KoPita Authentic Mediterranean — Restaurant in Knoxville

If you are looking for truly authentic Mediterranean cuisine, with amazing flavors and variety....look no further. Having lived in the Middle East for a time, a very common item to get was a falafel sandwich. You walked into these little shops (the closest thing I could describe them as would be a bodega), and for a few qirsh (form of Jordanian money) you could get a fresh falafel sandwich stuffed into freshly made pita bread with hummus and/or babaganoush and salad. They were fantastically simple, flavorful, and comforting. When I first came here and met Chef Avi, one of the very first things he had me try was the falafel sandwich. I took one bite and started to cry. It reminded me so much of that time as a child. The flavors were perfect. The texture, the smell... Hell, even the olives served on the side could have been made in my grandmother's house.

I have dined here now many times, and I am slowly but surely making my way through his delicious menu. Every dish I have had-- from the vegetarian items like the hummus, babaganoush, and falafel dishes, to the meat dishes of lamb, kebab, and schnitzel, to the truly delicious baklava-- have tasted like you were dining in the Middle East. The spices, preparation, and even presentation are the most authentic Mediterranean food I have EVER had here in the US. The variety on the menu has something for everyone, and if you're not sure what exactly you're looking for, just ask and they are more than happy to point you in the right direction.

The service and staff are professional, delightful, and have true Mediterranean hospitality. Whether you're a local (if you are, I'm jealous that you can eat here any time you like), or a traveler, I HIGHLY recommend coming here to taste the real deal. KoPita will ruin you for all other Mediterranean restaurants as you learn how the food is truly supposed to taste and be served. To get any more of an authentic experience you would...

I tried KoPita for the first time today. They still have that new restaurant feel of working out kinks in the process, but the atmosphere was very open and inviting. Had a snafu with my online order so the wait was a little longer than normal. The food was really good. I had the falafel pita. They definitely have put their spin on what I could consider traditional offerings. The sauerkraut and pickles worked well even though I would not add those items to my meal normally. The spices were tasty and the "hot spice" they gave me on the side was really good. I did wonder if there were other options to customize, but their menu appears very limited and the restaurant was loud so I didn't ask for any changes. Some advice would be put up a sign showing where to stand for ordering, and also expand or improve the menu. I'm sure there is variety in the food itself, but just looking at the menu makes you think there are very few dishes available with several being the same food but then offered in either pita or bowl form. And while I was able to order online through a third party app, it was even more limited than the in person menu. I also think the prices are a little high, especially for a pita sized lunch serving. But based on their location in a high priced area of town that's understandable. Keep making tweaks and improvements and I can see this as a definite addition to my regular ...

TLDR; Website needs help. Avoid holiday surprises.

Well lit, great atmosphere. Encountered three employees, all were polite. Went for a dinner on Valentines and it was a planned menu (6 courses, $60/guest). Nothing on their website mentioned this when making a reservation, the multi-course was listed - but no mention of it being the sole option. The server said they can substitute to replace the meat but this was not the right solution for a planned menu with items like Tuna. Unpredictable outcome, and if the pricing isn't adjusted you pay a premium while forgoing an expensive ingredient.

Our options appeared to be A) pay $120 (plus tax, any drinks, and gratuity) or B) change restaurants at ~7pm on a Friday night Valentines. If you've ever had to pivot a holiday reservation or dinner plans, you are very familiar with the the stress it brings to the evening.

These situations happen, but it was very disappointing. It looked like high quality vegetarian friendly food and we were excited about celebrating our relationship at KoPita. It was time and effort to come here and ended up being a big disappointment.

Sadly, after this experience my brain is interested in the flavors but my heart doesn't have a strong desire to return.

Three stars because the people were pleasant and the atmosphere would...