LITTLE ROCK — Weekly theme listings reflect
a range of dining possibilities
in central Arkansas, across a spectrum of settings and price
ranges. Restaurant reviewers’
visits are anonymous and all expenses are paid by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Bargain means a meal (without beverage or dessert) is typically less than
$12. Moderate is $12 to $25.
Expensive is $25 and up. To read recent restaurant reviews in their
entirety, visit arkansasonline.
com/restaurants.
Italian UPDATE! CAFE PREGO 5510 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, 501) 663-5355 The new ownership of this popularfunky Italian-focused spot in the Heights plans to increase the size of the menu and the wine list but is keeping the staff intact.
Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate.
CIAO 405 W. Seventh St., Little Rock, (501) 372-0238 Hearty Italian specialties, European flair and a charming, seedy elegance await diners at this downtown triple storefront, well suited for a business lunch or a pre-show dinner.
Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Thu-Sat.
Full bar. Corkage fee. Reservations.
Moderate.
D’CARLO 12325 Stagecoach Road, Little Rock, (501) 407-0400 An excellent sweet basil marinarasauce continues to be the foundation of fine Southern Italian/ Sicilian pasta dishes and tasty pizza in this quaint, exuberantly decorated eatery, right on the Pulaski-Saline county line.
Dinner Mon-Sat. Beer, wine.
Moderate.
THE PASTA HOUSE RESTAURANT 1900 Club Manor Drive, Maumelle, (501) 803-3225 From the nondescript exterior of the Conway original, you’d certainly never guess what wonderful things go on inside - a tiny kitchen cooking up plentiful portions of pasta and fine Italian food.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Beer, wine in Maumelle. Reservations in Conway.
Moderate.
RISTORANTE CAPEO 425 Main St., North Little Rock, (501) 376-3463 This coy, cozy Northern Italian restaurant serves some of Argenta’s best cuisine - sumptuous pasta dishes, hearty grilled meats and rich desserts.
Dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Corkage fee. Reservations. Expensive.
ZAFFINO’S 2001 E. Kiehl Ave., Sherwood, (501) 834-7530 There is a decidedly casual feel about this ambitious Sherwood eatery that specializes in unpretentious and substantial Italian dishes, including pasta with rich sauces.
Dinner Tue-Sat. Beer, wine. Corkage fee. Reservations. Moderate.
Weekend, Pages 36 on 01/10/2013