15 Best Restaurants in Conway, AR
This article was written by local contributor Alina Lake & edited by the Travel Lens team.
As someone who has lived in Conway, Arkansas, for quite some time now, I've had the pleasure of experiencing the city's vibrant food scene.
After countless meals and experiments with various cuisines, I've decided to share some of my personal favorites with you.
From hidden gems to popular hangouts, my journey has led me to some of the best restaurants in town.
I hope you're as excited as I am to dive into Conway, Arkansas' diverse array of culinary delights!
O'Malley's Irish Grill
I recently had a night out at O'Malley's Irish Grill, and I must say, it was quite an experience.
I was really excited to try out their updated beer selection, and although it was better than before, it still lacked the authenticity of a true Irish pub.
However, the food did not disappoint!
The portions were large, and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal.
The service was also fantastic.
Bulgogi Korean BBQ
I am truly lucky to live close to the Bulgogi Korean BBQ in Conway.
The restaurant has become one of my go-to spots whenever I crave delicious, authentic Korean cuisine.
One of my all-time favorite dishes is the spicy pro pork noodles - the gochujang sauce adds a fantastic burst of flavor.
Meanwhile, the dumplings make for a satisfying appetizer.
I've also tried their Korean sesame chicken bowl with fried rice, and it's also a great choice if you're looking for some variety.
What blew me away was their kimchi - I never liked it before, but now I crave it all the time.
Taj Mahal Indian Kitchen
One of my favorite spots in Conway for a delicious meal is Taj Mahal Indian Kitchen.
As someone who loves Indian cuisine, I was ecstatic when I found out about this restaurant in Arkansas.
The ambiance is modern and clean, and it's always a pleasant experience dining there.
The samosa at Taj Mahal Indian Kitchen is truly unique.
Served in a bowl and topped with a variety of garnishes, it's unlike any other samosa I've ever tasted.
While I found their butter chicken curry to be a bit lacking in flavor compared to others I've had, the Taj Curry meal with goat more than made up for it.
The goat was well-cooked and flavorful, although I do wish there was more meat for the price.
The mango lassi was so delicious that I finished it before I could take a picture!
This place is also incredibly kid-friendly, with plenty of options for everyone.
My family and I have made it one of our go-to spots for a night out.
Pho Huyen
As someone who loves exploring new restaurants in my area, I recently stumbled upon Pho Huyen and decided to give it a try.
This Vietnamese restaurant has quickly become one of my favorites, and I can't wait to share my experience with you.
From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, which instantly put me at ease.
I started my meal with the spring rolls, which were packed with tasty chicken and served with a delicious peanut dipping sauce.
I then tried the B7 and B9 noodle bowls with char-grilled meats, and they were both absolutely amazing! The fish sauce that came with the bowls added an extra depth of flavor that I couldn't get enough of.
One of the highlights of my dining experience at Pho Huyen was definitely the iced Vietnamese coffee.
As a coffee lover, I always appreciate a well-made cup, and this one was the best I've ever had!
It was so strong and flavorful that I didn't even need to add any sugar, which is rare for me.
Hole In the Wall Cafe Catering And Events
Last week, I decided to try out Hole In the Wall Cafe Catering And Events, a southern-style buffet restaurant.
When I walked in, I was pleasantly greeted by the aroma of delicious comfort food.
The atmosphere felt like stepping into my grandma's house for Sunday dinner.
The buffet offered a variety of dishes, and I was pleased to discover that some items were also available upon request from the kitchen.
The portions were generous, and the pricing was reasonable - although I did find it a bit on the expensive side for just one person.
I couldn't resist trying one of their tempting desserts, which did not disappoint!
The restaurant itself was clean, and there was plenty of seating available.
Oriental Kitchen Restaurant
One of my favorite spots for a delicious and satisfying meal is the Oriental Kitchen Restaurant.
As someone who's quite picky about Chinese food, I have to say this place has never disappointed me.
Whenever I feel like indulging in some mouth-watering sesame chicken or comforting lo mein, I know this is the perfect place to go.
The unpretentious atmosphere of the restaurant adds to its charm, making it an ideal spot for a casual night out with friends or family.
The food portions are generous, to say the least.
My partner and I often share dishes and still find ourselves taking home leftovers!
This has made it one of our go-to spots for dining out or ordering in whenever we crave Chinese cuisine.
Pasta Grill
One of my favorite places to dine in Conway is the Pasta Grill.
It truly is a gem in our community. Whenever I'm in the mood for some delicious Italian cuisine, I know I can count on this rustic, brick-walled Italian restaurant to satisfy my cravings.
I remember the first time I tried their food, I was blown away by the quality and quantity of the dishes.
I've had the pleasure of enjoying their Toney Special and the Lost 40 Summer Draft – both were absolutely delightful.
The prices are quite reasonable, considering the generous portions they serve.
One of my all-time favorite dishes at Pasta Grill is the Chef's Gnocchi.
I can honestly say it is a spiritual experience and, hands down, the best food I've ever tasted in my life!
My partner, on the other hand, swears by their Chicken Cheesecake.
The atmosphere is lovely, the service is top-notch, and the food is just insanely good!
Stoby's Restaurant
One of my favorite spots to dine in town has to be Stoby's Restaurant.
I've been going there for years, and the charm and warmth of this long-running diner never cease to amaze me.
I can't talk about Stoby's without mentioning their award-winning cheese dip. It's out of this world, and I make sure to order it every time I visit.
The portions are always generous, and the food is consistently delicious.
I've tried a variety of dishes on their menu, but one that stands out is the amazing chicken done on a grilled wrap.
It always leaves me craving more.
Not only is the food delectable, but the atmosphere is also enjoyable.
The restaurant is always clean, and the bathrooms have a unique vibe to them.
As someone who travels quite a bit, I can confidently say that Stoby's is a top-tier breakfast location.
Whenever I'm in Conway, there's no doubt in my mind that I'll be stopping by Stoby's for a taste of that Southern-style American grub.
Mike's Place
I recently visited Mike's Place in Conway, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed by the whole experience.
As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that immediately transported me to the heart of New Orleans.
For my meal, I decided to go for the Blackened Chicken Alfredeaux, and it was nothing short of amazing.
The dish was creamy and seasoned to perfection, making it one of the best meals I've had in a long time.
My friend ordered the Seafood Crepes, and I couldn't help but steal a bite.
The crepes were mouth-watering, and the sauce was so good that we both asked for extra bread to dip and savor every last bit of it.
In addition to the incredible food, the drinks at Mike's Place also caught my attention.
Although I only had a glass of wine during my visit, I couldn't help but notice the extensive cocktail menu that I definitely plan on trying during my next visit.
The Pasta House Food Truck
Just the other day, my family and I decided to grab a meal from The Pasta House Food Truck, our go-to spot for Italian comfort food.
One thing I absolutely adore about this place is their generous portions and abundance of meat in their dishes.
Trust me, the additional $1 for meat is absolutely worth it!
Every time we eat from this food truck, it feels like we're enjoying a home-cooked meal.
Their house salads always taste fresh, which makes for a great appetizer.
But let me tell you, the highlight of any meal from The Pasta House has got to be their garlic bread!
The combination of the bread with garlic butter is simply divine.
My daughter and I are huge fans of their Alfredo sauce, which is incredibly delicious.
They also have a kid's menu, so there's something for everyone.
The best part is that we can feed both of us for under $20 and still have leftovers for the next day's lunch.
Verona Italian Restaurant
One of my favorite places to eat in town is Verona Italian Restaurant.
It might not catch your eye immediately, but trust me, it's worth giving a try.
They serve authentic Italian cuisine with generously sized portions that leave me feeling full and satisfied.
I generally order the Chicken Parmigiano, and the red sauce is on point.
The Shrimp Ala Nona is another popular choice, and I've heard nothing but good things about it.
The rolls they serve are simply mouth-watering, and I always make sure to save some room for them.
The quiet and quaint atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for a date night or a relaxing meal with my family.
Don't judge it by its exterior - give it a try, and I'm confident you won't be disappointed.
Fabys Restaurant #2
I recently dined at Fabys Restaurant #2, a Mexican restaurant in my neighborhood, and I couldn't be happier with my experience.
The moment I walked in, I was greeted by the roomy, low-key atmosphere that made me feel right at home.
The open space layout gave it a casual warehouse vibe which is just the kind of place I prefer.
For my meal, I decided to try the veggie fajitas.
The portion size was perfect for lunch, and I couldn't believe how fresh the flour tortillas looked - it seemed like they were made right there in the restaurant!
The salsa that accompanied my dish was also delicious and tasted incredibly fresh.
My friend decided to order the Rellenos, and although she personally didn't care for the sauce, she appreciated that it tasted homemade and original.
We both agreed that the atmosphere and service at Fabys Restaurant #2 were top-notch.
Osaka Japanese Hibachi Steak House
Last week, my friends and I decided to visit Osaka Japanese Hibachi Steak House for an evening of good food and company.
We ordered a variety of dishes, including sushi rolls, ramen, and hibachi steak.
The sushi rolls, and pork dumplings were amazing, and the hibachi steak was tender and tasty.
However, the grilled shrimp was decent enough.
My California roll was great – probably one of the best I've ever had.
My friend's beef entree was so tough that she couldn't eat it, but my partner's curry noodles were good, with the only issue being the lack of chicken.
The pork ramen I ordered was a hit and miss - the pork tasted old, but the broth, noodles, and soy sauce egg half were delicious.
I also discovered that I don't care for wood ear mushrooms.
As for drinks, the iced tea tasted like dirt, and the soda was flat, but the lemonade and sweet tea were good.
Despite the mixed reviews on the food, I would go back to Osaka Japanese Hibachi Steak House and give it another shot.
I believe their sushi rolls are definitely worth a try.
JJ's Grill Conway
I recently decided to give JJ's Grill Conway a try for dinner with my spouse. As we arrived, we were greeted by a cozy atmosphere and live music.
We started our meal by ordering some appetizers: mushrooms and fried banana peppers.
They were absolutely delicious!
For our main courses, I chose their world-famous burger and a side salad, while my partner went for the fish and chips.
My burger was perfectly seasoned, cooked to order, and topped with fresh ingredients.
The grilled onions truly made it stand out.
Zaza
Ah, Zaza - it's one of those places I keep coming back to for a fresh and satisfying meal.
I've been a regular at this pizza and salad joint for quite some time now, and it never fails to impress me.
Now, let's talk about their pizza. It's Napoli-style, and while it might not be the absolute best pizza in town, it's still pretty tasty.
I'll admit, there's a bit of grease on it, but that's nothing a napkin can't fix.
The true star of Zaza, in my opinion, is their build-your-own salads.
My go-to is the Petit Jean ranch salad - it's a generous portion with the freshest ingredients, and it never leaves me feeling unsatisfied.
But what really sets Zaza apart for me is their excellent draft beer selection.
They always have a variety of local brews on tap, which is a huge plus in my book.
The place can get quite busy, especially during peak hours, but that just goes to show how popular Zaza is.
Final Thoughts
I can confidently say that Conway, AR has something to offer for every palate and preference.
From the hearty Irish meals at O'Malley's Irish Grill to the mouthwatering Korean BBQ at Bulgogi and the exotic flavors of Taj Mahal Indian Kitchen, there's always a unique dining experience waiting for you here in Conway.
So whether you're in the mood for some comforting Southern cooking or craving international cuisine, you'll find the perfect restaurant to satisfy your cravings right here in our lovely city. Happy eating!
Recent posts
10 Incredible Breakfast Spots in New Orleans You Need to Try
12 Incredible Restaurants in Lancaster PA, You Need to Try
12 Incredible Restaurants in Asheville, NC You Need to Try
22 Best Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria, VA
25 Best Things to Do in Westport, CT
20 Best Things to Do in Westport, MA
16 Best Things to Do in Woonsocket, RI
26 Best Things to Do in Huntsville, AL
30 Best Things to Do in Altoona, PA
28 Best Things to Do in San Angelo, TX