Midtown Lunch

I headed out with the plan of getting soup and falafel at Maoz. But the only soup they have was lentil, and that wasn’t what I was in the mood for. So I kind of ambled down Walnut Street and serendipitously found Pita Uno.

N.Y. Deli never made it and the spot next to NYPD pizza was vacant for a while. About 2 weeks ago Pita Uno let the light back in with Israeli home cooking.  After my meal, I noticed the Meal Ticket report giving more of the scoop on this place and the plans for a 2nd location in Manayunk.

The menu is small and the shawarma spit wasn’t ready yet. But the Israeli owner is really friendly and I was able to try the rest of his wares, and I got to satiate my soup craving!

Some comforting,simple tomato and rice soup was exactly what I needed.

I had a grilled chicken and lamb sandwich ($7.50) stuffed with the fixings of my choosing; cucumber, tomato, pickles, hummus, and hot sauce. The grilled meat chunks were well seasoned and juicy. The hot sauce had a nice little burn to it. I still need to get my hands on the shawarma when they set up for it.

If you prefer your meal more separated, another option is the platter. Chicken shish kebob is $10 and comes with pita.

And there is no picture to speak of, but I got to sample the falafel, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. People should really think twice before ordering falafel from Maoz, when you get have a superior product just around the corner.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• Falafel that is better than Maoz
• Good soup and grilled meats

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Pretty bare ambiance
• Maoz has delicious French fries and you can choose as much as you want from the pickle bar

Pita Uno, 138 South 11th, (@ Walnut St) 215 629-7483