Pita Delites: Don't Miss This Middle Eastern Marvel

In a green wood-frame house on Grinstead Drive between busy Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue, Pita Delites is too easy to overlook. But it takes just one visit to Pita Delites to ensure you become a regular at this Highlands mainstay.

Opened in 1995, the Greek and Middle Eastern eatery was at two Barrett Avenue locations before moving into its current quarters in 2005. Inside you'll find hardwood floors, cozy fireplaces and a family atmosphere that instantly sets you at your ease. Owner Hashim Al-Sabi himself prepares the eatery's delicious creations. Service is prompt, and the food, delicous.

For an appetizer, consider the avocado dip, served with pita slices ($6.99) rather than the more common hummus, Baba Ghanoush or Spanikopita — all of which are also on the menu ($5.99–$6.99). The creamy avocado blended with onion, peppers and tangy lemon and spices start any meal right. There are also stuffed grape leaves (also known as dolmades), $6.99; foule (Fava bean dip), $5.99, and some other appetizers.

Now the difficulty: What to choose as an entree? Sure, Pita Delites serves the usual fare for a Greek or Middle Eastern eatery: a falafel dinner sandwich plate, a beef-and-lamb gyros plate, or a hummus sandwich plate (all $9.99). But the menu is considerably more eclectic than that. Try a lamb shawarma plate, which features pita bread wrapped around slices of exquisitely marinated lamb with sautéed onions and cubed cucumbers ($11.99). Or maybe you're in the mood for something skewered: Chicken Kabob Plate ($10.99), Beef Shish Plate ($11.99) or Lamb Shish Plate ($11.99). Craving vegetarian? The vegetable moussaka and the Vegetarian Combo ($10.99) are just a sample of Pita Delite's meatless options.

All plates at dinner come with a salad and your choice of rice — vegetable basmati or Mujadara (rice and lentils). Salads options include the house (cucumbers, peppers, onions, tomatoes in a lemon-olive oil dressing), Greek or Tahini. Similar plates are available at lunch with rice or salad and a smaller price tag.

Of course, dinner at Pita Delites would not be complete without dessert. Decadently sweet and sticky Greek Style Baklava ($2 per piece), lemon crunch cake ($2) or packets of cookies (raisin or date) imported from the Middle East make a satisfying end to a fine meal.

Pita Delites prepares food for takeout, as well as catering. In fine weather, diners can eat outside and watch the world drive by.

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