"Chef Rafael Nasr channels his Lebanese heritage into a fast-casual, counter-service menu featuring cheesy man’oushe (Lebanese flatbread), creamy spicy hummus, Tex‑Med Lebanese tacos topped with french fries (the chicken with pickles and parsley is recommended), heaping pita sandwiches, salads, and rice-and-hummus bowls with beef kafta, falafel, or slow-roasted chicken. Plates are often finished with a rich garlic aioli, a zippy hot sauce, and a labneh ranch; the food is affordable — a family spread for three to four includes a whole rotisserie chicken seasoned with Lebanese spices, a quart of hummus, pita or chips, a fattoush salad, and a choice of rice pilaf or Lebanese rice for $55. Brunch adds a sampler with soft scrambled eggs, dips, olives, a half za’atar/half-cheese flatbread, and knafeh for dessert, and weekday happy hour (4–6 p.m.) offers half-off shareable starters and $4 beer and wine. Lebanese wines by the glass or bottle, Turkish coffee, iced lattes, and stretchy booza are available; takeout is easy but dining in to enjoy a spread is encouraged." - Brittany Britto Garley
"At Craft Pita, everyone has their own space, from the lone soul donning headphones and hacking away at a falafel pita to the family of six that prioritizes the seasonal special and french fries. The large Mediterranean restaurant in West University is where people come to sit in their bubble while having mezze samplers and rubbing sticky baklava bits off of their fingers. There’s a neighborhood joint feel. At some point, a staff member will come from behind the counter to check on their favorite regular or ensure newcomers have everything they need. Come here when you need a quick meal or are in the mood for booza ice cream and want to stay in one spot." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
"Chef and founder Rafael Nasr offers a Lebanese extra-virgin olive oil ($22) sourced from the mountains of El Koura in Lebanon, cold-pressed and bottled there, a family-held oil for three generations with a fresh, lightly peppery taste; the shop also sells seasonings and spices ($32) that include a za'atar blend, falafel and shawarma seasonings, plus dressings such as a sweet-and-tangy pomegranate vinaigrette ($12)." - Brittany Britto Garley
"At Craft Pita, everyone has their own space, from the lone soul donning headphones and hacking away at a falafel pita to the family of six that prioritizes the seasonal special and french fries. The large Mediterranean restaurant in West University is where people come to sit in their bubble while having mezze samplers and rubbing sticky baklava bits off of their fingers. There’s a neighborhood joint feel. At some point, a staff member will come from behind the counter to check on their favorite regular or ensure newcomers have everything they need. Come here when you need a quick meal or are in the mood for booza ice cream and want to stay in one spot." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
"Aside from mezze, salads, and Maneesh, or Lebanese flatbreads, this Mediterranean restaurant specializes in pita sandwiches. Choose between pitas stuffed with shredded rotisserie chicken, ground beef kafta patties, chickpea fritter with tahini sauce, or a veggie pita with lentils and hummus. Most sandwiches come with roasted potatoes, red cabbage, tomatoes, pickles, and lettuce for a crunchy and refreshing boost." - Brittany Britto Garley