If you are ever frustrated with the lack of parking at the USF-area Panera Bread on Bruce B. Downs and the nearby bank security guard who will threaten your vehicle's integrity if you dare park in their lot, drive down the street a little further and eat instead at Byblos Pitas. Decor: Ikea. Food: fast, fresh Lebanese for under $10.
Another strip mall treasure, Yuri and his wife have been running Byblos Pitas for about a year now. Despite the restaurant's name, they are not related to the family that runs the long-standing Byblos Cafe in south Tampa, but are good friends.
Choose a stuffing for your pita: maybe deliciously seasoned steak shawarma, chicken kabob or falafel. Pick your vegetables and sauces to fill it: hummus, labneh, tomatoes, etc. Watch them expertly fold it like a giant burrito and heat it on a sandwich press. Try a side of Baba Ghanouj, red lentil soup, or go for the Greek or Caesar salad. Fresh, tasty and inexpensive, Byblos is a bright spot to sit with some good grub and your laptop. Leave the hipsters to their Panera Bread.
2734 University Square Dr,, Tampa, 813-849-5050
www.byblospitas.com
