Best Places to Eat on Valentine’s Day in Northwest Arkansas
February 7th, 2009 categories: Fun Things to Do
Planning Valentine’s Day with your significant other in Northwest Arkansas can be daunting. I know. Where do we go? Can we get reservations? What kind of specials do they have? How much an I going to have to pay? I always look for a single source of reliable information to determine where I’m going to take my wife to dinner on Valentine’s Day in Northwest Arkansas. I look every year and never find it. This year I have set out to help time-crunched husbands (and wives if it’s lady’s choice) find the perfect place to take the love of their life on Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget the flowers.
Places to eat in Fayetteville
Pesto Cafe has great Italian food in a small, casual atmosphere. Go with a proven classic of homemade meat lasagna for only $13.95 or go for Amy’s Amazing Aphrodisiac Pizza with pesto, spinach, red onion, bell peppers, artichoke hearts, garlic, mushrooms, broccoli, sweet basil, fresh tomatoes, ricotta and provolone cheese for only $10.95. No reservations or special entrees at Pesto Cafe so either be ready to stand in line or go off-peak to avoid the crowd that will undoubtedly ensue. Call Pesto Cafe at (479)582-3330 for more information or directions (it’s located on College).
Located on Dickson Street, Bordinos is one of Fayetteville’s most lavish (and pricey) Italian restaurants but the food is always superb. Start with a toasted walnut and granny smith apple mixed green salad then indulge in cappellini and beef tenderloin meatballs followed by an order of tiramisu with an Italian roast coffee on the side. Speaking from experience, Bordinos is one of the most posh and romantic places to dine in Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas. You can make reservations online here or call Bordinos after 1pm at (479)527-6795
Ella’s Restaurant is located within the renovated Inn at Carnall Hall on the University of Arkansas Campus on the corner of Maple and Razorback Rd. Ella’s is offering a delectable 5 course Valentine’s Day Menu you can see here. Ella’s is another romantic, classy establishment that your other half would be thrilled to experience. Prices are, shall we say…impressive. You pay for what you get I guess. Make your reservations early by calling Ella’s at (479)582-1400.
Savor is a new establishment that took the place of Cool Water Cafe (my wife and I had our rehearsal dinner there years ago). There is a great article in February’s edition of Citiscapes metro monthly on the food and atmosphere. Savor is offering a delectable menu consisting of your choice of appetizer, entree, and desert accompanied with truffles and a single red rose. Dinner is $110 per couple. Call Savor to make your reservations at (479) 587-8325.
Places to eat in Springdale and Tonitown
Mary Maestri’s is a great restaurant located east of I-540 on Hwy 412. The cuisine here is delectable with a friendly atmosphere to boot. Prices are mid-to high range but the food is homegrown Italian you won’t get anywhere else. Reservations are accepted, but only for 8 or more and there is no special menu for Valentine’s Day. Call them at (479) 361-2536 for more information.
Places to eat in Rogers and Bentonville
In my opinion, Bella Arti is one of the best restaurants in Northwest Arkansas. It has good atmosphere, is located in downtown Rogers, and has some excellent entrees. Valentine’s dinner can be had at Bella Arti for $24.95 per person with a soup or salad choice, 3-4 entrees to choose from, and dessert. Tea or coffee is also included. Call (479) 246-6000 for reservations. If it’s on the menu, I highly recommend the lobster ravioli. Bon Appetito.
Ruth’s Chris is a high-end steakhouse with excellent service and excellent a-la-carte food. Dollar for dollar, I don’t think you beat their steaks anywhere in the world. If you decide to go to Smith & Wolensky’s, Morton’s, or any nationally recognized steakhouse, you still won’t find a better steak for the price. Their current special running through Valentine’s Day is $39.95 which includes a 4oz filet starter, choice of either crab cake, grilled shrimp, fish, or chicken, one side, and dessert which consists of berries and sweetcream and chocolate mousse. This is an excellent deal and a good time to try out Ruth’s Chris without breaking the bank. Reservations are highly recommended (479) 633-8331.
Other notable restaurants in Rogers and Bentonville include:
Crabby’s (479) 273-0222
Bonefish Grill (479) 273-0916
Carrabba’s (479) 273-2962
Mister B’s Steakhouse (479) 636-3122
A dinner with the one you love is sure to be memorable at any of these restaurants. I’m sure I have left some great establishments off my Valentine’s Day list but it wouldn’t be easily digestable (pun) if the list was much longer. If you have an opinion or experience about any of the restaurants in Northwest Arkansas please leave a comment below. Happy Valentine’s Day!
