While the recently opened
Deli on
Butler Street fulfills Lawrenceville's desire for classic soups and sandwiches, and Oakland and the Southside have long had things covered on the gyro front, until the first of June there was a missing link between the two food businesses: a Greek deli to satisfy Lawrenceville's souvlaki craving.
That's changed with the arrival of Pastitsio gourmet deli at 3716 Butler Street.
"The menu changes everyday. We always have one entrée, a side, and starch," says owner Stamatis Bournias. The minimal options, which range from souvlaki to hand rolled grape leaves, allow Stamatis to focus on freshness, experimentation, and quality, and offer diners pleasant surprises. "I always try to be as fresh as possible. I'm dealing with local purveyors, and I want to be affordable to the customer," he adds.
Pastitsio's small storefront space features several tables, and a sleek atmosphere. The deli is geared heavily towards take-out, with some menu options prepared specifically for easy re-heating.
Stamatis, a lifelong Pittsburgher, grew up with homemade Greek food. "My mother was a very good cook, my yaya was a very good cook. My junior year of school, I went to Greece with them, and knew I wanted to be a cook. I always thought I could bring it to the local communities," he explains.
The deli is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday. .
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Writer: John Farley
Source: Stamatis Bournias
Photograph Copyright John Farley