Pitta Maria is nothing special from the outside, a small Greek souvlaki cafe on Leytonstone Road, just over the Waltham Forest ‘border’ into Newham. A cute spot which opened just before Covid in 2019, its island-white furniture is enlivened by dreamy seascape photographs on the walls.
There are tempting appetizers – say, tirokafteri (spicy feta), or classic Cretan dish Dakos salad – along with yeeros, skepastes (stuffed pitta bread) and even weekend specials like lamb priced per kilo and kokoretsi (a seasoned offal dish).
But the best-value dishes – incredibly filling too – are the mighty pitta wraps, pictured above. Even the bread, spongey and singed, is home-made, said the friendly chef-owner.
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My pork skewer – which, she warned, would take 15 minutes to prepare from scratch – was packed with meaty flavour, bathed in super-garlicky tzatziki, the pitta filled with market-fresh sliced red onion, tomatoes and salad. Not to mention super herby chips, perfectly sprinkled with thyme. At just £6, this is surely the bargain of the week.
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A glance online reveals this place boasts high ratings all round, including by those who declare it home to the best gyros they’ve ever tasted. A caveat: if you’re thinking of a crisp white Greek wine with your dinner, park that idea now: BYOB is not an option, she said.
But don’t let that put you off. This is 100% worth the short pilgrimage to the Maryland borders. And, satisfyingly, not a whiff of hype. 185 Leytonstone Road E15, open Wed-Mon till 930pm.
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