The best falafel in London

Hit Israeli pita chain is a quirky eatery with off-beat decor and menu descriptions. Hidden among the “slaughtered tomatoes” and “cauliflower's inner parts”, however, is a signature falafel pita with crisply fried falafel, puffy bread and a selection of fillings curated to bring out the best in this Middle Eastern delicacy.

You can find some of London's most in-demand falafel at Wowshee Egyptian Falafel Bar. These falafels have won awards so the stall often attracts a crowd. The flavoursome and crunchy patties are served in a box or pitta bread alongside other tasty ingredients for a lunch that packs a punch.

There are multiple branches of Garbanzos in the city, all serving generous falafel wraps and hummus plates topped with either falafel or chicken. Add options like guacamole or egg to create your ideal Mediterranean meal. Food here is fresh and healthy, and desserts and soft drinks are also on offer.

One of the city's top spots for falafel is Pilpel. The patties here are freshly-prepared to a traditional family recipe. At this casual venue you can choose a pitta or salad container loaded up with tasty falafel, hummus, salads, and sauces. You can add extras like sundried tomatoes or artichokes too.

Imad’s Syrian Kitchen brings the flavours and culinary traditions of Syria to Londoners. This comfortable restaurant is decorated with tiles and photos that make you feel like you're visiting a friend's home. Expect familiar dishes like crunchy falafel as well as classic Syrian recipes you might not already know about.

Falafel & Shawarma does what it says on the tin - visit this casual eatery to enjoy flavour-filled falafel, shawarma, and other classic Mediterranean delicacies. Expect mezze plates and loaded wraps with either falafel or shawarma, as well as other treats like hummus, sambousek, and stuffed vine leaves. There's fresh juice and lemonade too.

Bubala's cooking is vibrant Middle Eastern cuisine that’s fully vegetarian, with plenty of vegan options too. À la carte and set mezze menus are served for lunch, with falafel a big hit. The set dinner menu gives you a varied taste of Middle Eastern food, and there’s a considerable wine list.

Go Falafel serves up fresh and contemporary cooking and is a great spot for lunch. The focus is on falafel and you can choose between a wrap, salad plate, or hummus bowl. Sides like vine leaves are also available. Finish off with something from the wide range of fresh juices and smoothies.

Gadz Coffee Bar in Finsbury Park is known for two things - its total adoration of local MP Jeremy Corbyn and its fresh and crunchy falafel. The wraps here are popular, loaded up with sauces, salads, and fillings like their falafel. Other classic Lebanese dishes and sandwiches are available and coffee is served.

All That Falafel dedicates itself to giving Londoners the ultimate wrap at its sites. It seems to be working too, as you'll often see a queue forming outside this place. Choose a wrap with halloumi, falafel, or a combination of both for a lunch that's packed with vibrant flavours.

Yalla Yalla serves Lebanese street food, including homemade falafel patties. Enjoy them either served on their own as mezze or in a wrap. Classic and signature cocktails are on offer to wash down the authentic family recipes here, served in a rich and colourful dining room that’s brimming with atmosphere.

Nandine is well-known for falafel because they make it out of lentils instead of the traditional chickpeas. For a fresh take on falafel, this is a good place to go. Try yours in a burger or toasted wrap for lunch, or as part of a mezze platter full of diverse flavours.

Vibrant grill house Honey & Smoke specialises in barbecued and roasted Middle Eastern dishes. Falafel fans are always in for a treat, with patties that change with the seasons, like the summer option served with tomato and pomegranate salad. Make sure you leave room for the famed feta and honey cheesecake.

At Irresistiball Falafel & Mezze there's a tempting fusion of North African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cooking. Expect a broad menu of homemade dishes, including falafel. Lunch boxes and Lebanese wraps are ideal when you're on the go, including a vegan-friendly falafel option with hummus, vegetables, pickles, and fresh house-made sauces.

Family-run business Nana Fanny's is based in Borough Market and specialises in salt beef and vegan falafel. This is filling food made with classic family recipes. The generous falafel wraps are piled high with patties, pickles, and tahini. Other dishes like hot potato latkes and sandwiches are served too.

Israeli and Middle Eastern restaurant Balady is known for its supersized falafel patties that might be the largest in London. They're cooked to order and served in either a wrap or box. The rest of the menu includes vegetarian schnitzels and shawarma, plus topped hummus plates and meals for children.

Up in Finchley there's Falafel Feast, a vibrant local restaurant that offers diners a myriad of ways to enjoy freshly-cooked falafel. Try it in a pitta, with chips, in a mezze platter, or to top off some homemade hummus. This place also offers falafel-centric catering for a variety of different events.

Hiba operates three restaurants in London that all have a reputation for great falafel. Enjoy yours in a wrap with veggies, pickles, and tahini or try a plate of flavour-filled falafel along with other mezze like chicken wings and vine leaves for a sociable meal to share. All branches offer takeaway too.

For budget-friendly food in West London, check out Falafel Hut. This place in Shepherd's Bush specialises in generous pitta breads overflowing with fillings. Naturally falafel is a popular choice but there are other options like halloumi or fish. You can choose from white or brown bread as well.

Allegedly one of the fastest falafel wrap makers in the world, I Falafel is the place to go when you really do need fast food. The wraps here are XXL - crunchy and flavousome falafel is the big draw but there are other options like halloumi or chicken escalope too.

The Mediterranean dishes at Sababa Station are fast food that's still good for you. Expect boxes, wraps, buns, and mezze, including plant-based falafel. It's casual and convenient. You can dine in here or get food to take away. This is contemporary and colourful food that's ideal when you're in a hurry.

Palestinian eatery Mr Falafel offers falafel wraps in a myriad of ways, making them some of the most celebrated in London. Go for the classic wrap for something simple or get creative with wraps with extra toppings, plus the option to add more. A range of sizes are offered - there's something for everyone.

At The King of Falafel you can experience all-day Mediterranean dining in a relaxed setting. Breakfast is served and come lunchtime the choice of Lebanese and Moroccan wraps are particularly popular. The freshly-made falafel is the main attraction at this place but other fillings, including meat options, are available too.

When you want some quality falafel in Camden, there's Magic Falafel. This buzzy market stall sells some of the most sought-after patties in town - they're vegan, gluten-free, and made to a family recipe. Enjoy them stuffed into a pitta bread or box with hummus and heaps of fresh salad.

In Brick Lane, Damascus Bite has developed a serious reputation for delicious late-night bites. This relaxed and bohemian destination serves comforting food, including its well-respected falafel. A toasted wrap here is the ideal way to soak up some alcohol, but platters, including falafel plates, are also on the menu.

Sample Palestinian and Lebanese cuisine at casual vegan eatery Hibox, from the team behind Hiba. Everything here is plant-based, including the freshly-cooked falafel. Enjoy as mezze or crammed into a filling wrap. When you're extra hungry, go for a combination box with your choice of wrap and sides for a satisfying lunch.

If you want your falafel with lots of salad and veg, Jerusalem Falafel is the place for you. Here you can add 20 different types of veggies to your falafel wrap. Diners can expect big portions of fresh street food. In fact, you'll often see a long queue to get hold of it.

Falafel Zaki Zaki is a busy market stall specialising in falafel. These crunchy patties are available in a wrap or salad, and you can add extras like halloumi or feta. Two sizes of wraps are available but both are big enough to be a mighty falafel feast.

Al Baladi brings the flavours of Lebanon to West London diners. In the wood-panelled restaurant you can enjoy all-day dining, with classic breakfast dishes, mezze, and wraps. This place is known for flavoursome and authentic falafel - enjoy it in a wrap for lunch or have as part of a sociable mezze meal.

Pita specialises in contemporary Middle Eastern street food - the falafel at this local kosher restaurant has won awards. Expect patties that are crunchy on the outside and vibrant green on the inside. Enjoy them in a wrap, as part of a plate, or on top of hummus. Desserts are also available.

Try classic Greek street food at Pitta Lab. This is authentic food served in a modern setting. On the simple menu you'll find choices like souvlaki and falafel. Try it in a wrap or box along with chips, salad, and sauces. Sides like halloumi sticks and hummus are available too.

In Peckham you'll find Yemanes', a food stall specialising in North African wraps. The bread is fresh and you can watch the in-demand falafel being prepared in front of you. On the menu there's a simple choice of fillings that cater to every taste; you can choose one or combine your favourites.

Falafel House makes stand-out falafel using a unique blend of Indian and Lebanese spices. At this humble place the whole menu is vegetarian-friendly. Opt for a falafel wrap or a salad box and feel free to add on delicious extras like feta or grilled aubergine. Catering platters are also on offer.

For a laid-back meal in East London, try Fennec & Parsley. This place specialises in Mediterranean cuisine, has ample outdoor seating, and is known for falafel in particular. There's lots to choose from, including options for every taste. Try your falafel in either a box or wrap along with hummus and salad.

Mihbaj is a relaxed Middle Eastern café and kitchen in Paddington, serving a contemporary take on traditional Levantine cooking. They offer an assortment of authentic dishes throughout the day, including breakfast, when you can get a wafalafel – Mihbaj's famous falafel waffle. Hot drinks and refreshing smoothies and juices are also available at this homey spot.

If you're a fan of quick and delicious pasta, Fasta is your go-to spot, but that's not all this lively eatery with a striking yellow front offers. In addition to the pasta, there are various Israeli-inspired dishes to choose from, featuring a box or pitta packed with Middle Eastern flavours. There's a classic falafel, as well as an Italy-inspired one, served with pesto, rocket, sundried tomatoes, goat cheese, and pine nuts.

Round Falafel serves up crispy chickpea patties in the heart of Camden Town. This simple yet charming Middle Eastern spot is popular for both dine-in and takeout. The space is snug and welcoming, mirroring the concise menu. Choose from an array of falafel wraps, complemented by lamb, chicken, and vegetarian choices. 

The Halal Guys started out as a New York food truck run by three Egyptian brothers in New York, and has since expanded overseas. Serving contemporary Middle Eastern food with an American influence, The Halal Guys offer a straightforward menu of platters and wraps with beef, chicken, or falafel, complemented by sides like fries or hummus. As indicated by the name, all of the food here is halal.

If you're a fan of soft pittas chock-full of falafel and various veggie fillings, then Pockets on Mentmore Terrace is a must-visit. This vibrant, plant-based pitta bar is highly popular thanks to its amply stuffed breads, packed with flavourful falafel, fresh salad, a variety of sauces, and tangy pickles. Do note that their popularity often leads to them selling out before the day ends, so it's wise to visit early.