Ari's Little Italy Resuarant - Glenwood

This is definitely one of my favorite spots! It’s truly a hidden gem. My favorite dishes here are the spaghetti and pizza, but I can't wait to explore more items on the menu. During my few visits, the food has been some of the best I’ve ever had! I highly recommend everyone give this place a try.

My grandmother, Rose Ardolino, lived in the North End of Boston, known as 'Little Italy'. Her parents were from Sicily. I have fond memories of cooking spaghetti and meatballs, homemade bread soaked in marinara sauce, lasagna, Italian sausage, and minestrone soup with her. Now that I'm 58 and she has passed, I find that Ari's Little Italy is the only restaurant where I've tasted Italian food that brings back those cherished memories of my grandma's cooking. We look for any excuse to drive from Mena to Ari's—it's my birthday, your birthday, the neighbor's birthday, or just a Tuesday! It’s a fantastic place with wonderful people and delicious food! Mangia! (That means 'eat' in Italian).

I ordered a large small salad, which came with a delightful house dressing. The bread was fabulous, with a hint of garlic and buttery love knots that I couldn’t get enough of. The eggplant Rollatini was steaming hot, featuring perfectly roasted eggplants stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese. I paired this with a side of delicate angel hair pasta smothered in a rich Alfredo sauce, perfect for soaking up every last bit on the plate with the love knots. And then there was the chocolate cheesecake, decadently dripping with velvety ganache and topped with whipped cream. After that meal, I felt so satisfied that I could just roll to the car and dream my way home.

Absolutely fantastic. Mindy, my waitress, was fantastic. I think I liked her more than the food, but wow! It's been years since I moved to Arkansas. I had the chicken piccata, one of my favorite dishes, and it was wonderful. The portions are great and the price is very fair. The house dressing was even extraordinary. Since I was in Glenwood on Saturday. I know where to eat.

The best Italian food anywhere. That's right. The best Italian food is in Glenwood, AR. Just try it.