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I’m going to say something bold: I think I just found the best restaurant in Northwest Arkansas for business lunches, client dinners and quiet catch-ups with a friend. And until recently, I had no idea it was even there.
Let me introduce you to Loma, an elevated and authentic Mexican restaurant tucked in the heart of Rogers, just minutes from the Pinnacle Hills area. It’s quiet and beautiful, and it might just be the best-kept secret for anyone seeking a healthy, flavorful lunch, a romantic date night, or an impressive dinner that says, “Yes, I do know the best places.”
Whether you’re entertaining clients, hosting a team lunch, or planning your next date night, Loma needs to be on your radar.
Let’s Talk About Loma
Loma opened in January 2023, bringing something incredibly special to the NWA dining scene. The owners, who are also behind Toca in downtown Springdale, aimed to create something even more refined and intentional in Rogers. And wow, did they deliver!
Everything in the space, from the hand-carved furniture to the Latin architect-designed interiors, was brought in from Mexico. It’s not merely decoration. It’s heritage. It’s elegance. It creates an atmosphere that makes your lunch break feel like a mini-vacation, or your dinner feel like a destination event.
At the heart of Loma is executive chef Daniel, who creates authentic Mexican cuisine using recipes from his family and flavors throughout his home country. Think housemade mole (yes, the real kind that takes days to make and you want to drink with a straw), hand-smashed guacamole and a salsa flight that will ruin you for all others.
The Lunch Scene: A Mini Getaway on the Patio
I don’t say this lightly: Loma is my new favorite lunch spot to meet a friend or feel like I got out of the office to refresh over my lunch break.
It’s healthy, peaceful, sun-soaked, and surrounded by fresh greenery, making it feel like you’ve been transported somewhere relaxing, yet just five minutes from your office. The patio is a dream—shaded with pops of sunshine, terra cotta urns, hand-stained butcher block tables and resort furniture; the kind of place you could linger long after the last bite.
Here are Four Lunch Picks you can’t miss:
- Grilled Atlantic Salmon
Lightly charred with a chipotle-honey glaze and topped with mango pico de gallo – it’s healthy, filling and completely satisfying. - Deep-Fried Stuffed Avocado
Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside and still refreshingly light, it’s technically an appetizer, but I’d enjoy it with added protein and call it a day. - Stuffed Chicken Breast
Grilled chicken filled with spinach and cotija cheese is topped with an arbol pepper cream sauce that delivers the perfect kick to linger on the back of your tongue. - Flor de Jalisco Cocktail
Hibiscus, ginger, and vodka are among the most refreshing ways to soak up some vitamin D while still making it back to your desk on time for that afternoon call.
Gluten-free? Dairy-free? Eating clean? No problem. Almost everything on the menu is naturally gluten-free (except for the crackers and desserts) and the ingredients are clean, simple and thoughtfully sourced. Loma makes it effortless to eat healthy without feeling like you’re making any sacrifices.
Dinner at Loma: Date Night or Seal the Deal
Dinner at Loma is where everything truly shines. It’s undeniably fine dining that considers every detail, yet it remains approachable and welcoming. It’s perfect for a Friday night with friends, a special Saturday celebration or a weeknight client dinner where you wish to impress without feeling stuffy.
Here are just a few dishes that will blow your mind:
- Authentic Barbacoa
Braised short rib so tender you’ll feel like you’re living a Flintstone dream. It’s slow-cooked in-house and served with baracho beans made with tiny bits of ham. The sauce? It’s rendered beef fat emulsified with peppers and onions and tastes like a warm hug. - Ahi Tuna from the Raw Bar
Sesame-encrusted and paired with avocado crema, peanut sauce and soy glaze—it’s melt-in-your-mouth magic. - Mary Tierra (Surf & Turf)
A stunning combination of shrimp and steak served with tuétano (a bone marrow sauce) and a serrano pepper purée that adds just the right kick. - Chilean Sea Bass
Seared and blackened, accompanied by a bright mango pico – sourced from the South American seas but infused with the soul of Mexico.
They also have Maya Saka Wagyu, a type of American Wagyu beef that you’d travel to find. It’s a standout; if you have a client who knows steak, this dish seals the deal.
The Vibe? Luxe Meets Laid-Back
The dining room is serene, while the patio is playful. The private room upstairs, featuring sunset views over Pinnacle Hills, is perfect for hosting private events, team training sessions or executive dinners.
You’ll see everyone here: couples on dates, business professionals engaged in quiet conversations, ladies’ lunch groups, and travelers savoring a taste of Mexico thousands of miles from touristy Tex-Mex.
Oh, and did I mention the cocktails? The house margarita is a classic (on the rocks only), the Palomito with grapefruit vodka is bright and breezy and their spicy cucumber cocktail is green, refreshing and completely sippable under the afternoon sun.
One Big Sister Tip from Me to You
Loma is the spot you’ve been looking for. Whether visiting Northwest Arkansas or having lived here for years, this is your hidden gem. Your go-to. Your “I can’t believe I didn’t know about this place” moment.
Book a table, order the sea bass, and enjoy a Flor de Jalisco on the patio. Trust me, you’ll be texting your best friend before the check arrives (and thanking me later).
And if you’re still taking your clients to the usual lunch chain down the street? It’s time to level up.
Loma is located in Rogers near the Pinnacle Hills area at the top of the One Uptown Building. Visit lomamx.com for the full menu and reservation details.
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