Let me start off by saying that I detest buffets. Hate them. Loathe them.

So why did I thoroughly enjoy my experience at Al Seraj’s lunch buffet? Well, it didn’t feel like that typical, mass feeding frenzy with sad food that’s been sitting around for hours. Granted, we were there early, right after everything was just put out, but the presentation of the numerous items led me to believe that attention to detail was critical for the staff at Al Seraj.

The buffet included classics like: chicken shawarma, gyro meat, chicken kababs, falafel, hummus, basmati rice, tahini dip, baba ghanouj, stuffed grape leaves, and tabouli salad, just to name a few.

I was particularly impressed with both the baba ghanouj, which rivals any in town, and the freshly sliced gyro meat. The latter was a nice touch, as Al Seraj seems to pride itself in slicing and serving the meat from the spit just minutes, if not seconds, before you select it from the buffet. The real magic, however, is when you get like eight different items all on one plate and start mixing flavors.

Al Seraj is the space formerly occupied by Great Wraps, and a part of me is just excited that any restaurant other that GW now resides in that spot. But the truth is that Al Seraj seems to be a quality establishment churning out fresh, tasty Mediterranean food at a reasonable price. The lunch buffet is $9.99, which is an unbelievable value given the quality of food.

Hopefully this restaurant will do well, stay in business, and add to our growing list of quality Mediterranean options here in Little Rock. It’s only been one visit for yours truly, but so far, so good.

Important info: Buffet runs Monday-Sunday (11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Adults ($9.99), Ages 9-12 ($7.99), Ages 4-8 ($5.99), Under 3 (free)

Al Seraj Mediterranean Restaurant
11400 N. Rodney Parham
501-954-2026
Hours: Monday-Saturday (11 a.m.-9 p.m.); Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.)