Craft Pita

"Rafael Nasr, the chef and founder of the fast-casual Lebanese restaurant Craft Pita, takes special pride in the store’s Lebanese extra-virgin olive oil. Sourced from the mountains of El Koura in Lebanon and also cold-pressed and bottled in the country, the olive oil has been within Nasr’s family for three generations and offers a fresh, lightly peppery taste. Gift-seekers can also invest in Craft Pita’s seasonings and spices, which include a za’atar blend, falafel and shawarma seasonings, and dressings like a sweet and tangy pomegranate vinaigrette." - 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

"This Mediterranean restaurant brings back its annual cookout, with an “Only in Htown” edition that will celebrate and showcase Lebanese, Filipino, Palestinian, and Peruvian cuisines. Filipino chef Gabriel Medina, formerly of Michael’s Cookie Jar, and ice cream shop Booza will team up with Craft Pita’s chef Rafael Nasr to offer unique dishes, including a Filipino Lechón shawarma rice bowl, featuring suckling pig that’s prepared shawarma-style, white rice, and a Filipino Salad. The chefs will also combine Booza’s pistachio ice cream with tahini snickerdoodle cookies from Michael’s Cookie Jar to create a flavorful ice cream sandwich, and Nasr will work with his mother Claudia Nasr to create a “mystery” dish that celebrates her Peruvian roots. The pop-up will be held at Craft Pita’s West University location from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Aside from mezze, flavorful protein bowls, salads, and Maneesh, or Lebanese flatbreads, including pies topped with zaatar, 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 filled with lentils and hummus. Most sandwiches come with roasted potatoes, red cabbage, tomatoes, pickles, and lettuce for a refreshing and crunchy boost." - Brittany Britto Garley, Katie Holtman

"The restaurant is serving Lebanese classics rooted in chef Rafael Nasr's heritage." - Brittany Britto Garley