Cleopatra
Backstory
The restaurant opened in 2004 in a new Manhattan Boulevard strip mall on the other side of Lapalco, which was a new frontier for commercial development. It's a little off the main stream of traffic, so although the place does a large amount of take-out business (doctors from the nearby hospitals, many of whom look to be of Middle Eastern descent, are always picking up), the dining room is rarely busy.
Dining Room
The restaurant is in the back of an ordinary-looking strip mall. That makes the dining room, with its tablecloth-covered tables and chandeliers, a pleasant atmospheric surprise.
Why It's Essential
The best of the few Middle Eastern restaurants on the West Bank, Cleopatra's handsome dining room serves a menu that extends beyond the basics to include a number of dishes not often seen elsewhere. Some of them seem Egyptian to me. The restaurant doesn't serve alcoholic beverages, nor are you allowed to bring your own.
Why It's Good
The meats here are strictly halal, following the Islamic code for butchering. This is a step that lends quality, and it shows up particularly in the lamb dishes. This is one of the few Middle Eastern restaurants in the New Orleans that makes a specialty of duck. They also make couscous, another rarity.And bake their own pita bread and pastries.
Most Interesting Dishes
<em><strong>Starters</strong></em><br /> »Hummus<br /> »Baba ghanouj<br /> Tabouli<br /> Falafel<br /> Couscous<br /> »Fried kibbe<br /> Meat pies<br /> »Spinach pie<br /> Dolma (stuffed grape leaves)<br /> Lentil soup<br /> Vegetable soup<br /> Greek salad<br /> »Fattoush salad (greens, vegetables, pita chips)<br /> Grilled chicken salad<br /> <em><strong>Sandwiches</strong></em><br /> Lamb, beef, chicken or shrimp kabob<br /> Shawarma<br /> Falafel<br /> Gyro<br /> Hamburger<br /> Shrimp or fish<br /> <em><strong>Entrees</strong></em><br /> »Filet mignon shish kabob<br /> »Kafta kabob<br /> »Lamb shish kabob<br /> Beef kabob<br /> Chicken kabob<br /> Shrimp kabob<br /> »Broiled fish<br /> Chicken shawarma<br /> »Moussaka<br /> Gyro plate<br /> Shrimp plate<br /> »Seafood platter<br /> »Lamb chops<br /> Chefs vegetarian plate<br /> <em><strong>Desserts</strong></em><br /> Baklava<br /> Ashta<br />
Deficiencies
It would be nice to see a full house in here sometimes.
For Best Results
Mention that you appreciate the fresh-baked goods and the halal meats, and you'll see a warming of the service.
Bonus Ratings
1
Environment
2
Value