The Grape Leaf

This Clifton mainstay is still turning out great Mediterranean food at reasonable prices. I visited recently with a date, and once again, we were not disappointed.

If you want to stay under $30, you need to work as a team or choose from a few menu items, mostly vegetarian.

My date chose a lamb burger ($10.50), which came with garlic mayo and fresh-cut fries. He was pleased with the ground lamb; it made for a unique take on an American favorite.

I had the vegetarian biryani ($10.50), which had fried potatoes, fresh ginger, tomatoes, cilantro, spices, saffron rice and tzatziki sauce. The flavor was perfect, and it was pretty filling for a vegetarian meal.

Both of our meals came with a dollop of hummus, which was creamy, garlicky and delicious.

But keep this in mind, too: The salads that come with the dinners are giant. One dinner and two appetizers will get the sharing types out the door reasonably as well.

The décor is simple and elegant, and much nicer than the last time I was there several years ago.

We both had water to drink, bringing the bill to $22.26; I left the full $30. The restaurant was the perfect place for a lovely date. Our service was great and the waiter even suggested my entrée, so I can't complain.

The Grape Leaf
2217 Frankfort Ave.
in Clifton

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