NEWS

Here are the winners of best restaurant, chef, and more in CultureMap's 2023 Tastemaker Awards

“Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year - Craft Pita

Certainly, much of Craft Pita’s success can be attributed to its high quality Lebanese cuisine that mixes locally-sourced ingredients with a few tastes of Lebanon, including olive oil sourced from relatives of owner Rafael Nasr. Despite the fast casual service model, diners receive a high level of service throughout their meal. Craft Pita’s employees genuinely seem happy to work there, which makes customers’ experiences a little more pleasant. No wonder it has already grown to two locations — with the distinct possibility of more to come.”

- Eric Sandler

Chef Rafael Nasr's Craft Pita is redefining Mediterranean food in Houston

“The fast-casual Lebanese restaurant, now with a new second location in West U, showcases authentic ingredients and olive oil from the owner's family farm in Lebanon.”

- Emma Balter

Craft Pita Comes to West University

“Founded in 2019 by chef Rafael Nasr, Craft Pita shares culture through food and provides an authentic Mediterranean dining experience. Their popular Fountain View has been raved about since opening in 2020 and landed on Yelp’s Top 100 Places To Eat list. Now Chef Nasr is rolling out Craft Pita’s second location in West University. We had a chance to visit with him and try some of their most popular offerings.”

- Texas Tasty

Foodies & Friends - Craft Pita

“Ruben and Katie go Mediterranean at Craft Pita.”

- Foodies & Friends

16 Excellent Mediterranean Restaurants in Houston

“With a major focus on sourcing local ingredients, Craft Pita prides itself on offering a fresh take on classic dishes. Score feta and tomato salad, traditional Lebanese kafta that’s made with wagyu, and super-creamy baba ganoush. The menu also incorporates owner Rafael Nasr’s family’s own olive oil from Lebanon into its dishes, resulting in picture-perfect plates of hummus and labneh, perfectly swirled with the fragrant oil.”

- Megha McSwain

Houston’s Top 100 Restaurants

“This Tanglewood-area Lebanese spot uses local ingredients and conscientiously raised chickens for its juicy rotisserie bird, which sets it apart in the Mediterranean fast-casual category. The place itself is cheering and exceptionally clean, with fresh flowers peppered about the dining area; one could easily pass a sunny afternoon here with a book and some lemonade.

Chef Rafael Nasr and his Peruvian mom, Claudia, are warmth incarnate. The chicken pita sandwich is too, with its cabbage crunch and soft hunks of roast potato. The fluffed texture of the chicken alone is a culinary marvel. You’ll want to take home a mezze platter to try all the dips, including an exceptional baba ghanoush graced with Lebanese olive oil.”

- Alison Cook

Where to Eat and Drink While Cheering on the Houston Astros in the Playoffs

“With pumpkin spice cold brew floats, deep-fried brisket, and half-priced beers, Craft Pita and various Houston restaurants are offering new menus and drink specials to celebrate the Astros’ postseason.”

- Brittany Britto Garley

Cheer on the Houston Astros and Score Grand Slam Food and Drink Deals this Postseason

“Craft Pita, 1920 Fountain View:

For as long as the Astros are playing in the postseason, Craft Pita is offering a buy two dips and get one free special. The dips included in the special are hummus, spicy hummus, labneh and babaganoush.”

- Brooke Viggiano

Houston Astros postseason joy: Houston-area businesses celebrate the hometown boys with these 2022 freebies, deals

“Craft Pita at 1920 Fountain View Dr, Houston, TX 77057: For as long as the Astros are playing in the postseason, Craft Pita is offering a buy two dips and get one free special. The dips included in the special are hummus, spicy hummus, labneh and babaganoush.”

- Amanda Cochran

All the grand-slam restaurant and bar specials every Houston Astros fan should catch for this year's playoff run

“The Houston Astros are back in the playoffs where they belong. With the American League’s best record, fans have reason to believe they’ll be root, root, rooting for the home team all the way through the World Series.

Buy two get one free dip at this Briargrove restaurant called Craft Pita. Choices include hummus, spicy hummus, labneh, and babaganoush.”

- Eric Sandler

Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Tacolandia, King's Oktoberfest and a Fall Wine Fest on the Bayou

“Plant it Forward's Small Farms Fete, honoring local celebrity chef Monica Pope, will feature several talented chefs and bartenders, with all proceeds from the event benefiting Plant it Forward's educational and mentorship programming for new American farmers. The chef roster includes Claudia Nasr of Craft Pita and many more.”

- Brooke Viggiano

All the mouthwatering food and drinks you'll find at The Tailgate

“Attention, sports fans: The Tailgate is almost here. CultureMap Houston's newest signature event is happening October 27 at Silver Street Studios, and you'll want to be there. You can also expect hummus, pita chips, and veggie sticks with Labneh ranch from Craft Pita.”

- CultureMap Create

Crafty Houston restaurateur dishes on his pita favorite coming to West U, plus hottest food news

“Nasr and his mother Claudia will open their second location of the casual Lebanese restaurant this fall at Plaza in the Park, the Kroger-anchored shopping center at the corner of Buffalo Speedway and Westpark Drive.”

- Eric Sandler

Serving Up Success || Rafael Nasr ‘10 Dishing Robust Flavors as Salute to Family’s Food Culture

“Rafael Nasr ‘10 is most comfortable in the kitchens at his popular Craft Pita cafe or at home. The apron is inevitably battle-stained with remnants of his creations. The first-generation Lebanese American plays out his culinary dreams like an artist, applying his signature flair to the intricacies of Mediterranean cuisine with hit after delightful, delicious hit, bold ingredients, and deeply satisfying dishes that speak from his soul.”

- St. Thomas High School

Edens completes upgrades to West University shopping center Plaza in the Park

“Washington, D.C.-based retail real estate firm Edens has completed the updates to Plaza in the Park at 5150 Buffalo Speedway about a year of announcing the project.”

- Jeff Jeffrey

Retail wrap: Makeover complete at West U area retail center

“Newly signed tenants include Craft Pita, a Mediterranean restaurant that leased 2,500 square feet for its second location in Houston to open later this year. AKT, a fitness studio focused on a 45-minute, full body workout that combines cardio dance intervals with strength and toning, opened a 2,443-square-foot location.”

- Katherine Feser

Crafty and healthy Mediterranean restaurant unfolds second location in West University

“A popular Mediterranean restaurant is coming to West University Place. Craft Pita will open a second location at the Plaza in the Park, a Kroger-anchored shopping center at the corner of Buffalo Speedway and Westpark.

Chef-owner Rafael Nasr tells CultureMap he looked at 40 possibilities before settling on the former Kenny & Ziggy’s space. ”

- Eric Sandler

The Full Menu: What to eat during Houston Restaurant Weeks 2022

“August is here, and, while that’s bad news for Houstonians already fatigued by the opressive heat, it’s great news for foodies.

That’s because August is Houston Restaurant Weeks, the month-long charity dining event where local restaurants roll out special menus with special pricing. And proceeds benefit the Houston Food Bank.”

- Michael Hagerty

Alison Cook: Here are the four best things I ate last week

“Craft Pita’s chicken is almost fluffy, still in possession of its juices, with a clear, distinct flavor. And the fixings rolled up with it are just so: crunchy red cabbage, serious tomato, pickles, hunks of roasted potato and a riveting garlic aioli. Get a side of the zippy tabouli to go with it; and a memorable pink lemonade flavored with just a whisper of rosewater. Efficient curbside service is a plus, too.”

- Alison Cook

The 20 most interesting restaurants in Houston right now

“At two years old, this Tanglewood cafe — from chef Raffi Nasr and his mother, Claudia, who’s Peruvian — is taking the Mediterranean sandwich-shop genre in a refreshing new direction.

One taste of Craft’s stupendous chicken pita will show you why. The marinated and rotisseried bird, from Naked Truth Premium chicken, is a gently pulled fluff of pure poultry flavor — about as far from your basic frozen shawarma slices as it is possible to get. Everything else follows suit, from the colorful, vivid-tasting Middle Eastern dips and salads — in which local produce makes a difference — to the fabulous pink lemonade tinged with rose water.”

- Alison Cook

Houston pizzeria grabs No. 2 spot on Yelp's list of top Texas restaurants

“Rafael Nasr thinks he’s identified something else that sets these restaurants apart. Craft Pita, his Lebanese restaurant in Briargrove, ranks 51st on Yelp’s list.

‘It is about being hyper detail-oriented to provide a unique experience that makes people feel good. Part of that comes from service. Part of that feeling comes from constantly checking on guests, making them feel like they’re special,’ Nasr says.”

- Eric Sandler

Yelp Names Top 100 Places to Eat in Texas for 2021

“Don’t mess with Texas, especially when it comes to food! Here at Yelp, we’re obsessed with the food scene in the Lone Star State and today, we are thrilled to name the Top 100 Places to Eat in Texas for 2021.”

- Brenae Leary

Houston restaurants make Yelp's 'Top 100 Places to Eat in Texas'

“We all know that there are some great places to eat in Texas, and now Yelp has provided a Top 100 places that you must go. Of course in an amazing city like Houston, our restaurants are found throughout the list.”

- Shelby Stewart

Houston-area restaurants dominate Yelp's list of top 100 best places to eat in Texas

“Houston never disappoints when it comes to food, which is why it's no surprise the foodie city dominated the Yelp's 2021 list of top places to eat in Texas. Nineteen restaurants in the Houston area made the cut. The customer-based food review service released its list Wednesday.”

- Ciara Rouege

Yelp’s List of Texas Foodie Favorites Features Plenty of Houston Love

“Other Houston-area restaurants on the list include, among others, The Original Kolache Shoppe (22nd), Athena’s Greek Kitchen (41st), Crumbville (44th), Craft Pita (51st), Zoa Moroccan Kitchen (52nd), and Aga’s Restaurant & Catering (90th).”

- Timothy Malcolm

10 Restaurants Perfect for Last-Minute Easter Plans

“The Mediterranean restaurant is teaming up with Truth BBQ for an awesome pickup package. Get 1.5 pounds of Truth BBQ smoked lamb shoulder, a quart of Lebanese rice, a half pan of fattoush salad, a pint of hummus, two loaves of pita, a pint of cucumber yogurt, and four maamoul cookies.”

- Timothy Malcolm

16 Houston restaurants dish out Easter brunch, dine-in and to-go

“The popular Mediterranean restaurant has collaborated with Truth BBQ on a take and bake package that includes smoked lamb shoulder, fattoush salad, Lebanese rice, hummus, cucumber yogurt, pita bread, and mamool cookies ($100). Pre-order for pickup April 3. Includes reheating instructions.”

- Eric Sandler

Downtown food hall's pizza star spins off hot new Heights-area slice concept

“Those who visit Bravery beginning April 20 will find a new pizza on the menu. McPherson collaborated with Craft Pita owner Rafael Nasr on a chicken shawarma pizza that uses the Lebanese restaurant’s signature aioli and zatar spice. ‘It came out fucking good,’ McPherson says.”

- Eric Sandler

Houston pop-up kitchen serving free meals to seniors, unemployed and others in need during coronavirus crisis

“Houston chefs are teaming up to make sure seniors and those who have lost their jobs can eat. Pop Up Kitchen is serving free hot lunches every day through April 19 at Seaside Lounge near downtown Houston. Friday, April 17. Raffi Nasr of Craft Pita. Falafel Rice Bowl: falafel, rice pilaf, hummus, and veggies.“

- Stephanie Whitfield

Good-hearted new pop-up kitchen feeds Houston seniors and unemployed

“Seaside Lounge chef Wendall Price is leading the culinary side. Other participants include Ana Beaven (Cuchara), Andres Albarran (New York Deli & Coffee Shop and Houston Catering Concepts), Nick Semoudiaris (Roadster Grill at Eighteen36), and Rafi Nasr (Craft Pita). Dishes slated to be served include potato tacos (Beaven), lasagna (Albarran), and grilled chicken skewers (Semoudiaris).“

- Eric Sandler

The Full Menu: The Best Places To Get Take-Out During In A Time Of Social Distancing

“Many continue to offer pickup, carry-out, or delivery orders amid the coronavirus pandemic. And our gaggle of foodies encourage you to try some of them out to help keep some local eateries going, in this carry-out edition of The Full Menu.“

- Michael Hagerty

Restaurants and Organizations Join Forces on Houston Food Donations

“The participating chefs are donating their time to create the meals, and have included such notables as Ana Beaven of Cuchara; Chris Williams of Lucille’s, Alphise Washington of Davis Street At Hermann Park and Rafi Nasr of Craft Pita.” 

- Beth Levine

COVID-19 Hospitalizations Trigger Harris County Restaurant Occupancy Reduction

“The net effect of the order for restaurants is the 25% reduction in indoor occupancy — which isn’t particularly significant. Many restaurants, especially smaller ones, were never able to achieve 75% occupancy due to the requirement to space tables six feet apart. “No restaurant is designed for tables to be six-feet apart and be above 75% occupancy, excluding the patio. It economically and ergonomically is not possible,” said owner Raffi Nasr of Craft Pita.“

- Phaedra Cook

These are the 8 best food and drink events in Houston this weekend

“The modern Lebanese restaurant has collaborated with Truth BBQ pitmaster Leonard Botello IV on two dishes: a smoked lamb shawarma sandwich and a smoked lamb rice bowl. Craft Pita will donate 15-percent of net proceeds from both dishes to Refugee Services of Texas’ Houston chapter, 11 am - sold out.” 

-Eric Sandler

7 best new brunches in Houston serve up sweet and savory favorites

“Proprietor Rafael Nasr puts a Lebanese spin on brunch at his restaurant in Briargrove every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm.” 

-Eric Sandler

Houston Restaurant Weeks at Craft Pita

“Houston Restaurant Weeks is going on now. FOX 26's Ruben Dominguez takes a look at what's on the menu at Craft Pita.”

- Fox News

11 Houston Restaurants Serving Locally Raised Meats

“This is a great place to eat locally raised meat without breaking the bank. You will find Heartbrand certified Akaushi beef in the Lebanese Rice, a mix of beef, seven herbs and spices and slivered almonds. The Kafta Patties are also made with Heartland beef, which is mixed with spices and onions before being formed into slider patties. Locally sourced lamb from Texas Craft is frequently featured on the specials menu, where diners might find lamb shoulder, shank or chops.” 

- Staci Davis

Houston’s only spot on the Yelp Top 100 for 2020 is Galleria-area Craft Pita

“One lone mom-and-pop Houston restaurant made it on this year's Yelp ranking of America’s Top 100 Places to Eat in 2020.

Five-month-old Craft Pita, 1920 Fountain View, claims the No. 22 spot on the consumer reviews site's national roundup, just below Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy in San Antonio. The Galleria-area strip center spot debuted in August and has been earning high praise from patrons since.”

- Darla Guillen Gilthorpe, Houston Chronicle

Top 100 Places To Eat In The United States, According To Yelp

“Ready to feast on a 2020 bucket list? Yelp’s data science team already built it for you.

The restaurant review, reservation and delivery app reviewed top restaurants by ratings and number of reviews in 2019 across the U.S., with representation based on each place’s share of top-rated restaurants nationally. The list is then curated with the expertise of Yelp community managers around the country to finalize the rankings, with the goal of creating a list as quirky, interesting and unique as the Yelp community itself.”

- Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes

Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S: Selected Deals From the Best 30 Restaurants and Bistros in America

“Yelp released its list of the top 100 restaurants in the U.S. today, with places in California featuring heavily in the top 10.

To determine Yelp's Best Places to Eat in 2020, the company's data science team pulled the top restaurants by ratings and number of reviews in 2019 across the U.S., with representation based on each place's share of top rated restaurants nationally, the company told Newsweek. The team then curated the list with the expertise of the company's community managers around the country to finalize the rankings.”

- Sophia Waterfield, Newsweek

Houston Mediterranean Restaurant Receives Unexpected National Recognition

“Consumer review website Yelp issued its annual Top 100 Places To Eat list this morning, and only one Houston restaurant is on it: Craft Pita at 1920 Fountain View. Owner Rafael Nasr opened the eatery last August and the accolades just keep coming. Out of 137 consumer rankings, it has a solid, five-star rating. On the Yelp Top 100 list, it placed at number 22.”

- Phaedra Cook, Houston Food Finder

Restaurant roundup: Trendy doughnut shop sets Houston opening date, Austin wings chain expands

“Craft Pita, a Mediterranean restaurant at 1920 Fountain View Drive in the Galleria area, was awarded the No. 22 spot on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in 2020. It was the only Houston spot to make the list. 

Other Texas restaurants on the list were No. 16 Tommy Tamale Market & Café in Grapevine, No. 17 SP Brazilian Steakhouse in Lakeway, No. 21 Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy in San Antonio, No. 28 Sky Rocket Burger in Dallas, No. 30 The Aussie Grind in Frisco and No. 99 Vizo’s African Bar & Restaurant in Lubbock. 

Craft Pita was praised on Yelp for its food, cleanliness and service. “

- Laura Gillespie, Houston Business Journal

Holiday Shopping at the Galleria? Here’s Where to Eat Nearby.

“Perfect for a quick lunch or breezy dinner, this new fast-casual spot with a cute patio offers fresh Mediterranean pitas, bowls, and flatbreads, along with Turkish coffee, Lebanese wine, and local craft beer. The falafel is crispy and warm, the bread is soft and lightly charred, and the service is exceptional.”

- Timothy Malcolm, Houstonia

Craft Pita Exceeds Its Fast-Casual Expectations

“Lebanese and Mediterranean flavors sing here.

CRAFT PITA doesn’t have to be this good.

This Tanglewood-area restaurant has a fast-casual setup. The gentleman who took my order was not only seriously kind, but he made a two-bite check, and then he let me know that he put my to-go, made-to-order ice cream in the fridge to stay cold, and I should ask to retrieve it as I leave.”

- Timothy Malcolm, Houstonia

Where to eat in Houston right now: 11 best new restaurants for August

“Raffi Nasr has brought a taste of Lebanon to Briargrove with this newly-opened fast casual restaurant. The menu offers a crowd-pleasing array of dishes, from hummus and falafel to pita sandwiches, and bowls made with rotisserie chicken or akaushi beef from Heartbrand Ranch. Quality beef is Nasr’s only goo sourcing decision: his pita comes from Phoenicia, his baklava crumble comes from Suzie’s Pastry Shoppe, and next door neighbor Michael’s Cookie Jar bakes his tahini blondie. Friendly service and a family-friendly atmosphere should help it appeal to the young professionals who make their homes in the neighborhood. 1920 Fountain View Dr.”

- Eric Sandler, Culture Map Houston

Crafty and fresh new Mediterranean restaurant unfolds in Briargrove

“Rafael Nasr has come a long way since the days when he operated a food truck that sold late-night shwarma to TCU students. On Saturday, August 17, the native Houstonian (and St. Thomas High School graduate) will open the doors to Craft Pita, his fast-casual Lebanese restaurant in Briargrove (1920 Fountain View Dr.).

Inspired by his family’s cooking and the restaurant his uncle owns in Lebanon, Craft Pita serves a familiar mix of Lebanese favorites: mezze plates such as hummus, falafel, and roasted cauliflower; sandwiches made with pita bread; and rotisserie chicken. The twist is the care Nasr has put into his recipes and sourcing.”

- Eric Sandler, Culture Map Houston

The 30 most anticipated restaurants, bars, breweries, and food halls opening in Houston this summer

“The transformation of the Fountainview Square Shopping Center — Barnaby's replacing Eatalia, Cabo Bob's replacing Harvest Green — continues with this Mediterranean concept. Owner Rafael Nasr brings years of experience working for Pappas Restaurants to this "fast fine casual" establishment that will serve pita sandwiches, bowls, rotisserie chicken, and more. Locally sourced ingredients, such as vegetables from Plant It Forward Farms and pita from Phoenicia, will help set it apart from other, similar establishments when it opens in August.”

- Eric Sandler, Culture Map Houston

Craft Pita: Brand New Fast-Fine Mediterranean Near The Galleria

“Last weekend, Craft Pita celebrated their grand opening in the Galleria area. The family-owned fast-fine Mediterranean eatery has quickly become one of my favorite new restaurants. The blueprint of the entire restaurant was just a dream until earlier this year when the perfect location opened up off San Felipe, and that dream quickly became a reality.

Craft Pita focuses on serving up fresh, quality Mediterranean food in a casual atmosphere, while locally sourcing most of their ingredients and products. What they don't source locally is imported from top tier vendors. Needless to say, this restaurant was born out of love, and it definitely shows in how refined their food is and how dedicated the entire family is to making Craft Pita a success.”

- Houston HotSpots

12 food and drink deals to celebrate 713 Day in Houston

“The unofficial holiday celebrating Houston's original area code offers food and drink specials at Houston restaurants and bars.

July 13 may seem like an ordinary day to the rest of the world, but for Houstonians, it holds special significance as "713 Day."

- Ana Khan

I can't stop thinking about Craft Pita's za'atar French fries

“On National French Fry Day, the Houston staple's Lebanese take wins out.

Maybe the best work lunches are the ones where you and your boss go to the same restaurant—just in different locations."

- John-Henry Perera

Houston restaurants weathered Hurricane Beryl. Now many face influx of customers.

“On Monday evening, mere hours after Hurricane Beryl moved out of the area, some of the roughly 2 million Houstonians without electricity began to venture out to open restaurants."

- Bao Ong

The Full Menu: Houston’s best places for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food

“In this month’s installment of The Full Menu, food writers discuss their favorite places for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food in Greater Houston.

Shawarma, gyros, hummus – Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food is healthy and tasty. And lots of Houston-area restaurants serve it. In this month’s installment of The Full Menu, food writers discuss their favorite places to get it and what dishes they enjoy."

- Michael Hagerty

Where to Celebrate Houston’s 713 Day

“Honor all things Space City with food and drink specials, pub crawls, concerts, and more. Home to the World Series-winning Astros, the NASA Space Center, slabs, screw music, and some of the largest and most diverse cultural communities in the country, Houston has a lot of hometown pride, and at least once a year, Space City goes all out in celebrating itself."

- Brittany Britto Garley

Houston chef celebrates Food Network debut with epic watch party

“Houston chef is celebrating his reality TV debut with an epic watch party, and you're invited. Raffi Nasr, the chef and co-owner of Craft Pita, will welcome friends and supporters to join him as he takes on an Iron Chef.

Nasr will appear on the Sunday, August 11 episode of Food Network competition show Alex vs. America. In the episode, Nasr is one of three chefs taking on Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli in a battle of Mediterranean flavors."

- Eric Sandler

Houston chef to bring Lebanese cuisine into Food Network spotlight

“Craft Pita's founder has an opportunity to take down a celebrity. We already know that Houston has exceptional Levantine cuisine, from the mom-and-pop mezze-mad spots that dot the Southwestern part of town to flashier affairs including steakhouses and chef-forward concepts. Heck, even Houston restaurants looking for some Michelin love have spent some time in the Eastern Mediterranean."

- Timothy Malcolm