Oh falafels, you’re the only food that can make a deep-fried, pounded ball of beans look good. That’s quite a feat, and one that we feel like celebrating. In honor of these beloved crispy yet soft, zesty but not overbearing spheres of flavor, we’ve compiled the top spots in city to get them.
From classics like Mamoun’s to newcomers like Nish Nosh, every one of these establishments deserves some applause. It takes a lot of work to make a vegetarian dish that even meat-lovers go crazy for, and every restaurant below knocks it out of the park.
Best of NYC Falafels: Mamoun’s Falafel (Greenwich Village)
The secret got out a long time ago, but that’s not going to stop us from beginning our list with Mamoun’s — credit where credit’s due, right? The alleged first falafel shop in the city, Mamoun’s has earned its claim to fame and kept it intact for the past forty-odd years. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Additional location in the East Village. 119 MacDougal St., mamouns.com
Best of NYC Falafels: Azuri Cafe (Hell’s Kitchen)
Azuri Cafe keeps their entire menu kosher, and while almost everything on it is worth a try, you can’t come in and not get some of the beloved falafels. We recommend taking the falafel sandwich route and packing your pita with sauces, pickles, and cabbage to experience some serious Mediterranean bliss. 465 W 51st St., 212-262-2920, azuricafekosherinnycny.com
Best of NYC Falafels: Eastwood (Lower East Side)
Eastwood gets creative with its falafels, serving a Scotch Egg version of the Middle Eastern favorite. That’s right, a hard boiled egg is cooked right into the center of the falafel. Eastwood also sells your more standard version of the falafel, but there’s nothing standard about its earthy, nutty, and tangy taste. 221 E. Broadway, 212-233-0124
Best of NYC Falafels: Taim (West Village)
Three falafel flavors make up the selection at Taim: parsley and mint, red pepper, and spicy harissa. Yes, you’re going to want to try them all. No, you will not sorry that you did. The Mixed Falafel Platter is a solid bet, including the three falafel flavors, hummus, tabouli, and other sauces. Additional location in Nolita. 222 Waverly Pl., 212-691-1287, taimfalafel.com
Best of NYC Falafels: Moshe’s Falafel (Midtown West)
There was no hesitation on our part to add a food cart to this list. Moshe’s Falafel holds it own, and if you’re lucky enough to stumble upon it one day in the city (you can usually find it at 46th and 6th), then you had better not pass up the opportunity to get yourself one of their falafel sandwiches stuffed with french fries and hot sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini. Let the drooling commence. 94 W. 46th St.
Best of NYC Falafels: Nish Nush (Tribeca)
Nish Nush will keep your palate entertained thanks to its trio of falafel flavors. The classic green falafel won’t let you down, the roasted pepper falafel will give you a kick of spice, and the spinach and mushroom falafel will leave any veggie lover begging for more. You simply can’t order incorrectly at this place. Additional location in the Financial District. 88 Reade St., 212-964-1318, nishnushnyc.com
Best of NYC Falafels: Ba’al Cafe & Falafel (SoHo)
The falafels at Ba’al Cafe might be on the smaller side, but that doesn’t keep them from being everything you’ve dreamed up and more… in terms of a chick pea ball anyway. These babies have that perfect crunch texture and a well balanced taste that incorporates spices, seeds, and herbs. 71 Sullivan St., 646-368-9967, baalfalafel.com
