The Best of New York · Eat · By cuisine
The best falafel in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 12 places.
After a trip to Egypt last year, I developed a deep love for falafel, transforming my interest into a full-blown obsession. Living in NYC, a melting pot of global flavors, I immediately started researching the best falafel spots the next day. Over the past 12 months, I’ve tirelessly searched for the city’s finest, and now, whether you’re a local or a visitor with a passion for new foods, I’m here to share my top picks. Get ready to crave some falafel!
Best falafel in New York, 2026
- Hummus PlaceRestaurant · Upper West SideThis New York City falafel shop, which initially only offered three hummus dishes, has since grown and is now regarded as one of the best falafel restaurants in NYC.
- Mamoun's FalafelRestaurant · Upper West SideIn fact, it’s the oldest falafel restaurant in NYC.
- OasisRestaurant · WilliamsburgOasis in Williamsburg is the go-to place for those seeking both quality and affordability.
- Omar's Mediterranean CuisineRestaurant · MidtownThis includes tender shawarma, kabob, and the best falafel in NYC.
- Shoo ShooRestaurant · NolitaShoo Shoo is a charming Mediterranean restaurant serving a Tel Aviv-inspired menu with incredible dips.
- Manousheh BleeckerRestaurant · West VillageThough I’d love to keep this NYC falafel spot a secret, the vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff, and lively Lebanese music make it irresistible.
- Nish NushRestaurant · Financial DistrictNish Nush is one of the best places in NYC to get falafel for a handful of reasons.
- Operation: FalafelRestaurant · ChelseaWith a catchy name like “Operation Falafel,” it’s no wonder it’s a top contender for the best falafel spots in NYC.
- Sido Falafel & MoreRestaurant · Upper West Side
- TaimRestaurantOne of the best places to get falafel in NYC is at Taim, where there are countless customizing possibilities.
- TamamRestaurant · Upper East SideLocated on the Upper East Side, Tamam is the place to be if you’re searching for a quick and affordable vegan meal.
- ZoobaRestaurant · SoHoZooba, a Cairo-based chain now in NYC, offers authentic and affordable Egyptian food served quickly.
On the map
Where they are.
9 neighborhoods, Upper West Side and Williamsburg most of all.
Upper West Side
Chelsea
Financial District
Midtown
Nolita
SoHo
Upper East Side
West Village
Williamsburg
Hummus Place
Restaurant · Upper West Side · 305 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023
This New York City falafel shop, which initially only offered three hummus dishes, has since grown and is now regarded as one of the best falafel restaurants in NYC.
Mamoun's Falafel
Restaurant · Upper West Side
In fact, it’s the oldest falafel restaurant in NYC.
Oasis
Restaurant · Williamsburg · 168 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Oasis in Williamsburg is the go-to place for those seeking both quality and affordability.
Omar's Mediterranean Cuisine
Restaurant · Midtown · 154 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022
This includes tender shawarma, kabob, and the best falafel in NYC.
Shoo Shoo
Restaurant · Nolita · 371 Broome St, New York, NY 10013
Shoo Shoo is a charming Mediterranean restaurant serving a Tel Aviv-inspired menu with incredible dips.
Manousheh Bleecker
Restaurant · West Village · 193 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
Though I’d love to keep this NYC falafel spot a secret, the vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff, and lively Lebanese music make it irresistible.
Nish Nush
Restaurant · Financial District · 88 Reade St, New York, NY 10013 & 41 John St, New York, NY 10038
Nish Nush is one of the best places in NYC to get falafel for a handful of reasons.
Operation: Falafel
Restaurant · Chelsea · 232 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
With a catchy name like “Operation Falafel,” it’s no wonder it’s a top contender for the best falafel spots in NYC.
Sido Falafel & More
Restaurant · Upper West Side · 267 Columbus Ave #11, New York, NY 10023
Taim
Restaurant
One of the best places to get falafel in NYC is at Taim, where there are countless customizing possibilities.
Tamam
Restaurant · Upper East Side · 1108 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10075
Located on the Upper East Side, Tamam is the place to be if you’re searching for a quick and affordable vegan meal.
Zooba
Restaurant · SoHo · 100 Kenmare St, New York, NY 10012
Zooba, a Cairo-based chain now in NYC, offers authentic and affordable Egyptian food served quickly.
Best falafel in New York, 2026
The seal
If you're on this list, this is yours.
I went, and I said in my own words that it's worth your time. Nobody paid for that and nobody can. The seal says so, and it links back here, so anyone who sees it reads the whole list and how I decide.
Put it on your site, in the window, on the menu. Keep it linked when it's on the web and keep the words on it. That's the whole ask.
The files
SVG, lightSVG, darkPNG, lightPNG, dark
SVG for the web, the 1200 px PNG for print and social. Both carry the year.
Is one of these yours? and I confirm it's you and send the files.
The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 12 Fantastic Falafel Spots in New York City (Sure to Satisfy!).
