Ozark Wilderness. Rustic farmhouse. French and Mediterranean flare. Can you picture it? Those are the charming qualities of the multiple award-winning, local favorite Petit Bistro restaurant in Bentonville, Arkansas, located on the north side of town off Walton Blvd and the North Bentonville walking and biking trail.
Images: Exterior of Petit Bistro in Bentonville, Arkansas. Image courtesy of Emily Neuman
Residing in a delightful old rock farmhouse constructed in 1934 on eight acres with its own natural spring, Petit Bistro provides a cozy, intimate setting that makes you instantly feel at home and a local at heart. The staff exudes an elevated level of southern charm and hospitality that Bentonville is known for by locals and travelers alike. My favorite thing about Petit Bistro is how it reminds me of my favorite cafés in France with the flavors and comfortable environment but in an Ozark way. Best of both worlds.
Petit Bistro boasts itself for having delicious French and Mediterranean-inspired fare, and boy does it deliver. The menu is filled with several flavorsome options and I don’t think I’ve had anything I haven’t enjoyed nor do I ever worry about missing out on good flavors.
One of their most popular dishes is the Grilled Brie with candied walnuts, fresh thyme, and honey. However, I’d recommend from the Petit Plates section the Tiger Prawn a la Mariniére with a cream sauce that is over a hundred-year French recipe, or the Carpaccio with wild arugula, Parmesan, capers, and a citrus vinaigrette. Just trust me.
Image left to right: Petit Bistro menu. Tiger Prawn a la Mariniére with cream mariniére sauce, and striped trigger prawns. Image courtesy of Emily Neuman.
Moving into main dishes, they have a healthy selection of steaks and chops, as well as traditional dishes like Short Ribs Bourguignon, Braised Pork Osso Bucco, and Herbed Duck Breast with Israeli couscous, sauteed spinach, and a pesto drizzle. They also have a delicious Rainbow Trout with a caper cream sauce on the menu I’d recommend it to all the fish lovers out there.
Image left to right: Herbed Duck Breast with Israeli couscous, sauteed spinach, and a pesto drizzle. Classic Tiramisu with coffee-dipped lady fingers, mascarpone, and cocoa. Image courtesy of Emily Neuman.
As for dessert, I’m a Tiramisu lover so you can bet that’s always the one I get. The Tiramisu (and Petit Bistro as a whole, really) never disappoints. C'est la belle vie.
Before your next visit to Petit Bistro, here are some important deets to keep in mind:
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Location: Located off North Walton Blvd in a rustic farmhouse (see map here). If you keep an eye out for two towers framing the entrance to the parking lot, you’ll find it with ease.
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Parking: It’s free and located onsite out front. Biking? Unfortunately, there are no bike racks onsite.
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Reservations: Reservations are recommended for Petit Bistro, but don’t let it discourage you from dropping by as they do accept walk-ins. To make reservations, call them at (479) 464-9278 or online via OpenTable here.
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Hours: Open Monday through Saturday 5 to 8 pm for dinner. Closed on Sundays.
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Dining Area: Includes a variety of seating options of tables and bar seating. Outdoor dining options are available as well pending weather conditions.
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We’re happy to help you with any additional information needed during your stay in Bentonville. Our Visitor’s Center is open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and 9 am to 3 pm on Saturdays. Stop by and see us at 406 SE 5th Street, Suite 6.
