Feb 4, 2022 - Food and Drink
10 romantic restaurants in Northwest Arkansas
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If cheese on fire doesn't say romance, we're not sure what does. This is the queso fundido from Rolando's. Photo: Emma Way/Axios
It's time to make dinner reservations if you're taking someone special out for Valentine's Day. And you can keep these restaurants in mind for date nights year-round, too.
- Here are 10 ideas:
Tavola Trattoria
- Vibe: Modern bistro.
- On the menu: All things Italian — classic pasta and pizza with an extensive wine list.
- Hours: 11am–9:30pm Friday and Saturday, 10am–8pm Sunday, 11am–8pm Monday, 11am–9pm Tuesday through Thursday.
- Location: 108 SE A St. in Bentonville
Bordinos
- Vibe: Upscale without being too pretentious.
- On the menu: Main dishes like braised lamb shank and cold smoked duck breast, pasta and risotto.
- Hours: 4:30–9pm Tuesday through Thursday, 4:30–10pm Friday and Saturday.
- Location: 310 W. Dickson St. in Fayetteville.
The Hive
- Vibe: Trendy, eclectic, artsy.
- On the menu: It changes, but the restaurant describes itself as "refined country cooking." Try the pimento cheese appetizer and don't miss the cocktails.
- Bonus: It's inside 21C Museum Hotel, so you and your date can also wander around and look at art or book a room for a staycation.
- Hours: Open 5:30–9pm daily for dinner. See other hours.
- Location: 200 NE A St. in Bentonville.
Crabby's Seafood Bar & Grill
- Vibe: Like you'll also want to return with your parents or your boss.
- On the menu: It's a big one. This place has all you'd expect in a seafood restaurant plus steaks, pasta and plenty of appetizers. It's easy to run up a tab here, but not inevitable with lower-priced items like fish tacos and sandwiches.
- Hours: 11am–9pm Tuesday through Thursday, 11am-10pm Friday, 10am-2pm and 4-10pm Saturday, 10am-2pm Sunday, 4-9pm Monday.
- Location: 1800 S. 52nd St. in Rogers.
Mermaid's Seafood Restaurant
- Vibe: Dim lighting, a fountain, several dining rooms — kind of feels like you're in a castle.
- On the menu: Very surf and turf with some pasta thrown in. And there's a special Valentine’s Day menu for $75 a person.
- Hours: 11am–2pm and 5–8:30pm Tuesday through Thursday, 11am–2pm and 5–9pm Friday and 4–9pm Saturday.
- Location: 2217 N. College Ave. in Fayetteville.
TULA
- Vibe: Cool aesthetic and totally Instagram-able.
- On the menu: Mexican food. And you definitely don't want to overlook the appetizers like taquitos or tamales.
- Hours: 11am–2pm and 5–9pm Monday through Thursday, 11am–2pm and 5–10pm Friday and Saturday.
- Location: Suite 160 inside the Pryor Center, 1 E. Center St. in Fayetteville.
Pastafina
- Vibe: It's a residential home-turned-restaurant and still feels homey.
- On the menu: It’s everything you expect when you go out for Italian and you don’t overpay. Most of the non-seafood entrées are around $15-$20.
- Hours: 11am–10pm Tuesday through Sunday.
- Location: 1045 E. Lowell Ave. in Cave Springs.
Theo's
- Vibe: Upscale bar scene that's appropriate for a college date splurge as well as Mom and Dad.
- On the menu: The Fayetteville and Rogers restaurants have different menus so you can take your pick. They’re both upscale American.
- Hours: 4–10pm Monday through Saturday in Rogers; 5–10pm Monday through Saturday in Fayetteville.
- Locations: Rogers' Theo's is at 3300 S. Market St., Ste. 100 and Fayetteville's Theo's is at 318 Campbell Ave.
Rolando's
- Vibe: Relaxed and fun. Makes you want a margarita. And they have good ones.
- On the menu: Creative Latin American dishes that will leave you with leftovers. Alex’s pick is the quesadillas de chivo with either chicken or shrimp.
- Hours: 11am–9pm Monday through Saturday and 11am–8pm Sunday.
- Location: 509 W. Spring St. in Fayetteville.
Petit Bistro
- Vibe: It's in a cozy farmhouse.
- On the menu: French and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Hours: 5–8pm Monday through Thursday and 5–9pm Friday and Saturday.
- Location: 2702 N. Walton Blvd. in Bentonville.