Eight unmissable falafel spots, according to Torontoverse readers
We asked the Torontoverse community for falafel recommendations. They didn’t disappoint.
Toronto is to standout falafel spots what a standout falafel wrap is to fresh, complementary flavours — it’s full of them.
There are dozens (hundreds?) of places in the city where you can find this Middle Eastern dish of deep-fried balls made primarily from chickpeas or fava beans. But which should you choose?
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— TORONTOVERSE (@torontoverse) January 4, 2023
We’re creating an interactive map of the best falafel spots in #Toronto. 🧆 What’s one spot that absolutely NEEDS to be on the list?
To help with our search for the best in the city, we went to Torontoverse readers on Twitter. Find eight of their picks below, and check out the map to see which one’s closest to you.
College Falafel
Address: 450
Ossington Ave
Suggested by:
@tposgate
Offering a healthy Mediterranean-inspired menu, College Falafel turns 20 years old in 2023.
Here, the falafel sandwiches and plates come with three vegan falafel balls, and your choice of toppings and sauces.
Falafel World
Address: 2396
Bloor St W
Suggested by:
@GConnaughton
Toronto is much different today than it was back in 1984. But then, as now, Falafel World welcomed all comers at the edge of Bloor West Village near Jane Station.
Not much has changed inside the restaurant over the years, either. On today’s menu, you can find a falafel sandwich, a falafel plate, and combination falafel/chicken versions of both. Each comes with hummus, tabouleh, tahini, and hot sauce.
Mystic Muffin
Address: 113
Jarvis St
Suggested by:
@PoloEdPolo
This quirky lunch counter on the corner of Jarvis and Richmond has been in business since 1993.
Owner Elias Makhoul, who immigrated from Lebanon at age 21, dutifully makes everything by hand, from the falafels and hummus to the world-famous apple cake.
Me Va Me
Address: 330
Steeles Ave W
Suggested by:
@The_Wolf_Mother
With two locations in the Greater Toronto Area as well as a sister “East Mediterranean” chain, Me Va Me got its start as (and continues to be) a Thornhill staple.
Here you can get a falafel either on pita or laffa, and the fillings and sauces are abundant. The latter list includes tahini, creamy garlic, and amba — a “tangy pickled mango sauce that works miracles inside a sandwich,” according to the restaurant menu.
The Haifa Room
Address: 224
Ossington Ave
Suggested by:
@WillBearWitness
A relative newcomer compared to some of the other places on this list, the Haifa Room opened in 2021, starting with a takeout window before adding in-person dining.
The falafel pita here is downright Instagram worthy (for evidence: see above). It features striking dark reddish brown falafel balls, and comes complete with a whole pickled pepper, house-made tahini, and zhug, a green hot sauce.
Jerusalem Restaurant
Address: 955
Eglinton Ave W
Suggested by:
@sweet_tooth19
Reportedly Toronto’s first Middle Eastern restaurant, Jerusalem Restaurant opened up in 1971 — for context, it comfortably pre-dates the Toronto Blue Jays, the CN Tower, and the Toronto International Film Festival.
Jerusalem Restaurant started with a location on Eglinton Ave., and ownership has since added a second, larger spot on Leslie St. At both, you’ll find falafel served as its own plate or as part of a mixed platter.
The falafel balls themselves are a blend of crushed chickpeas and fava beans with a crisp outer shell and served with a small hit of tahini.
Maha’s
Address: 226
Greenwood Ave
Suggested by:
@ALYAMRSOLIMAN
Founded in 2014, this Egyptian brunch spot offers traditional dishes featuring sweet spices and different flavours. It’s been written up all over and regularly draws lineups.
The Egyptian falafel is a unique treat — two large crispy-outside falafel balls each come wrapped around a soft-boiled egg. As a bonus, it comes with cumin home fries and salata balady.
Sababa
Address: 390
Steeles Ave W
Suggested by:
@SilverbergDave
It’s a bakery and a grocery, but it’s a restaurant first and foremost. According to its website, Sababa opened in 1987 with 40 seats and exactly one employee, and it’s been a destination for Middle Eastern fare ever since.
Their falafel balls are made from ground chickpeas, onions, parsley, herbs, and spices, and they make a whopping 12,000 of them per week. With demand like that, you know they’re worth a visit.
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