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 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.
Mediterranean/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 (the owner-chef cooks, serves and even occasionally butchers his own meat).
Lunch, 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 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 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.
UDPATE! THE TERRACE MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN
2200 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 217-9393
Though now in its fourth location and with its third name, this Mediterranean hot spot recently got a major face-lift, but the menu still features a collection of flavorful appetizers, soups, veal and fish dishes, most with Mediterranean lineage.
Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate.
Weekend, Pages 38 on 07/19/2012