The Pantry (Little Rock, AR)

We were turned on to the Pantry by a foodie friend as being a good European (think Eastern/Mediterranean) style restaurant. Apart from sharing a name (Jarred... clearly misspelled), we also apparently at least some tastes because Blair and I have returned there several times to try new dishes. Located near the Market Place shopping center on Rodney Parham, its quaint, subdued atmosphere, friendly staff, and solid food will appeal to a pretty broad audience.

The food is wonderful. It is what I would call "European Comfort" food. It ranges from Italy to Hungary to the Czech Republic: the sausages are house-made, the weinerschnitzel is scrumptious and the lasagna is hearty. It is rustic and simple, but flavorful and delicious.


Menu: 
It has something to appeal to everyone. While I would normally be critcal of a restaurant for "trying to do too much" by having an unfocused cuisine, I feel that the focus of this cuisine is central to eastern Europe comfort food. There aren't an overwhelming number of dishes to choose from, and the staff is able to assess palates pretty well.

Food: 
Rustic and delicious. Hearty (come hungry). Some things are a bit weird (Svickova?) and challenge the palate, but I enjoy that kind of thing. Enough options to appeal to broad audience. 

Atmosphere
Warm and cozy. Lighting is dim (date night?) and the space feels inviting. A good place to sit and have a glass of wine. Even when full doesn't feel loud.

Service: 
Solid service staff. Attentive and knowledgeable  The owner (Tomas) frequently rounds the restaurant to make sure his patrons are happy.