When Finley Farms opened—and brought three stellar dining spots to town—the restaurant scene in Ozark seemed to grow overnight. But folks in the know have been watching this foodie explosion happen for years. Instead of just being a stop for “throwed rolls” on the way down the highway, Ozark has blossomed into a Mecca of delicious and trendy options, with more springing up every time we blink. There’s Raku Hibachi Sushi & Ramen, slinging bowls of tantan noodles that make our mouths water; The Garrison, offering a moody speakeasy vibe with a fine dining menu; and even the wine-focused Vineyard Market, which brings as many events to the community as it does delicious dishes. Whether you’re a traveler just passing through or an Ozark resident looking for your new favorite spot, use this guide to help you find your next Ozark meal.
Top Picks
• The Ozark Mill Restaurant
• Raku Hibachi Sushi & Ramen
• Brothers Tacos
• Mundos Latin Kitchen
• Vineyard Market
• Mudhouse
Perfect for Date Night
The Garrison
Located at Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, 417-210-6644
Cuisine: Fine dining
You enter like it’s a speakeasy (with a password and everything) before finding yourself in a dark, moody, lounge-like space with a menu full of shareable plates. Don’t miss the duck breast or the rosemary pound cake dessert. Cocktails here are excellent (try The Millrace), and the patio overlooking the Finley River is the best seat in the house. The menu also pays homage to the beloved but long gone Riverside Inn Restaurant by serving a take on their famous fried chicken. They offer an eight-course tasting menu as well.
Vineyard Market
1759 W. State Highway J, Ozark, 417-882-0399
Cuisine: Wine bistro
This is a great spot to relax with wine and a date (or a few friends) as you share some small plates and hand-tossed pizzas. Favorites include the bacon and brie toast points, the nacho waffle fries and the smoked chuck roast fried tacos. Don’t miss the pizza that’s topped with brie, prosciutto, fig jam, hot honey and arugula. The wine menu is great, and brunch is served on Saturdays.
Salvatore’s Fresh Ristorante Italiano
1932 W. Retail Lane, Ozark, 417-485-3838
Cuisine: Italian
If you’re lucky, you might get to see the staff at Salvatore’s hand-making their pasta. They offer other Italian favorites too, like arancini and chicken parmigiana. Keep an eye out for the seasonal pasta dishes, like the recent casarecce with mushrooms, peas and prosciutto.
The Ozark Mill Restaurant
Located at Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, 417-210-6644
Cuisine: Southern farm-to-table
Located inside a historic mill situated right beside the Finley River, this spot offers a Southern-inspired menu that uses ingredients sourced from Finley Farms. The seasonal shareable Farmer’s Board is a must-try, and so are the risotto fritters. Brunch is offered on the weekends.
The Ozark OGs
Spring Creek Tea Room
107 S. Third St., Ozark, 417-582-1331
Cuisine: Tea room
Known for a revolving menu of incredible cakes (try the chocolate-coconut-pecan when they have it!), Spring Creek offers old-school tea room fare, like bright pink strawberry soup and chicken salad sandwiches. There’s an attached antique shop here too.
Rosie Jo’s Cafe
1711 S. 15th St., Ozark, 417-581-6047
Cuisine: Diner
It’s all checkered table cloths and comfort food at Rosie Jo’s, a longtime Ozark institution. Try the customer-favorite chicken fried steak with white gravy, or the always-crunchy fried chicken. The pork tenderloin sandwich is another sure-bet at this cozy, old-fashioned spot. Favorites include the country fried steak and ketchup-doused meatloaf—plus, the sausage and kraut is a surprise hit.
Lambert’s Cafe
1800 W. State Highway J, Ozark, 417-581-7655
Cuisine: Southern
Where else can you get a piping hot dinner roll thrown to you by a bread-slinging waiter? Everything is very down-home and a little over-the-top at this kitschy spot, where the portions are impossibly large and the shareable sides are bottomless.
Mexican & Latin Fare
Brothers Tacos
519 N. 21st St., Ozark, 417-731-9735
Cuisine: Mexican
This spot is beloved for its small-but-mighty and addictively delicious street tacos. (They are only $1 each on Tuesdays!) Opt for the al pastor tacos for a flavorful bite with a sweet pineapple twist. The birria torta is a must-try too.
Mundos Latin Kitchen
5493 N. 17th St., Ozark, 417-485-2160
Cuisine: Latin fusion
The menu here features signature dishes from Colombia, Peru, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Cuba and more. The mofongo (fried and mashed plantains with chicharrones) and the jicama tacos (with a fresh jicama shell filled with coconut shrimp and chipotle sauce) are excellent choices on this huge and varied menu. The tostones appetizer is a winner too.
La Reina Margaritas
1511 W. State Highway J, Ozark, 417-598-6327
Cuisine: Modern Mexican
The handcrafted margaritas are customer favorites here. You can also get the Table Side Cart Special, which has three appetizers (queso flameado, guacamole and roasted salsa) that are freshly prepared right at the table. For a rich flavor explosion, try the mole poblano, featuring chicken in a homemade mole sauce with a side of borracho beans.
La Casita Mexican Cuisine
750 N. 18th St., Ozark, 417-551-4111
Cuisine: Mexican
You can’t go wrong with the tacos here, especially the trio of tacos del mar filled with grilled salmon and topped with mango pico de gallo. Order the street corn to go along with them, and choose one of the restaurant’s many margaritas.
Primas Mexican Kitchen
5557 N. 21st St., Ozark, 417-582-2776
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
With locations in both Ozark and Springfield, this long-running restaurant is a local favorite for a reason. Dishes like the queso-smothered tamales or the addictive elote dip are hard to resist, and the El Diablo burrito is a spicy indulgence worth every bite.
Dining and Cooking