Selected restaurants

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

LITTLE ROCK — Weekly theme listings reflect a range of dining possibilities in central Arkansas, across a spectrum of settings and price ranges. To read recent restaurant reviews in their entirety, visit

www2.arkansasonline. com/restaurants/. Indian

AMRUTH AUTHENTIC INDIAN CUISINE

11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 224-4567

Picking up where predecessor Kebab & Curry left off, Amruth offers a large menu of authentic and top-notch Indian chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian dishes, though you’ll need to consult the Web site for menu descriptions.

Lunch, dinner daily. No alcohol. Bargain-moderate.

STAR OF INDIA

301 N. Shackleford Road, Little Rock, (501) 227-9900

In addition to incorporating every customer into his circle of friends and relations, proprietor Sami Lal has practically doubled the number of menu offerings — superlative curries, tandoori dishes and a wide range of vegetarian entrees, plus a super-value lunch buffet.

Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine. Reservations (large parties). Moderate.

Mediterranean/Middle Eastern

LAYLA’S RESTAURANT, GROCERY & HALAL MEAT

9501 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 227-7272

Believe the poster offering better gyros at this Middle Eastern eatery, an essentially one-man operation (the owner-chef cooks, serves and even butchers his own meat).

Lunch daily, dinner Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Bargain-moderate.

LEO’S GREEK CASTLE

2925 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 666-7414

This idiosyncratic Hillcrest haunt looks more like a gas station robbed by Bonnie and Clyde than a castle, but it serves a good breakfast and later offers Greek/ Mediterranean staples like spanakopita, hummus, gyros and especially fine moussaka.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Bargain.

LULAV

220A W. Sixth St., Little Rock, (501) 374-5100

After some rocky passages, Lulav has settled down and hit its stride with Executive Chef Brian Cochrane shifting the Mediterranean-California fusion concept in a Mediterranean direction.

Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Tue-Sat. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate.

MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE

River Market, 400 E. President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 372-1662

Proprietor-chef Wael Abdin’s flavor-drenched daily selection of six to eight Middle Eastern entrees — always gyros and at least one vegetarian offering — is drawn from his repertoire of more than 100 recipes.

Lunch daily. No alcohol. Bargain.

TAZIKI’S GREEK FARE

8200 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 227-8291

Superlative Grilled Lamb Gyro stars on the “Greek Lite” menu at this good-natured “fast-casual” spot where notably fresh ingredients and excellent wine values aim to win over diners.

Lunch daily, dinner Mon-Sat. Beer, wine. Bargain.

TERRACE ON THE GREEN

2200 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 217-9393

Around since 1981 and now managed by a Jerry Barakat nephew, this reliable spot presents flavorful appetizers, soups, veal and fish dishes — mostly with Mediterranean lineage. Service is able and good-humored.

Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate.

Weekend, Pages 38 on 11/05/2009