Pocket Pita Is the New Israeli Street Food Diner That's Popped Up on the Lower North Shore
It's taken over the digs of a Neutral Bay stalwart — and it's dishing up falafel-filled pitas, sour cherry spritzes and salads served in bread bowls.
When COVID-19 came to town, it forced Sydney restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs to shut up shop for a while. Now that venues are welcoming punters back and life is slowly getting back to normal, we're starting to see how the pandemic has changed our hospitality scene. We lost some Sydney gems, such as Surry Hills institution Il Baretto and live gig and comedy venue Cafe Lounge. Over the bridge, much-loved Neutral Bay wine bar Firefly also closed its doors after 12 years of service — but it's not all bad news. In the same Young Street digs that used to serve up Frosty Fruit-favoured cocktails, plenty of pinot and damn fine bar snacks, you'll find an Israeli pop-up by Firefly owner Daniel Sofo and chef Nissim Elkabetz.
While dining numbers are limited to 50 with strict social distancing rules, the transition to a more casual diner makes sense. Pocket Pita opened yesterday, Tuesday, June 2, with a succinct menu of Israeli dishes — all under $25.
Expect falafel, shawarma, salad (served in bowls made of laffa), sabich and, of course, pita, plus dips and the former venue's signature za'atar zucchini fries. For dessert, there are two Middle Eastern dessert favourites: knafeh and baklava. You'll also find a range of sodas and spritzes, too, with flavours such as date and mint, pomegranate, sour cherry, and tamarind.
The pop-up is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11.30am till 9.30pm for dine-in and takeaway, wth home delivery available from Thursday, June 11. You can't book, so just walk by and see if you can nab a spot or get some takeaway. You can pre-order via Mr Yum.
Pocket Pita is now open at 24 Young Street, Neutral Bay . Opening Hours are Tuesday–Sunday 11.30am–9.30pm. Home delivery is launching on June 11.
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