Chef Matt Cooper is the acclaimed Chef/Owner of Conifer Bentonville and Rÿn Bentonville. He has received multiple recognitions from the James Beard Foundation, including being a finalist for Best Chef: South in 2025...
Insights
ItalianChineseBakeryLocal ModernUpscaleDinnerFarm To TableFine Dining
Last updated: 7/7/2026, 5:33:14 AM
Key Information
Conifer Bentonville is a dedicated gluten-free, farm-to-table restaurant offering a hyper-seasonal menu that reflects local stories and ingredients. It provides a modern and lively fine dining atmosphere, making it a unique culinary destination in Bentonville.
Customer Perception
Customers consistently praise Conifer for its outstanding service, delicious and creative food, and elegant yet lively atmosphere. Many highlight the exceptional quality of the gluten-free dishes, noting that it's hard to believe they are gluten-free. The attentive and friendly staff, along with the chef's personal engagement, contribute to a special dining experience.
Conifer is known for its commitment to local, seasonal ingredients, with its menu changing frequently to reflect the freshest produce available. It is a sister restaurant to Ryn.
Conifer is open for dinner Monday through Sunday from 5 PM to 9 PM. Reservations are recommended, especially for prime dining times, though bar seating may be available for walk-ins with a short wait.
Awards & Recognition
James Beard Award Semi-Finalist (Chef Cooper) • 2024
James Beard Award Finalist (Chef Cooper) • 2025
James Beard Award Semi-Finalist (Chef Cooper) • 2026
5
Chef Cooper delivered an incredible dining experience at The Conifer. The service was outstanding, and every dish impressed, from the chicken spatzel with mac & cheese to the strawberries with ricotta, cheddar biscuits with whipped butter, and the unforgettable brown butter ice cream with pecans and caramel.
Chef Cooper even came to our table to share his vision, which made the night feel personal and special. Hands down some of the best gluten-free food we’ve ever had, you’d never know it was gluten-free.
Absolutely worth the visit. We’ll be back.
Our first Conifer experience and it was truly excellent. I had been seeing it get James Beard Award recognition in recent years and now I can certainly see why. The atmosphere is a nice fine dining atmosphere but also feels modern and lively. We started with the biscuits, which are hard to believe are gluten free given how delicious they are. We both went with some mocktails that we both loved. It’s not everywhere that puts so much effort into making their mocktails so flavorful. I absolutely loved the gnocchi and I can’t wait to try more of their entrees. My wife had the short rib and wow, amazing. We were too full for dessert but they were kind enough to let us try a small portion of the sorbet and, you guessed it, also great. Kat took great care of us with recommendations and making sure any accommodations were met. Much appreciation to Conifer for a great date night!
This restaurant was hands down, one of the top places I have ever eaten. The food, experience and our server were fantastic! I cannot eat gluten and was filled with joy to try so many options here. The flavors were absolutely amazing and creativity was an A+. My husband and I dined here for our one year anniversary and did not leave disappointed. We will be back!!
An elegant atmosphere, attentive and friendly staff, and delicious food all make up the Conifer experience. If the chicken and dumplings are on the menu, GET IT! The potato dumplings are soft and pillowy and the chicken is perfectly cooked, definitely not dry at all. The hearty flavors will have you wishing for seconds!
Always impeccable service, food, cocktails, and wine here. And usually room at the bar with 0-15 min wait if you "forgot" to make a reservation. but honestly, I always prefer to sit with Alex at the bar, he makes the best cocktails. No shade to the rest of the staff, they are also wonderful. And Haley, the manager, makes time to make everyone feel included, seen, and special. Truly a wonderful dining experience.
