Top 5 falafel in Toronto
Published April 11, 2025 at 3:52 pm
Falafel is found all over Toronto, but truly great falafel needs to be sought out. While these fried chickpea balls are a ubiquitous street food, you have to know where to go to find the places that are really doing it right.
Great falafel is fried to a crispy, crusty golden brown on the outside, and has a dense yet fluffy filling that’s typically both herbaceous and spicy, set off by accompaniments like tahini, hummus and hot sauce. You typically get to decide how you want it served: on its own, stuffed into a wrap or pita, or on a plate with an abundance of sides and salads.
Here’s the top falafel in Toronto.
5 – Falafel World
With a name like Falafel World, you know exactly what to get at this old school no-frills restaurant near Jane and Bloor.
The falafel here are puck-shaped and a little smaller than your palm, with an orangey, firm, crisp exterior. The texture inside is densely packed, and the spices these falafel balls are seasoned with are more mild and warm, almost sweet, rather than spicy and fiery. Choose your fighter by opting for a sandwich or plate with all the fixings.
4 – Souk Tabule
The Tabule family of restaurants has locations all over Toronto. The falafel served here are decently golf-ball-sized, crunchy on the outside with a slightly orange hue, and are heavily seasoned on the inside, making for a hearty snack.
They’re served drizzled with nutty tahini and topped with acidic tomato and onion for some brightness, plus a sprinkle of herbs for a traditional pop of freshness.
3 – College Falafel
For decades, this low-key spot at the intersection of College and Ossington has been a reliable source for filling, affordable eats all hours of the day.
All their Mediterranean staples are great, but the falafel they’re named for is an excellent choice. Large, dense chickpea balls are fried fresh, and have a thin, crispy exterior. Grab them on a plate with every possible side for a great deal on a hearty, healthy dish with lots of colour and variety.
2 – The Haifa Room
The teardrop-shaped falafel at this restaurant at the corner of Dundas and Ossington have a firm, deeply browned exterior, cradling a well seasoned, crumbly interior. They’re served with a wedge of lemon for a squeeze of brightness, and an ample amount of luscious herbed tahini so every bite can be can be complemented by creamy goodness. No chance of dry falafel here!
Falafel are served on their own as a three-piece order, or can be ordered as part of a plate.
1 – Parallel
This reigning falafel champ on Geary makes huge falafel balls that are amber brown on the outside and have a signature bright green, herby, spicy filling. The crunchy outer crust protects a very soft and fluffy interior.
Falafel here are served with a silky tahini that’s also produced by the same people behind the restaurant, topped with a scattering of herbs to amp up the freshness.