Business Details
19 Years
experience
Authentic Falafel & Middle Eastern Cuisine in Edinburgh
Established in 2007, El Falafel has become Edinburgh's premier destination for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Our commitment to fresh, halal ingredients and innovative menu offerings has redefined the local food scene. We pioneered Edinburgh's first falafel-only concept and open salad bar, ensuring every customer experiences vibrant flavours crafted with natural herbs and spices. Our team's dedication to excellence is reflected in our evolving menu, which now features signature items like spinach and chilli falafel, alongside traditional shawarma and mixed grills. With a family-friendly environment and seating for 20, we combine casual dining with takeaway convenience, operating seven days a week to serve both locals and visitors.Our mission prioritises food safety and hygiene, with transparent kitchen operations allowing customers to witness our preparation standards firsthand. Environmental consciousness and community engagement remain core values, demonstrated through sustainable practices and partnerships with charitable organisations. The restaurant's success has inspired franchise opportunities, extending our fresh, healthy food concept beyond Edinburgh. Customer feedback directly shapes our continuous improvements, ensuring we maintain our reputation for exceptional value and service quality.
Services
Falafel Wraps
Shawarma
Mixed Grills
Catering Services
Vegetarian Platters
Wholesale Supply
Takeaway Delivery
Open Salad Bar
Halal Food
Franchise Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We pioneered Edinburgh's first falafel-only concept in 2007
- Our open kitchen allows customers to witness food preparation standards
- Offering 15+ fresh salad options with every meal
- Specialist vegetarian and halal catering services available
- Developed unique spinach and chilli falafel recipes
What people say
Amazing falafel wraps
Friendly staff
Freshly made
Great value
Polite welcome
Services
Falafel Wraps
Our signature falafel wraps feature crispy chickpea fritters made from a family recipe, served in warm pita with 15+ fresh salad options and house-made sauces. Available in traditional, spinach, and chilli varieties, these handheld meals combine authentic Middle Eastern flavours with modern convenience. Each wrap uses halal-certified ingredients and caters to vegetarian diets while maintaining exceptional value for money.
Shawarma Platters
Traditional shawarma platters showcase marinated meats slow-cooked on vertical spits, sliced fresh to order. Served with salad, hummus, and pita bread, these hearty meals feature chicken or mixed meat options. Catering platters serve 15+ people with pricing starting at 80, including free accompaniments. The restaurant's halal certification ensures quality meat preparation meeting strict dietary standards.
Open Salad Bar
The self-service salad bar offers 15+ fresh ingredients including mixed greens, pickled vegetables, and house-made dressings. Customers customize wraps or boxes with unlimited portions of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red cabbage, and specialty items like jalapeos or spicy onions. This interactive concept enhances meal personalization while maintaining strict hygiene standards through regular replenishment and temperature control.
Vegetarian Platters
Vegetarian platters start at 60 for 15 servings, featuring falafel varieties, hummus, and fresh salads. Each order includes free pita bread and sauces, working out to approximately 4 per person. The menu offers spinach falafel, chilli falafel, and specialty items like samosas or pakoras. These platters cater to dietary preferences while maintaining the restaurant's commitment to natural ingredients and halal preparation.
Wholesale Supply
Wholesale services deliver fresh falafel and hummus nationwide using next-day shipping. Minimum orders start at 100 pieces with free delivery for monthly orders of 200+ units. Products use 100% vegan ingredients and require 24-hour notice for fresh preparation. This service extends the restaurant's quality standards to other businesses while maintaining strict temperature control during transportation.
Questions
What makes Elfalafel's falafel unique?
Our falafel uses a family recipe with chickpeas, herbs, and spices fried to achieve a crispy exterior and soft interior. We offer signature varieties like spinach and chilli falafel made with natural ingredients.
Do you cater for large groups or events?
Yes, we provide vegetarian and meat platters starting at £60, serving 15+ people with free pita bread, salad, and sauces. Delivery within Edinburgh is included in the price.
Are all menu items halal-certified?
All meat products are halal-certified, with vegetarian options available. The restaurant maintains strict preparation standards to ensure compliance with halal dietary requirements.
Can I customise my meal with specific toppings?
Our open salad bar offers 15+ fresh ingredients and 10+ sauces for customising wraps, boxes, or platters to personal taste preferences.
Do you offer franchise opportunities?
Yes, we provide two franchise models for takeaway or restaurant concepts. Visit www.falafelfranchise.com for details about becoming a franchisee.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept card payments and online orders through Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Corporate accounts may be available for regular wholesale customers.
Reviews (5)
Gemma Raine
Jan 26, 2022
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This place is a bit hit and miss, I've had some good food but some mediocre food. Also have had wrong food been given but not realized till I got home. If it could fix the small errors and keep the food to a consistent good standard I'd happily have give it a higher rating.
Oscar Meanwell
Oct 30, 2021
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Lovely fresh food - eat a lot of falafel and this is one of the best wraps I've had. They have a lunch deal which is 5 for a wrap and chips between 12:00 and 15:00, very very good value!
Served by a very nice chatty man and will definitely be back.
Served by a very nice chatty man and will definitely be back.
Eesha Bakshi
Sep 20, 2021
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Always great service amazing wraps and chips and cheese, chris always knows what to recommend. Cheap reasonably priced and good to grab and go or sit in.
Furqan Abdulla
Aug 28, 2021
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We come for holiday in Edinburgh, as we where looking for good, clean food place to eat, we came across Elfalafel.
Loved the food and the place, I would definitely recommend people to try it out. You will not regret it.
Loved the food and the place, I would definitely recommend people to try it out. You will not regret it.
Rebecca Forsyth
Aug 23, 2021
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Shwarma box was delicious. And the man behind the counter was very welcoming and has a lovely smile
