The Best Falafel in Toronto

The best falafel in Toronto, needless to say, comes down to the quality and freshness of its ingredients. I once, to my horror, was served a pita stuffed with microwaved falafel balls, and as I attempted (and ultimately failed) to choke down the gritty mess, I vowed never again to approach the (falafel-related) new without scrutiny.

My favourite falafel spots in Toronto are the ones with owners who recognize that hummus, pickled turnip, tahini, hot sauce and other add-ins must all come standard--and never shall a ball be fried before a customer has placed his or her order. A fresh, warm pita (or laffa) is another must-have, and as with most things, the bigger the better.

Here is the list of the best falafel in Toronto.

See also:

The best shawarma in Toronto
The best hummus in Toronto

Note: This list was previously published in June 2008. Comments made up until December 21st, 2011 are in reference to the old list. We've purposely kept the archived comments here because we believe they (mostly) add value to this topic. If you don't want to have to wade through all of them, simply hit the "sort by newest first" link at the top of the thread.

Dr Laffa

This new North York restaurant near Dufferin and Steeles not only prepares its falafel balls fresh to order, but will also throw some dough in its custom-made tabun ovens to bake up a soft, hot laffa for each wrap. Its falafels are Israeli-style, huge, and tremendously delicious, and also come available in a pita, for some reason. Laffa falafels are $5.99. More »

College Falafel

College Falafel practically beckons late on Friday and Saturday nights from its modest spot at Ossington and College. Even at 2am, the falafel balls are deep-fried on the spot, topped with fresh tabouli, hot sauce, and all the other fixings. Halifax donair and baklava to boot. $5.99 More »

King Falafel

Lest new condos threaten its unchanged existence, King Falafel will keep serving the same great falafels that have earned it a top spot in Toronto's royal (ahem) falafel hierarchy. While I find these falafels tend to be crunchier than most, they're every bit as fresh, and certainly just as delicious. $3.60. More »

Akram's Shoppe

The falafel's at Akram's Shoppe are not just unique in their $2.99 price tag (though that, of course, makes them an easy sell), but they also stray from the traditional chickpea recipe. The balls are made from a mixture of soya, fava and mung beans, rendering them crispy and hearty without being heavy. Occasionally, you'll be able to catch them priced on special for $1.99. More »

King David

While some may laud King David for its pizza (curiously), it's the quality and tastiness of the falafels that regulars and newbies all seem to agree on. Prepared to order (of course), and topped with everything, falafel customers should be prepared to use both hands. More »

Sababa

Like Akram's, the falafels at Sababa come fast and cheap ($2.95), but the price tag only underemphasizes the value. Yes, the takeout counter at this North York market offers consistently delicious falafels, with an adjacent store selling all the ingredients for you to make it at home. I'm sure no one does. More »

Sarah's Shawarma & Falafel

Sarah's is where you'll find hoards of hungry University of Toronto students looking for a cheap and filling lunch. The falafel combo with fried eggplant and cauliflower is definitely a favourite, though many just opt for the sandwich for $3.49. Special hot sauce and tahini make the falafel. More »

TOV-LI

This is one place where you can actually opt to have your falafel balls baked instead of fried. While the health benefits of a baked falafel are obvious, I think I'd miss that satisfying crunch and subtle pang of guilt that can only come from a food that has gone diving in the deep fryer. Customers can also opt for a half or whole falafel, and take their pick of white or whole wheat pita. More »

Mystic Muffin

It seems Mystic Muffin is loved as much for its owner, Elias, as it is for its fresh and tasty falafel. Oh, and possibly the apple cake. The falafel balls come crispy, crunchy, and soft on the inside, paired with veggies and sauces, and wrapped in a fluffy pita. For $4 and change, you can't go wrong. More »