Bites Nearby: Ike's Restaurant

Ike's Restaurant, 38550 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights, (586) 979-4460  

Ike's was once hidden away in a strip mall with no street presence, but it moved up several notches in 2007 when proprietor Koshaya (Ike) El-Alam relocated to a spacious free-standing building not far from the original space.  

No longer a hideaway, it is an attractive spot done up in contemporary style. A full array of Lebanese fare is the specialty although the menu is extensive and offers American and Italian dishes as well. Lebanese is what the kitchen does best, and that includes fresh bread and fruit and vegetable drinks from a handsome station in the dining room.

Portions are generous and the price structure gentle, particularly given the high quality of the fare. Even though the place seats 250, it doesn't have a barnlike feeling because the space is divided nicely with glass partitions, curvy banquettes and attractive furnishings including comfortable padded chairs pulled up to blond wood tables. 

Recommended dishes: Chicken shawarma, stuffed cabbage, taboulee, lamb chops 

Prices: Appetizers and side dishes $5.50-$14.95, sandwiches and salads $5-$12.50, entrees $9.50-$18.99, desserts $2.79-$4.95 

Credit cards: All major 

Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday