The Middle East Best Food

It's pretty bold to hang signs in your window and above your cash register claiming you serve the best pita in the nation. But owner Aziz Ali stands by his claim and refuses to tell anyone why this is so. "It just is," he says. "I don't want to give you my secret." Know what? He's right. The man makes arguably the finest pita bread. But it's not nearly as fine as his lamb shawarma ($7.95), a deliciously large concoction wrapped with mountain bread and loaded with savory accouterments. He also sells spinach, meat, and cheese pies for only $6 each, along with stuffed cabbage with rice and meat (eight pieces for $7.50) and just about every Middle Eastern-style pastry imaginable. There's no menu, only three tiny tables with two seats each, and zero ambiance, but Ali's charisma brightens up the little space. On your way out, pick up funky items such as pickled lemons, "special seeds," and nabulsi cheese ($8.95 for 20 ounces). And start political conversations with the locals milling about - the place will go from quiet to lively faster than you can slam a tub of his hummus.