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.
Eclectic
BRAVE NEW RESTAURANT
2300 Cottondale Lane, Little Rock, (501) 663-2677
Chef-owner Peter Brave consistently fulfills his advertised promise of the freshest and highest-quality ingredients with an eclectic New American tenor. The spacious deck overlooking the Arkansas River is one of Little Rock's loveliest dining venues.
Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Corkage fee. Reservations. Expensive.
CAPERS
14502 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 868-7600
With wine country flair and Southern fare (Gulf seafood, fried catfish, fried green tomatoes with homemade tomato jam, etc.), this award-winning west Little Rock eatery caters to classy couples and ladies who lunch.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat, brunch Sat. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate-expensive.
CIAO BACI
605 N. Beechwood St., Little Rock, (501) 603-0238
Chef Jeff Owen has upgraded (both in quality and price) the menu at this stylish Hillcrest cottage that once focused on tapas, adding more full meal options and maintaining an award-winning wine list. And it's still the place for the young and well-heeled to see, be seen, drink and nibble.
Dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Reservations (eight or more). Moderate-expensive.
COPPER GRILL
300 Third Tower, 300 E. Third St., Little Rock, (501) 375-3333
Capers and Cajun's Wharf magnate Mary Beth Ringgold has struck culinary gold with an eclectic, slightly eccentric menu in a copper-dominated decor.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate-expensive.
UPDATE! LOCA LUNA
3519 Old Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 663-4666
There has been a recent remodeling and a pending menu tweak at what uber-foodie Rachael Ray once hailed as "one of America's best neighborhood restaurants," but nobody's getting rid of Mark Abernathy's fabulous Blue Mesa cheese dip or the brick-oven-baked pizzas.
Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sun, brunch Sun. Full bar. Reservations (seven or more people). Moderate.
UPDATE! RED DOOR
3701 Old Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 666-8482
Mark Abernathy's next-door restaurant retains some of the Italian entrees from its former incarnation, plus an eclectic range of first-rate fish dishes that includes -- surprise! -- fantastic steaks.
Brunch Tue-Sat, lunch Mon-Sat, dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations (seven or more people). Moderate.
UPDATE! SO RESTAURANT BAR
3610 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 663-1464
Though the menu has expanded in recent years to include top-notch poultry and steaks, there's still an emphasis on seafood (including raw bar), plus fancy cocktails and first-rate desserts, at this intimate Hillcrest establishment, part neighborhood pub, part Parisian bistro.
Lunch Mon-Sat, dinner daily. Full bar. Corkage fee. Reservations (six or more). Expensive.
UPDATE! TABLE 28
Best Western Burgundy Hotel, 1501 Merrill Drive, Little Rock, (501) 224-8051
Chef Scott Rains, who made his culinary bones in the Bay Area and once operated a first-rate Italian place (Horseshoe Vineyard) west of Hot Springs, offers a "comfortable and casual" fine dining establishment with a real wow factor (plus a $200-a-meal chef's table that gives the place its name).
Dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Expensive.
TRIO'S
Pavilion in the Park, 8201 Cantrell Road, Suite 100, Little Rock, (501) 221-3330
Trio's walks the tightrope of predictability and surprise with as much agility as any central Arkansas restaurant, plus Sunday brunch.
Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate.
Weekend on 08/27/2015