It’s time to pay proper tribute to what many consider Israel’s national dish. It is certainly the default, the go-to solution for an empty stomach. The pita of falafel (or half a pita) has been an integral part of modern Israeli cuisine and street food culture for generations.
Falafel’s roots spread across the Middle East, and many nations justifiably claim it as their own. We won’t argue over its roots, but will stick to the fact: falafel is Israel’s most popular, most beloved and most omnipresent food. Green or yellow balls, accompanied with a variety of toppings, or just with salad and tahini, spicy or not, nothing is more “Israeli” than this dish.
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Pita with falafel. The most popular, beloved and Israeli dish
(Photo: Tomer Shunem Halevi)
We are set for a truly ambitious task: mapping Israel's falafel scene.
We tasted our way from north to south, and by no means was this the toughest mission of all. We're proud of the list we’ve built, but we likely missed a few worthy contenders. That’s where you come in: help us refine and expand the list. If we overlooked your favorite, do comment, so together we’ll make sure no worthy falafel ball is left behind.
Most famous in Kiryat Shmona: Falafel Amar
A local institution and a must-stop for politicians, soldiers and travelers alike. Falafel Amar, located in the center of Kiryat Shmona, offers a hot, kicking and comforting pita. What else, the team kept serving even during the city’s evacuation amid the Gaza war. It's a pure delight.
Address: 5 HaHistadrut Square, Kiryat Shmona
Childhood taste: Falafel Waki, Beit She’an
A local place that has shaped the palate of generations of Beit She'an natives. It is uniquely served inside a bun instead of the usual pita. This is a falafel dish worth remembering.
Address: HaMelech Hasan II Promenade, Beit She’an
Minimalist blue: HaTurki Falafel, Acre
Locals call it “the blue” for the tiny, blue-walled shop located in the center of Acre. It is simple, focused and flawless. We need nothing more.
Address: 24 Yehoshafat St., Acre
Huthis – watch out: Yemenite Falafel, Kiryat Motzkin
A Krayot landmark, famous for its spiced golden balls, pickled eggplant and cabbage, tahini and a dazzling salad bar, alluring many guests who are faithful to this place.
Address: 11 Sderot Weizman, Kiryat Motzkin
A legacy for 75 years: Orion Falafel, Haifa
Haifa is a falafel empire. No Less.
We’ve flagged three standout spots here, and we expect a wave of passionate comments about those we didn’t include, justifiably so, as Haifa is home to an endless array of falafel spots worthy of national pride.
The first among them, and likely the most popular, is Falafel Orion. Opened over 75 years ago as a snack bar next to a nearby cinema, it has outlived the movie theater and grown into a city landmark. Still thriving and drawing massive crowds, Orion may well be the first falafel shop in the country with its own Wikipedia page, and deservedly so.
Address: 14 Herzliya St., Haifa
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Falafel Orion, Haifa. The cinema is gone, the falafel stayed
(Photo: Elad Gershgorn)
Big pita: Armon, Haifa
Like Orion, Armon Falafel, located nearby in the Hadar neighborhood, was also established next to the movie theater Armon Cinema, which has since been converted into an office building.
Armon Falafel remains a neighborhood fixture, serving a larger-than-usual pita filled with yellow falafel balls, delicious classic toppings and a clever upgrade: creamy spicy pepper mash and mashed pickled eggplant cream that elevate every bite.
Address: 13 HaNevi’im St., Haifa
Falafel in the Wadi: HaZkenim, Haifa
Considered to be the king of Wadi Nisnas and a must-stop for every visitor in the area. The place is named after George and Najla, who founded it in the 1950s. The recipe passed down through generations still wins hearts.
Address: 18 Wadi St., Haifa
Pure simplicity: Falafel Al'In, Nazareth
Nazareth offers excellent dining options. The city is known for its variety, respect for tradition and rich flavors, and its falafel scene is no exception. Among the many choices, Al'In stands out as the go-to spot for many locals. When it comes to falafel, simplicity is key, and Al'In delivers just that: perfect balls tucked into a fresh pita. Nothing more is needed.
Address: 701 HaMa’ayan St., Nazareth
Like twins: Falafel HaNasi and Mifgash Golani, Afula
Two falafel powerhouses operate in Afula, remarkably close to one another. Falafel HaNasi and Mifgash Golani each boast a devoted, even addicted fan base, and the debate over which is better has been known to divide families. Our taste test couldn’t produce a clear winner, so we’re happily highlighting both.
Falafel HaNasi wins extra points for having one unique trait, not necessarily a flavor advantage, but a visual one: the dish is assembled with flair, with falafel balls bouncing into the pita in mere seconds. A performance worth seeing.
Address: 10 Weizman St., Afula
Pita doctor: Falafel Dvora, Pardes Hanna-Karkur
What started as a backyard family spot on HaMeyasdim Street in Pardes Hanna-Karkur has become a local gem. Alongside its excellent, spicy falafel, Dvora’s signature is its distinctive pitas, which provide the perfect wrap for a truly standout dish.
Address: 30 HaMeyasdim St., Pardes Hanna-Karkur
An unexpected orange twist: Falafel Ashtar, Hadera
Deep in Givat Olga, Hadera’s tastiest neighborhood, a tiny kiosk near a local playground serves up seriously impressive falafel. Generous hot, crispy balls are packed into a pita, but what sets Ashtar Falafel apart is its Tripolitan touch: a bold, spicy pumpkin spread called Chershi. It’s a one-of-a-kind addition you won’t find anywhere else.
Address: 15 Baruch Buaron Blvd., Hadera
Local star: Falafel Musa, Netanya
So, who makes the best and most favorable falafel in Netanya? Opinions are divided. Some swear by Tova, others by Ezra, but Falafel Musa is likely the most popular, even if some say it’s lost a step in recent years. Still, it delivers a solid, generous portion with a distinctive twist: a hard-boiled egg tucked inside, adding an unexpected layer of richness.
Address: 24 Giborei Israel Blvd., Netanya
Clean and shiny: Falafel Nahum, Bnei Brak
In the heart of Bnei Brak, hardly the first place you'd expect to find standout falafel, Nahum Falafel shines. The space is spotless and inviting, the falafel balls are fried to order and the salads are fresh. Its signature twist is soft spelt pitas, offering a healthier alternative without losing flavor. It draws both falafel lovers and the health-conscious.
Address: 46 Rabbi Kahanman St., Bnei Brak
Every Rehovot local knows it: HaShkhuna Falafel (The orange falafel), Rehovot
Rehovot’s large Yemenite community has blessed the city with several outstanding falafel spots. But by popular opinion, the standout, winning on points, is the modest HaShkhuna Falafel, known locally as the 'orange falafel'. Tiny, modest and ultra-minimalist, it offers crispy balls, fresh vegetable salad, extra-runny tahini and intensely hot. There’s hardly a local who doesn’t swear at it.
Address: 79 Herzl St. Rehovot
Famous queue at the entrance: HaKosem, Tel Aviv
Aric Rosenthal’s culinary empire could have easily made our previous rankings - for its shawarma, its schnitzel, even its distinctive hummus. But at its core, HaKosem has always been a falafel house. What began as a humble stand at the end of Shlomo HaMelech Street has grown into one of the favorites in Tel Aviv.
It offers a large pita, perfectly fried green falafel balls and a signature flourish: roasted eggplant. HaKosem is a powerhouse of Israeli street food, but it’s the falafel that made it a legend.
Address: 1 Shlomo HaMelech St., Tel Aviv
One of the best in central Israel: Aluf HaFalafel (Dani), Tel Aviv
At the southeastern edge of Tel Aviv, between Kfar Shalem and the outskirts of Or Yehuda, sits one of the region’s finest falafel stands. Here they serve yellow balls fried to order, the salad bar is simple yet smart. Nothing is more joyful than grabbing a hefty pita before 9 a.m. A perfect way to start the day.
Address: 205 Bar-Lev Road, Tel Aviv
One of the oldest: Johnny Benin, Tel Aviv
If this article is about spotlighting icons, Johnny Benin certainly qualifies. Operating for over 70 years at Tchernichovsky Street, just two buildings from Allenby Street, this old-school gem offers a winning, minimalist formula. A limited choice of salads, pickled peppers and radishes on the side makes a delightful meal.
Address: 4 Tchernichovsky St., Tel Aviv
Celebrity favorite: Nordau (Shlomo & Sons) Falafel, Tel Aviv
The northern part of Tel Aviv isn’t known for street food, leaning more toward trendy cafés. But at the end of Nordau Boulevard, near the sea, a modest booth has been serving falafel to loyal fans from early morning until the last pita is gone. Israel's former president, Reuven Rivlin, used to detour his motorcade for a stop here, and even Jerry Seinfeld made a visit when he was in Israel at the beginning of the Gaza war.
Address: 232 Ben Yehuda St., Tel Aviv
A family split: Avi's Falafel (Ibn Gabirol), Tel Aviv
Like many great falafel shops, this one stems from a family split. Avi, son of Shlomo of the famed Nordau falafel, branched out with his own spot at the northern end of Ibn Gabirol Street, maintaining the taste and performance of the family recipe. Three longstanding falafel shops line this street, which has endured years of light rail construction. Avi's is undoubtedly the standout.
Address: 123 Ibn Gabirol St., Tel Aviv
Quiet success: Falafel Yad Eliyahu, Tel Aviv
Tucked just off the Yad Eliahu sports arena, this humble falafel shop has quietly built a reputation that follows the glory days of Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team. Though the war drove away much of the Thursday basketball crowd, which was a significant source of its income, locals and passersby still flock for a satisfying meal, even when there is no basketball match to accompany it.
Address: 2 Yad LaBanim Blvd., Tel Aviv
Crowd's favorite: Falafel Tadmor (Salameh), Tel Aviv
Another long-standing spot in Tel Aviv’s south. Yellow falafel balls, a generous choice of salads and custom pita assembly make this a crowd-pleaser.
Address: 100 Shalma Rd., Tel Aviv
Neighborhood star: Yaki’s, Ramat Gan
This modest spot has won over the locals with a tight menu and standout green falafel. A quiet neighborhood gem with loyal fans.
Address: 81 Arlozorov St., Ramat Gan
Pick a side: Kaduri, Hod HaSharon
Kaduri’s booth is one of the key spots on Ramatayim Road in Hod Hasharon, a long street lined with excellent eateries. Like many long-standing businesses in the food scene, including others on this list, the family-run business was split between two siblings. The result: two stalls on both sides of the street, but with the same beloved falafel recipe, and a delicious, outstanding flavor.
Addresses: 72 & 59 Ramatayim Rd., Hod HaSharon
Hot, fresh, refined: Falafel Susan, Lod
for over 60 years, Susan’s delivers warm, fresh falafel with gentle flavors. Simplicity is the key, with a special signature bonus: a potato cigar on top of the pita.
Address: 99 Herzl St., Lod
Strategic location: Ramleh's Falafel, Ramleh
Known locally as “Falafel HaMerkaz,” (center), this spot near the city’s central market draws crowds with its colorful toppings and childhood nostalgia. A worthy stop, heaped with delicious food.
Address: 104 Herzl Blvd., Ramla
Oldest falafel in the capital city: Shalom Falafel, Jerusalem
What began as a modest stand in the middle of Bezalel Street during the early years of the state has become a Jerusalem institution. Shalom Falafel eventually moved across the street to a small storefront, but its essence remains unchanged: exceptional yellow falafel balls and a rare addition of Hilbeh (fenugreek), a bold, fragrant touch that sends your senses straight to Sanaa and back.
Over the years, the brand has expanded across Jerusalem and its surroundings, with franchise locations maintaining the impressive standards. Still, the original branch holds a special place of its own.
Address: 32 Bezalel St., Jerusalem
Machaneh Yehuda's star: Levy Brothers Falafel, Jerusalem
Machane Yehuda Market is overflowing with attractions, so many that it’s hard to count. Yet one place stands out as both one of the busiest and most enduring institutions in the heart of this iconic market. No food tour skips Levy Brothers Falafel, a historic landmark whose standout falafel, whether in a pita or as a snackable handful of balls, has become a defining symbol of the shuk.
Address: 60 Agripas St., Jerusalem
Campus favorite: French Hill Falafel, Jerusalem
Hidden in a backyard near the Hebrew University dorms, this long-running stall offers generous portions, a wide array of toppings and budget-friendly prices, making it one of the most fascinating and delicious go-to spots.
Address: 21 HaHagana St., Jerusalem
Bukharim neighborhood's best: Shlomo Falafel, Jerusalem
In most Haredi neighborhoods in Jerusalem, one can hardly find fine street food, despite the vast population living there. Shlomo managed to carve out a modest and outstanding falafel haven in the Bukharim neighborhood with oversized, flavorful balls. His son has expanded the brand with a franchise in Givat Shaul.
Address: 7 Shlomo Moussayoff St., Jerusalem
Falafel with a Yemenite Twist: Yemenite Falafel Center, Jerusalem
In the heart of HaNevi’im Street, stretching from the Old City walls to Jaffa Road near Davidka Square, the Yemenite Falafel Center stands out with a humble yet remarkable offering. The falafel is classic and unpretentious, but what sets this place apart is the Lahooh wrap, a spongy Yemenite flatbread rarely found in falafel shops. Pita is available too, but the Lahooh makes this dish a one-of-a-kind experience.
Address: 48 HaNevi’im St., Jerusalem
Israel’s most addictive mobile stand: Falafel Yeda, Re'em Junction
A tiny food truck that changes locations daily in the south-central region. Its green falafel has earned cult status and devoted fans who’ll drive just for it.
Re'em / Masmiya Junction
City's duel: Boaron vs. Tzanani, Ashkelon
Two popular institutions contend for the falafel crown. Boaron, nearing its 60th anniversary, with yellow balls and a choice of side dishes, has become extremely popular. Tzanani, on the other hand, situated on Ashkelon's sidewalk, serves its falafel with egg and eggplant, wrapped in a Yemenite flatbread. Ashkelon wins either way.
Boaron – 44 Herzl St., Tzanani – 13 Herzl St., Ashkelon
Market legend: Jacques Falafel, Be'er Sheva
In the heart of Be'er Sheva’s market lies one of the city’s culinary cornerstones. While many locals also swear by Oren’s falafel in Neighborhood D, Jacques' falafel, a family-run institution passed down through three generations, is truly special. The dish features tomato and cabbage salad, spicy sauce, tahini and fava beans, alongside puffed potato fries and fried eggplant. A true Negev legend.
Address: 69 Ohalei Kedar St., Be'er Sheva
Affordable and unforgettable: Herzl Falafel, Dimona
In Dimona’s old commercial center, near the city hall, Herzl Falafel serves a generous, flavorful falafel for a bargain price. A pita filled with a generous number of hot balls. A local treat for travelers heading to Eilat.
Address: 215 HaMa’apilim St., Dimona
The southernmost wonder: The Blue Falafel (Falafel boutique), Eilat
At the southern edge of Israel’s falafel map lies The Blue Falafel, a standout spot in Eilat. Though it sits a bit off the tourist trail, it’s surrounded by a cluster of simple and good eateries. For those who love falafel and make it all the way to Eilat, skipping this place would be a mistake. The signature dish features massive, perfectly fried balls, so impressive they left even Israel's top foodies speechless.
Address: 107 HaTmarim Blvd., Eilat
