Selected restaurants

— Weekly theme listings

reflect a range of dining

possibilities in central Arkansas, across a

spectrum of settings and

price ranges. To read re

cent restaurant reviews in their entirety, visit

arkansasonline.com/restaurants/.

Indian

STAR OF INDIA

301 N. Shackleford Road, Little Rock, (501) 227-9900 In addition to incorporating every customer he’s ever had 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.

TAJ MAHAL

1520 Market St., Little Rock, (501) 520-4900 (long-distance call from Little Rock area) The kitchen uses a bit more spice than competitors, while offering dishes - including a few goat specialties - not spotted elsewhere.

Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine. Reservations. Moderate.

Mediterra

nean/Middle Eastern

LAYLA’S GYROS & PIZZERIA

9501 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 227-7272; 8201 Ranch Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 868-8226 Expect excellent gyros at this Middle Eastern eatery where the owner-chef cooks, serves and even occasionally butchers the meat.

Lunch daily, dinner daily (Rodney Parham), Mon-Sat (Cantrell). 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 Bonnie and Clyde robbed than a castle, but it serves a good breakfast and during the day also offers Greek/Mediterranean staples like spanakopita, hummus, gyros and especially fine moussaka.

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

Bargain.

MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE

River Market, 400 E.

President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 372-1662 Proprietor-chef Wael Abdin draws his flavor-drenched daily selection of six to eight Middle Eastern entrees - always including gyros and at least one vegetarian offering - 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;

12800 Chenal Parkway, (501) 225-1829 Grilled Lamb Gyro stars on the “Greek Lite” menu at this good-natured fastcasual spot, an offshoot franchise of an Alabama mini-chain, 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 for more than three decades in its fourth location, this reliable spot presents flavorful appetizers, soups, veal and fish dishes - most of them with Mediterranean lineage.

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

Reservations. Moderate.

Weekend, Pages 38 on 04/19/2012

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