Al Zaytouna Restaurant

906 Christian St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 574-5040

The Italian Market, as jam packed with good, okay, and terrible food as it is, there aren't too many options besides Mexican and Italian. I mean there are some other options for a quick, cheap takeout lunch, but right in the heart of the market, where you will be shopping, there was a bit of a void. Alzaytouna fills some of that gap, with Middle Eastern menu offerings.

 

 

They offer both eat-in or takeout food.

 

The inside is clean, they are very courteous (asking if I wanted a glass of water while I waited), and the food is made with love. Also the chicken shawarma is sliced freshly off a spit while you wait. The basic sandwich is about $7, and comes with chicken, hummus, cucumber, tomato, and red onion wrapped in a warmed pita. They actually slice their pita with a box cutter, which I hear is the authentic way of doing things.

One of the greatest things that's relatively new to the market is the seating available at the Frank Rizzo mural, where you can eat and people-watch, which is really why you are there in the first place, isn't it?

This sandwich is carefully wrapped in foil to maintain warmth.

The chicken had a nice, slightly crisp texture, and the fresh veggies added some moisture and additional crunch. The hummus was tasty, a bit heavy on the tahini, but a pretty satisfying overall package. Nothing here was ground-breaking, but it was well executed and a great addition to the market. I can't wait to get back to give the falafel a go.