Best Middle Eastern '97

Best Middle Eastern

Tork's Café
1701 N. Country Club Road

READERS' PICK: Even though Tork's is located on the corner of Country Club Road and Elm Street, its proximity to neighboring doctors' offices, a school and a baseball-card shop make it hard to find. But our stealthy readers have persevered, to great reward: This tiny restaurant is home to some of the tastiest food anywhere. The menu consists of traditional Northern African, Middle Eastern and Greek fare, from falafel to stuffed grape leaves to shwarma. This family-owned shop has somewhat erratic summer hours, but the freshness of its food makes it well worth many return trips.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Le Mediterranean, 4955 N. Sabino Canyon Road

A REAL SCREAM: What used to be a hole-in-the-wall place has become a spacious, stylish establishment. Having moved from its tiny quarters in Geronimoz Plaza to the adjacent space (most fondly recalled as the original Bentley's Coffee House, but most recently another failed Japanese restaurant), Sinbad's Restaurant, 810 E. University Blvd., has retained its tasty and inexpensive fare. Sinbad's strength is in the basics--hummus, falafel, babaghanoush and tabbouleh--but they also offer an expansive menu including lamb and chicken. New and especially delicious are the appetizers (many vegetarian) in the display case. They aren't on the menu, so be sure to ask about these authentic delicacies. Service is efficient, and food appears on the table quickly, making this a great university-area choice for lunch or dinner.

One Reader Roars

Best Middle Eastern Grocer

Caravan is a tiny store, but it's crammed with good things to eat: bulk Kalamata olives, feta cheese, spices, grape leaves, and baklava. It also has Indian, Indonesian, and Eastern European delicacies, and the cheapest Nutella in town. Plus, the owners are very friendly and helpful. It's a great place.

--Tineke VanZandt

1998 Winner: Tork's Café
1996 Winner: Tork's Café
1995 Winner: Tork's Café