We were recently visiting northwest Arkansas and decided to try Pizzeria Ruby. We had heard people rave about this place so we knew we had to try and review it for ourselves.
Wow!
Y’all, if you are in the area we highly suggest that you do yourself a favor and eat at Pizzeria Ruby! You won’t regret it!
Who are we? We are Emily and Karen are a daughter and mother team who love to showcase the best of our home state of Arkansas. On this trip to Pizzeria Ruby there were four of us. Emily and Karen, plus Emily’s husband and young daughter. This was NOT a sponsored post.
Location of Pizzeria Ruby
The tagline on their website reads: “Big Slices in Little Johnson.” However, the actual address of Pizzeria Ruby is Springdale.
- Address: 5519 Hackett St., Suite 100, Springdale, AR 72762
- Phone number: (479) 435-9494
The Ambiance and Service
We really liked the ambiance in this restaurant. It has a bit of a faux-Boston feeling. Like North End Boston without the old buildings and tourists.
It’s a very open concept restaurant. Of course there are the classic red and white checked tablecloths. Which I love.
Since we were there for lunch, Pizzeria Ruby also had tons of natural light streaming through the large windows. It was bright and almost airy.
The kitchen is open. You can watch the pizza dough being tossed and the chefs at work. There is also a bar along one side that is part of the restaurant.
There was music playing and a buzz of conversation throughout the space. We didn’t find the noise to be too loud and were able to easily converse. Somehow the noise felt just right for this atmosphere.
However, if you are looking for a quiet ambiance – this is not that.
We thought it felt perfect for a pizza place. In fact the overall vibe of this restaurant is somehow sort of…cozy.
Cool, but cozy.
The service was excellent. Our your waiter was just the right amount of attentive. She was also friendly and sweet with the 2 year old in our party.
Drinks
There is a bar at Pizzeria Ruby and we saw some unique cocktails on the menu. In addition they have house wine and a few beers on tap as well as on ice.
If we hadn’t been working the day we were there I would have loved to try the house sangria which can be ordered in a pitcher for the table.
Of course they have the typical cokes, but they also have some interesting Italian sodas that you might want to try.
The Food at Pizzeria Ruby
But, let’s talk about the food.
The three adults in our party ordered a both a pizza and a pasta dish with extra plates to share. Little Lyla got her own child’s size spaghetti and tomato sauce. I tasted it and it was excellent. She thought so, too!
The adults decided to try the Pistachio Alfredo pasta and the Spicy Italian Boyfriend pizza.
The pasta menu at Pizzeria Ruby is small but mighty. Everything is house-made, and it shows. In fact, although I loved the pizza, if I went back I would definitely consider just getting pasta. It really is next level.
The pistachio Alfredo was creamy and rich in the best way. The little bit of crunch and flavor from the pistachios really took it over the top. It was decadent and indulgent and I haven’t stopped thinking about it.
Unfortunately, we dug into it so quickly that I didn’t get a photo of our pasta, but I assure you it looked and tasted delicious.
Here are some iconic restaurants in Arkansas that you might be interested in learning more about!
We also really enjoyed our pizza and I have to say that this is NOT your average pizza!
The pies at Pizzeria Ruby have that thin, chewy wood-fired crust with just enough char. Ours was topped with spicy, small pepperonis and just the right amount of sauce and mozzarella.
It was seriously SO good.
They offer other pizzas too. Of course there is classic Margherita and I saw one with mushrooms that looked amazing.
However, when I go back I really want to try the Vodka pie. Apparently it is a favorite with locals and it sounds amazing.
Of course we had to have dessert. We had the gelato of the day which happened to also be pistachio. Yes, we are all big fans of pistachio.
More Tips and Things to Know
- We have heard that there can be really long waits to get into dine at Pizzeria Ruby. Like really long. Up to 2 hours. They DO have a virtual waitlist on their website so you can sign up there.
- If you DO have a wait you can always go next door and enjoy a beverage at Hail Fellow Well Met which is a fabulous coffee, wine, and food bar with great seating both indoors and out.
- Pizzeria Ruby does not take cash.
We really enjoyed Pizzeria Ruby. In our opinion this restaurant strikes a perfect balance of delicious food and great ambiance. It is relaxed, but special, simple, but elevated.
If you go, I definitely suggest trying the pasta along with a pizza. Bring some friends to share. You’ll leave full and happy!
Thanks for stopping by!
