Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Little Rock

This award-winning restaurant is quite successful and well-known in the city. Its delicious pulled pork, baby-back ribs and beef brisket are bringing in call after call for catering orders, and the cafe is always full. The cafe uses a cute pig motif to keep the place fun, with pig curtains, aprons and tablecloths. The service is extremely friendly and accommodating. Catering is available for all your corporate or other celebrations.

The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium features more than 200 beers from over 15 countries. The Ace Apple and Pear Cider on tap are out of this world. Drink specials every Monday through Wednesday nights help offset the expense. A variety of appetizers and entrees will keep your stomach from grumbling. The nacho grande saucedillas are excellent. Cigar aficionados will find a wide selection to smoke while lounging on a sofa inside or watching passers-by from an outside bench.

Star of India gives new meaning to the word "hospitality," warmly welcoming each guest to this intimate restaurant by name. The accompanying feast combines fresh ingredients, authentic recipes and gorgeous presentation. The onion Kulcha bread is scrumptious, but when combined with the Saag Paneer, tender chunks of homemade cheese in lightly-seasoned creamed spinach, it is sheer heaven. If you like spicy, try the lamb vindaloo. Or, just sample a bit of everything on the daily lunch buffet. Portions are large, so expect leftovers, and then save room for dessert. Finish with a glass of Indian marsala tea.

Having trained at the St. Francis in San Francisco and the Capital Hotel in Little Rock, chef and owner Peter Brave has created a popular niche with his exquisite cuisine and casual atmosphere. For starters try the goat cheese mouse, or you might prefer the large gulf shrimp marinated with sliced red onion, dill and vinegar. For dinner, try the pine nut crusted salmon filet sautéed and topped with pesto.

Offering alternative music shows, the best brews and great food for little money, Vino's Pizza-Pub-Brewery is a popular spot for a variety of crowds. The restaurant features huge portions of pizza, sandwiches and salads at great prices. The Margarita pizza is incredibly cheesy and indulgent. This pub boasts 10 special brews, including Shamrock Stout and Quapaw Quarter Porter. The back room sees the most excitement, with nightly performances from alternative bands to poetry slams.

This tiny restaurant, located in the charming Heights' district, draws a fairly-large, mid-30s crowd each weekend. The prices are a bit higher than your average Chinese restaurant, but this place is anything but average. The menu includes revamped versions of the usual Chinese fare, each served with artistic presentation. Look for larger, fresher vegetables and more generous servings of meat and seafood. The atmosphere is contemporary and upbeat, with modern Chinese rock in the background. Free delivery is available in a limited area.