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
AMRUTH AUTHENTIC INDIAN CUISINE
11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 224-4567
Amruth offers a large menu of authentic and top-notch Indian chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian dishes.
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.
TAJ MAHAL
1520 Market St., Little Rock, (501) 520-4900 (this is a long-distance call from Little Rock area)
Taj Mahal’s kitchen uses a bit more spice than competitors while offering dishes not spotted elsewhere —including a few goat specialties.
Lunch, dinner daily. Beer, wine. Reservations. Moderate.
Mediterranean/Middle Eastern
LAYLA’S GYROS & PIZZERIA
9501 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, (501) 227-7272
Expect excellent 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. Bargainmoderate.
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.
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 goodnatured “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, this reliable spot presents flavorful appetizers, soups, veal and fish dishes — mostly with Mediterranean lineage.
Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sat. Full bar. Reservations. Moderate.
Weekend, Pages 40 on 09/29/2011