Inspired by the fresh flavours coming out of Canada, Pita Pit is a new place for breakfast and lunch in the central Piccadilly Place complex. Food on offer includes pitas stacked with a huge array of fresh fillings, salads, bircher muesli, raw food bars and juice, all served up in a airy, spacious outlet.
First impressions are a bit like Barburrito, as Pita Pit is also a design your own operation. To start with, choose from two sizes of pita, petita (small), regular (a nine-inch circle) or a salad bowl, and then proceed to fill your boots all from around £3.50. Best-selling fillings include spicy chicken (from £3.50), grilled as you watch with fresh onions and peppers, or a classic falafel hand-rolled and cooked on the spot. For a touch of luxury opt for steak (from £4.75). And like the country that Pita Pit hails from, everything has an ethical bent; the tuna is dolphin friendly, the chicken is UK farmed. Health is a big part of the show, with light and spicy condiments like harissa making a change from mayo. Obviously, all the usual suspects are available too.
Taste tried an original pita with spicy chicken as manager Emma Overmire talked us through the process. We ended up with a lively wrap of guacamole, chicken, harissa, salad, tomato, olives, cucumber, spicy sweet chutney and too much more to mention. It sounds like a mess but the ingredients seem to have been made to mix up together.
Positioned next to Piccadilly Station, its a surprisingly chilled setting for this part of town. And the green living wall on one side only adds to the sense of calm. Eating here feels healthy, orderly and relaxed, like taking a time out in a zen garden.
The menu shifts throughout the day. Breakfast is served until 11am, and includes pitas with scrambled eggs, ham and eggs or an English breakfast, with sausage, bacon and spicy sauce (from £2.75) as well as pita toasties. Add a tea or coffee for £1 and youre ready to go.
Pita Pit, Ground Floor 3 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BN. Tel: 0800 0086490, www.pitapituk.com