Great food! One of the best Mediterranean halal food in Riverside I'd say. The meat is cooked to perfection, well seasoned and juicy. Impeccable service and the people are very friendly. Cool little spot on the corner for best Mediterranean food. read more

Went here for lunch. We drove 20 min and food was delicious! Service was great.... Clean cute spot to have a nice lunch

My son goes to UCR and we stopped here for dinner. We tried Gyro, Beef Kofta and Chicken kabab plate food is delicious and customer service was excellent. read more

Elias Pita - Menu - Mediterranean Near Me - Riverside, California

The food here is not the best but my kids enjoy it. The worst thing is they can NEVER get our order right. Whether we pick it up or order DoorDash they can never follow simple instructions and give us what we paid for. Honestly, I don't have time to go back and correct the mistakes or worry the order won't be right when I have a family to feed. Get your lives together. Every order is over $100 so to mess it up every time is ridiculous. Mark the items off on a receipt when you put them in the bag. It's not hard. What is hard is their chicken. Why is it 2 out of 5 pieces of chicken on a plate are too hard to eat? Like what are you doing to make it inedible? And regular rice??? Not even pilaf? read more

The Chicken Kabab Plate never misses. Chicken is JUICY and the rice is super flavorful. Salad is fresh and yummy. Don't even get me started on the hummus, makes you want to lick the plate clean. Pita bread brings it all together. I can say with all honesty, it's so good it'll make you wanna slap your mama. 10/10 read more

Elias Pita - Chicken Kabab Plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Riverside, California

The food here is so fresh and delicious. It can get busy sometimes and the wait can get long, but I guess that just confirms how good this place is. And the baklava is some of the best I've ever had. read more

My husband and I just ordered the mixed grill and half a pound of chicken Shawarma and half a pound of beef Shawarma and let me tell you if there is a minus star I would have given it to this restaurant. A) The meat was burned didn't taste like kabob at all and I have tried Kebob in multiple countries. So disappointing! B) The Chicken Shawarma tastes like anything, but Shawarma old and so dry that I couldn't eat two pieces all together!!!! C) Beef Shawarma is just blunt and overcooked! Tastes like plastic. I don't think there's anything I could recommend from this restaurant. if you really want to succeed, you really need to reconsider your chef and the kind of food you make. What a huge disappointment, After all the hype we heard. read more

Wow! I cannot believe that we haven't been here before, and it's right down the street. While it's not as good as our top two Mediterranean restaurants, it's a great third. We ordered the combo kebab plate, and the gyro plate, with baklava for dessert. The chicken on the combo plate was a little dry (but let's face it, chicken is VERY hard to not overcook), the shish was perfect, the kofta was delicious. The gyro plate was just as good: the meat wasn't dry, and was really flavorful. The baklava was sweet and crunchy. Their tzatziki was thicker than I'm used to, but garlicky and delicious, and the garlic sauce was spot on. I only wish the hummus was just a touch more lemony, and the pita could be a little less chewy. Overall, the prices are decent for the amount of food you get. Despite getting it delivered, it was just like the in restaurant plating. We'll be back!! read more

Authentic!! I arrived at this establishment and don't let the area fool you. These are the spots that at times are overlooked but it's delicious. Their menu is self explanatory and a variety to choose from. Everything is cooked to order. If you are in a hurry - this will not work out. The meat and chicken are juicy and tender. The baklava and rice pudding - fresh and yummy. The mango Lassi they sell by the bottle it's amazing. The garlic sauce not so overpowering but perfect balance. Customer service is on point. Found my new favorite place in Riverside. read more

Small but might good taste. I ordered online at work before I had ever been by to see this place. The flavors that come from this little place are so much better then would expect. The hummus is very well flavored and fresh. I always get a large and take it home , it stays fresh for at least a week. I get their hummus instead of grocery store for parties and get togethers. read more

It's quite hard to call them and the one time I used this restaurant to cater they took an additional 30 minutes to finalize the food when we called a few days before to confirm the order. However, there food is amazing! read more

This place is great! Their chicken swarma plate is on point and the sides are good too. I always look forward to getting my Mediterranean fix while I'm in the area. read more

The chef changed the chicken shawarma recipe. I, for one, demand they bring back the old chicken shawarma recipe. Don't care about service. Don't care about ambiance. read more

This is my all time favorite place to get Mediterranean food!!! Food is 10/10!! I usually get the chicken kabob plate which is always so flavorful. It comes with two sides and naan bread. For dessert I get the baklava which they have different flavors like cinnamon roll and Nutella which are bomb!! They also have this cheesecake they sell there that is top tier!! I always want it because there is nothing like it. read more

Arguably one of THE best little restaurants in Riverside. My boyfriend and I literally eat here weekly; our go-to is the chicken kabob plate (occasionally with a side of rice pudding if I'm feeling indulgent). Generous portions - comes with several pieces of grilled chicken, rice, hummus, and Mediterranean salad (unless you specify otherwise) for around $11.99 plus tax. I literally salivate thinking about their chicken. It's THAT good. Why four stars you might ask? To be honest, this place is deathly slow. I mean REALLY slow. Like, "call ahead 30 minutes and might as well add another 20" kind of slow. With that said, I recommend phoning in your order or using the Yelp app for takeout WAY ahead of time. Your stomach will thank you for it. read more

Elias Pita - Chicken Kabob Plate, $11.99 plus tax. - Mediterranean Near Me - Riverside, California

Ok for middle eastern. I expected the Food to be better but overall it was average I don't know in comparison to other Middle Eastern places here how it would be but if I could compare it to ones I've had in the past and other areas it definitely can be better people were nice service was good overall. read more

Positives first: The lamb & the baklava were good. Not so positive: Cashier had THE WORST attitude. I have no clue why, but I'm hoping that whatever it is that was bothering her that day is better. The rice tasted like rice-a-roni. The red item in the bowl is suppose to be "mixed vegetables" (onion & tomato)......Highly disappointing. The food overall tasted nothing like what I'm use to at other middle eastern restaurants. Unfortunately I won't be back. read more

Elias Pita - Bowl with lamb and "mixed vegetables" - Mediterranean Near Me - Riverside, California

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Elias Pita is a Mediterranean cuisine restaurant located in Riverside near the university. I came here around lunch time; I came unsure of what I would order but after speaking with the man behind the register it was clear what my two options were. It was either the falafel plate or the vegetarian plate that included falafel; vegetarian plate it is!! The customer service was amazing! The man, behind the counter, that took my order was patient and kind. He was also very knowledgeable and made sure to give me a garlic sauce instead of their tahini as it is made of sour cream. Nowadays my sour cream, cheesecake, or whipped cake icing is made of coconut milk--when seasoned accordingly taste no different then the real deal. There were three people working at the time and there was even a delivery of food produce/products happening during my visit. I placed my order; the falafels were made fresh to order and the rest were cold food items. Let me tell you that everything was amazing from the humus to the grape leaves to the falafels. Three falafels came with the vegetarian plate; this dish was quite filling and very delicious. Thanks for helping me make my vegetarian plate, vegan. Hours: M-F 10am-9pm S-S 11am-9pm "The most effective way to do it, is to do it" -Amelia Earhart read more

Elias Pita - Vegetarian plate made vegan - Mediterranean Near Me - Riverside, California

Have been wanting to try this place for a while and they absolutely live up to the hype. We got a beef schwarma wrap and plate, falafel, a side a tzatziki, and pistachio baklava. Everything was out of the world amazing. Service was great and we look forward to coming back! read more

Overall, a very solid place for kabobs and pita. Found this place on Yelp while trying to find a lunch spot since I had a few hours free. I walked in through the back door, which was sort of messy, but it soon opened up into a nice bright clean dining room. I went with the combination plate, which comes with shish kabob, chicken kabob, and kufta kabob served over rice with hummus and pita. All the proteins were fantastic! They all had a nice char on it from the grill and were all seasoned very well. All three were tender and moist, even the chicken which is so easy to dry out. I also liked the grilled pita as well as the big scoop of hummus. And that garlic sauce is amazing. So why four stars instead of five? The rice. It is strangely overly salty. I thought it was just the one time I went, but I returned with a few family members and we all agreed that the rice was salty. So the proteins are all so aggressively seasoned (as they should be) that the rice also being salty just takes the whole thing over the edge. If the rice could be fragrant but not salty, it'd be a perfect dish. read more

Elias Pita - Combination platter - Mediterranean Near Me - Riverside, California

The food is so good, but their desserts are sooo delicious.. highly recommend trying all of their desserts, can't go wrong! The cheesecake with pistachios is one of the best cheesecakes I've ever had. Will return again! read more

My all time favorite mediterranean place!! Love their rice and how they have spicy and regular garlic sauce to enjoy with your meals! I always ask for extra on the side. I always get the chicken kabob meal, so delishh! I think one box is enough for two people. Its a very big meal! Definitely recommend trying this place out!! read more

This place is great! I usually go here when I'm craving Mediterranean food because I've been told by friends from this culture that it is actually very authentic! Food: I usually get the chicken shawarma. It is delicious and very well seasoned! I sometimes see one of the employees on a grill outside the restaurant cooking very large quantities of it, maybe for a catering order, and the smell alone is enough to bring you into the restaurant! Also, their pistachio baklava is the best!!!! Not super sweet! Just amazing!!! Service: Depends on the day. Sometimes I get very speedy service and others they are busier than normal and it could take a while. Other than that, no issues! Very kind and friendly all around! Other: It has a parking area that it shares with other restaurants in that same shopping mall. I would just advice to not park on the back because there is usually homeless encampments back there. Just park on the side area. read more

I've eaten at Elias Pitas quite a few times, both dine-in and takeout. Parking is fairly easy in the small plaza, and this location is fairly busy with takeout orders despite not many people dining in. When I do walk in, it is often a normal 5-10 minute wait to order takeout. I have had their wraps, plates, and fries. I enjoy their lamb, beef, and gyro, but in particular I have found their beef to be on the tougher and drier end, and it often leaves me dehydrated. Their seasonings and sauces are quite tasty, but I find that the amount they put in their fries to be too strong. Overall a solid place to place to check out if you're in Riverside, and I would definitely recommend a visit. read more

Food was amazing! I got the chicken kebab entree. The chicken was juicy and tasty. The rice was just right and so flavorful. Also, hummus, salad, and pita bread - all were so so yummy. Will come back again for sure. read more

The best Middle Eastern Restaurant in Riverside and they have the best baklava. A chocolate baklava is bomb I mean all of them Baklava are so yummy! read more

Elias Pita - Combination plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Riverside, California

Not quite as tasty as I expected. Good portions though if you're looking for a heavy lunch. Place looks dead from the outside and could use some signage. The service was quick and prompt. read more

Got the combo plate it was fire and too much I had to save the rest for tomorrow. Hummus was great and the salad was the best. With side of pita bread it did the job thank you read more

Love love love this place! I've been meaning to try Elias Pita for a while but never got the chance to until now. I'm upset I didn't find it earlier, as I'm a huge Mediterranean foodie. I like how close it is to me, and they give u a very good portion for what you pay. This plate fed me for two meals! I was wary of the price at first (especially as a first-timer) but the portion + UCR student discount was great. Don't forget your UCR ID! Roughly $12 for all of this-- I was so pleased by the discount that I tipped even though I was dining out. Chicken was delicious and juicy, I can't wait to try their other protein options and falafel. read more

Elias Pita - Chicken Kabab Plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Riverside, California

Yes I would definitely come back here! One of the best Mediterranean food spots I know! I recommended this spot to my co-workers and enjoyed it. They have great service and will greet you and make sure you receive your order in a timely manner. read more

The falafel exceeded my expectations, crispy on the outside and just perfectly cooked on the inside. I enjoyed the lamb 100%. Customer service 5 starts definitely . read more

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Great food and great customer service! The combination plate is delicious! Definitely recommended !

On June 25, a Sunday no less I was just sitting with an acquaintance enjoying the Al fresco. All I shall disclose is that a very unfortunate situation unfolded, the Lady, her service dog and I entered this quaint eatery. Truly, I was panicked and felt ill. The Owner, was so kind, patient and understanding the magnitude of the predicament transpiring outside. Chivalry, it exists here; he offered the large service dog some water and offered to make a couple of sandwiches for the Lady and I. His kindness took me by surprise in the most unexpected way, he also offered a couple of beverages from the cooler. To this, I thanked him and accepted one sandwich. In his infinite wisdom he cut the sandwich in half, all I had at that time in the a.m. was coffee. The aroma of the sandwich, the sauce, cheese and herbs awoke my appetite and eating the sandwich was like a comfort I didn't know I needed in that moment. His heartfelt empathy demonstrated in his disposition well, just left a sweet impact on me. Today, I walked in and saw Baklava. The Lady asked, "Would you like to try the Pistachio Baklava?" A bite of heaven that just melts in your mouth. Suffice to say I can only describe this eatery, the atmosphere, the cuisine, the kind hearted employees and that Baklava as brilliantly epic with every bite. It melts in your mouth as does the food. Feels like homemade, by your best friends, Dad or Mom who love to have all the kids over for extra nummy food. If you haven't been, you're missing out! read more

Not the worst thing I've ever eaten but not good either. I was looking for new food to try in the area and decided to pass by Elias. I figured since they had such a great rating on Yelp and had soooo many reviews, that I was definitely a fool for not coming sooner and was missing out on something. After eating, I realized that I was not missing out on much at all. Service was meh and the employees seemed very bored of working. There was really no friendliness or anything special, just plain meh. And unfortunately, the food tasted the same. I got the Beef Shawarma fries, which the majority of the reviews say are one of the best things on the menu. I will admit that after trying the fries at Fufu's, I was really excited to taste these ones. The menu says that come with chicken or beef shawarma, parsley, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber and a sauce. I got back to my friends home 8 minutes away and realized that mine just had meat, white sauce, and parsley on mine. No cucumber, tomatoes, or red onions and it's a shame because maybe that would have really elevated the dish and added some type of flavor. Instead, I found it incredibly bland and lacking any type of seasoning. My fries were also super soggy to the point they were almost mush. The sauce that comes with it was decent and had some taste to it, but without it, it would go from a 7/10 to a 3/10 easily. Some may disagree with me, but the sauce shouldn't be the star of the show in any meal. As much as I wanted to convince myself that my fries were good, I was only able to really eat half of it because I was just not feelin it. I felt bad but what could I do? My husband got the chicken plate and he said it was alright. Also, we had baklava which was very hard but he still found a way to eat it. Overall, it was just alright. I wouldn't say good, but alright. I gave it a three star because I trust that all of these other people may have had something different on the menu than I did that was mindblowingly good and I just got the wrong thing. Also a three star since the shawarma fries did have a ton of meat on it, which is rare. I'm also sure if it actually had what was stated on the menu, it may have been better. The only sad part is that the meat just didn't taste the best. I am happy though that they have plenty of people who love them because it makes me feel less bad about not having the desire to ever return. read more

Order: Falafel wrap and a side of fries! The wrap was delicious, although i wish it wasn't so dry... The fries are so good and they have seasoning salt in the store which you should use! We had called on the phone and was put on hold for almost 10 minutes while we could hear the employees talking to either themselves or other customers. Just remember if you put people on hold lol. read more

Elias Pita - menu - Mediterranean Near Me - Riverside, California

Terrible service but great food. I've called in several times to order and ordered online only to go in and find out they haven't made my order, even when the they are not busy at all. read more

This place is so so so good! & their taziki sauce is amazing and so refreshing, I got their chicken kabob plate and I will be going back. I didn't try a dessert but I will next time because they looked so delicious! read more

I'm going to miss this place so much when I move out of riverside! IT'S AMAZING! Best Mediterranean place in town. Whenever I can't decide where to eat, Elias Pita is always on my list. I've never had a bad experience coming here. I mean how can I when all the employees are so nice! They're so friendly, and will always start a conversation with you. I've tried mostly there plates, but I've heard great things about their wraps/sandwiches! My favorite would be the both their chicken kabob. The employee recommended it to me once, and it was so flavorful! It takes a little longer to cook since they cook it off the grill, but it's so worth it. The chicken shawarma and beef shawarma are also great. Their plates include a Greek salad, hummus, pita pockets, and a garlic sauce. Oh my goodness the hummus is so delicious!! I use it for every bite of my meal. To top it off, I love their huge portion sizes. Also if you're a student, they give a student discount OR if you're not, I like how they have the free drink offer with a check in! read more

Elias Pita - Chicken shawarma includes pita bread and a garlic dip - Mediterranean Near Me - Riverside, California

To the owner, I came here last night for the first time and by far this is the worst gyro I've eaten. The gyro is burnt hard. See pictures. I think because it is a Sunday night, i really think your employees either decided to call the night off and just served whatever or just being lazy. read more

Elias Pita - Super Hard and burnt Gyro - Mediterranean Near Me - Riverside, California

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Best chicken kabob plate I ever had! Everything is so flavorful Even the pita bread is amazing!! Highly recommend. read more

Elias Pita - Mediterranean Near Me - Riverside, California