Pita Deli — Restaurant in Oshawa

Pita Deli in Oshawa offers a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, and while the menu has something for everyone, the experience varies significantly depending on what you choose. One area where they truly shine is their falafel. The falafel here is consistently crispy on the outside and soft, flavorful on the inside, offering that perfect balance of texture and spice. Whether it’s in a wrap or part of a platter, the falafel is a reliable and delicious option that feels freshly made and thoughtfully prepared.

The falafel wrap, in particular, is a standout. It comes filled with fresh, crunchy vegetables lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickles along with a generous drizzle of tahini sauce that complements the falafel without overpowering it. The wrap is well-constructed and holds together nicely, making it a satisfying, no-mess meal. The falafel platter is equally enjoyable, offering a more substantial meal with options like rice or fries, along with creamy hummus and soft pita bread. The combination is filling and flavorful, especially for those seeking a vegetarian or plant-based meal.

However, the same can’t be said for their meat options. The chicken and beef shawarmas and platters are a disappointment, especially when compared to other Middle Eastern restaurants in Oshawa. The biggest letdown is that the meat is not cooked on a traditional vertical rotisserie, which is essential for authentic shawarma. Instead, it’s prepared somewhere in the back and brought to the front in trays, which strips away the core experience of watching your shawarma freshly sliced from the spit. This process not only affects the authenticity but also impacts the texture and flavor of the meat, which lacks the juiciness and crispy edges that define a good shawarma.

In a city where several spots offer freshly carved meat right in front of you with the aroma filling the space, Pita Deli’s approach feels like a shortcut. The seasoning is average, and the overall taste doesn’t justify the name “shawarma” when it’s missing such a crucial element of the experience. For those who know and love authentic Middle Eastern meat dishes, this will likely be a letdown.

All in all, Pita Deli is worth visiting if you’re in the mood for falafel, especially in a wrap or a well-portioned platter. But if you’re craving real shawarma made the traditional way, there are far better and more authentic options available...

I have always loved going here very friendly people who just want you to feel full and happy! Sadly last Saturday July 11 2020, I decided to treat my granddaughter to my favorite meal. In all fairness there was a bit of a line and masks do not help. I went up and ordered my usual chicken Caesar salad made with fa-tush, no bacon and extra pita chips. The first man asked me a couple of times what i wanted so i explained normal Caesar salad just made with fa tush no bacon bits and extra pita chips. The second guy asked what type of salad dressing i wanted so i said they normally make it same as a Caesar mixed in a bowl and put the chicken on top. The man who was white and I believe had blond hair started lecturing me on proper ordering etiquette. He completely embarrassed me in front of the entire store. He instructed that i should have ordered a Caesar Salad made with Fa-tush, no bacon extra chips. Yes I understand i have been coming here a long time but usually during work hours. I pick it up and if I am swamped I get it delivered. I always get the same thing and order it the same way. I had to actually ask him to stop and let him know that usually my order is taken by the owners and they have never told me i am ordering wrong. I would say i will never go back, but that would be a lie because the food is so darn good. Please remember that we are all dealing with the issues of COVID-19 we are all trying to speak clearly through masks and such. Be kind and do not ever make some one feel the way that person made me feel! Oh and by the way my granddaughter loved her first meal...

I arrived at 7:55 to find they had already closed up. I drove all the way from Toronto on the 407 to grab some pitas and have been doing this regularly for years now. For the first time they closed early. Disappointed in the staff, I could see them through the window and they just smiled back, shrugged their shoulders and said it was too late. Shadi and his brother have been running this place as far back as I can remember, back when they used to be in the mall. Under their supervision this would have never happened. Ive been a customer for over a decade, when I went to UOIT, but after this I don't know if I will come back. I hope management reaches out to me because I want to come back but after this it's gonna be difficult. $40+ in 407 fees only to be smiled at and leaving without pitas is a disappointment.

Previous Review I've been going since 2012, back when they were inside the mall. I moved out of the city back to Toronto after uni and still come back once a month with my girlfriend. This is my spot, and highly recommend it to anyone that's in the...