During a recent visit to Bentonville, we were surprised to find a printed Dining Guide that details 199 places to eat in the northwest Arkansas city of less than 50,000 people.
While a number of chain restaurants are included on the Visit Bentonville list, there’s also a plethora of local places with food from around the globe.
Our two favorite restaurants were both located on “A” Street in downtown Bentonville, not far from the town square.
Tusk & Trotter
Located in a space that was once Sam Walton’s office and warehouse, the atmosphere at Tusk & Trotter American Brasserie is casual. The upscale pub’s menus feature local produce and meats from all parts of the pig and other animals. There are vegetarian choices as well.
The Tusk & Trotter brunch menu offers some “playfully-named” items.
Mr. Jones choose the “Which Came First?” brunch entree, which is a unique take on chicken and waffles. The dish includes a choice of buttermilk or hot fried chicken breast placed on a carrot cake waffle, and topped with an over easy egg and seasonal vegetables.
I choose the vegetable flat bread topped with an assortment of herbs, cheese and slices of fresh pear.
We did not need dessert after our hearty entrees. Our mistake was to read the dessert menu, as we could not resist ordering something named “Trot on Over Here” that was voted best bacon dish by Southern Living magazine.
This dessert starts with sticky toffee pudding cake made with brandy soaked dates. It is then topped maple bacon brittle ice cream. (Yes, there’s small chunks of salty, savory bacon in ice cream.) Then, the cake and ice cream are topped with a lucious caramel sauce.
After consuming the “Trot on Over Here” dessert, along with the complementary coffee, we were ready to explore more of Bentonville.
Tavola Trattoria
Much later in the evening, after a full day of museum visits, we headed back to “A” Street in downtown Bentonville for dinner.
After reading reviews on Yelp, we chose to dine at Tavola, described as a “casual Italian trattoria.” Since we didn’t have a reservation, and it was a Saturday night, we called the restaurant to see if they could fit us in.
“Come on by and we will fit you in.” We arrived around 8:30 pm, and while the restaurant was still full, we were promptly seated at a table for two.
The wine list was one of the first things we liked about Tavola Trattoria. All bottles are priced at $40 for the bottle, $15 for a carafe, or $10 for a glass.
Our server helped us choose the Tritano Montepulciano D’Abruzzo to acompany our Farm Board sppetizer, and pasta choices. We also followed our waiter’s recommendation to choose from the “local favorites and signature dishes” section of the lengthy menu.
Our Farm Board appetizer contained ample portions of cured meats, cheeses, pickled vegetables, jam and some not-to-be-missed grilled bread.
Mr. Jones ordered Marcelo’s Special for his entree. Hearty slices of beef tenderloin top penne pasta tossed in a spinach, garlic and basil pesto sauce.
I enjoyed the Tavola Ravioli, which includes pasta pillows stuffed with crab meat, covered in a house-made parmeson cream sauce, and seasonal vegetables on the side.
If we return to Bentonville, dining at Tavola Trattoria will be on our “must do” list. The wine list was interesting, our food was delicious, the service was friendly, helpful and professional, and the atmosphere was upscale casual and comfortable.
While the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art drew us to visit Bentonville, the food scene was a pleasant surprise.
Have you dined in Bentonville, Arkansas? What are you favorite places to eat?
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Learn more about Bentonville and the surrounding area in Northwest Arkansas with this book:
Northwest Arkansas Travel Guide: (Includes Bentonville, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Siloam Springs)