25 Best Restaurants in Fayetteville to Visit (For First Timer!)

Restaurants in Fayetteville are some of the best in Arkansas, and there are many reasons for that.

In case you’re unfamiliar with Fayetteville, the city is known for its academic excellence, innovative spirit, and stunning scenery.

They are renowned for having excellent cuisine options, including some award-winning locations.

In fact, it is popularly referred to as the entertainment center of Northwest Arkansas.

Besides, there are many excellent eating places to pick from in Fayetteville’s many eateries. You’ll almost certainly find a restaurant serving whatever cuisine you’re in the mood for.

There is an authentic experience around every corner, whether you are strolling down Dickson Street or downtown Fayetteville.

Whether Italian, Mexican, barbecue, or even seafood, restaurants in Fayetteville always come through, and you will always be satisfied.

Restaurants in Fayetteville

1. Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese

In the center of Fayetteville’s entertainment district, just off Dickson Street, is where you’ll find Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese.

Countless bars, stores, and downtown attractions are all within walking distance of this restaurant.

As might be expected, locals enthusiastically endorse Hammontree’s as a very informal, welcoming, and open location.

One thing in their meal is that they have the science of sandwiches figured out.

The Bacon & Gouda Fries and the Pig Sooie Sandwich are two of the more well-liked menu items here.

Some of the region’s tastiest grilled cheese sandwiches can also be found at Hammontree Grilled Cheese.

There is a kids’ menu and a fantastic selection of local beers here, so there is something for everyone!

Their daily specialties menu provides a huge selection of freshly produced soups.

The restaurant also features a bar area and TV, which are arranged so anyone who wishes to watch them may do so from the inside seating area.

Address: 326 N West Ave #8, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States

2. The Farmer’s Table Cafe

The farmer’s table cafe is a small old house turned into a busy and popular dining spot.

Farmers Table has steadily increased in popularity since it first opened in the Spring of 2012.

The cafe offers beautiful views and a large selection of food options, including a Full English Breakfast and light meals.

Breakfast seems to be very popular, and the choices of farm-to-table fresh options are varied.

The in-house chef has invested much time to ensure that the food is original, fresh, and sound.

The casual, funky, home-style interior and calico cloth napkins add to the delicious, fresh, home-style food.

The food at this cozy café is superb, and the overall atmosphere will make you feel at home.

In fact, many of the ingredients used in this restaurant are sourced from regional farmers in Fayetteville and the neighboring areas.

Visit this restaurant before 3 PM to sample something delicious because it serves breakfast and lunch.

However, while the cuisine is excellent, you may have to wait up to an hour for a table if you visit on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

Address: 1079 S School Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States

3. Bocca Italian eatery & pizzeria

Becca is one of the top Italian restaurants in Fayetteville and is housed in a former Backyard Burger building.

It is a quaint Italian eatery with a fantastic menu.

On the palate, you’ll find inventive and lively takes on classic Italian dishes infused with a local’s love of craft and vigor.

Additionally, fresh ingredients, house-made pasta, sauces, bread, mozzarella, and wood-fired pizzas are available at the Italian restaurant.

The menu changes seasonally and features hyper-fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

They also offer drive-thru service in addition to indoor and outdoor seats.

They serve fresh bread with Land O’Lakes butter and pureed garlic as appetizers. Of course, you might also place a second order.

Address: 2036 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703, United States

4. Smitty’s Garage Burgers & Beer, Fayetteville

If you want a fast lunch, are with a party, or just want an appetizer and a delicious drink, Smitty’s is the kind of place you go.

Three men had the idea to start The Garage when they sat down and decided they wanted to serve the best-tasting hamburgers and freshly cut fries.

They began experimenting, and the result was this garage, one of the best burger restaurants in Fayetteville.

The menu is fantastic and offers a variety of ways to prepare your hamburger.

The garage serves burgers made with bison, turkey, and Angus meat, as well as tacos, fork-and-knife hot dogs, and freshly cut fries.

Even the bathrooms are decorated excellently, and there is a small arcade.

Address: 100 E Joyce Blvd #102, Fayetteville, AR 72703, United States

5. Vetro 1925

What comes to your mind when you hear Italian food? Pasta? Well, it’s more than that, and you are about to find out.

Vetro 1925 is conveniently situated on Center Street, right off the central square. The restaurant is one of many things that make Fayetteville a great destination.

In fact, if this restaurant were in a large city, you would have to fight your way in.

The restaurant is constructed inside an eighty-seven-year-old ancient edifice while following Italian architectural traditions.

The chef’s wide selection of sauces enhances the excellent Italian menu.

Try the lamb chops, which are to die for, the pig loin in Frangelico cream sauce, any of his ravioli starters, and the tiramisu.

You don’t want to rush to get in and out of a venue like this. Not because they can’t accommodate a quick meal but rather because the environment calls for taking it all in.

The chef always has a beautiful, one-of-a-kind presentation, and you can never go wrong with ordering it.

Just be careful not to arrive too close to noon, or you might miss out.

Similarly, if you don’t get the chef’s daily special, there are plenty of other selections for every taste. They will at least do their utmost to accommodate any specific requirements.

Many of the menus are gluten-free and always have vegetarian and vegan options!

Address: 100 E Joyce Blvd #102, Fayetteville, AR 72703, United States

6. Feed and Folly

Feed and folly is one of the best restaurants in Fayetteville, serving everyday foods.

The restaurant serves American food on the menu with a few things that have a faint British touch.

This hidden gem is located downtown, just off the square. The restaurant has a welcoming, cool, and cozy atmosphere.

Everyone can find something they like among their diverse choices, all of which are extremely good.

The pork belly, fish tacos, Reuben, poutine, burgers, salads, and other dishes are all of the highest quality.

They also have an excellent selection of beer, specialty cocktails, and other plants that brighten the atmosphere.

On a brisk spring night outside, the rooftop has many places to light fires to stay warm.

You can choose to dine on the rooftop but check the weather.

Address: 110 S College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States

7. Theo’s – Fayetteville

Theo’s is the ideal place in Fayetteville for a meal after work or a special night out.

In the center of action in Fay, just off Dickson Street, is a charming eatery called Theo’s.

Theo’s offers simple yet elegant food in the contemporary American style that combines the coastal cuisine’s freshness with the warmth of regional cooking and hospitality.

Both inside and outdoors of this restaurant, there is a fantastic atmosphere. The meal is tasty and expertly cooked, and the menu is distinctive.

Besides, you can tell this restaurant is the perfect one when you walk in and drink at the bar before sitting down for dinner.

Given how busy Dickson Street can get, finding a lovely, quiet restaurant just one block from all the bars is a real treat, and you shouldn’t pass it up.

Overall, there is a fantastic oasis of delicious food, top-notch wine, and atmosphere.

Address: 318 Campbell Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States

8. Mockingbird Kitchen

Looking for gourmet restaurants in Fayetteville? Mockingbird kitchen is gourmet food at its finest.

This tiny eatery is tucked away at the back of a strip mall.

The chef is highly talented and adds flair to every farm-to-table creation.

The food has the fancy look and rich flavors of high-end restaurant fare but without the high price tag. In fact, each plate feels carefully curated for each individual diner.

Don’t let the fact that this tiny cafe is situated in a strip mall turn you off.

The menu features modern Southern fare like meatloaf, catfish, and fried chicken.

Oh, let’s not forget the grits! Even if you don’t like grits, you must have them. They taste like heaven in the mouth.

When you visit Mockingbird for brunch, you can be sure that you will have a fantastic meal! The choice between chicken and waffles, brioche french toast, and eggs benedicts with duck is never easy.

Address: 1466 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703, United States

9. Hugo’s Restaurant

Hugo’s is one of the most iconic restaurants in Fayetteville.

The restaurant is a modest downtown pub housed in a basement.

Although you might need to use your phone to see the menu due to the lighting, this place has an excellent and distinct culture.

They are known for their burgers, which are one of the best around.

The Bistro offers breakfast, dinner, and bar services.

In addition to burgers, they serve a wide variety of starters, main courses, and desserts, such as their famous homemade french fries, beer cheese soup, and grasshopper crepes.

Overall, if you are a local or just passing through, you must eat at Hugo’s, a Fayetteville institution.

Address: 25 1/2 N Block Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States

10. Bordinos Restaurant

Bordinos is a premium Italian dining establishment you do not want to miss.

The well-liked eatery has modern, elegant decor and serves weekend brunch and wine flights to a thronging crowd.

Its modern design, darkwood furniture, and scarlet carpeting provide a stunning backdrop for delectable meals.

Similarly, despite having an Italian focus, the menu also offers other options.

The brunch menu at Bordinos includes eggs benedict, French toast, biscuits & gravy, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken biscuits.

You can choose from salads, small plates, pasta, steak, game, and seafood for lunch and dinner at the restaurant.

Additionally, Bordinos has a prix fixe menu that consists of an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert, such as Caesar salad, petit tenderloin, and sorbet.

The tequila and wine selection in the cozy bar are also very good.

Address: 310 W Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States

11. Cafe Rue Orleans

If you are looking for family-friendly restaurants in Fayetteville, you should consider café Rue Orleans.

Cafe Rue Orleans provides a pleasant, laid-back setting for family eating with a touch of New Orleans.

Carla Williams and chef Maudie Schmitt launched Cafe Rue in 2010.

The location of Cafe Rue Orleans is the first thing you should be aware of.

Due to its location inside the Hi-Way Inn Motel complex on North College Avenue, this place can be a little tricky to discover.

They provide a variety of foods that are all freshly made.

In the Catfish Cecile, a good-sized, high-quality catfish fillet is encased in a creamy etouffee sauce with good-sized crawfish.

There’s a separate restaurant, the Avenue Seafood Bar, which is located downstairs and is only open on specific days; It is a great place to consider after visiting café Rue.

Address: 1150 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703, United States

12. The Avenue Seafood Bar

Located close to café Rue, the venue seafood bar is where you want to go during the crawfish and oyster seasons to devour a plate of crawfish or oysters.

The restaurant offers a variety of affordable, high-quality seafood options.

In fact, it is one of those restaurants in Fayetteville where, after a few visits, they will recognize you.

The freshest seafood is available, and there are excellent recommendations for how to cook and serve it.

Besides, fish is usually fresh and reasonably priced, while crabs, oysters, lobsters, and other hard-to-find fresh seafood are also delicious.

Depending on the day, they may also have cod, salmon, halibut, snapper, Arctic char, and other fish.

Address: 1150 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703, United States

13. Penguin Ed’s Bar-B-Que

If you want to feel relaxed, like chatting with pals at the kitchen table, this is the place to go.

The restaurant has kept the distinct decor and menu that generations of fans remember.

Walk in and grab a booth; there is another room to the left if the entrance room is full. You can even sit outside on lovely days.

Pick up the vintage phone on the wall in your booth, decide what you want to eat, and then contact the kitchen with your order.

There is a sizable menu with affordable comfort food, and drinks can be refilled at no additional cost.

The Memphis-style pulled pork sandwich on Texas Toast is about as good as it gets.

Additionally, the restaurant does a fantastic job explaining the name’s origin on the menu and in various displays throughout the space.

Spend a few minutes perusing a portion of the collection.

Breakfast items like eggs, bacon, sausage, and bread are excellent. Try the pulled pork or sliced brisket sandwiches for lunch, and go for the ribs for dinner.

Address: 230 S E Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States

14. Wood Stone Craft Pizza

Wood Stone Craft pizza is the place to go for thin crust, Italian-style pizza, and a delicious wedge salad.

Because of its distinctive wood-fired pizza, this restaurant serves one of the lunches in Fayetteville for fans of Italian food.

The wood-fired ovens used to make the pizzas here offer the crusts a great toasty aroma and flavor.

In fact, you know you’re at the correct place when you enter past the blazing oven, and the aroma of hot pizza hits you.

The meatballs, chicken wings, and other appetizers are all excellent.

The pizzas are also fantastic and made with a lot of locally sourced ingredients.

The Buffalo pizza is one of the best because of the insanely delicious Buffalo cream sauce base.

You can also try the wedge salad, a handmade dressing, grape tomatoes, and to-die-for candied almonds.

Additionally, they provide unique cocktails! The pomegranate margarita, lavender gimlet, bee’s knees, and mai tai are all excellent choices.

Address: 557 S School Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States

15. Renzo’s Pasta & Italian Steakhouse

Here’s another Italian restaurant you should try out while in Fayetteville. The Steakhouse serves up delicious Italian specialties every day.

You might be hesitant to try this restaurant because it is located in a strip mall. But as soon as you walk in, you can tell it will be great.

When you choose to eat at Renzo’s Pasta & Italian Steakhouse, the enticing flavors of old-world Italy come to life with every bite.

The meal is consistent of a high caliber. Try the appetizers with portobello mushrooms.

They can also prepare various delicious, succulent steaks to your preferences, including the Fiorentine sirloin, Tuscan ribeye, New York strip, and tiny filet.

Chicken Alfredo, Fried Ravioli, Chicken Parmesan, and Lasagna are also all outstanding.

Address: 1214 Garland Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703, United States

16. Rolando’s Restaurante

Rolando’s Restaurante is a nice location to stop for a full meal or a happy hour drink at the bar if you are attending a play or simply walking about downtown.

Located close to the Walton Arts Center and Theatre Squared, this sophisticated Mexican restaurant is the ideal choice to grab some Mexican cuisine.

You can eat a wonderful dinner, enjoy the available parking in the main lot, and arrive at the concert without having to hustle.

There are options for both inside and outdoor seating.

The menu at Rolando’s features distinctive food, and the restaurant’s golden walls and exquisite meal presentations are evidence of the chef’s artistic talent.

Most entrees include white rice, cheese-topped black beans, marinated cucumber slices, and red onion slices. Similarly, several different colored sauces are used to adorn the sides of the dishes.

Address: 509 W Spring St, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States

17. A Taste of Thai

If you want one of the best Thai restaurants in Fayetteville, go to A taste of Thai.

A Taste of Thai is a little off the beaten path but is well worth the venture over to the “square” in Fayetteville.

The location on Center Street, just off the square, is perfect for those enjoying Fayetteville’s downtown.

Taste of Thai consistently offers some of the city’s best curries, salads, noodles, and Bahn mi sandwiches.

In addition to serving beautiful meals, the eating area is also very comfortable and soothing.

Despite being crowded, they do not rush you through your lunch.

Get the Sampler Appetizer to sample multiple dishes (featuring dumplings, potstickers, wontons, and coconut shrimp).

For your main course, get the Mango Curry Chicken with a side of Steamed White Rice.

They also have gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly options.

Address: 31 E Center St #100, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States

18. Sassy’s Red House

Sassy’s Red House is also one of the best restaurants in Fayetteville you shouldn’t miss.

Sometimes the restaurant is packed. But when a location is as packed as Sassy’s Red House, you should know there must be a special attraction.

This historic structure on the city’s south side is equipped with a bar, numerous televisions, and sports decor.

Sassy’s Red House offers patio seating for dogs and an excellent barbecue slathered with Sassy’s secret sauce.

Tex-Mex nachos, cheddar burgers, smoked tacos, Buffalo chicken wraps, catfish po’boys, and ribeye steak are just a few of the delectable dishes on the tasty menu.

If you’d like to bring your dog, they’ll always bring a water bowl for the pet.

Fried pickles there are a must-try! Even the smoked chicken is excellent; the smoke is very evident in the smoked chicken.

They also serve catfish, which doesn’t have a greasy or heavy flavor.

Overall, they have an excellent southern-style menu featuring sandwiches, fried foods (including pickles), shrimp, and BBQ. Good beer selection and a full bar.

Address: 708 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States

19. Eclectic Kitchen

Want cozy restaurants in Fayetteville? Visit Eclectic Kitchen. Don’t come here for the atmosphere, but come for the food.

It is located in an old strip mall, and even the chef comes out to chat with diners in this tiny, cozy restaurant.

In fact, if you are local, you should consider why you have not visited this establishment.

It is impossible to accurately convey the greatness of the restaurant’s chef, food, and personnel.

It is a fantastic location to eat, with excellent high-end cuisine and reasonable costs.

Because the restaurant is getting popular and known for its food, the service might be a bit slow on some days; however, be patient; it is worth it!

Address: 1218 Garland Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703, United States

20. Catfish Hole Fayetteville

The name says it all; Catfish. So, if you love catfish, you know where you have to go if you love catfish and seafood.

They start by bringing you the best hush puppies in the world! The hush puppies melt in your mouth, and you will not be able to stop eating them!

They also bring you sweet peppers and cole slaw. These three things will be endless at your table. In fact, up until the time of your dinner, the bowls are regularly refilled.

Although they offer other items like steak and various seafood, this eatery might not be for you if you don’t like fried seafood.

However, there is no denying that the fried catfish, which is the restaurant’s specialty, is excellent.

Address: 4127 W Wedington Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704, United States

21. Nomads

The best spot to go is Nomads if you want something well-created, delicious, and handcrafted.

Nomads, a restaurant off the Razorback Greenway, offers a wide assortment of high-end mimosas, excellent Bloody Marys, and an incredible choice of mouthwatering meals.

Once you walk in, there’s a funky-eclectic decor and vibe. The menu is up on a podium. You decide what you want and then go to the bar area to order.

The service is attentive and friendly, the music is perfect, and the environment is fun-focused.

The extensive menu at Nomads includes a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan alternatives, Arkansas free-range elk, and items from nearby farmers’ markets.

There is also an excellent assortment of vegetarian options and a wall housing several craft beers and specially created shrub syrups used in Fayetteville’s most incredible drinks.

Address: 1431 S School Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States

22. Herman’s Ribhouse

Since 1964, Herman’s Rib House has been a Fayetteville landmark. Every University of Arkansas student, past and current, has lovely memories of this location.

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily and is renowned for its many house specialties.

Be sure to check out the genuine Razorback stuff displayed on the walls! A previous football player or players may even be in the space.

Don Tyson’s shirt is framed, pinned, and hanging on the wall! If you’re not familiar with Don Tyson, look him up online!

These are REAL Fayetteville residents, not stock photographs! Who knows, you might even recognize someone in a picture.

Similarly, the meals will not disappoint, despite the fact that the establishment had endured a significant fire and a change of ownership from when it was first established.

The half rack of ribs, the BBQ chicken dinners, the filet of tenderloin plates, the premium bone-in rib eye steaks, and the large deluxe burgers are all perennial favorites on the Herman’s Rib House menu.

Herman’s is constantly busy, especially on Saturdays when Arkansas plays football.

The staff greets you at the door and immediately helps you find a seat. On the South side of the building, there is a patio bar area where you can pass any waiting time.

Once seated, savor the free salsa and crackers that are provided at each table. There are no frills, but the service is efficient and “down home” pleasant.

Overall, if you’re searching for a typical BBQ joint, you can see other restaurants in Fayetteville. However, if you’re searching for fantastic ribs, this is the spot.

Address: 2901 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703, United States

23. JJ’s Grill Fayetteville

JJ’s Grill is based in Northwest Arkansas and has locations in Fayetteville, Rogers, Bella Vista, Fort Smith, Little Rock, and Conway.

Right in the middle of the busiest Dixon Street bars and eateries is where you will find this beautiful restaurant.

The cozy bar, plenty of tables and booths, big screen TVs, and a rustic setting set the mood for a relaxed evening.

There are two areas: one is more outside and airy, and the other is more conventional and confined.

Because the University of Arkansas is so close by, this is a location for young people. Both the service and the food are consistently top-notch.

On weekdays there is free live music by local musicians. You owe it to your mouth to sample the diversity JJ’s has to offer.

Address: 1271 Steamboat Dr #7, Fayetteville, AR 72704, United States

24. Black Bear Diner Fayetteville

Black beat dinner is one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Fayetteville.

The Black Bear Diner in Fayetteville, Arkansas, features a themed outdoor environment and is situated on College Avenue.

You have the impression that you are in the Colorado Rocky Mountains’ bear area, even though this restaurant is right in the center of the Ozarks.

It is renowned for its generous serving sizes and consistently excellent traditional American comfort meals and sweets.

During peak times, there can be a bit of a wait, but customers vouch that it is well worth it.

Additionally, the food servings here are typical of what you could find at grandma’s place and are plenty to satisfy a hungry family.

A very popular menu item is breakfast food, which includes mouthwatering sweet cream pancakes, excellent omelets, and mouthwatering burritos.

Address: 4078 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703, United States

25. Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe

Taziki’s is a fresh and healthy alternative to fast food. In fact, it is the ideal location for a quick, nutritious lunch or a leisurely Mediterranean evening with your preferred bottle of wine.

The menu at this restaurant has a lot of delicious and unusual options. It is distinct from the local cuisine at large. Similar to a fast food restaurant, you place your order at a counter.

Try the chocolate cake; it is so delicious that you won’t be able to stop eating it.

Additionally, the Greek dressing is spot on. Other favorites include their grilled chicken feast and beef gyro.

Address: 95 E Joyce Blvd, Fayetteville, AR 72703, United States

Final Remarks

You can be sure that restaurants in Fayetteville won’t disappoint. Because there are many excellent eating places to pick from in Fayetteville’s many eateries, you’ll certainly find a restaurant serving whatever cuisine you’re in the mood for.