Starving Artist Cafe Review

Fun atmosphere, good cafe food with a Mediterranean twist. Prices are moderate (entrees average $17). Dinner specials change nightly. Catering available.

When you walk into this cafe, you're struck by the interesting artwork all over the walls. All of the art is for sale and you can read about the artists on their website. Occasionally, the cafe has artists sketching live on site. The collection is interesting and eclectic with many different styles being presented.

You're probably not there for art though, you're there for food. The back of the restaurant has the specials sketched out on a chalkboard as well as a "prix fixe" menu. The specials change daily. Regular menu items include pork tenderloin medallions with apple chutney ($18.50), mahi-mahi with cherry pepper coulis ($17.50) and shrimp sautéed with mango and curry ($16.50). You can see the whole dinner, lunch and brunch menus on their site.

I had the pasta of the day and chocolate mousse. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the spicy diablo marinara was right on. It was a bit hot for my dining partner's taste but I really enjoyed it (the waiter had warned it was very spicy). Dinner is served with a great cubed focaccia bread.

I've also had several meals catered by the Starving Artists and they're always a hit. We rarely have leftovers. Catered dinners include salad, a pasta/meat dish, bread and desert.

This restaurant is well worth a visit for it's quirky atmosphere, fun menu and fresh food. Sunday brunch is a great time to visit. They are not open for dinner on the weekdays.

411 Main St.
Argenta Arts District
Downtown North Little Rock, AR
501-372-7976
Website

Tuesday-Saturday: 11am-9pm

Arkansas Times
Arkansas Democrat Gazette