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.
Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern
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 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
This idiosyncratic Hillcrest haunt that looks more like a gas station that Bonnie and Clyde robbed than a castle, offers Greek/Mediterranean staples like spanakopita, hummus, gyros and falafel and also serves a good Southern breakfast.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Wine and beer. Bargain.
MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE
River Market Ottenheimer Market Hall, 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 Mon-Sat. 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 more-than-three-decades-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.
Indian
BANANA LEAF INDIAN CUISINE
Simmons Tower, 425 W. Capitol Ave., Little Rock, (501) 227-0860
Another food truck finding permanent quarters, in this case big-bank-building digs that are utilitarian and tight, with a changing-daily menu, served cafeteria-style, of near-perfect, curry-influenced Indian items ranging from a sophisticated take on chicken nuggets to vindaloo.
Lunch Mon-Fri. No alcohol. Bargain-moderate.
THE INDIAN FEAST
River Market Ottenheimer Market Hall, 400 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 476-4007
You can order off the menu, on a screen above the kiosk, but the easiest and most appetizing option is the aromatic and reasonably priced lunch combos -- selections change daily -- and the kitchen doesn't skimp on the flavor.
Lunch Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Moderate.
STAR OF INDIA
301 N. Shackleford Road, Little Rock, (501) 227-9900
In addition to incorporating every customer he has ever had into his circle of friends and relations, proprietor Sami Lal continues to offer superlative curries, tandoori dishes and a 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 seen elsewhere in the area.
Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine. Reservations. Moderate.
Weekend on 07/27/2017