Little Rock’s dining scene is bursting with fresh energy and creativity, thanks to a wave of exciting new restaurants opening in 2026.
Whether you’re craving high-end Southern, global street food, or contemporary takes on comfort classics, these five newcomers are setting the pace for Arkansas’s capital city.
1. Mockingbird Table & Bar – Modern Southern Fare
116 Louisiana St, Downtown Little Rock
Downtown’s newest hotspot, Mockingbird Table & Bar, reimagines Southern cuisine with local farmer partnerships and artful presentation.
Executive Chef Hana Williams crafts dishes like hickory-smoked duck gumbo, Delta catfish with pickled green tomato relish, and a bourbon-glazed sweet potato casserole that’s already legendary.
The handsome, airy dining room and clever cocktail program make this a prime destination for both celebrations and casual nights out.
2. Del Alma – Latin American with a Creative Twist
2920 Cantrell Rd, Riverdale
Del Alma has quickly won a loyal following for its vibrant Latin American menu and lively, colorful atmosphere.
Signature plates like Yucatán-style cochinita pibil tacos, Peruvian roasted chicken, and fresh ceviche fly from the open kitchen.
House-made salsas and a deep tequila and mezcal list power a standout bar program. Don’t skip the caramel flan or the street corn hushpuppies!
3. Métier – Upscale French-Inspired Bistro
502 Main St, Argenta Arts District
This cool Argenta bistro evokes old-world Paris with a distinctly Southern (and local) sensibility.
Expect elegant but accessible presentations of duck confit cassoulet, spring pea risotto, and seared Gulf shrimp with andouille beurre blanc.
Métier’s Saturday brunch is already drawing crowds for its croque madame and dreamy beignets. The romantic, brick-wrapped dining room makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
4. Ramen Kita – Japanese Soul Food in Hillcrest
3122 Kavanaugh Blvd, Hillcrest
A much-needed addition to Little Rock’s international eats, Ramen Kita delivers soul-warming bowls of tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso ramen, all with house-made noodles and creative toppings.
The spicy karaage chicken, pork gyoza, and bright house pickles round out the menu. Don’t miss the craft sake flights, and enjoy the cozy, minimalist setting that feels lifted from a Tokyo side street.
5. The Greenhouse – Elevated Plant-Based Dining
1423 South Main St, SoMa District
The Greenhouse brings inventive vegan and vegetarian cuisine to SoMa, delighting even carnivores with seasonal salads, jackfruit “crab” cakes, roasted cauliflower steaks, and tofu banh mi sandwiches. Sourcing locally and changing the menu frequently, The Greenhouse is all about big flavors and low carbon footprints. Their fresh juice bar, creative non-alcoholic cocktails, and charming garden patio have quickly made it a local favorite.
The Verdict
Little Rock in 2025 is packed with new reasons to eat out, from inventive Southern classics to global flavors and plant-based delights. These five restaurants spotlight the city’s hospitality, creativity, and growing culinary ambition—making them essential stops for locals and visitors alike.
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