Upscale Chinese Cuisine off the Bentonville Square: Why Wu Zhao is Your Next Night Out

Treat Yourself to a Dim Sum Date Night

If you’re searching for the total package for your next night out, book a table at Wu Zhao in downtown Bentonville. Located just off the Bentonville square at 215 NW A St., Wu Zhao is the brainchild of the owners of Blu and Blu DTR and Australian celebrity chef Vincent Yeow Lim (@dimsimlim), who is famous for bringing classic Chinese cooking to TikTok, so you know the seafood quality and ‘gramability is off the charts. Wu Zhao has all the elements to impress: cosmopolitan (not stuffy) vibes, an inviting menu that mixes modern tastes with traditional classics, and indoor illuminated cherry blossom trees that drape dramatically over diners’ tables. Call your girlfriend(s), because Wu Zhao is equally suited to a romantic date night as it is a night out with friends.

To kick off your experience, don’t skip the drinks! The lounge to the left of the entrance is an open space filled with soft seating and low lighting, perfect for setting the tone for the night. The lounge at Wu Zhao is such a distinct part of the restaurant you could easily make drinks the main event before hitting the town. We tried the Chinese Whisper, a subtly gingery martini and the Asian Pear, a refreshing pear and gin highball, but be sure to check out the dedicated sake menu. 

The menu is organized into categories largely based on serving size or traditional technique. I highly recommend trying a few options from the Dim Sum section of the menu–these traditional, smaller dishes like dumplings and bao buns are made fresh daily, so they are light and tender–so good! The Pork and Shrimp Shumai were delicate and delicious, but the Braised Beef Bao Buns made with short ribs were a stand-out. The small plates menu nods to popular chef favorites like Glazed Lamb Pops and Aoi Sliders, but I tried the Crispy Rice and Garlic Soy Edamame, which were both delicious and substantial. 

You can’t miss the fresh seafood at a place like Wu Zhao. The restaurant has its fish flown in daily, so you’ll definitely want to check out their sushi menu, though my personal favorite seafood dish was the Hamachi Carpaccio. Classic Chinese main dishes like Whole roasted Mandarin Duck, Lemon Chicken, and Coconut Curry Mussels all looked tasty, but I kept seeing the Imperial Crispy Beef on everyone’s table and with good reason. The dish was rich, flavorful, and very substantial, so it could easily be shared, as with most of the rice and noodle dishes on the menu. 

I have to admit, I didn’t save enough room for dessert, but from what I’ve seen in the restaurant, you really should pace your meal so you can try a sweet treat that is both scrumptious and, you guessed it, highly photogenic! For my next meal, I’m bringing a group so we sample more of the menu! 

Reservations are recommended, though walk-ups typically are available on weeknights. Wu Zhao is open for dinner service only. Bonus: parking can be limited downtown but Wu Zhao is located near several public parking lots.