There are many differences between a gyro and a pita, although the terms do get confused. A gyro is a Greek dish, consisting of marinated meat that cooks on a turning vertical rotisserie. The meat is then sliced and served. This is where confusion occurs, as gyro meat is typically served in a pita. The term pita simply refers to a type of flatbread. Pita is a yeast leavened flatbread that traditionally has an interior pocket. This makes them ideal for stuffing, which is why they’re so commonly associated with gyros.
Sometimes gyro sandwiches are mistakenly referred to as pitas. However, a pita isn’t exclusively used for gyro, and a gyro can be served without the pita. Still, the two together are an ideal combination. The pita serves as the perfect base for the spiced meat, holding it and the toppings.