The first thing you'll see as you walk in the door of Chickpea is a giant Rocky Balboa plastered up against the opposite wall. The second thing you'll notice is the Arabic script underneath him. All of the walls are adorned with various hand-drawn Arabic movie posters (and one very big Arabic Coke logo). It's based on the owner's memories of childhood.

But the nostalgia also extends to the kitchen – his mother's a partner in the project, and heads up the menu of delights coming out of the kitchen.

A large variety of dips are available for $5 (hummus made spicy on request), salads for $4, small plates of wraps and rolls for $3-$6. The sandwiches range from a traditional falafel to the mussakhkhan with sumac-spiced chicken, onion and a wrap of pine nuts. Plates are small but reasonably priced – a delicious plate of Kalayiet Bandoora – simply sautéed lamb, tomato and garlic for $8. An array of freshly squeezed juices are available for $3, or you can go for the authentic appeal of Arabian Schweppes in a can for $2.

Last but not least, make sure you grab a piece of baklava on the way out the door – Mama Suqi knows all her food, and she makes this traditional dessert taste like it really should.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Dan Morgridge