Falafels, the crispy, herb-filled chickpea fritters, have a fascinating history that stretches back centuries. While the exact origins are debated, many historians trace it to Egypt, where they were likely made by Coptic Christians as a meat substitute during Lent, using fava beans to create the fritters called ta'amiya. From there, it spread throughout the Levant, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, evolving in each region into slightly different styles and flavours. While Israeli-style falafel is now widely known, it's important to credit the MENA (Middle Eastern and North Africa) origins of the dish and be mindful of how culinary "ownership" can negate the histories of Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese communities.
Traditionally served in pita sandwiches or on platters with fresh vegetables, pickles, and creamy tahini, falafels became a beloved street-food staple, celebrated for their versatility, affordability, and bold flavours. In western countries, they have become popular as a nutritious choice in a plant-based diet.
If you're craving the best falafels in Montreal, you're in luck! This city is packed with spots serving fresh, crispy, and flavourful versions of this Levantine specialty. From tiny neighborhood counters to buzzing restaurants, these 10 best falafel spots in Montreal deliver the freshest, crispiest, and most authentic bites in town.
3858 Boulevard Pérron, Laval, H7V 1P7
Falafel Freiha is a humble Laval spot run solely by a warm and charming husband-and-wife team, serving nothing but falafels from a 115-year-old, closely guarded family recipe. After operating beloved shops in Beirut, the Freiha family brought their legacy to Montreal 24 years ago. Their artisanal, made à la minute, Lebanese-style falafels are crisp outside, tender within, and tucked into pita with fresh veggies, pickles, and a generous drizzle of their silky, deeply flavorful tarator sauce. The journey here is always worth it.
Read also:
The Best Restaurants to Enjoy Middle-Eastern Cuisine in Montreal
Photo: @bouffonsavecjulietran
1344 Avenue Van Horne, Montreal, H2V 1K8
Fal & Fel is a cozy spot in Outremont, that is instantly welcoming. Helmed by a brother-and-sister duo-he's in the kitchen while she runs the front-diners are greeted like family. Their menu highlights authentic Lebanese flavours, with everything made fresh daily. While the shish taouk is a favourite, the true star here is the falafel: a mix of chickpeas and fava beans blended with parsley, mint, and cilantro, spiked with spices and fried to order until golden and crisp. Enjoy them in a bowl or tucked into a sandwich with sumac-spiked parsley salad, pink turnip pickles, tomatoes, and plenty of tahini.
2 Rue Sherbrooke E, Montreal, H2X 1C2
On a sunny corner at the edge of the Latin Quarter, Dunya brings Lebanese street food to life with care and style. A seat at the bar gives you front-row views of the kitchen, where falafels are shaped by hand, dipped in sesame seeds, and fried to golden perfection in a copper pot imported from Lebanon. Served in a sandwich or on a plate, they come with a vibrant spread of tomatoes, fresh herbs, pickled turnips, pickled hot peppers, and silky tahini for dipping, a feast as lively as its setting.
191 Rue Jean-Talon E, Montreal, H2R 1S8
Le Petit Alep is a buzzy, beloved gem showcasing Syrian-Armenian specialties in a lively setting that's always full of energy. At this family-run eatery, the food stays true to Aleppo traditions, with richly scented dishes like mouhamara, kébbé sajié, chiche kabab terbialy, and other specialties touched with fléflé. Their wine list, one of the best in town, is extensive and often cited as more impressive than many fine-dining spots. Their falafel mazza arrives plated with pickled turnips, silky tahini, and of course the quintessential fléflé for that extra kick.
3618 Rue Notre Dame O, Montreal, H4C 1P5
Sumac, a bright and welcoming spot in Saint-Henri, has earned a loyal following since its opening years ago. While the menu features many specialties and fresh salads, the falafels are among the stars here. Fried to order, they're crisp and golden outside, moist and herbaceous within, and full of bold, aromatic flavour. Served in a warm pita made on site, it's filled with hummus, tahini, chopped salad, and pickled turnip. You can also order the falafel platter with hummus, condiments, and choice of salads. Sumac's Israeli-style falafels strike a perfect balance of texture and taste, making them some of the city's finest.
Multiple locations
Folfol is the relaxed Syrian street-food counter by famed, fine dining restaurant Damas in Outremont. Here you'll find the same bold, authentic flavours and top-quality ingredients in more casual setting. The falafels at Folfol are a highlight. The crisp, sesame-crusted and flavourful falafels are served either in a saj-style sandwich (paper-thin bread) with tomatoes, cucumbers, radish, parsley, mint, hummus, tahini, and pomegranate molasses and topped with pickled turnips, or in a cup with tarator sauce. The portions are generous and utterly satisfying.
4520 Avenue Papineau, Montreal, H2H 1V3
Tesfa, a cozy counter-service spot in the Plateau, is run by two Eritrean brothers who made their way to Montreal via Egypt and Israel. Their menu reflects that journey, combining classic Levantine staples with African-inspired heat. The falafels are the undisputed highlight on the menu: golden and crisp on the outside, impossibly light within. Order them tucked into warm, thick pita with crunchy cabbage, tangy pickles, creamy tahini and hummus, and a kick of house spicy sauce. Bold, fresh, and deeply satisfying.
Multiple locations
Falafel Yoni is a no-frills counter that has grown from its Mile End beginnings to multiple locations across Montreal, all with the same tight focus on falafel done right. The menu is compact: chickpea falafel fried to order and served three ways. Tuck them into warm pita with hummus, tahini, chopped salad, cabbage, and z'hug (a fiery chili-herb-garlic sauce), enjoy them in a bright salad with mint, sumac, and tahini dressing, or go for the platter with creamy hummus and grilled pita.
1299 Rue Notre-Dame, Montreal, H8S 2C7
Falafel St. Jacques is a go-to for Montrealers seeking fresh, affordable, and flavourful street food. These counter-service spots keep things simple but always satisfying. The falafels are fried to golden crispness outside, tender and herb-packed inside, and served in your choice of house-baked bread (pita or laffa) stuffed with hummus, salad, cabbage, and a drizzle of tahini. Another favourite is the hummus plate, topped with falafel balls, creamy tahini, and a choice of three vibrant salads.
Photo: @mtltablefortwo
5649 Chemin St-François, Montreal, H4S 1W6
Nilufar was a much-loved, downtown Montreal falafel and Middle Eastern staple that was around since 1994. It became famous for its ultra-affordable, flavourful falafel sandwiches and plates, frequently praised by students and locals alike. Though the original Sainte-Catherine location shut down in late 2022 due to eviction issues, Nilufar lives on through catering, delivery and pick-ups. The legendary falafels are also available in several grocery stores and supermarkets.
