Petra, located across Kennedy Boulevard from the University of Tampa playing fields, has been making authentic Middle Eastern food for a very long time, without much acclaim. Anything on the menu will be worthwhile, but for starters try the chicken shawarma wrap. The pita is the right amount of chewy. The seasoned chicken within is a mix of pieces, not just breast meat, which can be dry. Order your shawarma with the basmati rice that’s enhanced by a hint of turmeric. If it’s not sweltering out, eat on the restaurant’s charming covered patio out back.
petratampa.com —Eric Snider
This article appears in Best of The Bay 2024.
