Paymon's Mediterranean Cafe   

From humble beginnings as a small deli with a few tables, Paymons Mediterranean Caf has evolved into one of Las Vegass most celebrated restaurants for Greek, Italian, Persian, Middle Eastern and Indian specialties. Numerous Best of awards and national ratings are a testament to the authenticity and quality of the preparation and the dark exotic setting that lends a mystical ambience to the serving and savoring of exceptional dishes. Both meat-eaters and vegans find plenty of options on the far-reaching menu that offers everything from chicken kabobs to chicken Parmesan. Theres Greek salads, tablui salads and Caesar salad, sandwiches with what may be the best pita bread in the city, moussaka with roasted red peppers, and such Mideast staples as fesanjan and saganaki. For the final course, choose from two kinds of baklava, or perhaps the spumoni cheesecake, accompanied by Espresso, Turkish or Arabic coffee. For those who dont want the experience to end, the adjoining hookah lounge offers one last interlude in this soothing oasis. David Hofstede