Located in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, Brave New Restaurant stands as a testament to enduring culinary excellence and a warm, inviting atmosphere. For over three decades, this establishment at 2300 Cottondale Ln #105, Little Rock, AR 72202, has been a beloved dining destination, offering delicious food and exceptional service without pretense. Founded 33 years ago by Peter Brave, Brave New Restaurant has evolved from its humble beginnings in a former Steak and Egg location to a spacious, contemporary setting overlooking the scenic Arkansas River.
Brave New Restaurant Building in Little Rock, AR
The restaurant’s current location, a generous upstairs space boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, provides diners with stunning views and a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance. Over the years, Peter Brave’s vision expanded to include additional space, patios, and private dining rooms, culminating in a sprawling 5,980 sq.ft. venue. While Peter was hands-on in both the kitchen and dining room for many years, the arrival of Chef Ben Lindley in 2022 marked a new chapter. Today, the legacy continues with Peter’s son Gordy, serving as General Manager, and his daughter, ensuring the restaurant remains a family affair dedicated to quality and hospitality.
Elevator Interior at Brave New Restaurant, Little Rock
Stepping into Brave New Restaurant is an exercise in understated elegance. The large dining room is designed for comfort and conversation, featuring lowered lighting, carpeted floors, and an acoustical ceiling that minimizes noise, even without music. Black, unclothed tables and thoughtfully curated art on the walls contribute to a refined yet relaxed setting. A corner of the room offers a glimpse into the kitchen, adding a touch of culinary theater to the dining experience. Peter Brave himself is often seen greeting and engaging with his regular patrons, fostering a sense of community and personal connection.
Brave New Restaurant Interior Dining Area, Little Rock
The service at Brave New Restaurant is attentive and efficient, complementing the quality of the cuisine. The menu is designed to cater to a range of palates and budgets, offering generous portions across various price points. A meal here begins with a delightful bread service: slices of white bread with a wonderfully crisp crust and airy interior, accompanied by substantial slabs of butter. The bread itself is flavorful enough to be enjoyed on its own, and refills are readily offered.
Bread and Butter Service at Brave New Restaurant in Little Rock
For starters, the Half & Half baked fresh Gulf oysters are a must-try, providing a taste of both the Oysters Rockefeller, with its rich spinach garlic parmesan cream sauce, and the Bienville, topped with shrimp, mushroom, and savory seasonings. Both oyster preparations are expertly executed, ensuring the oysters remain juicy and flavorful, with toppings that enhance rather than overwhelm the delicate seafood. The Rockefeller offers a slightly richer flavor profile, but both are equally enjoyable.
Half & Half Oysters Rockefeller and Bienville at Brave New Restaurant, Little Rock
Entrees at Brave New Restaurant are accompanied by a choice of soup or salad. The tomato-lentil soup, made with tomatoes fresh from Brave’s garden, is a standout. The lentils provide a satisfying thickness, while a touch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. The soup is so savory it almost gives the impression of containing meat, making for a truly comforting and flavorful start to the main course.
Tomato Lentil Soup at Brave New Restaurant, Little Rock
The Stuffed Chicken, featuring a half chicken from Rabbit Ridge Farms, showcases the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients. The chicken breast is generously stuffed with Boursin cheese, while the leg and thigh are sautéed in butter and served atop a creamy leek sauce. The chicken is mostly boneless with delightfully crisp skin. While the white meat can be slightly dry, the dark meat retains its juiciness. Sautéed potatoes are a classic accompaniment, although the red cabbage may seem an unexpected addition to some.
Stuffed Chicken Dish at Brave New Restaurant, Little Rock
Another excellent entree choice is the Duck with duck, a sophisticated dish featuring pan-roasted and spice-rubbed duck breast, smoked duck sausage, and cranberry wild rice, finished with a blood orange demi-glace. The duck breast is cooked to a perfect medium-rare and sliced for easy enjoyment. The red cabbage, which was less at home with the chicken, finds its perfect pairing with the rich duck sausage. The sweet and slightly sticky blood orange demi-glace complements the duck breast beautifully, highlighting its natural flavors without any hint of gaminess. The wild rice mix is an ideal accompaniment to the breast.
Duck with Duck Entree at Brave New Restaurant in Little Rock
Dessert at Brave New Restaurant is presented as an oral menu, and the house-made ice creams are a delightful way to conclude the meal. The Mint Chip and White Russian ice creams both boast a wonderful texture and are served with a crisp and delicate almond butter cookie. The White Russian ice cream has a distinct coffee essence, while the Mint Chip is refreshing, though some might find the chocolate chips on the larger side. Regardless of the flavor choice, the ice cream and almond butter cookies are a perfect sweet ending.
White Russian Ice Cream Dessert at Brave New Restaurant, Little Rock
In conclusion, Brave New Restaurant in Little Rock, AR, offers a consistently enjoyable dining experience. From its inviting ambiance and attentive service to its well-executed menu featuring both classic and innovative dishes, it’s clear why this restaurant has remained a local favorite for so long. Whether you’re a Little Rock resident or just visiting, Brave New Restaurant is a worthwhile destination for a memorable meal.
