Top 5 Best Spots in Philadelphia for Falafel

Philly's Falafel Quest: A Guide to the 5 Best Spots for Crispy Perfection

Philadelphia's street food scene is legendary, and when it comes to the crispy, herbaceous, and utterly delicious world of falafel, the city is a top-tier destination. From modern Israeli-style shops in Center City that have gained national acclaim to authentic, family-run halal eateries in West Philly, the quest for the perfect falafel is a rewarding journey. This guide will lead you to five of the best and most beloved spots to find incredible falafel in the City of Brotherly Love.

1. Goldie (Multiple Locations)

• The Vibe: From the acclaimed team behind Zahav, Goldie is a fast-casual, all-vegan, and kosher falafel shop that has perfected a simple menu. Its locations are modern, bright, and always bustling with a crowd seeking a quick, fresh, and incredibly flavorful meal.
• The Falafel: The falafel here is the star—impossibly crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and packed with fresh herb flavor. It's served in a fresh pita or as a salad. The experience is not complete without their shawarma-spiced fries and a legendary tehina (tahini) milkshake, a unique and must-try Philadelphia treat.
• Location Example: 1526 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

2. Saad's Halal Restaurant (West Philadelphia)

• The Vibe: A beloved institution in West Philadelphia, Saad's Halal Restaurant is a welcoming and casual eatery that is a go-to for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. It's a favorite among locals and students from the nearby universities.
• The Falafel: You won't be able to resist the delicious, traditional falafel here. It's perfectly seasoned and fried, serving as a fantastic vegetarian counterpoint to their famous chicken maroosh and shawarma sandwiches. You can get it as a platter or in a sandwich.
• Location: 4500 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19139

3. Hummusology (Center City)

• The Vibe: A cozy and authentic spot, Hummusology brings the feel of a true Tel Aviv hummus joint to Philadelphia. The atmosphere is casual, friendly, and focused on fresh, made-from-scratch food.
• The Falafel: Their falafel is fantastic—crispy, flavorful, and a key component of many of their dishes. It's excellent on its own, but truly shines when paired with their signature warm, creamy hummus and freshly baked pita bread.
• Location: 1112 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

4. Cilantro Mediterranean Cuisine (Queen Village)

• The Vibe: Located on the vibrant South 4th Street "Fabric Row," Cilantro is a fantastic spot for casual, authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
• The Falafel: While the menu is extensive, the falafel here is a standout. It's out of this world, served up in hearty platters with all the classic accompaniments or packed into delicious wraps. They also offer many other fantastic vegan and vegetarian options.
• Location: 613 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

5. Paprica Modern Mediterranean Grill (Washington Square West)

• The Vibe: Paprica Grill offers a menu of Mediterranean and Turkish favorites in a relaxed and casual setting on Sansom Street's "Jeweler's Row."
• The Falafel: The falafel is a star appetizer here. These deep-fried chickpea patties are perfectly crispy and served with a delicious tahini sauce. They are a fantastic start to a meal that might also include their popular kebabs or hummus.
• Location: 811 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

From the modern, vegan creations at Goldie to the classic, homestyle platters at Saad's Halal, Philadelphia's falafel scene is a delicious and diverse landscape. These top-tier establishments showcase the incredible flavor and texture of this beloved Middle Eastern street food, offering a perfect, crispy bite for every palate.

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Written By: Philly Bite Magazines Staff

Philadelphia Best Of Series consists of a round-up of the best places to find great food, entertainment, and more in Philly.

Best Philadelphia Falafel