Where To Get The Best Falafel In Beirut

Finding a falafel place anywhere in Beirut should never be a problem. The popularity of the iconic fried chickpea ball has spread around the world, but has never lost its home ground appeal. We look at where to find the very best of this simple and delicious veggie snack here.

The two most famous falafel places in Beirut

Falafel Sahyoun

Restaurant, Lebanese

Falafel Sahyoun is an institution with a very long history. Since 1933, when Mustapha Sahyoun Sr. launched this outlet as a family business, the surrounding shopping district has changed dramatically; but his store still stands proud. Today the ‘original’ Falafel Sahyoun has given way to two side-by-side shops run by Sahyoun Sr.’s two sons, both of whom carry on this institution’s legacy with pride.

Falafel Freiha

Falafel Freiha is a small family-run establishment that has been around since 1945. Throughout its long history, it has consistently enjoyed an excellent reputation for the freshness of their signature product, not to mention high standards of cleanliness and quality of service. Two establishments, are located in the Achrafieh neighborhood in Beirut: one close to ABC Achrafieh shopping mall, the other just outside the city in the hilltop town of Broumana.

Address: Madrassat Salam Street, Achrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon. +96 11321608

Falafel Arax

Today a mainstay of Beirut’s fast food dining scene, Falafel Arex was first opened in in 1949. This family business takes great pride in their secret recipe of their own light brown falafel and taratoor; a combination of tahini and lemon, and have now expanded into a franchise with a number of other locations across Beirut, Jordan, Canada and the USA. Sabbaba falafel sandwich | © Sharon/Flickr

Green Falafel

Green Falafel is a relatively new establishment on the outskirts of Beirut, promising to combine the age old falafel tradition with an eco-friendly ethic. The indie venue is equipped with sustainable appliances and furnished with recyclable tables and counters. The menu reflects owners Christine Sfeir’s mission: to promote healthy living, with re-imagined recipes of Lebanon’s most popular quick snacks and breakfast dishes. Opening hours: Mon- Sat, 7:00-21:00

Falafel Abu el Ziz

When locals decide that a fast-food outlet deserves an unofficial Facebook fan page only so they can talk about what their experiences at the ‘best falafel place in town’ was like, you know it must be good. Falafel Abu el Ziz is only three years old and already boasts a solid reputation for their unique blonde falafel balls, and has recently expanded with two more branches across the city.