Weekly theme listings reflect a range of dining possibilities in central Arkansas, across a spectrum of settings and price ranges. Restaurant reviewers' visits are anonymous and all expenses are paid by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Indian
NEW! FLAVOR OF INDIA
11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock,
(501) 224-4567
The latest Indian restaurant to occupy a storefront in the north side of a North Rodney Parham Road shopping center offers good food with some unique flavors and menu options, including chaat (Indian street food) and South Indian dishes not previously available in this area, in a more contemporary, less overtly "Indian" atmosphere.
Lunch, dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Wine and beer. Moderate.
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 continues to offer 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 in the area. And unlike many competitors, even the buffet offers some pleasant surprises.
Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine. Reservations. Moderate.
Mediterranean/Middle Eastern
UPDATE! LAYLA'S GYROS & PIZZERIA
9501 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 227-7272; 6100 Stones Drive, Little Rock, (501) 868-8226; 713 Oak St., Conway, (501) 205-8224
Expect excellent gyros, baklava and even pizza at this Halal Middle Eastern eatery, where in the past you might see the owner-chef cooking, serving and even occasionally butchering the meat.
Lunch, dinner daily (Little Rock locations); lunch, dinner Mon-Sat, lunch Sun (Conway). No alcohol. Bargain-moderate.
LEO'S GREEK CASTLE
2925 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, (501) 666-7414
A tweak in the interior decor is still pending but there have been a few additions to the menu at this idiosyncratic Hillcrest haunt, which, though it looks more like a gas station that Bonnie and Clyde robbed than a castle, serves a good breakfast and also offers Greek/Mediterranean staples like spanakopita, hummus, gyros and moussaka.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Wine and beer. Bargain.
LITTLE GREEK FRESH GRILL
Pleasant Ridge Town Center, 11525 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 223-5300
This Little Rock franchise of a Florida-based fast-casual chain that just changed its name is a little Greek and a lot of American, and you get a lot of food on the plate. Try the Greek salad, the dolmades and the baklava.
Lunch, dinner daily. Beer and wine. Moderate.
NEW! SALT & PEPPER MIDDLE-EASTERN RESTAURANT
Galleria Shopping Center, 9700 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 246-5002
Light, creamy, citric Tahini Hummus heads the list of impressive Middle Eastern and "IndoPak" items in this storefront restaurant, attached to a halal market and grocery store.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. No alcohol. Bargain.
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 three-decade-old Mediterranean hot spot's menu still features a collection of flavorful appetizers, soups, veal and fish dishes with Mediterranean lineage.
Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate.
Weekend on 11/19/2015