The most important thing about Pitaziki is that is solves one of life’s most pressing questions — falafel or shwarma? They let and even encourage you to choose both in their signature shawafel wrap or pita. Pair your freshly fried falafel with either chicken or steak shwarma and get ready to have all of your dreams, or at least my dreams, come true. The falafel is crunchy on the outside but still tender on the inside without becoming dry like so many other mediocre falafels do. Next pick steak or chicken (I prefer the chicken as it is cooked better than the steak and the seasoning is less distracting) then pile on the toppings. Pitaziki has a Chipotle like toppings bar, and you can stuff your wrap (bigger for when you’re extra hungry) or pita (the right size for an average meal) with everything your heart desires.
Photo by Kristina Kim
Hummus and creamy garlic are pretty much not optional as they form the base layer of flavor in your sandwich. The hummus alone, which you can order along with fried pita chips that range from soggy to perfectly crisp, needs salt, but along with all the other toppings it serves its purpose. Pile on pickled vegetables, mediterranean salads, feta cheese and tons of sauces ranging from the classic tahini to spicy shatta hot sauce. My only complaint with my perfectly customized shawafel was that the toppings weren’t integrated enough so I ended up coughing from all the hot sauce in some bites and craving a little spice in others. This could probably be remedied by ordering a rice bowl or salad and pita or having the hot sauce on the side to dip in.
Photo by Kristina Kim
One thing you should definitely not miss at Pitaziki are the seasoned fries. I am tempted to say they are the best in New Haven. Crescents of breaded and fried potatoes are dusted in possibly the same seasoning that covers the pita chips and shwarma meat, but this time it goes perfectly. Pick up one of their rewards card and you could be on your way to earning a free order of these amazing fries.
Photo by Kristina Kim
Weather you opt for a shawafel, one of those two fillings on their own or a mediterranean pizza, Pitaziki is a welcome addition to the New Haven food scene and should become a mainstay in the campus diet.
Location: 170 Temple Street, New Haven, CT 06510
Hours of Operation: Mon-Thu 11am to 11pm, Fri/Sat 11am-2am, Sunday 11am-10pm