I've been there couple times trying the empanadas , pabellón , tequenos etcc . but I went on Friday to eat shawarma and was horrible . they used like a boil chicken not even the grill chicken that the shawarma normally has . that was not a shawarma that was like a chicken burrito . I don't know if it's usu like that or just because it was Friday . hopefully you guys can do the shawarma as good as the empanadas read more

Just ok. The place is well kept, bathrooms are clean, the service was there... Just wasn't crazy about the food. Stopped in for lunch to try the Felafel Arepa... Big fan of both Arepa and the Felafel, just didn't like the combination as much. It was very filling and tasted ok. The Venezuelan with shredded beef was a little better, thought the sweet plantains and black beans went good together. Not sure I'll be rushing back. I prefer my Lebanese stand alone, I've tried both styles here and neither blew me away. The idea of mixing Venezuelan with Lebanese is risky, it's worth the try, just limit your expectations. They have a Sunday brunch that looks somewhat promising. Three stars max. read more

Are Pitas - Arepa Felafel - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Arepa and Pitas make up the restaurant name. This is a new concept of the combination of two country food for the fast food. If they are successful, they can be like other fast food chain selling their franchise. I stop by for a snack to try them on. I have the arepa with the Shawarma beef. The beef is slice and in shawarma sauce. I have added the hamus, lettuce, and cucumber. The beef is a bit dry for me but the marinated meat is there. My wife like it however I just it is just worth it. This concept of the selection of assembly may work or may not work. So I cannot fully said the restaurant do not have the right ingredient because the customer makes decision on the assembly. For the reason above, partly is customer and partly is restaurant I cannot fully make the decision on the food. But base on the keeping the material warm and juicy I am grading it worth a trip with 3 stars. There are thing can be improve such as come out a suggested assemble item that is work and taste good so the customer will not make mistake. This is vital for new concept restaurant to survive and get repeat customer. Good thing is their price is affordable. read more

Are Pitas - Shawarna Arepa - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Found this spot while down here for a conference. Super quick service. Owner/Managers love their product and you can tell. Meats were fresh and how they toast the sandwiches is amazing. Check it out!!! read more

Are Pitas - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

Delicious.... as before. Try the Lebanese Plate and Mango drink!!!!' Always fast and friendly service. I will keep going back. Try the vegetarian platter! Try the chicken shawarma! Try to Fellafel! The BEST and my FAVORITE is the Baba Ghanouge!!!!!! Don't miss this university area GEM! read more

Are Pitas - Delicious ! - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

This place is phenomenal! The best Yuca Fries and Mango Drink I have ever had. I've been in Tampa all week from out of town and have had to manage by eating out. I highly recommend Are Pitas! Definitely beats going to any chain restaurant in the area, even the "high end" restaurants do not have food this delicious:) read more

Are Pitas - Chicken Shawarma, Yuca Fries, Mango Drink - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Place is casual, food is good and fresh. Everything is well made. We had the cachapas, pabellón, empanadas they were really good. Their mayo sauce is also good. Didn't try the Lebanese food. Highly recommended this restaurant for comfort food. read more

This was a really good restaurant. It's a fusion of Mediterranean and South American favors. The combination of these tastes is quite amazing. I had the lady gyro with hummus and chips. It was delicious. The meat on the gyro was very well seasoned and fresh. The hummus was also very good. I have passion fruit juice with my meal. This restaurant also has pastries that are pretty good if you save room for desert. read more

This is a great place. They have different options for people who like Venezuelan food or people who like Lebanese food. I think I'm definitely coming back because a deck they have really good specials on Monday Wednesday and Friday. They also have daily happy hour from 4 PM to 7 PM. I had the Venezuelan arepa and it was so filling it comes with beef plantains and black beans with cheese on top and their famous garlic sauce to top it off. I really enjoyed the meal and made it a combo and had the fried yuca fries, however I didn't like the yuca fries. It just tasted like fried dough and I couldn't really get the taste of yuca, I wish they had regular fried yuca. The combo seemed like a lot too. I probably could have done just the arepa and been REALLY filled, which is kinda what happened cause I had one yuca fry and I couldn't do anymore. read more

See all

This place is unbelievable. Everything I order is good. Pabellon empanada is delicious. Venezuelan arepa taste better every time I order it. I am IN LOVE WITH ARE PITAS. Definitely one of the best in town. I am in love and in shock at the same time. All the workers are nice as well. Very nice environment. read more

Growing up and being raised by a Colombian grandmother meant arepas were a daily item in almost every meal. Today I got to experience a delicious Venezuelan style arepa from @are_pitas. the arepa was stuffed with shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantains, and shredded queso fresco. DEE-LISH-US. Along with the amazing arepa, I also snagged a cheese empanada. Because, why not? The food was perfect. Fresh ingredients, made in house. I couldn't ask for a better lunch. read more

See all

Simply outstanding.... this place is what service, dedication, good food is all about. You do not have to go to a 3 Michelin Star restaurant every time to eat well.... there are simpler enjoyable places in the world to have a great dining experience, well this is one of them.... a type of fast food place where you are treated with love! Like a person!!! The falafel was very good... the arepa, on the undercooked side, but just because they are made to order and they do take time!!! Cheese was also kn the good side being fresh .... the 3 leches desert was also very good I've been told by my wife who loves them... so all in all read more

See all

Never had Venezuelan before...SO GOOD. Had the shredded beef arepa and shredded chicken cachapa. Both delicious and filling. The dolma was a little minty for my taste, but still pretty good. They also didn't forget my drink which I also appreciate. My new fav place until i get sick of it! read more

Not a lot of places to try Venezuelan food.. little did I know it's freaking delicious. We got Uber eats from here and will definitely be stopping in to try some more items off the menu. read more

Absolutely delicious food! Always fresh and hot. I go there almost once a week now. I don't suggest going there while in a hurry as they do prepare the food to order so you will have to wait a few minutes. However, it is totally worth it. A must try! read more

The food and ambiance were great but the service was terrible. They told me there was a 15 min wait for an arepa when we had already been there for 15 min. I had been waiting and saw more than 5 customer come make an order and pick it up before they even came to tell us we had to wait more time. Then the lady was rude handing us the food and didn't even give us the sauce or drink that came with the combo and when we asked for it she was extremely rude. So, if you have 1 hour for 2 arepas that cost 20 dollars, this is the place for you. The food is great but it's just not worth it. read more

First time here. Was greeted by a nice lady who took my order. I had a lot of questions and she enthusiastically answered all of them. Her wonderful attitude made me excited to try the food. I ordered the Venezuelan Arepa and two Guava and Cheese Tequeños. Both delicious. Will definitely be back to try her famous falafel. read more

They cater to EVERYONE!!! Completely HALAL& DELICIOUS! Gets better each time and really looking forward to trying out their whole menu. This business is in it for the long run. WATCH OUT for their daily specials !! Today was Wednesday -falafel special only 4.99. read more

Are Pitas - Lebanese arepita yum - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I frequent Are Pitas when I want a quick bite. The ingredients are fresh, and the staff is very friendly. I've tried the chicken shawarma pita and Lebanese plate which are both delicious. I've also ordered an empanada, but that was just so-so. With their reasonable prices I often recommend this place to anyone in the USF area. read more

Are Pitas - Lebanese plate w pita chips - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

You really get the bang for your buck here. I always get a massive falafel pita that I can't even finish for a more than reasonable price! Staff is knowledgeable about vegan options and friendly. Highly recommend. read more

Are Pitas - Falafel pita - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

Oh my gosh this is amazing. I got a falafel pita and the additional toppings (especially the pickled items) and the homemade hummus were so tasty and fresh. They press the pitas and they come out warm and WELCOMING and left us feeling full and satisfied. I can't wait to come back!!! read more

Are Pitas - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I ordered the falafel arepa and the cheese empanada and they were both really good. The arepa itself was yummy and the hummus, veggies and falafel inside was really filling for the price read more

Are Pitas - Falafel arepa, Cheese Empanada - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Wow, I have been driving past this restaurant for far to long and finally stopped in. The arepas are bomb, super fresh! I had the Venezuelan and it was amazing. I have 0 idea why they even sell pitas here, they are store bought and can't come close to the arepas. I can't wait to go back. read more

Yummy. The garlic sauce on my shawarma chicken was amazing ! Also try the yucka fries. Yummy! Location is tucked away in a strip mall setting , this place is defiantly worth a look read more

The Venezuelan arepa is fire - you gotta get this for lunch. The store is conveniently located near USF which I love. The price point is around $9 for just the arepa which is a little steep but it's really tasty so it's worth it in that respect. Plus, I split mine in half to make two meals. The employees there are super kind and the store is clean. I will be back! read more

Are Pitas - venezuelan arepa - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Best falafel sandwich in town!! I consider myself a connoisseur of falafel, having grown up with the stuff at Ground Zero, in NYC. I love falafel and have had it about a million times, including in Israel and just about every place else. For a while, despite decent Mediterranean options, Tampa was lacking in good falafel. Then along came Petra and raised the bar for others. But now, believe it or not, this small mall based sandwich shop near USF has jumped everyone else by leaps and bounds. This is the best falafel in town; the falafel of my childhood. I drive from South Tampa to USF to seek this falafel sandwich. I cannot help myself. It is a mad craving. I have now had the falafel sandwich maybe half a dozen times, and I am systematically working through the extensive toppings to discern the best possible combinations. The pickled radish is a must have. Of course the cucumbers and parsley. The new secret -- roasted eggplant in tahini -- was recently added. Today I had the garlic sauce, which was amazing (much like Petra's), but the regular tahini sauce is also a staple. This is the tahini of my dreams. But no matter what your toppings, it all starts with the falafel. And this is the best in town. Really, it is so good. Moist and flavorful on the inside, rich grainy texture, perfectly crispy on the outside. Never dried out. Golf ball sized and delicious. You too will drive across town for this falafel. Don't miss it. This is five stars for the best falafel sandwich in Tampa. Are-Pita's, I salute you! Ps I asked the chef, who trained at Byblos, what makes her falafel so good, and she responded "I make it with love." Whatever the recipe, Are-Pitas has it perfected. Bravo! read more

Are Pitas - Nice casual decor! - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

This was my first time having Venezuelan food and it was really tasty. I find it really random that it's a Lebanese/Venezuelan restaurant because you don't normally find that combo in California, but I loved it! I love Lebanese food and now I love Venezuelan after coming here! I ordered the Pabellon plate (see my picture) and my favorite part were the plantains. Sooo yummy! My dad ordered a gyro pita and the meat was cooked perfectly. The staff was really sweet and if you check in, you get 10% off! Can't say no to that :) read more

Are Pitas - Pabellon - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Arepitas is a cute little Venezuelan/Lebanese Cafe located near the USF area. My Yelp brother from another mother, Jason C and my friend Dorene M, decided on this restaurant prior to a Yelp event at Busch Gardens. The staff was friendly here and there were three people working but only one behind the counter. Jeremiah was very friendly and took time to explain all my food options, but I felt awful because a line was starting to form and he was the only one behind the counter. You can choose to have your meal served in an arepa or a pita. I found this concept to be fascinating since I had never seen Venezuelan and Lebanese cuisine paired together. I wanted something different so I settled on the Venezuelan Arepa with black beans, pulled beef, and white cheese. I had the fried plantains served on the side and not in the arepa. I get creeped out by mixing sweet and salty. The food was delicious and was definitely a bigger portion than I had imagined. The arepa (as you can see in the picture) was stuffed full. I wish there was an Arepitas location close to me in South Tampa. I would definitely be back more often if I lived in the vicinity. read more

Are Pitas - Menu - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

Never judge a book by its cover. That's what I gotta say about thisnplace. I would pass by this restaurant whenever I would go to work but I never thought about trying it out until I was invited there for lunch. Very appropriately sized portions- enough that it could be split for lunch and dinner if you wanted. I ordered the special for that day which was the Venezuelan arepa (beef, cheese, black beans, rice, and plantains) but in a pita. The woman working there told me it was the most popular choice as well. The plantains give the food a yummy sweet flavor. Along with arepa I got fried Yuka. Honesty I could have lived without it. You don't get what you pay for and they're just bland. The Yuka bits aren't like fat slices like at Pollo tropical and are the size of a motzorella stick. The total for my meal came to about $9. Aside from all of this, this place is really good and anyone in the local Tampa USF area. read more

Are Pitas is a funky little multi-ethnic fusion restaurant, combining Venezuelan and Lebanese cuisine, near the USF campus. The name of the restaurant comes from the combination of 'Arepas' and 'Pitas', which perfectly describes their cuisine. Are Pitas is located in the University Square shopping center near the intersection of Bruce B Downs and Fowler Avenue. If you're driving south on BBD, then turn right onto the side street by Staples, and that will bring you back to Are Pitas. The restaurant sits very close to University Mall at the corner of University Square Drive and Club Drive. (In other words, use your GPS on your first visit!) The restaurant is set up in a cafeteria-style layout. You order as you walk in, and then follow your meal as they customize with various sides and add-on's. At the end of the line is the cash register, and you either take your to-go order, or carry your tray to your table. The restaurant has a combination of low 4-top tables and chairs, or high-tops with stools scattered around the eating area. As mentioned earlier, you choose your style of meal - either an arepa or a pita, and then customize from there. Arepas are made with Venezuelan bread which is a soft savory flat-bread, that is made with corn flour, grilled and filled with your favorite flavors. Pitas are well-known Mediterranean-style pita flat bread, and served with your choice of crisp vegetables and sauces (hummus, baba ganoush, garlic or tzatziki sauce). In both cases you customize it by choosing a protein, vegetables, and cheese. If neither option floats your boat, then you can select an entrée such as Pabellon - a traditional Venezuelan dish served with black beans, white rice, pulled beef (carne mechada), fried plantains and cheese; Lebanese Plate - which has a small salad, hummus, baba ganoush, 1 dolma, 2 falafel, and your choice of protein; or the Asado Negro - shredded roast beef with white rice, plantains, and black beans. They also offer vegetarian dishes, deli ham and turkey, empanadas, and serve a mighty fine hummus. I've eaten here twice. The first time I had an arepa filled with shawarma beef, and yesterday I enjoyed a pita stuffed with gyro meat. Neither meal was especially picturesque, but both were very tasty. Prices are reasonable for the amount of food that you receive (under $10). Make sure that you grab a handful of napkins as things tend to get a bit messy! read more

Are Pitas - Are Pitas, located in the USF area within the University Square strip mall - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

This a good Venezuelan arepa sandwich place with a Lebanese twist. The parchita (passion fruit juice) is very tasty. It's a very casual fast food type atmosphere. Definitely a welcome addition to the USF area foodie scene. There's a college hangout boba place next door, Boba Cup up the back street to the shopping plaza as well as other hangout places and bars in the area.. read more

Where else can you get combinations of Venezuelean and Lebanese made with Halal meat? I have no idea. Nowhere would be my guess! It's fun to try crazy fusions. The only one that tops this is Nitally's ThaiMex! We enjoyed this very affordable experience, trying all sorts of combinations. The proprietors were happy to let us experiment and experimenter we did! Falafel and Arepa? No problem! If you want to try bright tasting and fun food in interesting combinations, I'd recommend this unique spot. read more

I was first introduced to Are Pitas when my department had them cater for a work event about last year. I was impressed with the variety of food (including vegetarian and gluten-free options) as well as the taste. Since then, I have been back to their shop multiple times because of the quality of their food and their excellent service. They were even able to accommodate a party of 30 in an efficient manner without a set menu (of course, I called to warn them ahead of time). My go-to order is a Falafel Arepa and an Empanada, but everyone that I have brought (who order different things) have been happy with their food. Upon entering, order first, add anything else you like (imagine a Subway or Chipotle line), pay for your order, sit, and enjoy! This place (Lebanese-Venezuelan fusion) may not be for everyone (I am personally a fan of mediterranean food and hispanic food separately, so combining them sounds like a good idea to me), but it's definitely worth a try! read more

Excellent selection, flavor, and super friendly staff. We tried: arepas, cachapas, tequeños, y jugo de papelón con limón. I will definitely come back many times and highly recommend it to anyone! Absolutely the best taste of Venezuelan finger food you can find in South Florida. read more

Are Pitas - Empanadas, tequeños, arepa con queso de mano, y jugo de papelón con limón. - Lebanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

The food was pretty good and the place was clean and the staff was nice but the price vs value seemed off The plate size was very small and for a $15 lunch to walk out and not be full was a little disappointing Overall it was a good experience and i would come back read more

100% will come back here again! I love pitas and the build your owns are my favorite. I got a pita with shredded beef and then added in the various vegetables and sauces that I liked. It was a delicious and affordable meal and the service was very kind to us, especially because we weren't sure about the place originally. read more

I sincerely wish that I had discovered this place earlier​ because I'm leaving Tampa in two weeks and I'm not too sure how I'm going to get my pita fix. I highly recommend both the Venezuelan and Lebanese pita specials. The Venezuelan pita packs a huge flavor punch from the meat to the fried plantains. As for the Lebanese pita, it's a combination between both flavors​ but is definitely more refreshing in comparison. Therefore, find a friend, get them to order one, you order the other, and split the goodness. They definitely don't skimp out on the fillings so you can even save it for another meal (if you have that willpower​). And if you love hummus, definitely try their hummus! All in all, I'll be making a few last visits to this place before I leave. If you're in the area, make the visit to get your hands on some yummy food. read more

Pictures on Yelp had me dreaming of Arepas for a while now, so I figured it was about time to put my curiosity to rest. I've never had an arepa before, so I don't have anything to compare these to.. But hotdamn, it was delicious! I got the Venezuelan arepa and the soft corn exterior was stuffed to the brim with pork, black beans, plantains, and cheese- all served nice and hot. Don't let these little sammies fool you- they are a lot bigger than you think and will leave you full and satisfied for a long time. My mom and I were tempted to try a side item like the kebbeh, but we're glad we didn't because I think it would have been too much food for us! I will definitely be back to try some of the other options (falafel is next!) Update: I have now tried the falafel arepa- omg delish!!! She seriously stuffed that sucker to the gills with falafel, I didn't think there was going to be room for toppings! When I only asked for cucumbers and tzaziki, she was like "That's it?!" I honestly didn't think she could possibly put anything more in at that point, but she crammed some tomatoes in there too. I sat down and unashamedly began to stuff my face until every last bit was gone. So good. read more

See all

Toda la comida buenísima! Pedimos empanadas, una cachapa con carne mechada, y unos tequeños! Súper autentica la comida, con muchisimo sabor, y buenas porciones! 100% recomendado!!! read more

Good stuff with an unusual combination of Lebanese and Venezuelan dishs....Arepa-Pita bread bases. Had a quick lunch with sister who went Lebanese route with shwarma chicken on pita, loaded with salad condiments, including pickled turnip and tsasiki sauce. I had the pabellon Venezuelan arepa which is stuffed with pulled beef, black beans and white cheese with some maduros thrown in...and I had tsatsiki squirted on for a blend. Also had some canned yerba mate with berry flavoring. A nice hybrid for the university area. read more