Surprisingly, Little Rock has quite a few perfect date restaurants. These restaurants are perfect for special dates like anniversaries, Valentine's day or just a romantic night out. Most of the places on this list are a bit pricey but well worth it. I enjoy most of them for any special evening, not just romantic ones.
Brave New Restaurant is can't miss for fine dining. It has a gorgeous view, great decor and an innovative menu featuring lots of fresh seafood. Located on 2300 Cottondale Lane, Little Rock. Prices average $20-30. Lunch Mon-Fri: 11-2 & Dinner Mon-Sat: 5:00-10:00pm. 501-663-2677.
Loca Luna has a fun atmosphere and an interesting menu. They call it a bistro but its menu is full of fun items you wouldn't find at an ordinary bistro. Prices average $12-20. Located on 3519 Old Cantrell Road, Little Rock. Lunch Mon-Fri: 11:00am-2:00pm, Brunch Sunday: 11:00am-2:30pm, Dinner Sun-Thurs: 5:30-9:30pm, Dinner Fri-Sat: 5:30-10:30pm. 501-663-4666.
Trio's was once the only place I'd suggest for fine dining. They've got some competition these days but the quality of their food hasn't changed. The atmosphere is elegant. Located at 8201 Cantrell Road, Suite 100. Prices average $15-20. Lunch Mon-Sat: 11:00am-2:30pm, Dinner Mon-Sat: 5:30-9:30pm. 501-221-3330.
4. Terrace On The Green
Casual elegance is what you'll find at Terrace on the Green. Someone described the restaurant to me as Middle Eastern, and while there are some Middle Eastern items on the menu, it also features French and Italian dishes. They also have a great Jamaican Jerk. I would classify it as a Mediterranean restaurant. Average price is $10-20. Located at 2200 N. Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock. Lunch Mon-Fri:11:00am-2:00pm, Dinner Mon-Thu 5:30-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:00-10:30pm. 501-217-9393.Ferneau is named after the chef and founder of the restaurant. They call the atmosphere "west coast" but I call it sleek, inviting and romantic. Ferneau utilizes local ingredients for an intersting menu with a California feel. Located on 2601 Kavanaugh in Hillcrest, 501-603-9208.
Vieux Carre has a warm atmosphere that makes for a perfect date. Their menu is short but sweet. It features some great salads and a wide array of entree choices. Prices average $20. Located at 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd in Little Rock. Lunch Mon-Fri: 11am-2pm, Dinner Mon-Sat: 5pm-close, Jazz Brunch Sun: 11am-2pm. 501-663-1196.
Located in the Peabody Hotel, this restaurant is surprisingly good. The atmosphere is perfect for an evening date and the food is delicious. The menu is Italian. While you can get steak at this steakhouse (and I hear it's quite good, I haven't tried), you can also get Italian favorites and pasta dishes. Located at 3 Statehouse Plaza in Little Rock. 501-906-4000.
Casually elegant, 1620 offers a varied menu including fresh seafood. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. It's perfect for a date. Be sure to try the daily specials. Average entree is $20. Dinner Mon-Thu: 5:30-9:00pm, Fri-Saturday 5:30-9:30pm. 501-221-1620
9. Vermillion Water Grille
I got a lot of email about this place when Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston decided to make it the location of a romantic evening out. Even if you don't have a superstar budget, the fresh seafood and other items at Vermillion are great for a Saturday night date. Prices average $20. Located at 200 Commerce St., Little Rock. Lunch Mon-Fri: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Dinner Sat: 4:00-10:00pm. 501-371-9600.Personally, I don't think of steak as romantic but I have heard of couples going to places like the Butcher Shop (much nicer than it sounds) for Valentine's day. If you really want a night out, try Sonny Williams. Some say this place has the best steak in Arkansas. They also have seafood, veal and some other entree items. My favorite thing about Sonny Williams' is the piano bar. The entrees average around $30. Dinner Mon-Sat: 5:00-11:00pm. The Piano Bar is generally open Wed-Thu from 7 to at least 11, but the schedule varies. 501-324-2999.
