ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Avondale & North Center
Best Middle Eastern in Avondale & North Center
Master Critic Review
Pi-Hi Cafe
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Tucked into a strip mall near Lane Tech, Pi-Hi blends shawarma plates, falafel, and wood-fired “Pi” pizzas into one of the area’s best low-cost Mediterranean options. National attention from Yelp’s Top 100 list and steady crowds for takeout underline its status as a long-running neighborhood favorite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mediterranean Pizza Pi with shawarma, Chicken shawarma plate, Falafel plate with hummus and salad
Scores:
Value: 9.3
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Strip-mall Mediterranean cafe known for shawarma, generous portions, and hybrid pizzas.
Who should go: Budget-minded diners and students wanting filling Mediterranean plates.
When to visit: After-school and early evening for fastest counter service.
What to order: Mediterranean Pizza Pi, chicken shawarma plate, falafel side.
Insider tip: Split a pizza and a platter; portions are big for the price.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking in the surrounding neighborhood; usually manageable outside of school dismissal and peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Totally casual — hoodies, jeans, and game-day gear all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversation is easy, especially for dine-in or while waiting on takeout.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, longer if there are large takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, salads, spreads, and several pizzas work well.
Vegan options: Moderate options — falafel, salads, and some mezze can be ordered dairy-free.
Gluten-free options: Limited — platters without pita are your best bet, but pizzas and wraps are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works best for a low-key, casual meet-up — more takeout counter than romantic dinner setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and walk-in only. Seating is limited, so peak hours may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed atmosphere, quick service, and familiar options like pizza and shawarma make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Big portions and strong value — ideal when you want filling Mediterranean plates or pizza without a big spend.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambiance, full-service dining, or an alcohol program.