Brave New Restaurant has solidified its place as a true Little Rock dining institution. For years, this beloved establishment has captivated locals and visitors alike with its unwavering commitment to quality and a menu that heroically celebrates protein. Chef Peter Brave and his dedicated team consistently deliver an exceptional dining experience, making Brave New a perennial favorite, even amidst changing times.
My recent visit for an outdoor dinner on their inviting deck only reinforced this stellar reputation. The restaurant boasts an absolutely breathtaking setting, overlooking the majestic Arkansas River and the impressive Little Rock downtown skyline. The ambiance is further enhanced by thoughtful touches like strategically placed heat lamps ensuring comfort at every table, and even subtle blowers to keep your feet cozy.
Our culinary journey began with the vibrant Avocado Shrimp appetizer, a delightful and artful presentation of creamy avocado, succulent fresh Gulf shrimp, tangy red onion, all drizzled with a zesty white balsamic vinaigrette. It vanished quickly, much like the warm, crusty complimentary bread and the crisp, refreshing Caesar salads that accompanied our entrees. Each element was expertly prepared, a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to consistent quality. However, as any seasoned diner will attest, the true stars of Brave New are undeniably the meat-centric main courses. If you can look past the slightly nostalgic side dishes, such as the zucchini boats and pyramid-shaped rice, and focus on the impeccable execution of the proteins, you’ll understand why Brave New remains at the pinnacle of Little Rock’s dining scene.
The Duck with Duck entree serves as a prime example of this protein prowess. This dish features a perfectly seared duck breast alongside savory smoked duck sausage. Frankly, you’d be hard-pressed to find duck prepared to this standard even in a top-tier New York City restaurant. The duck boasts irresistibly crispy skin, yielding to a flawlessly medium-rare and flavorful interior, beautifully complemented by the rich lingonberry demi-glace.
Another iconic offering, the Mixed Grill, which was thoughtfully divided onto two plates for my daughters to share, is a Little Rock signature dish. A generous and exciting array of grilled meats—including tender grilled pork tenderloin, succulent beef medallions, flavorful stuffed quail, and robust wild game sausage—might seem overwhelming in its abundance, but in the best possible way. The quail offered a delightful taste reminiscent of a miniature Thanksgiving feast, while the expertly charred grill marks on the steak evoked the joy of a summer barbecue.
My wife’s choice, the pork tenderloin, was equally impressive. Slices of perfectly cooked pork tenderloin were artfully arranged over a piquant whole-grain mustard sauce, creating a visually stunning and delicious dish. The buttery Brussels sprouts and apple brandy roasted apples proved to be the most enticing side dishes of the evening. Yet, the undisputed highlight on the plate was the smoky, crispy cube of pork belly, adding a layer of textural and flavor complexity.
Despite the generous portions of our entrees, leaving us regrettably full for dessert, we were delighted to take home ample leftovers in two to-go boxes. Overall, our consistently excellent meal at Brave New Restaurant was, as expected, a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Chef Peter Brave has been consistently delivering classic dishes in his refined yet relaxed atmosphere for years. And judging by the quality and taste, he shows no signs of slowing down, which is fantastic news for the Little Rock culinary landscape.
Brave New Restaurant
2300 Cottondale (Little Rock)
Phone: 501-663-2677
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 AM – 2 PM & 5 PM – 9 PM; Saturday 5 PM – 9 PM; Closed Sunday
