soup, beef bourguignon, and the risotto. Finish your meal with the decadently moreish three-layer chocolate torte. The professional staff, hip décor, cozy private booths and innovative drinks menu all serve to greatly enhance the experience.

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