Pita Hot — Restaurant in New York

Hmm I was debating to write this review but decided to do it since I felt weird after leaving here. Two people and I had lunch here and while I was eating my chicken shawarma and falafel platter, I crunched on something I thought was a charred piece of meat but then bit again and thought it was a bone. I spit it out and it was a pinhead sized piece of hard clear plastic. I waited a minute as other people were ordering and I didn't want to make a scene. I gave it to the owner and I told him I bit into it as I was eating my food. He said that everything is made fresh so he didn't know how that got in there. I said ok but it was in my food. He didn't really say much else to me but showed it to the other workers there and speak to them in Syrian. I sat back down, was super hungry, so just slowly chewed my food to make sure I didn't chew on anything else inedible. I ate about half of my food and we paid without getting any acknowledgement from the staff about what happened. We even tipped lol. As we're leaving, the owner is outside and says he'll give me a coffee. I said no thanks and he inferred if maybe the plastic someone came off of me into the food. I was bewildered, said it didn't and that we paid so not trying to get anything. It was strange they didn't ask if I was ok after biting it or any kind of meaningful gesture to show they cared. I understand random things can happen but it was an unthoughtful interaction. Food was pretty decent but fair to say I won't be coming...

Pita Hot is a splendid jewel of a place, not only for the incredible fresh food, but also for the pleasure of talking with the peaceful, sweet and genuine family that owns the restaurant.

Follow your nose from the 30th Ave stop in Astoria to the most delicious Mediterranean food in this neighborhood. Keep your eyes peeled. This spot is small and unassuming with a bright yellow awning displaying the words Pita Hot. Order absolutely anything at the counter- you will love whatever it is. I recommend the falafel sandwich or platter, as well as the lentil soup. Their hummus is always freshly made, the baba ghanoush is out of this world, and the grape leaves with pomegranate reduction will make you fall in love. Try the hot tea with whole cardamom seeds and rose water or the sweet, honey soaked baklava to seal the deal on your holy and satisfying experience.

Khelad, the kind-hearted owner, will most likely be there and perhaps one or two of his adorable sons, and Fayrouz will be belting her beautiful songs softly in the corner.

The vibe is always right, whatever the time. I might add that they are open late- I believe until 4am, and at this hour the food is just as fresh as you'd hope. Their produce comes from an urban farm around the corner too- you really can't beat that!

I love this place. I make it a point to bring my favorite people here, to spread the love and joy that truly thoughtful...

Khaled and the crew at Pita Hot sure know how to cook and make you feel welcome. The traditional specials I tried -- lamb mallow leaf stew and yellow lentil soup -- were better than maybe 99% of the most delicious home cooked meals. The heartiness of meat and the lentils were balanced just so with a punch of tart lemon juice. If I had gotten jerrycan-sized take-away containers, I would have probably just kept right on eating until I floated away. Ridiculously good! And the fava bean sandwich, with all its accompaniments, is so richly spiced and textured you'll want one for breakfast and another at lunch. I can't wait to come back and try every single other thing on the menu. It takes a superhuman level of effort to prep this menu fresh daily, and to add from-scratch specials on top of that requires the passion of an artist really dedicated to their craft. Eat here and be happy! Plenty of vegan...