Phara's

Try this much-loved neighborhood spot's full complement of Mediterranean dishes prepared from family recipes or stick with safe choices – you'll find 25 flavors of wings and an interesting pizza selection.

Turkish-born Nikki Kaya is the chef, and she is a chemical engineer in nutritional analysis by trade. The pita wraps come stuffed with lamb and beef, or chicken, and are generously filled with lettuce, tomato, sautéed onions, feta, jalapeños, and tart tatziki sauce. Pies include spinach, and grass-fed meat that uses new potatoes, and onion, wrapped in a crunchy pastry pillow. Don't miss the beet salad.

Fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant offers a build-your-own pita/bowl concept.