You know, these ratings have sooo many daily variables and A LOT of them are based on the experience you receive from from the first employee you meet. My experience here, while ordering, eating and being in the environment was excellent!! I sometimes play a game when I go out to eat. I will choose the most expensive thing on the menu and then I will choose one of the least expensive menu items and ask the person taking my order, which they would choose, as I "cannot make up my mind"between these two options. In my experience here, I did the same thing. I told the person taking my order I could not decide between a Lebanese Pita, which contains Tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber for $12.40, or a falafel pita for $9.99. The woman taking my order, told me hands-down, to get the falafel because it will be the best falafel I have had in this town. Luckily because it was not very busy, she told me if I did not mind waiting, that she was going to make it fresh for me. so I agreed and ordered the falafel combo with a soda and their french fries. My order was finished cooking in the exact timeframe I was told it would take, which was 10 minutes. When she was putting together my falafel pita, she asked me what I would like on it, and I started looking at the options and telling her what I wanted. She then looked up at me and said how about if I put it all together for you, and it will still be the best falafel you have had in a long time. I went with her suggestion and let her completely dress my falafel with her choice of ingredients, and I have to tell you it was a "Mic drop". OMG, it was absolutely delicious. The falafel were very crispy on the outside and soft and extremely flavorful on the inside. This was definitely the best falafel I have had in a long time. In addition, the french fries were hot and seasoned perfectly. I have to give this experience, five full stars as the food was delicious, the restaurant was clean, the noise level was perfect, and most importantly, the food was absolutely delicious. There is no question that I will be back to try more items on the menu, but will always have to have a side of falafel when I come here. In addition to the five stars, I have to say that they did a job well done! I encourage anybody reading my review. If you're in the mood for some Venezuela and food or falafel, definitely stop by here! read more

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Are Pitas features Lebanese and Venezuelan fusion cuisine. They serve Arepas, Gyros, Falafel and a host of other unique things considered street food. All their meat is prepared halal. Halal prepared food is where the animal had little to any suffering when slaughtered. The portions are huge and very flavorful The staff were friendly and helpful. I ordered an Arepa Cabimera: the arepa bread is fried and served with shredded beef, boiled egg, ham, cheese, ketchup, house sauce and cabbage. This is a party in your mouth without any music! If you're in the Tampa area check this place out. read more

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This food truck is absolutely amazing. The food is top tier. The service is fantastic. It tastes so so good. The portions are great, and so filling. Sorry for the messy picture, but it's an indicative of how good it was. read more

Are Pitas - Shawarma - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Giving 5 stars for a couple of reasons, not the least of which is to help balance poor reviews of the PREVIOUS location, run by PREVIOUS owners. There is nothing fancy about the place. Very simple, with ample dine in space. Not romantic, not intimate, but delicious. The new owners deserve a chance. It's a shame that reviews can't reflect new ownership. The service was great, friendly, helpful. The restaurant is in a strip center at Fletcher and Rome, next door to Batteries Plus. The location was previously a Pizza Hut takeout store. The difference in the caliber of food coming from that kitchen and the Pizza Hut kitchen is night and day. Everything we tried was on-point. Best falafel I've ever had. Incredible fruit juices. Great fusion of Venezuelan and Lebanese... (falafel arepas!) You have to be looking for the place. There is NO signage facing Fletcher... the sign at the entry is facing into the large parking lot. I hope they put some signage facing Fletcher so people don't just drive past without noticing them, they deserve your business! read more

Based on the favorable reviews, my friend and I decided to have lunch here after working out. I ate here a few years ago, but never made it back. When we walked in, we were the only two in the place, but clearly they do a lot of to-go orders, because the two workers we saw were busy. I ordered the Lebanese plate which consisted of salad, two falafels, a dolma, hummus, baba ghanoush, and your choice of pita bread or pita chips. I love getting combo plates and trying a variety of the food a restaurant has to offer. We wanted fountain drinks, but their machine was out of order, so we went with canned sodas. The food took a while to come out. Not just ours, but pretty much anybody who came in after us waited quite some time for their food too. My platter when it came looked delicious. I liked the salad and hummus, but honestly, the falafel was terrible. They were so dense and hard I could barely choke them down. I don't know if they make them in advance and then just reheat them, but I would never have them here again. I also wish I had chosen the pita bread, not pita chips, because they turned out to be these tiny crunchy pieces that were too little to put any spreads on. The restaurant was relatively clean, but very warm. If I return, I think I'll try an empanada or arepas, because maybe that's where they shine. read more

Are Pitas - Lebanese Plate. - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

My husband suggested that we stop in to check out this restaurant while In the area. We were greeted by a very nice lady at the counter....(Janet) She made some really good recommendations... I tried a few items and they all were delicious. We will definitely return! read more

Are Pitas - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

ARE Pitas is a unique fusion of Venezuelan and Lebanese cuisine. The small resturant is located in a strip mall area offers casual seating and take out. The Venezuelan Arepa was packed full with shredded chicken, plantains and black beans. The Fish Empanada was surprisingly flavorful and flaky. The cashier who took our order was very pleasant and gracious to answer my questions about various menu items. I will definitely make a return visit the next time I'm in Tampa. read more

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Tried 2 arepas this time. Shrimp arepa was reallly tasty. Portion is very large as well. Would try again if in the area. read more

Are Pitas - Inside their Location - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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The service was nice the food authentic and the food seasoned just like they do it in Panama Ah, this place is a gem. Do not pass it by. My meal kept me satisfied until 4pm and I ate at 11am. Well worth the value and the lady who served me reminded me of a Latina Tia. read more

Are Pitas - Authentic & fresh! - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I absolutely love the food here. The service is very friendly and the flavors are amazing. Every time I come to Tampa, I come here for my Arepa fix! read more

Are Pitas - I love this place! - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Food amazing service very friendly. Food was made fresh and tasted so good was definitely worth the wait. Can't wait to go back.

I really wanted to like this place. I went 4-5 times in a month. My order was always called ahead and never ready when I arrived. I order something and get something else instead thank God I'm not Allergic cause it screams lawsuits.Empanadas are over cooked. I expected to get better I tried morning, late lunch hours, afternoon and almost closing. Terrible. read more

Are Pitas - I ordered chicken. Money - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

We were intrigued by a dual-National cuisine restaurant. Are Pita offers both Venezuelan & Lebanese food. Today we opted for the Venezuelan side of the menu. Empanadas & arepas filled the table. The empanada that stole the show was called papabellon. It was top-of-the-chart tasty. Inside were shredded beef, cheese, black beans, & plantains. It so worked, lol. Plus the garlicky, tartar dipping sauce added to the full orchestra of flavors. I also had a guava & cheese empanada. That's always a winning combination. My wife loved her arepas & empanadas & the side of plantains was cooked to perfection...sweet, tender, caramelized goodness. I must also mention the workers were very kind, polite, & personable. Next time I'll order off the Lebanese side so my life is complete. read more

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Serving Venezuelan and Lebanese food, Are Pitas has a large variety of options. They have a counter serve set up but you can sit at a table and eat there, they have a large colorful dining room. Or take the food to go. They have arepas, pitas, empanadas, falafel, gyro, I had the gyro on pita with fried plantains. Very tasty but i haven't met a plantain I didn't like. They were pretty busy during lunch time and originally just had one person working the counter but eventually someone else came to assist. Friendly staff. Parking in a lot in front of the restaurant. Great combination and offerings. Located right at University mall in Tampa. read more

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Almost hidden behind the large shopping center complex abutting Fowler Avenue you'll find some of the best local cuisine that the temple terrace area has to offer. Pita is another form of a sandwich that allows for more space to compress Multiple delicious ingredients into a portable vessel of food towards, the mouth, and the quality of these ingredients has never been higher at Are Pitas. One of my favorite menu items is the Venezuelan pita which, in addition to a delicious medley of rice, beans, and meat of your choice is one of my favorite ingredients ever to be found inside of a pita wrap, which is fried sweet plantains. Natural savory flavor of the majority of the Venezuelan cuisine is beautifully married with the sweet of the freshly fried plantains, all of which are wrapped together in a warm freshpita. The inside of the establishment is not too much to write home about, and sometimes, the wait can be a little extended however I have found some of these features to be indicative of the best hidden gems of all culinary delight. I have returned many times to explore many new menu options, but the Venezuelan pita still remains my favorite and it is always served up with a smile, feeling as if I'm sitting inside the home of the owner. read more

Unlike others, I had a very bad experience at this restaurant. After waiting more than 20 mins for our food. We were met with a very bland chicken shawarma. I'm no chef but I could have done better at home. However the cheese bread (I'm not sure what it's called) was pretty good. My main problem with this was that the orangey blond cashier was extremely rude, I'm not going to get into it, but she was extremely unprofessional and mean. I have never felt so angry after leaving a restaurant. Definitely don't know what's up with her attitude. read more

Stupendous! Fabulous! Phenomenal! Tremendous! Extraordinary! Remarkable! Exceptional! Astounding! PABELLON PABELLON PABELLON! Order the PABELLON EMPANADA! From the perfectly fried golden outer half moon shell to the favor-packed shredded beef, black beans, & plantains that grace the soft inside, there is no escaping falling in love w/ this Venezuelan culinary creation. Once you dip this delightful production into the delicious cilantro-laden yellowish sauce, the only thing you'll crave is a long, slow puff on a figurative cigarette:) Seriously, this national dish is ASOMBROSA! Check out the pics before heading on over to try this delectable sensation served w/ a free & GENEROUS side of VERY friendly service! The dining room is spacious & clean w/ its high ceilings & modern colorblock of bright orange & neon green. Order @ the counter then sit & wait for each dish to be prepared fresh. Some history: Owners Jesus & Carmen originate from Venezuela; in Nov 2014, they opened the doors to welcome hungry & soon happy patrons to this family-owned business. Chef Carmen, a former math & physics teacher, created the dishes which cross the cultural divide by fusing Venezuelan & Lebanese flavors. The results are EXCELLENT! What possibly is left to say about such a worthy eatery other than a couple of relatable Venezuelan sayings: When you are "Hungrier than a tick on a stuffed toy," head on over to Are Pita. RUN-- don't walk, because "Hungry love doesn't last." The PABELLON EMPANADA on your plate will not be there long. It's just TOOOOOO GOOD! read more

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First let's start with the service. Genuinely nice people here. Beyond that the menu is interesting. I've never heard of a restaurant serving up Lebanese and Venezuelan food. I had empanadas and a Lebanese Pita. Loved both! Great place to stop by to grab a bite and it's even better because of the service. read more

Whewww Food lasted 3 days Total was $27 for everything- made fresh to order Id recommend giving this place a try. Never had CACHAPAS (made of butter corn and llanero cheese) - tasted like a visit to the hospital read more

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I really love the food of this place. I didn't have photo because I remembered to take a pic after I ate everything, lol... The service is good, you can speak in English or Spanish... it is up to you. The ambiance is good too. Is colorful, and you can listen music meanwhile eat and speak with family or friends... I recommend this restaurant.... Delicious food! read more

This place is amazing, the owner and employees alike are just great, polite and helpful, the food is great and fresh, this is the second time coming to eat here, thank you! PS: great Venezuelan food! read more

Are Pitas - Chawarma y frescolita - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

The single handed greatest restaurant I've ate at in years, the chicken cachapa is sweet and savory; tastes like literal heaven on earth while being filling. The tequenos are nothing short of incredible too, the cheese inside is warm and perfectly filled in the pastry; these are so good that they have changed my view on mozzarella sticks forever. If you consider coming here to eat, do yourself a favor and stop by! read more

I came here with high expectations after looking at all the high reviews, but I was sadly disappointed. I stopped by during lunch time for take out. I ordered the Venezuelan arepa and a chicken empanada. The chicken empanada was mediocre. It was soggy and crumbly. The Venezuelan arepa was not seasoned yet very greasy. The outside was crumbly and didn't taste good. The meat inside the arepa was tasteless. The portion size was decent, it was enough for a lunch. Although I couldn't finish the arepa because it was too bland. It felt like I was eating nothing. The entire dish lacked seasoning and flavor. I'm not sure if they were experiencing an off day. I've had arepas from other places before and they're one of my favorite foods, but sadly I didn't like the dishes I ordered here. read more

I wish we had a place like this in Jacksonville. The mix of Latin and Mediterranean options would be ideal in my household. I loved the stuffed grape leaves. I could eat these all day. The falafel was made fresh. Crispy on the outside, warm and tender on the inside. read more

Are Pitas - Doma, hummus and falafel wrap - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Omg the words i have for this place lol there food is so good and the ladies are so beautiful i always eat there everyday!!! and my mom is the manager and she gets the job done always!!! big LOVE from KIng Jupiter !!! read more

The food here is AMAZING! One of the best beef empanadas I've ever had! My boyfriend LOVED the tres leches read more

Are Pitas - Beef empanada - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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This place is my guilty after work snack secret! This is where I slip away to when I'm just too starved to make the drive home and need something to satisfy me right now! The food is fresh and tasty. They make real food here. It's quick food, not fast food. You have the unique option of choosing between Venezuelan or Lebanese. You can eat your arepa and pita too! read more

Are Pitas - Cachapas! Mmmmmmmm - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Amazing Authentic Venezuelan food. We made this spot a regular place we visit . The ambiance is clean & relaxed. The service could take long due to small staff but the food is always AMAZING ! ‍ read more

We had to go to the veterans affairs hospital on our vacation. After our stop there we went to this place for lunch. This place was everything we wanted. They are easy to find in a shopping strip. The food we had was fresh. The food also had an amazing taste. The lamb meat did not taste like it has been out over night. The drinks are self service fountain drinks. Nothing fancy about that. The service was exceptional. They were cheerful, nice, eager to help. They worked as a team to take multiple orders and cook them. read more

This place is my favorite restaurant in Tampa! I love the lady, Janet, who is always running the place. She is super sweet! The prices are also super affordable. read more

Are Pitas - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Their food is always generous & flavorful. My sister introduced me to this restaurant which she is obsessed with! Today have been the first time I eat at this place since early 2020 before covid strikes. I must say they still taste great! read more

Food is OK, not great but good enough. I tried the Venezuelan arepas. Soda fountain drinks are still broken: you can select flat coke, flat orange, and water. The five other sodas are out of order. read more

Are-Pitas as the name suggests it's a fusion restaurant. The Reina which is a shredded chicken arepa with Avocado in a nice warm arepa was pretty darn good especially with the hot sauce which if asked for they give you on the side to use sparingly. As most places the fusion wasn't the best. We also ordered the chicken shawarma and didn't like that at all. When I spoke to the manager she did finally issue a refund however the service was subpar. All in all stick the the staples. The Chicken and beef was halal according to the ownership, no indication of halal signs anywhere and they also have pork items. read more

Cleanness: 4/5 Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 This place is located near University of South Florida. If you are just looking for Venezuelan foods, I recommend you to go here for brunch. The inside looked clean and staff was very friendly. I just ordered Chicken Arepa and Tequenos. The Chicken Arepa looked so fresh and it tasted good enough. Also, Tequenos which are Venezuelan's cheese sticks were great! But the price was a little bit higher, so I uploaded the menu now. Overall, this place is excellent for eating casual foods! read more

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I come here for their pulled chicken arepas. The ingredients are always fresh and they have this amazing cilantro sauce that makes everything better. The prices are good and the food doesn't taste mass produced. They are also generous with the amount of filling in the arepas and I love that. If you are coming for empanadas, allow extra minutes because they make it to order. I definitely recommend this place. read more

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Wow. In town from the DC area and very happy to find a Venezuelan and Lebanese restaurant. The pulled beef was amazing as was the chicken. Highly recommend. read more

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This was a really good restaurant. It's a fusion of Mediterranean and South American favors. The combination of these tastes is quite amazing. I had the lady gyro with hummus and chips. It was delicious. The meat on the gyro was very well seasoned and fresh. The hummus was also very good. I have passion fruit juice with my meal. This restaurant also has pastries that are pretty good if you save room for desert. read more

I really wanted to like this, however the food was underwhelming. The chicken wrap tasted like boiled unflavorful chicken. From the reviews it seems like maybe other dishes are better, but I won't be coming back. read more

Had a really good gyro (arepa) and the empanada was good and hot. Great service and people there!

For the money this is a good value. I had the hummus plate with chicken and my wife had a chicken shawarma plate. I also had the dolma. Food was really good. The only people that work here are awesome. They let you taste stuff. If you come here try the Guanabana. Excellent and refreshing! read more

Are Pitas - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida