Cleopatra Restaurant (CLOSED)

NOTE: Cleopatra relocated to High Point, declined, and ultimately closed in 2016.

Located at 1310 Westover Terrace in Greensboro, Cleopatra offers Egyptian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The restaurant is open seven days a week, starting at 11 a.m. Tea flavors and other specials rotate daily.

Those who venture to Cleopatra in search of exotic Egyptian dishes may find themselves disappointed. Despite the name, the restaurant’s menu is fairly generically Middle Eastern: baba ghanoush, shawarma, and kebabs all feature prominently. But for as predictable as the food is, it’s also done quite well. A lamb and beef shawarma was tender and expertly seasoned, and tomato-onion rice (they offer a choice between two types of rice or home fries) complimented it perfectly. The accompanying grilled vegetables and the freshly made bread were both dry, however. In all fairness, this probably could have been remedied had I thought to order an app or side for dipping purposes.

Cleopatra does not occupy a large space, but the décor is bright and inviting. Red and blue tapestries adorn the walls while Middle Eastern music plays unobtrusively in the background. All of the staff are friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable, and solicitous almost to excess. That might change during a lunch rush (I went for Friday dinner), but you definitely get the sense that they are eager to see that you enjoy your meal.

Cleopatra is not cheap, but for the amount of food you get, it represents a good value. Entrees run between $12 and $20 for dinner (and between $10 and $12 for lunch) and include bread, vegetables/salad, and rice/fries. In the event that they don’t fill you up, apps can be had for under $4, falafel goes for $7, and desserts are $5 apiece.

There are more innovative and tastier restaurants in Greensboro, but Cleopatra offers a tough-to-beat combination of well-prepared food, attentive service, and pleasant ambience.

8.25/10