11 Hidden Italian Restaurants In Arkansas That Only Locals Know Exist
Arkansas might not be the first place you think of when craving authentic Italian cuisine, but trust me on this one.
Tucked away in small towns and quiet corners across the Natural State are some seriously impressive Italian kitchens that most tourists never discover.
I’ve spent years tracking down these local favorites, and each one tells its own delicious story of family recipes and community traditions. Let’s dive in!
1. The Venesian Inn – Tontitown
Stepping into this 1947 classic feels like traveling back in time to when dining out meant something special. The Venesian Inn has been serving Ozark-Italian fusion long before anyone called it fusion.
Their signature spaghetti with fried chicken sounds unusual, but tastes like pure Arkansas comfort food magic. Those warm house rolls alone are worth the drive to Tontitown.
Located at 582 W Henri De Tonti Blvd, they’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM, maintaining the same no-frills charm that made them legendary.
2. DeVito’s Restaurant – Harrison
Family ownership since 1986 means recipes here have been perfected through decades of local feedback. What sets DeVito’s apart is their unique combination of Italian tradition with Arkansas freshwater bounty.
You can catch your own rainbow trout at their on-site Bear Creek Springs trout farm and have them prepare it Italian-style. Their charbroiled trout with handmade pasta creates flavors you won’t find anywhere else in the state.
Find them at 350 DeVito’s Loop in Harrison, open Tuesday through Saturday evenings and Sunday lunch from 11 AM to 1:30 PM.
3. Verona Italian Restaurant – Heber Springs
Small-town Italian cooking reaches its peak at Verona, where chicken piccata and shrimp fra diavolo compete for menu favorites. The portions here reflect Arkansas hospitality more than Italian restraint.
I remember my first visit here during a fishing trip to Greers Ferry Lake. The pasta was so good I almost forgot about the bass waiting in the morning.
Located at 1220 S 7th St in Heber Springs, they welcome guests Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM, with Sunday hours until 8 PM.
4. Angelino’s Italian Restaurant – Siloam Springs
Along US-412 East in Siloam Springs lies this independently owned treasure where pasta perfection meets pizza prowess. Angelino’s proves that authentic Italian doesn’t require big city pretensions.
Their classic Italian plates showcase traditional techniques, while their pizza brings neighborhood families together regularly. The cozy atmosphere makes every meal feel like a celebration.
Visit them at 2001 US-412 E with lunch and dinner service Tuesday through Thursday, extended weekend hours Friday and Saturday, and Sunday through Monday closure for family time.
5. Ari’s Little Italy – Glenwood
Fresh bread greets you at the door of this family-run dining room, where old-school pasta favorites reign supreme. Ari’s Little Italy embodies everything wonderful about small-town hospitality.
The friendly service feels more like visiting relatives than dining out commercially. Their pasta preparations follow time-tested recipes that have pleased Glenwood families for years.
Located at 180 Highway 70 E, Ste 13, they serve Tuesday through Thursday until 9 PM, weekend hours extending to 10 PM Friday and Saturday, Sunday until 9 PM, with Monday rest.
6. Little Italy II – Mena
Casual neighborhood vibes define this relaxed Italian spot where pizza, pasta, and salads create the perfect trifecta. Little Italy II operates on the “if you know, you know” philosophy that locals absolutely love.
Their patio offers the perfect setting for evening meals, especially during live music nights that transform dinner into entertainment. The atmosphere stays refreshingly unpretentious while the food delivers consistent satisfaction.
Find them at 1411 US-71 N in Mena, though checking their social media for current hours and special patio events ensures the best experience.
7. Tommy’s Famous…A Pizzeria – Mountain View
This beloved hole-in-the-wall has been creating oozy pizza magic since the 1990s, with calzones and even barbecue rounding out their eclectic menu. Tommy’s timing perfectly suits post-music-on-the-square appetites.
My visits here always coincide with Mountain View’s famous courthouse square concerts. Nothing beats Tommy’s pizza after an evening of traditional Arkansas music and community gathering.
Visit them at 205 Famous Pl in Mountain View, open Thursday through Monday from 3 PM to 8 PM, with Tuesday and Wednesday closure for preparation.
8. Rocky’s Corner – Hot Springs
Positioned strategically across from Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Rocky’s Corner delivers “Genuine Chicago Style” pizza plus Italian-American classics to satisfied locals and racing fans alike.
Their unfussy approach focuses entirely on food quality rather than fancy presentations. The Chicago-style pizza here rivals anything you’ll find in the Windy City, while remaining accessible to Arkansas budgets.
Located at 2600 Central Ave in Hot Springs, they welcome guests Sunday through Thursday until 10 PM, with weekend hours extending to 11 PM Friday and Saturday.
9. Rod’s Pizza Cellar – Hot Springs
Long-running pizzeria status comes with serious responsibilities, and Rod’s Pizza Cellar meets every expectation with hefty specialty pies that have built generations of loyal customers.
Their specialty pizzas push creative boundaries while maintaining the fundamental quality that keeps locals returning week after week. The generous portions reflect Arkansas values of hospitality and abundance.
Find them at 3350 Central Ave in Hot Springs, serving Wednesday and Thursday from 11 AM to 8 PM, weekend hours until 9 PM Friday and Saturday, Sunday until 8 PM, with Monday and Tuesday closure.
10. Pasta Grill – Russellville
Sister location magic happens when the same from-scratch philosophy creates small-town Italian comfort in a different setting. Russellville’s Pasta Grill makes Main Street date nights memorable with consistently excellent food and an intimate atmosphere.
The same attention to quality that made Van Buren successful translates perfectly to this college town location. Their pasta preparations satisfy both students and longtime residents with equal enthusiasm.
Visit them at 319 W Main St in Russellville, with identical hours offering lunch Tuesday through Thursday from 11 AM to 2 PM, dinner until 8:30 PM, weekend dinner until 9 PM, Sunday and Monday closure.
11. Roma Italian Restaurant – Ozark
Small family-run operations often create the most memorable dining experiences, and Roma Italian Restaurant proves this theory with big-portion pastas and pizza that satisfy serious appetites.
Located conveniently off US-64 between river towns, Roma makes the perfect road-trip stop for travelers seeking authentic Italian comfort. Their nightly standbys ensure consistent quality regardless of when you visit.
Find them at 1705 W Commercial St in Ozark, typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM, with Monday closure for family time and preparation.