Bene Vita - Little Rock Restaurant Reviews

Northern Italian cuisine is much lighter than what Americans call "Italian." Bene Vita has lots of great seafood, veal and light pasta dishes. There's no marinara or Alfredo here!

The restaurant is very tastefully decorated and the lighting and general atmosphere make for a romantic evening out.

No Olive Garden food but no Olive Garden prices either. Expect to pay from $11-18 for entrees with portions a bit smaller than at chain restaurants.

Northern Italian food is a bit more subtle than what Americans traditionally view as Italian food. Don't expect chunky marinara covered ravioli. Be prepared for herb sauces, fresh tomatoes and seafood.

The first thing you notice at Bene Vita is the atmosphere. It's not a big place and the decor and lighting make for a romantic night or a place for friends or business. The wait staff was very friendly and competent when I visited.

The food was a little rich for my tastes. We had chicken served with pasta in a garlic butter sauce. The sauce that accompanied the chicken was great. It was tangy and lighter than the butter sauce. The table was served a bread basket with one bread that was drenched with butter and a yummy herbed Focaccia. My friend said the veal was wonderful too. The menu has desserts so save room! I recommend the white chocolate creme brulee.

Entrees range from about $10 (meatless) to around $20. The average entree is $14. Desserts and appetizers are around $6.

Bene Vita is at Cantrell and Old Cantrell roads, next door to Loca Luna. They are open 5:30-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday & 5:30-10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Call 666-8482 for more information.

The chicken picatta and the grouper her are killer as are the crab stuffed mushrooms. They not only have some great wine, but some very interesting cosmopolitans. Very pretty bar area with nice Art. The lights are a little low. Good creme brulee.

Nice decor, easy to get in, decent menu. Portions a little small. Food has little flavor for northern Italian food. My food was overcooked and I had slow service. It's not a bad place, but I would imagine there are better places in Little Rock.