The Absolute Best Falafel in Chicago [Updated 2024]

Having meticulously reviewed twelve establishments across the city, I can confidently say that each has its own unique twist on this iconic dish.

From crunchy exteriors to flavorful interiors, the nuances of falafel are what keep me coming back for more.

In this article, I’ll share my top picks, highlighting the standout flavors, textures, and atmospheres that make each spot worth a visit.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of falafel or trying it for the first time, I hope to guide you to your new favorite dish in the windy city!

Ameer Kabob Mediterranean Cuisine

Highlights
Fresh and delicious food
Perfectly cooked falafel
Excellent customer service
Reasonable prices
Must-try chicken shawarma

Tucked away in a bustling neighborhood, Ameer Kabob Mediterranean Cuisine is a gem for anyone craving authentic Mediterranean flavors. As I stepped inside, the aroma of spices enveloped me like a warm hug. The falafel here is a revelation! Each bite bursts with freshness, showcasing a perfectly crispy exterior that crumbles delightfully to reveal a tender interior. It’s no wonder this dish has become a staple for many!

But let's not stop at falafel. Ameer’s menu presents a cavalcade of flavors, and I couldn’t resist sampling the chicken shawarma, which was succulent and well-seasoned. The care they put into these dishes is palpable and greatly appreciated.

Now, what truly enhances the experience is the exceptional customer service. The staff is not just friendly; they genuinely seem to care about your dining enjoyment. Plus, the prices are refreshingly reasonable, allowing you to indulge without breaking the bank.

In my culinary journey through Chicago in search of the finest falafels, Ameer Kabob stands out splendidly. If you're on the hunt for delicious and affordable Mediterranean cuisine, this spot is definitely worth a visit!

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Zaytune Mediterranean Grill

Highlights
Generous Portion Sizes
Tender and Well-Made Lamb
Delicious Lentil Soup
Courteous and Patient Staff
Flavorful Herb Fries

Zaytune Mediterranean Grill is where my falafel journey took an exhilarating turn. From the moment I stepped through the door, the inviting aromas enveloped me, tempting my taste buds. I decided to indulge in their falafel wrap, and oh, what a delight it was! The portion sizes were generous, allowing me to savor every bite without feeling rushed.

The falafel itself was perfectly crafted—crispy on the outside yet tender within, making it a dream to enjoy. Nestled alongside fresh vegetables and a drizzle of tahini, it was a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate. The eatery also offers a delightful lentil soup that deserves a mention; it's comforting and rich, making it the perfect companion to the star of the show.

What truly enhanced my experience was the courteous and patient staff who treated every guest like family. And I couldn't resist sampling their herb fries—flavorful with a hint of aromatic herbs, they paired perfectly with my meal.

In a city brimming with Mediterranean options, Zaytune Mediterranean Grill stands out as a must-visit for anyone seeking to relish the best falafel in Chicago. I’ll certainly be returning for another round!

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FALAFEL DREAM

Highlights
Fresh hot food
Good size portions
Super friendly staff
Delicious sauces
Tasty and tender chicken

Firstly, I was impressed with the fresh hot food that was served to me. The falafels were crispy on the outside and had a soft texture on the inside. The pita bread was warm and fluffy which made it a delightful experience.

The portion sizes were generous and definitely worth the price. I must mention that the super friendly staff added to my overall experience at FALAFEL DREAM. They were attentive and made sure that I had everything I needed.

The restaurant offered a variety of sauces to choose from, all of which tasted amazing! The delicious sauces elevated the flavor of my meal and made it even more enjoyable.

As someone who enjoys meat in their falafel, I was pleased with how tasty and tender the chicken was. It perfectly complemented the other ingredients in my falafel wrap.

Overall, FALAFEL DREAM is a great spot for falafels in Chicago. With fresh hot food, good size portions, super friendly staff, delicious sauces, and tasty chicken - what's not to love? Head over there for your next falafel fix!

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Falafel & Grill

Highlights
Delicious falafel
Generous portions
Tender kabobs
Careful packaging
Great value

Firstly, let me just say that their falafel was beyond words. It was crispy on the outside yet tender and flavorful on the inside. The combination of spices and herbs they used truly made it a standout dish. I could have easily had another serving, but I didn't want to spoil my appetite for the rest of their menu.

Speaking of which, their portions were quite generous. They certainly don't skimp on quantity, but they also don't compromise on quality. Their kabobs were so tender that it felt like they melted in my mouth with every bite.

Another thing worth mentioning is their careful packaging. They clearly take pride in making sure your food arrives to you as fresh and delicious as possible. Even though I decided to take my order to-go, everything arrived neatly arranged and ready-to-eat without any spills or messes.

Finally, let's talk about value. For the quality and amount of food you receive at Falafel & Grill, it's an absolute steal! You get a lot of bang for your buck and can enjoy some incredibly tasty Middle Eastern cuisine without breaking the bank.

Overall, if you're looking for delicious falafels with generous portions at great value, look no further than Falafel & Grill in Chicago.

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North Avenue Falafel

Highlights
Good food quality
Tasty combination platter
Homemade bread

First of all, I was impressed by the quality of the food. The falafel balls were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a perfect blend of spices that made my taste buds dance with joy. But what really caught my attention was their combination platter. It had everything I could ask for - falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh salad and pita bread. Each item was fresh and flavorful.

But what really sets North Avenue Falafel apart from other places is their homemade bread. It's fluffy and warm, which perfectly complements the flavors of the other items in the platter. Plus, it's clear that they put a lot of effort into making it.

Overall, I had a fantastic experience at North Avenue Falafel. The food quality is top-notch and they have a great variety of options to choose from. If you're looking for an authentic Mediterranean meal in Chicago that won't break the bank, this place is definitely worth checking out!

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IDOF - I Dream of Falafel

Highlights
Friendly staff
Clean location
Delicious food

First and foremost, the staff at IDOF were incredibly friendly. They greeted me with a warm smile and were happy to answer any questions I had about their menu. The location itself was also impressively clean, which is always a plus.

Now let's talk about the star of the show: the falafel. Let me tell you, it was nothing short of delicious. The falafels were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, just like they should be. And the toppings? Don't even get me started. The hummus was creamy and flavorful, while the veggies added a nice crunch to each bite.

But what really set IDOF apart from other falafel places in Chicago was their unique sauces. They had everything from traditional tahini to spicy harissa, and each one brought a different flavor profile to the table.

Overall, I highly recommend giving IDOF - I Dream of Falafel a try if you're looking for some of the best falafels in Chicago. Their friendly staff, clean location, and delicious food make them a standout option in the city.

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in Aurora.

Naf Naf Grill

Highlights
Build-your-own bowls
Tasty falafel
Variety of sauces
Efficient service
Fresh ingredients

First of all, let me tell you that Naf Naf Grill is a perfect place for those who love to customize their own meals. They offer build-your-own bowls which means you can choose your base, protein and toppings according to your taste buds.

But the real star of the show is their falafel. It was crispy on the outside and perfectly seasoned on the inside. The texture was just right and it had a nice kick of spice that made it stand out from other falafels I've tried in Chicago.

What's great about Naf Naf Grill is that they also offer a variety of sauces to go with your meal. From creamy tahini to spicy harissa, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to the delicious food, I was impressed by the efficient service at Naf Naf Grill. The staff was friendly and quick on their feet, making my experience even more enjoyable.

Lastly, I appreciated the fact that they use fresh ingredients in their dishes which added an extra level of flavor to my meal.

Overall, if you're looking for some tasty falafel in Chicago with plenty of options for customization, then you should definitely check out Naf Naf Grill. Trust me, your taste buds won't regret it!

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Sultan's Market

Highlights
Flavorful menu
Generous portions
Affordable prices

The first thing that caught my attention was the flavorful menu. It was jam-packed with a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, but of course, my focus was on their falafels. I ordered the classic falafel sandwich and boy, did it not disappoint! The falafel balls were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside - just how I like them. Plus, the sandwich came with all sorts of toppings such as hummus, tabbouleh, pickles, and even hot sauce for an extra kick!

But what really made my experience at Sultan's Market stand out was their generous portions. I couldn't believe how big the sandwich was! It definitely filled me up and left me satisfied for hours. And to top it all off, their prices are super affordable. As a struggling writer myself, it's always nice to find a delicious meal that won't break the bank.

Overall, if you're looking for a place in Chicago to get your falafel fix without emptying your wallet, Sultan's Market is definitely worth checking out. Their flavorful menu, generous portions, and affordable prices make it a no-brainer in my book!

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Shawarma Garden

Highlights
Delicious shawarma
Friendly owner
Reasonable prices
Vegetarian options

First and foremost, let me tell you that I was blown away by their delicious shawarma. The meat was perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spices and herbs, making it a burst of flavors in my mouth. Not to mention, their falafel was crispy on the outside while being soft and fluffy inside - exactly how it should be.

But what made my experience even better was the friendly owner who welcomed me with a warm smile and explained all their menu items in detail. His passion for food really showed in his work, and he made sure that every customer left satisfied.

The best part? Despite serving high-quality food, they had reasonable prices which were definitely worth the value. They also had a range of vegetarian options available for my herbivore friends which is always a plus in my book.

Overall, Shawarma Garden is a must-visit place for anyone looking for an amazing falafel or shawarma experience in Chicago. I highly recommend this place to all foodies out there who want to try something new and flavorful.

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Hummus Grill Chicago

Highlights
Amazing taste
Great portion size
Vibrant presentation
Friendly staff

First of all, I was blown away by the vibrant presentation of their falafel dishes. The colorful toppings and sauces made my mouth water before I even took a bite! And let me tell you, when I did take a bite, the taste was absolutely amazing. The falafels were perfectly seasoned and had a crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior.

But the best part? The portion size! For such an affordable price, they really give you a generous amount of food that will leave you feeling satisfied without breaking the bank. And as someone who is always looking for healthy options when dining out, Hummus Grill Chicago did not disappoint in that regard either. Their menu offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.

And let's not forget about the friendly staff who made sure my dining experience was enjoyable from start to finish. They were knowledgeable about their menu and offered great recommendations for someone like me who can never decide what to order.

Overall, if you're looking for some of the best falafel in Chicago with amazing taste, great portion sizes, vibrant presentation and served by friendly staff, then Hummus Grill Chicago should definitely be on your list!

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Crave Kabob

Highlights
Good quality food
Engaging staff
Reasonable prices
Beautiful interior
High quality meats

Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately taken aback by the beautiful interior. The ambiance was warm and inviting, which made me excited to try their falafels. The staff were also very engaging and willing to answer any questions that I had.

Now let's talk about the food. The falafels at Crave Kabob were of good quality and tasted absolutely amazing. They were perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The spices used in the falafels were subtle yet flavorful, making every bite an explosion of taste in my mouth.

What's more? The prices at Crave Kabob are also very reasonable for the high-quality meats they offer. You won't have to break your bank just to enjoy a delicious meal here.

All in all, my experience at Crave Kabob was a delightful one. If you're looking for some really delicious falafels in Chicago, you definitely want to give this place a try!

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Taza Cafe

Highlights
Best falafel in the loop
Fresh and flavorful food
Great sandwiches and bowls
Exemplary service
Owner is extremely nice

First off, I have to say that this place is a hidden gem when it comes to falafels in the loop. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the best falafel I've ever had in Chicago. It was crispy on the outside and warm and fluffy on the inside, with just the right amount of spices that made it truly flavorful.

Besides their delicious falafels, Taza Cafe offers a variety of options such as sandwiches and bowls that are also worth trying. All of their food is prepared fresh daily, so you can be certain that you're getting quality ingredients.

As for service, I have to give Taza Cafe an A+. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, making me feel right at home. The owner himself came over to check on me and even gave me some complimentary hummus to go with my meal.

Overall, if you're looking for a great falafel spot in Chicago's loop area, Taza Cafe should be your go-to choice. With exemplary service and fresh, mouth-watering food, this place won't disappoint!

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