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ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
California Pita
7.7
A no-frills Mediterranean counter inside the Los Angeles Mall that runs on volume and value—generous plates of gyro, hummus, and lemon chicken at prices that make sense for a daily lunch rotation. Downtown courthouse workers and nearby office staff treat it as a reliable weekday refueling stop where the portions outpace the price point and the food comes out fast enough to fit a lunch break.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gyro, Hummus, Lemon Chicken Plate
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Fast, affordable Mediterranean counter steps from the downtown LA courthouse, known for generous portions and fresh prep
Who should go: Downtown workers and jurors needing a quick, healthy lunch
When to visit: Weekday lunch before the noon courthouse rush
What to order: Start with the hummus, grab a gyro or lemon chicken plate — portions are filling so one entrée is plenty
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Inside Los Angeles Mall—underground LA Mall Garage next door at 225 N Los Angeles St with 76 spaces, $2.75 per 20 min / $17 daily max, Mon–Fri 5am–6pm only; metered street parking also available in the area
Dress code: Very casual—counter-service spot inside a city mall, come as you are
Weekend wait: Closed weekends (Mon–Fri only, closes by 4:30pm)
Weekday lunch: About 15 minutes during the lunch rush; off-peak you'll have food in hand fast
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—dedicated Vegetarian Specialties section includes Veggie Combo Plate, Falafel Plate, Dolma Plate, plus hummus, tabbouleh, salads, and spanakopita
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No — this is a casual counter-service spot geared toward quick lunch breaks, not date night. The vibe is fast-casual with TV screens and communal-style seating. It's great for grabbing a healthy bite together, but there's no intimate atmosphere, dim lighting, or table service. If you're in the early "let's grab a quick lunch" stage of dating, it works fine, but look elsewhere for a proper first-date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is entirely walk-in, counter-service style. No reservations needed or accepted. You order at the counter and grab a seat. It's a weekday lunch spot (open Monday–Friday, roughly 6:30 AM–4:30 PM, closed weekends), so the only wait you'll encounter is a line during the noon rush from nearby Downtown office workers. Come before 11:30 AM or after 1:30 PM to avoid the peak.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual, no-fuss atmosphere is easy with kids. It's counter service so there's no pressure to keep children seated through a long meal. The menu has simple, approachable options like pita wraps and salads that can work for less adventurous eaters. Note that it's only open on weekdays during daytime hours, so this is more of a "running errands with the kids" stop than a weekend family outing.
Is it good for groups? It can work for small groups of 4–6 grabbing a casual lunch, but it's not set up for large parties. Seating is limited and informal — you may need to push tables together. For larger gatherings, they do offer catering services. Call ahead at (213) 346-9400 to ask about catering packages if you need to feed a bigger crew.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — there is outdoor seating available at this Downtown LA location. Details on whether it's covered or heated are not confirmed — call ahead if weather is a concern. It's a nice option during LA's mild months for eating your pita wrap al fresco rather than inside the small dining area.
Best For
Better for: Quick weekday lunch—counter service, generous portions, in and out in 15 minutes
Consider Alternatives If: You need weekend or evening dining—closed Saturday, Sunday, and after 4:30pm
Hours
Monday8am - 3pm
Tuesday8am - 3pm
Wednesday8am - 3pm
Thursday8am - 3pm
Friday8am - 3pm
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed