Falafel STOP
1325 Sunnyvale Saratoga Rd, Sunnyvale, CA, 94087
Falafel STOP Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Sunnyvale for healthy meals suggestion.
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Visit below restaurant in Sunnyvale for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1325 Sunnyvale Saratoga Rd
Sunnyvale, CA, 94087 - Phone (408) 735-7182
- Website https://www.falafelstop.biz
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Priscilla O.
I usually don't care too much for falafels, but this place does em well. I came here to order some lunch for me and my brother. I got 2 falafels and a hummus plate to go. The falafels were really good! Tender & Moist, not dry at all. The pita was AMAZINNGG. So soft & warm & fluffy....yummmm. I could eat that pita all day. The hummus plate was good too, but I feel that hummus...is hummus. It's hard to make it bad. I wish they gave me more pita to go with the hummus plate though...it only came with ONE pita...and like a buttload of hummus. *sigh* ...i still have the left over hummus in my fridge...cuz I need to buy some pita chips or something. :| Side note: if you ask for everything, it's going to be a bit spicy. if you can't handle spicy food, make sure you tell them. I personally enjoy the spice. It makes the falafel a bit more exciting. :P my one main complaint...is that in the midst of making my order, they ran out of pita bread and had to wait for a batch to come in...it took 5-10 minutes...just to wait for the pita bread. In addition to the 30-40 minutes I waited in line to even get my order in...I was a bit miffed. it took WAYYY too long to get my 2 falafels & hummus order. As long as they keep their pita bread in stock, this place is worth a visit. Be ready to wait though.
(4)Michael K.
Make sure to wait in line right after you get your order receipt! They make your order once you hand them your receipt at the window, and not after you order from the register! Yes, it's a weird system... but the Falafels are AMAZING! Both my friend and I agreed that the Falafel here is better than Falafel's Drive In. The falafels were crispy, tasty, perfectly spiced....my goodness. Go try it!
(5)Adam J.
Absolutely fantastic. By far the best falafel I've had outside of Israel and the Middle East. While the service is so-so and it can take 15-20 minutes between ordering and getting your food (to be fair, I did see a few frustrated customers), what ultimately is served to you is fantastic and worth the wait. I've tried the falafel salad and the chicken shawarma. Both highly recommended. Their pita bread is also to die for. Love this place. Will be back, many times. Oh, and parking is a pain in the butt, but there's plenty of room across the street in the strip mall.
(5)Divya S.
Love this place! Their pita is so fresh and soft, falafals are placed in your plate straight from the pan, chicken is juicy and their prices are unmatchable. I discovered this place with an office collegue, then took my friends and family there several times because their food is so Yumm! The seating and set-up is not very upscale, and their service for chicken gets slow during lunch. But it's all worth it for the tasty food you get. I have tried their plates and wraps, and they are all worth the wait there. Love this place!
(5)Doug D.
Great food, they just added a separate section for those carnivores. Only thing that could be improved is the way you have to go in two different lines after waiting in a line to order. But don't let that stop you, the food is great!
(4)H T.
the sabich sandwich was really good and really huge. the pita bread is as good as everyone says...warm and soft!! they really stuff the sandwich w/ a ton of goodies...lots of veggies and hot sauce. yum!
(4)Alyx F.
I hate giving this place 3 stars because the food is good, I just don't think that I am a falafel person.. I thought that the falafel tasted a little bit dry and bland. All of the ingredients were very fresh, but it just tasted a little off to me. This is probably the second falafel I have had in my life, so I don't think that I have a good enough point of comparison, but it just wasn't something that I would come back for. The staff was super friendly, and the food came out super fast. I think that if you like falafels, this place is probably great - I just didn't realize that I wasn't a big fan of falafels until going there...
(3)S K.
Love this place. fresh pita bread and good portion of salad. one wish for the sabin dish, more eggplants, pls!!
(5)Jenny N.
I love everything here! The Greek salad is very refreshing. Falafel is great for vegetarians and very filling. They dont have pork here. Only chicken and beef kabob. If you love meat I recommend their Shuwarma in a pita which us young spring boneless chicken. Very delicious and satisfying. Parking is sometimes tough because the parking lot isnt that big. Great outdoor seating.
(5)Yiftah P.
Terrible phone service. Called in an order. Was told it would take 15 minutes. Arrived on time. The order was not ready. Waited ten more minutes in line. The cashier remembered the call but had ignored it. I paid and she told me the order was at the top of the queue. I waited for another ten minutes, but the hostesses kept taking orders from the window. I asked the cashier again - and she assured me that it was being processed when it clearly wasn't. Finally she said that I would just have to wait for my turn. She didn't even bother to apologize. It's rare to come across such arrogance and rudeness, not taking any responsibility for dropping the order. I asked for my money and left.
(2)Megan V.
Amazing falafels! Got the hummus plate and the falafel pita. Food is super flavorful and the portions are good. The pita really is the star here. It was super fluffy. We arrived at a good time and didn't have to wait in line, but as we sat there the line grew and grew and pretty much stayed long after that. There was only outdoor seating, but we were able to grab a table in the sun since it was a bit chilly.
(4)Kevin W.
STOP looking for the best falafel place in San Jose. This is it. Better than house of falafel and falafel drive in with an awesome staff. Friendly and always handing out free falafel while you wait in line. I used to come here at lease twice a week for dinner when I worked near by. Love this place and $6 for a huge falafel sandwich is as good a deal as you will get.
(5)Bindi S.
Have to update it to 5 star. All I said in my previous review still holds true but this is the only place my husband will eat falafels in and after eating here every week for the last 6 months I have to say I have begun to love the food here.
(5)Abby S.
Came here on a Saturday afternoon to grab some falafel to take on the go. It wasn't too crowded - there were 5 people in line and a couple families sitting on the picnic tables. To order, you go inside the small room to the left of the prep window, then you walk out again to give your receipt to the workers making the food per your request. We got 4 falafel sandwiches? pitas? Basically 5 pieces of falafel with different relishes/salads/sides accompanied by whatever sauces you want (the spicy one is hot but delicious!). While we were waiting in line, we got free samples of falafel straight out of the fryer. They were pretty good - a slightly chunky mixture of chickpeas with a light, crisp exterior. I don't know how falafel is traditionally made, but I would have liked to taste some herbs or other seasoning in the falafel itself rather than just the flavor of salty chickpeas. The falafel works really well once it's combined with everything in the pita though. The pita bread was amazing - warm, about 1/4 inch thick, and pillowy soft. I don't remember the names of any of the relishes, but they all had a brightness and an acidity that paired well with the falafel and pita. The tzatziki sauce added a bright creaminess that was further cut by the red spicy sauce. When you get the pita, it's stuffed and the sauces do drip, so be careful and grab napkins! Overall, we spent $14 on 4 pita halves and we were all satisfied. Although I wouldn't come here to sit down and eat, this is definitely my go-to place if I'm craving some falafel on the go!
(4)Abby O.
Lines! Lines and more Line! But I don't mind waiting :) To be honest I've sent my boyfriend to pick food here more than I have waited for in line but that's his main complain. Lunch hour is the worst time to stop by EVER. Fremont High School is right across and you have bunch of other high tech companies around that take lunch at the same time the school does. I suggest going at 11:30am or anytime after 1pm. The falafel pita.. (I can not finish this sentence with out drooling..) Lots of great flavors. Essentially they open up a pita bread and stuff it with falafel cucumber, lots of spices and yumminess! The plate is a lot less messy but I'd recommend getting the pita bread. The ordering system is a bit weird for sure. So pay attention, once you get your receipt get in line for them to make your order. Also seating is outside, they have NO space to sit in their little waiting area. They added some thick plastic to cover people from rain and wind but it really doesn't do much so take it to go or if you want to brave the cold/rain/wind grab a chair and enjoy :)
(5)Margo G.
So good. So filling. So tasty even if takeout. So go ahead and go. Tried both the falafel and the eggplant sandwich and I can't decide which one I like better. The pita is amazing! Fluffy but with enough bite so it's not chewy. It holds all the ingredients in and doesn't fall apart while you're eating it. The wait is worth it if there's a line. Order and pay then take your little paper, take one step to the right and hand it to the people behind the counter. Them wait for the magic to be handed back to you. Unwrap the goodness and take a delicious bite! Mmmm.
(5)Geoff K.
i came here one time starving, turns out the operations seems to be 1: order food 2: relay your order to the designated food prep area (for me this was the left side of the store, the meat department) 3: wait in line trying not to cut other people out of line and manage to obtain food. three steps it seems. i was here close to thirty mins. before i ate. worse than chipotle behind 101 i dont care if this company hires high schook students or makes me relay information. i do care if the guys on the grill grab receipts with the plastic gloves on. i am never coming back even if the offer a lower price. this place is the definition of poor quality and clouded communication if you care what you put in your body dont come here bc they dont. oh and the best thing about the place was a friend worked here and gave me all the dumpling like samples. way to go bro
(2)Mitchell T.
Pretty nice little place, great food, friendly people. Be sure to read the signs on how to order.
(5)Jenny K.
my brother has been raving about this place forever. every time we pass by, he talks about it. haha.. so we finally made it here! i like the simple menu and ease of the system. you order and pay the cashier. they give you a receipt which you give to the employees who put together your order. everything is fresh and made before your eyes. we tried the falafel sample. it was hot cuz they just made it. they are small -- the size of a tater tot. sooo delicious. hummus plate masabacha sabich sandwich - it's a vegetarian sandwich that is fairly hearty. eggplant, parsley, tahini sauce. i recommend getting the sabich sandwich and falafels. still need to try other items on the menu. this is a great place to pick up takeout for lunch or dinner
(5)Valerie V.
They make magic tastiness here!! Their food is delicioso and super fresh! The pita bread is the best I have ever had- super pillowy soft. And the falafel- good lord. Crispy on the outside and golden in color, unlike the typical brownish green. Soft and fluffy inside, never ever tough. Masabacha (pronounced mah-sah-BA-chha :phlegm required:) is fabulous and the pita is great! Don't skimp on the spicy! As a long time fan of Falafel Drive-In, it pains me to say that if I am craving falafel, the falafel from Falafel Stop is my new first choice. Falafel Drive In still totally wins on the banana shake though. ;)
(5)Kiro S.
Lots of flavor, solid pricing, cool outdoor atmosphere (no where to eat indoors, just in a patio type setup).
(5)S S.
This is one of the best Falafel places I have tried in the bay area....but again, this place is a bit overpriced compared to some other Falafel places. One thing I really favor this place for is that they separate their meat counter and vegetarian counter preventing meat and veggies from being mixed, which I, as a vegetarian, have found unique to any Falafel place.
(4)T G.
I stop here almost once a week for lunch. Great food! You get a lot for the price. Everything is fresh, and I am a HUGE fan of the homemade pickles. I always ask for extra. The lines can be confusing for a new customer though. And it gets very busy around lunch time. Parking and lines can get crazy! So I try to go after the major lunch crowd. But other than that, it is fantastic!
(4)Jennille S.
I stopped here with my friend before heading to the airport. She said there were always lines out the door. That must mean it's good, right? The food was okay but it took 20 minutes to get our food. We ordered & paid. They explained some complicated procedure for how to pick up our food. I ordered the salad without feta & falafel. My friend ordered meat plate & falafel. And we ordered a side of hummus. The young boy cashier told us that our order was "pretty complicated" & looked at me incredulous when I requested falafel on the salad but not feta. Like totally dumbfounded. Surely sometime in the history of this joint some vegetarian has ordered the salad with falafel and not feta. Probably daily. It appears they had forgotten about our order & after 20 minutes of waiting, I had to hustle my way into the line to figure out what happened & they acted like they had never received the order. There were multiple lines of people similarly confused & hardly anyone sitting & eating. The tables were empty, yet the lines were a zoo. I only saw 1 to-go order so this is obviously a systemic problem. Then they left off the hummus order that we already paid for. Hustling through that line to alert them of yet another in their series of mistakes hardly seemed worth it & by that time I was running late for my flight. There were several customers around me that had also not received their orders. So that, and not the food, is why there are always lines. The restaurant is roadside clean, in other words not clean. Just in case you needed another reason to skip this one.
(1)Debbie Chiou S.
Could be my new favorite restaurant in the area. Israeli salad is so good. So finely diced that the onions and peppers weren't biting at all. The tahini is delicious and get it spicy! So good. Comes with pita which is so fluffy and so delicious. Operations are a little messy - you have to give your order ticket to the window outside to get your order started - but if you don't mind the managed chaos this isn't a bad place to enjoy a casual meal.
(4)Nina C.
Very very good!!! :) Will definately be going back!!
(5)ken b.
I am not going back to have food on the street (seating area dirty with leftover food on the table) without plate (ask them for paper plate) and no general courtesy. It looks very obvious that owner is arrogant (young boy at the counter maybe his son) and don't give a proper answer to question. Food is not out of the world for sure because I had Falafel in east coast (Mamoun's Falafel, NY). I have noticed same thing in most of the Asian eating place no cleaning, no manner and arrogant people at the counter. Even tap water was not offered in the bigger cup (tiny small cups) I mean IN&OUT burger offers a great taste every single time and clean seating area (granted it is a big chain, but that's part of running business).
(1)Shalu S.
Falafel joints in Sunnyvale are a dime a dozen and some of them keep it going based on historical excellence they may have once possessed. Unlike those joints, Falafel STOP is authentic and they really do have fresh food. Ok when I read the marketing on the website - I was a little skeptical - falafels: heart healthy? Come on! But today I tried it for lunch and I want to go back for dinner! Food: I had the Israel Salad with some falafels added in - spicy. The falafels were crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The size was perfect too for a its-lunch-and-I-don't want-to-wear-it-for-my-next-meeting bite. So how was the salad at a falafel joint - wow so fresh good and flavorful! The spicy sauce had a great kick to it. Everything tasted FRESH! Service: You don't expect much service from drive-in/stop kind of place. But the staff was friendly, they didn't g
(4)Sherry O.
great food, great quality. my favorites are the plate combinations.
(5)P C.
The falafel is good, but not the best. The bread is awesome and the falafel balls too. However, I'd rather have them without any hairs on them. Check the picture. Its actually attached to the ball...
(2)Dana T.
Taste is ok but not a good value for my money. I ordered the combo plate for dinner with chicken and there was hardly any chicken there. They seem to be skimpy with the amount of food they sell; the plate they use is small and the food does not fill up to 60% plate. Considering 80-90% of the stuff were salad, cabbage and chopped pickles. I would not eat here again.
(1)Usha N.
We loved this place before when the owners did the plates for the customers!! Even though we had to wait for 10 -15 mins, with the crowd, they did the plate so good without missing any item even the spicy yellow chilly!!! The falafel plate, hummus plate, the eggplant and egg pocket are our favorite! The non veg side is also wonderful!!we tried all the 3 chicken items!!! They are wonderful!!!! But today I would give just 4 stars! We got a falafel plate today without hummus and the hummus plate had no falafel balls!! Isn't that ridiculous ???? Not sure what is the issue!!! I think the new staff is pathetic!!! They have no idea what you need in the plate and if you tell them, they get angry!!! I think they need to quit and find a different job at Mc Donald's may be!!! I will try again next week to see if things are better!!! This will be a last chance for me to eat falafel . If not, I am done with this place!!!
(4)Coco L.
It's alright but nothing wow. The outdoor sitting would work on summer, but not sure how it would work in winder
(3)Ashley L.
Yes, it's true. This place is amazing. The best falafel that I have had thus far. The falafel itself is really moist, not overly fried, and tasted delicious. The pita, wow. So soft and warm, it just melted in my mouth. All the toppings, the sourkraught, pickles, and parsley, just MADE the falafel. Green sauce on the sammie was really nice for a not so spicy option. However, if you want spicy, the red sauce is bomb. Now onto the annoying, but not "break it" issue. You go inside to order - not a big deal. However, after you've ordered, you go back outside to stand in another line to get your food. The person taking the order doesn't hand it to the people making the food, so there are people lurking on the side of the line, waiting to sneak their order in before the 50 other people in line. If they setup a numbering system, all of those issues would be solved. Instead you get people cursing at each other over falafel because they cut in line. The place gets super busy at lunch and the lines are really long. There is a huge parking lot, but it fills up quickly. Bottom line - $6 for a GIANT, DELICIOUS falafel. I'd push people over if they cut in line, I won't lie.
(4)Ali B.
Had them catered our food for about 50 people. They went above and beyond to help in menu selection and provide the quantity guideline. Food was amazingly good and everyone liked it alot. Will definitely use them in our next party.
(5)Brenda S.
Best falafel and pita I have ever had! The hummus is so creamy and delicious. This place is very popular so be prepared to wait. It's worth it!
(5)Cyrano J.
falafelstop.us/Menu.html The ordering system, as folks have said, is awkward. The staff was very friendly, upgrading my order from a half to a full and adding extra falafel balls into my hummus order. Hummus was really nice, but came with only one pita which was really nowhere near enough. Food: Good Staff: Smiling Organisation: Lacking (Also, I hate to say it, but I *really* wanted a banana milkshake to go with this.)
(4)Bria S.
I'm sorry to say this but...this place DEFINITELY beats Falafel Drive-In in SJ. For a few reasons: (1) their pita bread is just so thick & fluffy!! You can definitely tell it's freshly baked there, AND...even better...it holds everything together w/o breaking and everything falling apart like other falafel places. (2) Very good, decent prices for the budget-savvy consumer like myself. (3) VERY fresh, made right smack in front of your face fresh. Only thing I change is that I get hummus w/ a little bit of their hot sauce instead of the Tahini sauce. Other than that, it is pretty amazing to bite into. What more can u ask for with all that delicious goodness nicely tucked into a thick, fluffy warm pita? Will definitely be back when I hit up the Sunnyvale area :)
(5)Jennifer G.
Super yummy! We ordered chicken shawarma pita's and it was sooo yummy! Id highly recommend this place!
(4)Lisa S.
This is a great place. The falafel pita is delicious. All the ingredients are really fresh. It's fun and interesting to watch the falafel being made. The service is nice, professional, and efficient. This is a great place to go if you want amazing, inexpensive food quickly.
(5)Gina L.
Where do I start.... I typically order full falafel plate of the half size one. Falafels and pita bread are always out of kitchen and tasty. Add Israeli salad and tahini to top that, so yummy! Price is friendly. Falafel plates and hummus are perfect as side dishes for parties. For a little party at home, I picked up a couple of falafel plates with side orders of falafel balls and pita bread to complement kebabs as the main dish. The combination was perfect. An Israeli guest at the party approved my selection of pita bread making me feel so stoked! There is always a line when i visited. However, You can call ahead and place a to-go-order to avoid waiting in line. I have done it and worked well. You can give them special packing instructions like packing falafel balls and other wet Israleli salad & tahini separately. Overall, this is definitely a top pick for healthy and tasty food in the area.
(5)Joe B.
This is a nearly perfect place to have near my house -- fast & efficient, inexpensive and of course delicious. It was 4+ stars when it served falafel only, but now with the addition of meat options it is a clear 5. I eat here about once a week. The owner is really nice and friendly as well.
(5)Derek B.
What a great spot, falafel is one of my favorite food and there aren't any good spots in the south bay for a proper falafel. The salads taste fresh and the falafel is prepared right there, the pita bread is thick and fresh. I think tthey bake it on the spot. The hummus is super yummy and you can buy it to go. This is my new falafel spot
(5)April B.
Never had better falafel. EVER. Not a 5 star restaurant, but 5 star food every time.
(5)Winnie C.
I love this place!! It's always very busy. Last time I tried their grilled chicken with salad. The chicken tastes sloop good !! Highly recommend this place !
(5)Srinivas S.
Must have!
(4)Marie W.
I used yelp to find this place and have since gone back at least 4-5 times. I love the basic falafel sandwich, which is a piece of homemade, warm, deliciously soft pita bread filled to the brim with yummy falafel and assorted toppings/veggies. They also just opened a meat section and my husband got the schwarma pita which he also really liked. There is a line but it moves quickly. The only downside is that parking is a bit of a pain during peak times because the lot next to it is really small but turnover is high so you should be able to find a spot. Definitely recommended!
(5)Aniket D.
My Israeli origin boss said this and Oren's Hummus are two of the most authentic Israeli food - at least in the south bay (as close to food you get in Israel as possible in the US). Definitely stands up to the supposed hype. Absolutely wonderful food - all vegetarian!
(5)David A.
OK, I've been back and like the falafels. I just avoid the olive-less "Greek" salad. Yay. The ordering system is a little whack, but I am a fan of FALAFEL STOP.
(4)H T.
I'm not a fan of falafels in general and I've tried many falafels in my life. Thus, I was hesitant to try Falafel Stop but everyone kept raving about it and they had stellar Yelp reviews so I had to see for myself. We went on a Sunday afternoon and the place was nearly empty. We snagged VIP parking and a table outside. I was pretty surprised by the brevity of their menu, but figured I'd try the hummus plate since that seemed like a safe, non-falafel option. The hummus plate is deceivingly small but oh so filling, I couldn't even finish it! Everything was fresh and made to order. The homemade pita bread was thick and soft, some of the best pita I've had in California! I even managed to steal a falafel ball off my partner's plate and was amazed how light, crispy, and tasty they were! They were so good that I actually ended up stealing three of them :) This place is so good you'll forget it's vegetarian! Tips: -If you're opting to get a plate I'd recommend purchasing ($1) an extra pita bread as you'll most definitely need it -Outdoor seating only so dress appropriately Bottom line, this isn't your average falafel joint. We'll definitely be returning to Falafel Stop, I can't wait to try out their falafel sandwiches!
(5)Desmond T.
Falafels are... falafels. Nothing too special about em to me until I came here. this is probably the best falafel I've ever had. They prepare to order and you can customize what toppings you want on it. The falafels were SO GOOD. Really tender and moist, and pretty spicy! The sauce provided great flavor. The pita bread is made fresh which is also a great bonus. This place is so small and gets ridiculously packed during lunch time. Weekends are probably the worst. Small/limited parking spaces.
(4)Sushil B.
Very good food at reasonable rate. Loved the soft pita bread and hummus. Falafel plate was just amazing !!
(5)Anthony D.
Been wanting to check out this place since they opened. Cruising by the other day, we decided to pop in. Considering all the high school rats running around at lunch time, we opted for take out. The ordering process was okay, with the food prepared on the spot but windows made for munchkins. Their falafel was quite tasty. Would definitely go back again. When in sF, check out Sunrise Deli on Irving Street.
(4)Photonic W.
Falafel's and Chicken are so flavorful. Now that I have thought of writing a review, feel like go there again :D
(5)Chandrika G.
Fresh and yummy at unbeatable price. They make freah falael and pita everyday ( falafel is made 10-5 mins before it served on your plate) . Also, dont shy away from asking for extra sause or making your plate spicy, they take response while making your food with smile :).
(5)Naresh M.
Service: 5/5 Food: 5/5 This place is awesome for vegetarians. Great Falafels. Good portions. Great people. I ate one falafel 'wrap' and got another to-go so I can eat at work. I'm probably going to come back here every week for lunch.
(5)Steph C.
I spent a few nights in Sunnyvale last month, and my recommended Falafel STOP with a great amount of enthusiasm. Since I had to feed and entertain myself while my friend was at work, the suggestion was more or less perfect - quick, cheap, and easy to visit alone. Parking was ample, and I liked the casual setup. You order in the little shack and take a seat on the patio, or in one of the few chairs inside. Sunny, cheerful, ostensibly relaxing. I managed to delay leaving the house until 3:30 when I was scheduled to meet someone in Palo Alto at 4:30, so I probably had the only stressful Falafel STOP lunch that anyone has had basically ever. On the bright side, the place was pretty empty, with only a few late lunchers sitting on the patio. Service was friendly, but due to a small miscommunication, my order got lost for almost fifteen minutes. The people were very nice, though, and if I weren't in a hurry that wouldn't have mattered at all. I ordered a falafel and a hummus plate to go, which was a lot of food. I feel weird admitting this, but I had never enjoyed falafel before. I feel like I had bad falafel one time and was just turned off to the idea. I thought of falafel as dry vegetarian meatballs and only tried Falafel STOP because it was right there. I'm glad I did, and I am now taking applications from other falafels interested in becoming my lunch. This falafel was delicious - some huge number of crispy balls of garbanzo and spice, stuffed with vegetables, homemade pickles, sauerkraut, and tahini sauce into a fresh pouch of baked pita. That pita was the binding element of the whole sandwich - it was pillowy and warm and it held everything in a way that was just plain loving. The falafel balls were beautiful, dense with flavor and hot out of the fryer. They went well with the refreshing pickly mix of diced vegetables, cucumber, tomato, and onion with the nice light flavors of a good Mediterranean salad. The tahini sauce was lovely, as were the spicy red and green sauces that came on the side. I also supplemented my falafel with bites of yellow pepper, which added some great heat. I ate this falafel with one hand, driving across the South Bay. I even uncapped and poured the little containers of sauce when I was stopped at red lights. It was a delicious mess and I have no regrets. The hummus plate waited until I got back to Sunnyvale later that day. I worried it might have been a waste of money - it was so big, and we ate a whole lot of Indian food for dinner. Nope. I ate a lot of it that night, and more the next day for a spot of breakfast. It was fantastic hummus, a real production - nothing like the Costco vat of Sabra I have in my fridge right now (though I like that too). This hummus was freshly cooked, with organic garbanzo beans and sesame seed paste, topped with extra virgin olive oil, an herb lemon and garlic sauce, served with homemade pickles and sauerkraut. There were actual garbanzo beans on top. The hummus was smooth and cool and rich with flavor, and I liked mixing it up with the various sauces and pickles. I'd buy this stuff for every party if I could. Though I have little basis for comparison, I suspect Falafel STOP is much better than the average falafel purveyor. Even so, I am now a lover of falafel, and I hope other falafels will not disappoint me too much going forward.
(5)Elese M.
The Sabich was so good! The fresh pita bread was such a compliment to a great mix of flavors that were fresh creamy and so delightful. I am 8 months pregnant and have such a hard time eating because of the limited room in my stomach. It was no problem for me to make room for each and every savored bite.
(5)Nikki L.
The falafel: Their falafels are yum yum good. I guess every place makes them differently but I like their style best. Instead of being gritty and hard, their falafels are dense but pillowy, so you know they make them fresh and don't use a mix. The Sandwich: The assembly is also excellent. They fill a soft and pliable pita with tons of flavorful falafel balls equally mixed with fresh and delicious toppings. I was pleased that they did not include lettuce which doesn't quite work because it isn't a hearty enough green to compliment this sandwich. So many places fail at this. I got mine with the works and the hot sauce or harrisa was very good and it was not overly messy. The Verdict: I've had a lot of pretty good falafel sandwiches, but at the same time have always felt that something was lacking, like maybe more tahini, or not enough falafel, or more pickeld veggies, etc. However at Falafel Stop, the sandwiches are actually quite perfect.
(5)Mason H.
This is the best falafel place I had so far. Their pita bread was soooo good. The first time I had it, it had me thinking about the sauce for a week. After I tried here, I also went to many other falafel places and haven't find one that could beat it. The 4 star being the parking lot is too small. I basically avoid going there during lunch hour.
(4)Naomi S.
I moved to AZ a year ago and I totally miss this place. The food is delicious, the staff are fun and friendly, I wish I could just drive up there anytime I'm hungry and grab a falafel! Tal- maybe you'd like to open a branch here in Scottsdale? Naomi.
(5)Doug R.
Falafels are pretty good, the service is dodgy. They aren't rude or anything, just disorganized. The system of handing you a receipt, then walking around the corner to hand the receipt back to them is stupid. The first time I came here they didn't tell me I needed to do hand the receipt right back to them and I saw a few people get served in front of me before realizing what was going on. Then they ran out of pita as they were making mine (it was the end of the day so I can cut them some slack here), but then when pita was ready again, they started serving other people who had been there much less time than me. Took about 15 minutes to get the falafel and there was hardly anyone else in line when we got there. The falafel balls were a little mushy, but I think it may have been an end of the day thing, because the samples they gave us before they made our sandwiches were not mushy at all. The way they layer the ingredients is really cool. At Falafel's Drive In, you get a bite of all lettuce in your mouth and then no lettuce at all. Here you get a nice mix all the time. I'll definitely be back to give them another chance, but I'll avoid getting there right before closing again.
(3)Doug S.
My friend suggested this place for a great shawarma pita and I have to say it was very good, warm, balanced, and just a hint of spice. I would I have given the place four stars but the operation is poor. As mentioned in the other reviews this place has some hurtles to over come, the ordering system is ridiculous. No real clear signage, people start forming lines everywhere, its just a mess. Despite a couple of small issues the place remains packed and serves some great food.
(3)Travis M.
I love the spicy falafels. The pitas are fresh and perfect every time.
(5)Mark D.
Great crunchy falafels at cheap prices. If you get the falafel plate, it comes with about 10 -12 small falafels with several relishes and a homemade pita. The pita really distinguishes this place from others in the area. Be warned that if you ask for it spicy, it will be sneaky hot. I cannot give it 5 stars only because the parking is awful, especially during weekday lunches. The parking is very tight.
(4)Dewey M.
This is one of the few places I crave and will drive 45 minutes r/t on a whim. Across the board Falafel Stop is a winner - not only is the food excellent, but this place supersedes just "good food". All the employees are very friendly and kind and all take pride in where they work. Anticipate a line however it moves quickly and while you wait, they will hand out samples with a smile. You put this all together and you just know, whoever is at the top is passionate about what they do and take care of the people who share in his goal which as far as I can tell is excellence. About their food: First and foremost, this is by far THE BEST falafel in the south bay - maybe on the entire peninsula. The falafel balls are always fresh, light and perfectly crispy. The garnishes are always fresh and the sauces made in house. If you like eggplant, opt for the Sabich which uses fried eggplant in lieu of falafel and the add a hard-boiled egg. I love this place and it is one of the couple of 5 stars I give on yelp.
(5)Venkat Girish M.
Best Evening Snack or early dinner in Sunnyvale. Completely fresh,Value for Money place. Best Falafel ,pita and Hummus is very very fresh.
(5)Sheetal S.
Simply the best falafel in the area. Beats out Falafel Drive-In, and I'd tie it with Dish-Dash on the account that they are different types of falafels. Falafel Stop's falafel are extremely fresh and ground and fried on demand. They are seasoned simply with lemon and salt. The flavor comes from the toppings added to the sandwich, including an array of veggies and sauces. You can order the Falafel in two sizes (half and whole), and in two flavors (spicy or regular). By the way, when there is a line - they hand out hot falafels. Price is very reasonable. As a side note, this place is 100% vegetarian and food is made to order.
(5)Ellie B.
Delicious, normal falafel is way better than the eggplant one. Line is long but moves fast, the layout of the line+order line is messed up. Why did they design it so the line to pick up food crosses the front door to order food? bothers me. also the wind during the day is annoying to try and eat if you have long hair :/ first world problems! ALSO-- those yellow peppers are NOT the mild ones, they are fukkin hot OUCH
(4)Gerald W.
Saw a line, so I decided to line up! s3-media4.ak.yelpcdn.com… I ordered their falafel sandwich which was pretty delicious. I really liked their fresh pita. I'm no connoisseur of pita bread but it definitely was not as shitty and dry as every other place's pita bread. s3-media4.ak.yelpcdn.com… The falafels were nicely fried. They were not greasy and surprisingly crunchy. Their other ingredients were high quality and complimented the sandwich nicely. I would've liked more kick from their hot sauce and their wait time was a bit too long (I think they're still sorting out some kinks). Overall, I think this falafel joint stands out because the ingredients are really high quality. I devoured mine!
(4)Kunal N.
This place definitely gives the Falafel's Drive-in by Valley Fair a run for their money. The falafels are prepared differently but just as delicious as the ones served at the drive-in. Being that this place is closer to my house, this place has more or less for me replaced the drive-in as the go-to place for falafels now. The only difference is that this place is strictly vegetarian whereas the Falafel's Drive-in by Valley Fair has kouby and gyros, which are delicious. However, if I am solely craving falafels, I will come here. Everything is so fresh here from the falafels to the pita to the salads. The falafels are also incredibly filling. I always have a food coma after I am finished eating here. I also love how they don't have a super wide selection of food but rather a small menu featuring authentic and fresh dishes. Highly recommend!
(5)Gerard P.
Really good food. Eat outside on picnic tables because they have no indoor seating. They do have protective cover for eating area. Food is very good. Recommend their spicy. I like their hummus but here's a clue i didn't think of until i was eating: Don't get the pickles or pickled carrots if you're getting the hummus platter. The pickles and carrots are watery and mess up your hummus if on or near it. Meat isn't all that flavorful but good enough and very tender. Overall very good.
(4)Sai T.
They recently added the meat section. The place always has long lines and the food is just amazing. Best shawarma and falafel I ever had. The desert is very good too.
(5)Carlos R.
This place has become very dear to my heart from day one. Everything is just delicious. They put a lot of heart into the quality and taste of their food. This effort shines out in amazing flavors. Your heart will fall in love and your brain will become addicted. A must go to place. Then repeat often.
(5)Eitan S.
Best and most authentic falafel/ shawarma in the Bay Area. I've lived in Israel for a large portion of my life and was truly excited to find this gem a short drive from home!
(5)Patty C.
Perfect for summer! Their set-up is pretty cool, you pay, pick-up, then sit on nearby little picnic tables. Lines are long, as you move along with their assembly line, but it goes relatively fast, and you sometimes get samples while you wait. Everything is made fresh, especially the falafel balls and the pita bread. I've tried the sabich, falafel plate and their dessert, "cream Bavaria". I'd say get the sabich and perhaps the dessert. The dessert tastes a bit like tiramisu. It's mousse with a thin, thin layer of cake with walnuts and chocolate syrup on top.
(5)Ann C.
OMG OMG OMG YES!!! I wanted to review this place because if my Aunt hadn't brought us here (she'd never tried it before) I never would have had THE MOST DELICIOUS FALAFEL EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE. I have had falafels in the Bay Area, in Boston, and in Europe. These are my pick for best, hands down. I like this place's falafels better than falafel drive-in. I love when a falafel has pickles in it and this place MAKES THEIR OWN WONDERFUL DELICIOUS PICKLES. They also make their own magnificent pita bread, which is not to be ignored... but I was CRAZY for the pickles. We got a hummus plate (which I kind of wish I'd ordered instead of the falafel tbh, though the falafel was wonderful) and I was shoveling all the pickles onto my falafel. SO SO SO SO TASTY. I do not have enough capitol letters and adjectives to adequately describe this place. Maybe I'm exaggerating, maybe I was in a delirious state of hunger and would have thought my shoe was delicious, or maybe they are just simply great!
(5)Parth V.
Me and my Wife absolutely love this place. For a lot of reasons, - Very close to where we live. - Very tasty and vegetarian. - The pockets are fat fresh and fluffy :) - they have half as well as full as option. It is made in front of you and the food turn over is solid so always fresh falafel cooking in front of you as they serve it . - It is not expensive if not the cheapest. The owners are pretty friendly. - They can make it as per your taste and you can tell them what you want in terms of salad and spice. Absolutely recommended. Go Get it :-)
(5)A. W.
I am upping my review from 4 stars to the perfect 5, after having visited Falafel stop plenty of times after my first visit. Their in-house pita breads are really fresh, fluffy, with a little bit of chew. They are the perfect canvas for my favorite sandwich: SABICH! Good sabich is hard to come by in this part of the Bay Area. My first sabich at Falafel stop was a 4-star experience, most likely because eggplants weren't at their prime at that time. Subsequent sabich had been top-notch. Their falafels and masabacha plate were also very very good - always had to get extra pita breads to scoop up every single drop of hummus. And if you like hot, make sure to get their hot sauce. Some on top, and more on the side, please. I don't find their ordering system such a big hassle as some reviewers do. But remember to order indoor, get your tickets, and then stand in line to get to the window. The owner and the staff behind the cashier are all super friendly and generous. The owner always checked if we'd enjoyed our food.
(5)David K.
I've been back 4 times now... this by far is my favorite falafel place now! Long lines most of the time but they try to get you food as quick as possible. The people working the line to make your food are fast and super friendly. My last stop they actually gave me falafel balls for free with my greek salad! The hummus is awesome too and the fresh pita bread is amazing stuff!
(5)Pam M.
I love this place, even with the limited parking and inefficient ordering system. The falafels are crispy and delicious. I love to get the falafel plate with it's yummy salads, especially the chopped pickles. The food is just terrific here.
(5)Imad S.
I've tried the falafel and the sabich (eggplant and boiled egg) sandwiches here and they are both spectacular. The bread is soft and just the right amount of chewy. All of the cut vegetables look and taste fresh. The tahini doesn't taste watered down. The falafel aren't heavy or oily. This place definitely gets my vote for best falafel place in the area.
(5)Geeta S.
I think this is best falafel place I have ever had. The taste is just so awesome not a fancy restaurant though.. All the ingredients used are fresh and vegetarians have good number of options. They are prompt in service even if it is always crowded.
(5)Me M.
Food is ok but if you dont know how this place operates can be confusing and frustrating. You may order your dish and wait for hours with noone making it. Fyi if you order meat dish your order called automatically but if you order salad you nedd to go to different window, hand them your receipt and only then your order will be processed.
(2)Zdm E.
In terms of freshness, takes it to another level and leaves other highly-rated falafel joints in the garbage. Just can't beat the freshness of their ingredients including the hot out of oven pita bread, fresh out of fryer falafels (though a bit dry), and "organic" eggplants they use in their Sabich (hope I spelled it right :) ). My only complaint is they serve them in tiny paper things that are so hard to hold and eat without spilling all over. My 8 yr old loves this place, but struggles to eat without messing up her whole dress.
(4)Joe P.
I finally stopped in for lunch after passing by it many times. I had the in pita Falafel and my GF got the Falafel plate. While I waited to order, one of the nice ladies behind the counter let me sample a free Falafel ball which was a preview to the yummy good lunch I was about to enjoy. And they get mentioned mostly because I (me, not them!) messed up my order for the Falafel because I forget to tell them I did not want sauerkraut in my Falafel pita. I told them to not worry about it even though I clearly annoyed them but they made it up for me, sans sauerkraut, anyway. Awesome service! My GF and I sat at a table nearest to Sunnyvale-Saratoga road and enjoyed the beautiful early afternoon while eating our lunch. The Falafel itself was not heavy at all and the pita bread was certainly fresh as advertised. The cucumbers and other veggies were crunchy and as fresh as I'd like. I will not wait too long to come back again because now I know what I have been missing.
(5)Monica S.
Falafel Stop has the recipe down. There aren't too many items on the menu, but what they do offer is pretty darn good. My partner and I had the falafel plate for $6.75 and my other dining companion had the sabich (fried eggplant with salad in a pita). I was definitely full after my meal and had no complaints. As everyone else has noted, the homemade pitas are the best. The pickle salad that accompanies the falafels has the right amount of acid to complement the garbanzo mixture. I will definitely return.
(5)Juliana C.
Each pillow-y pita pocket of crispy, spicy, tangy, savory, creamy goodness is super delicious, flavorful, and filling. A must-try if you love falafels!
(5)Kai Y.
This place is really A-OK. I am not too impressed with the food quality, it's at most mediocre. And it's unorganized and odd that after you make your order at the register and pay, you have to submit your order to another window where your food will be made. So even you have already "ordered", it didn't mean your order has been put into queue until you - the customer - submit the order to another window! So the first time when we went there, we didn't know. By the time we realized it, we had been waiting for 10 minutes without the order being placed to the kitchen at all. This is just ridiculous. Also, the setting is ver minimal, but I suppose you get what you pay for. I wouldn't mind the bare-boned setup if the food quality had been better. We did accidentally run into the owner, he seemed to be attentive and nice. Other than that, I don't think I'd want to go back any time soon.
(2)Eli s.
I'm Israeli and therefore picky when it comes to falafel and hummus. I like to think of myself as somewhat of a hummus snob. Not as particular or needy when it comes to falafel. Falafel stop is a solid little place with lots of warm sitting (heating for cooler days). It is unpretentious and laid back. The order setup is counter-intuitive and awkward but makes striking up conversation with other customers very easy. Now for the food. Hummus: Perfect. Good balance of hummus and tehina. Creamy and tasty with warm pita. Just like it should be. I would challenge them to put even more emphasis on presentation and have hummus bowls like they do in Israel, topped with beans, sauteed mushrooms, meat etc... that would take this place to the next level. Falafel: Fresh. Slightly pale and bland. Don't get me wrong, they are tasty, though I prefer more spice/flavor in my falafel. Salad: Deliciously fresh and nicely presented. 4 stars. Had the store been called hummus stop, I would have gladly given 5 stars, but the falafel is not the star here. Maybe I'm also a falafel snob.
(4)Jessica P.
Parking is such a nightmare here. The ordering system is very confusing and disorganized. 2 separate lines after you pay for the food. Not a very user friendly business model. We ordered Falafel plate and they gave us Hummus plate with 2 falafels. It was too late to go back in line and change the order. Chicken breast took too long to cook and wait time for non veg was nearly 20 minutes. Time is valuable and all this does not make it a very positive experience. If u like lots of Hummus, this place is for you but after a while all dishes seem to have the same taste. The fresh pita bread is good no doubt.
(2)G R.
Great fresh food. The ordering process is a but odd but worth it! Best falafel around!
(4)Lena J.
The most delicious hummus I've ever tried. There Falafels are super crispy it's hard to believe there's no meat in them. I absolutely love this place!!
(5)Jesse L.
Best falafel and Shuwarma I've had in the Bay Area. The bread is great, the hummus is better than Oren's, and their new grill is pretty great. It may take a while to get your order, but only because they take the time to make sure your pita is properly layered with all the good stuff. The staff is always friendly as well!
(5)Tin S.
Taste is good. The place has very very limited options. out of those limited options some of the dishes are very similar. VEG food only.giving 4 stars for the taste. may be not a great place if you want a variety.
(4)Matt B.
The only place outside Oren's Hummus where I can find Malt Star sweet non-alcoholic beer, and one heck of a lot easier on the wallet! And every dish I've had has been fantastic, especially for $5! Well deserved 4.6 star rating--check it out!
(5)Honest R.
Really great food and very good hospitality! The falafel is awesome. I like it more than what you get at Falafel's Drive In. The chicken shawarma is very tender and delicious. The pitas are very soft. They are generous in adding some extra hummus on your food if you ask. There are long lines to order but the owner eases the pain by sending around plates of falafel as finger food while you wait. The prices are reasonable but there is no free water, you have to buy a bottle. Parking can be a bit painful sometimes but it is only because people love this place so much! Give this place a try.
(5)Mark B.
A little overrated to be honest. I feel like I've had lots of better falafel elsewhere. The sandwiches and salads are good, but nothing special. The place is really busy for lunch and dinner, but I just don't get it. Also, the ordering system doesn't make much sense.
(3)Dilip D.
Really authentic and friendly Israeli place with great vegetarian and recently added non-veg options. There pita break is so fluffy and unique that you wont find at any other place. It is not very expensive and deserves a weekend visit with your family.
(5)Ronnie M.
The BEST falafel I've had in the Bay Area. Everything is so fresh! I recommend the masabacha with some falafel balls on the side. I like this place so much that I try to come for lunch at least once a week.
(5)Jeff M.
Driving by, looking for something quick to eat with my 14-year-old son, probably looking for drive-through fast food, when we spot this place. He's had falafel before, so this is not alien territory, and I am delighted that he agrees to try it instead of demanding Jack in the Box. Right away, my son is impressed with the iPad cashier station, so 1 point for technology right off the bat. They ask if we want our falafel spicy, and we both say yes, and a minute later we are digging in. As soon as we have finished the first bite, I ask him, "as good as the other place?" He answers immediately, "no, better!" And it is better, but I am too busy eating to even analyze why. But I start to think about it as I get through this great falafel. For one, the falafel balls aren't over-fried, just nice and golden brown, not hard and dark brown. For another, the mix of veggies and falafel balls is just right, not all the salad at the bottom of the pita and a few falafel balls sitting on top. The most important thing is the amazing pita bread. The light, thick, tasty pita is the thing that literally holds it all together, but the fresh bread really is noticeable and delicious. I'll stop by any time. Ask for it spicy, and then ask for extra hot sauce on the side, 'cause it is that good.
(5)Sal F.
Really great food, for insanely cheap prices. The only downside to this place is that it's usually busy, but that's just because the secret is out.
(5)Becca L.
Better than Falafel Drive-In. Their housemade pita bread is he best I've had (granted I've never had homemade pita before) and their falafels are moist (smaller than Falafel Drive-In, but must etter tasting). If you have room, try the hummus plate as well, it's yummy. 1/2 falafel pita for $3. Great deal and that in itself will fill you up. All their plates are around $7.
(4)Ray R.
right off the bat you will know its good. The lines are the worst part. They added more seating. The food and prices cant beat it. The bad thing about this place is the parking.
(5)Crystal P.
I met up with some girlfriends here because someone recommended Falafel STOP to us, and we enjoyed it very much so! The dining area is right on a busy road, so it was a bit loud, but the food was great. I would definitely be back to taste the falafels again. Friendly staff too!
(4)Mike K.
So i'm new to the silicon valley area and this place happened to be my first meal. I ordered the Sabich, spicy, and its quite amazing. The pita was moist and fluffy, not dry at all, no cracking and ingredients falling out everywhere, I loved it! I almost went the very next day for it again but I have so many places to try in the valley that I didn't. But, I know for sure, I will be coming back here.
(4)Allison K.
Falafel STOP is amazing! Their food is fresh, inexpensive, and delicious. I've been recently diagnosed gluten intolerant and asked about their falafel balls - they are gluten free (no flour)! I've ordered the falafel plate, and if you let them know you're gluten intolerant, they'll give you extra falafel balls instead of the pita bread. (However, the pita is delicious if you can eat it -- so soft and fluffy. :) Definitely one of my top places to eat in the South Bay! My only complaint is that they close early.
(5)Preet B.
Best Falafel in the Bay Area hands down. Falafel Drive in is crap compared to this. Your pita doesn't disintegrate with every bite you take. Who else makes their own pita bread? Owner was nice enough to come by and chat with me and others. He did mention that he is in process of making a kabob house right next door. Can't wait for non-veg options.
(5)Jason C.
Just ate lunch here. My wife got the sabich sandwich and I had the masabacha plate. The falafel was freshly made and crispy. The pita bread was super soft and fluffy. Great foo and the owner is ultra friendly. Would defn return.
(5)Kaari J.
This place is AMAZING! Light and airy falafel, not heavy and greasy at all. Naturally gluten free, which is a plus for me. The falafel plate is amazing. I've also had the hummus plate which was also absolutely delicious. Very affordable, laid back seating area. Great for an affordable and delicious night out in SV. They take Amex, which is nice.
(5)Trevor N.
Not as good as the Falafel Drive-thru but it's okay for totally healthy but over-priced place. I guess it's good for Sunnyvale because...place to go for eating light and healthy and if you are a vegan hipster.
(3)Simmi K.
The 5-star rating says it all.
(5)Kris K.
The marinated chicken breast in a falafel is awesome! I was a bit frustrated with the ordering and pick up process. You have to go to two separate areas to pick up meat and salads and the salad line somehow takes longer than the meat line and has no order whatsoever. I also caught one of the cooks on the meat side eating on the line. When I saw that the fries that are advertised as coming with the meal are four or five stale fries stuffed on the top of the falafel I was ready to rip this place a new one. I talked to the owner about the eating on the line, serious health code violation, he was attentive, offered to refund my meal and when I told him I hadn't eaten all day and would pay for it and eat it anyway he gave me a free dessert. I was still suspicious but after one bite of the chicken falafel I forgave all. Tastes amazing! If they use a number ordering system on the veggie side like they do the meat side and started giving actual sides of fries I would upgrade to five stars. Either way I'll definitely be back.
(4)C S.
I CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF THIS PLACE!!! I love it. I wish they were open a little later though.
(5)Aimee T.
THE best falafels I've ever had. My 2yr old daughter asks for their pita all the time. We come here weekly :)
(5)Janine L.
If a place is always packed at lunchtime, you have to find out why! I've never had good experiences with falafel but this little place erased all my bad memories. Crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside--just perfect. The pita bread is so fresh, warm, chewy and outstanding that I always try to order two. Portions are large and you'll definitely leave full. We have tried the falafel plate, hummus plate, and chicken shawarma plate so far. None of it is disappointing, so will definitely be back to try other items on the menu. As others have mentioned, the set up for ordering and pick up is a bit confusing if you're a newbie. Hint: Order inside. If you ordered meat, bring your ticket to the left. If you ordered falafel or hummus, head to the right. Casual, picnic style seating. As a caveat, parking lot is small and sucks. The place sits on busy Saratoga-Sunnyvale road, so getting in and out is a bit hazardous. Better to park across the street or just walk if you're close by.
(5)Roxana L.
I absolutely LOVE the falafel stop! I always pass by this when driving to 24hour fitness with my bf. One day I suggested giving this place a try and thankfully I did because I discovered the best falafel place ever! I get the falafel sandwich: delicious pita bread stuffed with lots of veggies/sauce/falafel. It sounds simple but has so much flavor. Just typing this makes me want one now! The staff is really nice too. Sometimes they'll pass out samples for the wait. Score! It's $5.55 for the whole sandwich. If you want a snack, get half the sandwich for $3.00 The parking lot is really small but people are in and out so it's not too bad. The place is very causal and the outdoor seating area is underneath a large tent like thing.
(5)Julia P.
So I finally tried the other Falafel establishment that everyone rants and raves about. The verdict is - I prefer Falafel Stop. Why? The ingredients are fresher You can customize your falafel while its being made Less messy Fresh, out of the oil falafels! The second time around I ordered a half order, which is the perfect amount for a not-so large appetite.
(5)Danny K.
Perfect for lunch or an early dinner and awesome prices. I've tried their Falafel and their hummus plate. Falafel: Organic garbanzo beans and spicy crispy balls (not too spicy), mixed vegetables, homemade pickles and sauerkraut & tahini sauce. You can ask for extra spicy if you'd like. Overall size/quantity is pretty good - 1 for me is plenty for lunch. Hummus Plate: Freshly cooked organic garbanzo beans mixed with sesame seeds paste topped with extra virgin olive oil, herb lemon and garlic sauce, served with homemade pickles and sauerkraut. The place can get pretty busy on the weekends so parking can be limited (pretty popular local soft serve yogurt joint is next door so parking can be even busier during the summer). Overall, great service, fast service, and good food using organic products. FYI - Only outdoor seating is available.
(4)Doron S.
The added meat section is so great. Both shawarma and kebab were amazing. Can't wait to try the rest
(5)Mr B.
Best falafel ever...
(5)Anton R.
The food is glorious, but the ordering and picking up your food process is so damn counter intuitive. Everyone's asking each other where to order and pick up their food. So there's an inconvenient learning curve. Friendly people too
(4)Alex C.
Yummy, healthy food. Prices unbelievable!!! If I have less than $5 I can still get something and a drink!!! Great food, great people to sit with and mingle. Parking a pain, but worth it.
(5)Elli C.
I usually associate pita bread w dryness and hard texture but their pita bread is amazing - freshly made, super moist and a gluten-ous goodness! They are known for their falafel sandwich and the sabich (grilled eggplant nugget sandwich) but I wanted something light and glad they have the Israeli salad on the menu (cucumber salad w side of pita bread) - huge portion, pretty good but a but onion-y. I would request for less onions next time. They give you free sample of falafel balls!!
(3)Srinath S.
I tried Greek Salad here. This salad comes with a Pita bread and a falafel. It was good but the quantity seemed heavy. The spicy sauce that I got as a side wasn't all that great and it wasn't spicy either. Fresh pita bread and falafel is what I enjoyed here. Service is quick. The staff looked very energetic. There aren't a lot of seats when compared to the crowd that this restaurant attracts. Same goes with Parking. If you are here during peak hours you may have to factor in 5-10 min to get a parking spot. May not be all that great if you are looking for fine dining. Treat this more like a fast food restaurant - order first, stand in line to collect your order. Try it out!
(4)Laura S.
Long line but worth the wait! The food was amazing!!
(5)Elayne K.
Yesterdsy I had Falafel Stop cater a vegetarian luncheon for 75 people at my synagogue. Then, 100 people showed up! Not only was the food spectacular but the original order for 75 fed all 100 people comfortably. There were even left-overs. I received multiple favorable comments on the yummy lunch. People loved the fresh, homemade pita bread. The falafel balls were crunchy, without being greasy and the condiments and sauces to put into the pita were authentic. Middle Eastern salads were healthy and pretty on the buffet table. This crowd was hungry, but they are a fussy bunch. Most had been to Israel, so they knew what falafel and pita should taste like and most people said they felt like they were eating the real deal. As co-chair of the event, I enjoyed seeing the guest's enjoyment. We stayed within our budget and the food arrived ready to be served on the buffet table. Good job, Falafel Stop!
(5)Madelaine M.
Incredible, flavorful falafel sandwiches! For $6 you get a huge pita pocket loaded with falafel, Israeli salad, onions, sauerkraut, pickles, and tomatoes, plus two killer sauces. Ask for everything -- the combination of these flavors is what makes the sandwich so good. (Add eggplant for an upgrade.) I typically like my falafel with more parsley in the mix, but the falafel here are plenty flavorful without the added greens. Can't wait to come back -- I just found my new favorite falafel joint.
(5)Michael O.
Excellent all around. Generous portions, good price, fast service. I've come here a few times and left happy.
(5)A K.
Guy that runs Falafel Stop? Genuine, all round nice guy. I stumbled on this little shop while on a bike ride from San Francisco. I got half a falafel and a hummus plate - I was ravenous. The food is awesome. I don't know how falafels are in Israel, but this place is way better than most falafel joints in Los Angeles where I live. And the gregarious owner will treat you to stories and if you are friendly, will engage you in a hearty banter. All in all - a must try!
(5)Albert P.
The food was okay, ordered the Falafel plate (bread optional), but got the Falafel (inside bread). Sauce was put only on top, so at the bottom of the bread it was rather dry. It was okay, nothing more than that. But my main reason for this review is of the dubious service. Came in around 11am on a Sunday, there were two ladies in the counter. One gave me a sample while I was looking at the menu on the wall, that was a plus, but went sour when I ordered and one of the women was busy talking with her coworker, while I was busy ordering and giving payment. I felt that I am ordering, please pay attention to me until I am done. I can understand if it was reallllllllly busy that day, and it was not (only two women in front of me, no one behind me). As a result she did not take my order correctly, but I did not yell about it. The only tip I can give is: Do not come here on a Sunday morning-noon.
(3)Rez L.
It was very disappointing. I have had way better falafel sandwiches. If you notice in all the reviews its all about the portions and the stuff in the pita and not the actual falafel. My point of reference is a falafel with herbs and more rich recipe. This one was way off.
(2)Kevin O.
Best falafel sandwhiches around. Pretty well balanced. Lots of pickles, but I like them that way. All and all, my favorite place for a quick falafel. Four stars because the menu is not that big, and all dishes seem to be made with the same 5-6 ingredients, but what they've got, they've got right, and I like it.
(4)Sonal P.
Feels SO good to give a place 5 stars at last!!! Despite the biting chill, we sat outdoors (very falafel drive-in, SJ-esque) under heat lamps, breaking the fluffiest pita bread I have EVER eaten. As others have mentioned, this WILL be the reason this place has a million fans! Ordered the hummus and with warm garbanzo for myself and hubby had the falafel plate. He loved his, but did complain about the gerkin or pickle. Who knows!? I was too busy digging deep into my creamy hummus, trying not too eat too quickly so I could savor the taste as long as possible. I am seriously in LOVE with this dish and unlikely to try anything else!! Although I did try one of the falafels from hubby's plate and was amazed how lightly fried and deliciously crispy they were. Still, loved mine best! It was our first time and we are SO going back.
(5)Ronen B.
One of the main problem with falafel places in the US isn't the falafel, it's the container. Pitas in the bay area (and elsewhere) are simply atrocious - paper thin and stale, can't hold the correct level of condiments and sauces. A good bun, sauce and condiments are a big part of what makes a good burger. If you've ever eaten falafel, shawarma, or just plain hummus done right, it'll be in a fluffy, chewy, resilient pita. No matter how good the actual falafel ball is, if the container is awful the whole thing is a bust. You'd never claim a sandwich is great if the bread is thin and stale, would you? Falafel Stop bake their own pitas. If all you've eaten is crappy Falafel Drive-In (San Jose), do yourself a favor and try one here, just for this reason. Honestly, that place only has 4 stars because their usual customers either have never been to Israel, Palestine or Lebanon (or have had to compromise on quality for decades). I prefer the sabich order to falafel, because how can you go wrong with fried eggplant and hard-boiled eggs with the standard salad, tahini, hot sauce add-ons? For $6 after-tax this is a great bit of fast food. If this place was in Israel I'd give it 4 stars, but for the south bay it's definitely a 5.
(5)Zubin I.
The rating is spot on. You can't get better value - an interesting, but yummy spot!
(5)Nitin K.
Falafel STOP might take over as the South Bay's staple falafel joint. I used to venture to Falafel Drive-In in Santa Clara to get my fix. Not any more. The layout is a little confusing at first(order first then move over to the window where they'll ask what you want on your falafel plate and/or sandwich). I came here on a cold December morning and the place was packed. These falafels are definitely worth the wait. I ordered the full size falafel sandwich with all the fixings and asked for the spice level to be "hot." All of the ingredients tasted FRESH. Every bite was like diving into a Lebanese farmer's market. If you're in the area, and even if you're not this little eatery cannot be missed. The only thing missing is a banana shake(bad habits die hard).
(4)Don A.
I enjoy the food at Falafel STOP. Friendly staff and delicious food. My favorite is the Falafel Plate. It's a good value ($6.75) with a huge portion of chopped salad and falafel balls.
(3)A G.
Excellent falafel and chicken pita sandwiches
(5)Amy D.
I'm sitting at my desk in food coma while typing this review, and am still in shock that I only paid $6 for such a huge lunch! I've had Falafel STOP on my lunch list for work ever since they opened, but was finally able to make it out there today. Thanks, fellow Yelpers, for the helpful ordering instructions so I didn't look like a complete n00b. It definitely was a bit tricky for a first timer. First, you turn into the parking lot right before the Falafel STOP restaurant (it's a bit squishy in there but a decent number of spots). Then you walk past the hanging plastic strips and go inside the building to order (the menu is posted on the wall). Once you pay and get your receipt, you walk outside to the first window where it says "Pick Up Here" and wait for one of the staffers to grab your receipt, and ask if you want your food for there or to-go, and how spicy. You can then watch them make your food, and then grab it to go or sit at one of the picnic tables under the tent area, or go around the corner to one of the tables outside. I ordered the Sabich (Organic Eggplant Nuggets, Hard-Boiled Egg, Hummus, Mixed Vegetables, Homemade Pickles, Sauerkraut, Tahini Sauce, $5.55 [with tax it's $6 on the dot]) and it was delicious, not to mention super filling. The Sabich looks deceptively small, but they pack a ton of ingredients in that round pita! Sadly, my pita didn't make it back to the office without springing a small leak, but the majority of the sabich held up quite nicely. I asked for spicy but it wasn't that spicy for me (I like it hot!), so will definitely have to ask for it extra spicy next time. I saw them making hummus plates which also looked amazing, and I still need to try their falafels! I came around 12:45 on a Wednesday and the line was very short, but it was an overcast day. In any case, I will definitely be back in the future!
(4)Dave B.
Excellent, fresh hummus, pita, and falafel. The ordering system is a little confusing, but the staff is friendly and it's a fun place to grab a bite.
(5)Raul M.
Love this place. The falafel is great. The falafel garbanzo balls are lightly fried and flavorful. They taste fresh and exciting. So much better than other places. The pita bread also seems fresh and with the right moistness. The tahini sauce is excellent. It's great to have a lunch that's flavorful, healthy, inexpensive and fast. I also tried their other main dish, the sabich, which is made of cooked eggplant, boiled egg, hummus, tahini and a few other goodies. It's also really good. This isn't a fancy place. It's more like a road stand. You order inside and the seating is outdoors on picnic tables with a big shade cover. Eating can be a little messy as the pita is stuffed with great food, but it's worth it. Everyone is very friendly and it's become part of our weekly lunch rotation.
(5)Richa A.
Awesome food at great price. Love the falafel plate. The falafel is good but the pita is really great
(5)Gaurang G.
Amazing place. Better than dishdash I'd say. I'd tell you what to order, but there's like 4 things on the menu anyway. Great for indecisive people.
(5)Derek J.
Popular for a reason. Their stuff is delicious, prices are good, and the owner is very friendly! Only problem is getting into the small parking lot with an even smaller entrance.
(5)Dana T.
They make a great, authentic, delicious falafel! And believe me when I say, I know my falafels. Their salads and homemade pickles are very good. I also love their hot sauce and hummus. But the real star of the show, the pièce de résistance so to speak, is the pita. It is so delicious, so doughy, so warm and heavenly. I could eat just the pita alone. From what I understand, they bake it in house. They also make a fantastic Bavaria dessert - a childhood favorite of mine. I would easily give this place 5 stars if they also served an accompaniment - such as french fries, for example. My meals somehow seems incomplete with just the falafel. I also reallllllyyyy dislike having to stand outside freezing my tush off while I order and then eat my falafel. Sometimes I don't go for that reason alone :(
(4)Rex K.
Exceeded my expectations. Food was excellent. Service was friendly and helpful, both at the ordering counter and at the service counter. I had the schnitzel over hummus. The schnitzel was crisp and tasty. The hummus perfect. Served with pickles, tahini sauce and other spices, it was a taste delight. The Owner (?) and chef came by to see if we needed anything and make sure we were enjoying the food. My friend had the shawarma and said it was excellent also.
(5)Kaushik G.
I've spent a lot of time in the middle east and been scouring falafels in the bay area. So far I must say this is one of the best I've found. The place looks like a logistics disaster (best of luck trying to figure out where to order and pick up) but its totally worth it. The pita and falafel are amazing. The owner is also super cheerful. I'm definitely frequenting this place even if it means traveling all the way down to Sunnyvale
(5)Sandra M.
Great pit stop for fast falafel fix!! The falafels are amazing and the place had a steady flow of customers (a great sign of good food).. No meats .. All vegetarian.
(4)Rob C.
excellent fresh fluffy pita pillow. so it looks like it's a vegetarian mainly from the pictures but they do have shawerma (next door but under same roof). flavor profile excellent with tasty meat, tahini, hummus, spicy sauce and even some fries in a pita pocket. the falafel plate must be eaten right away or the tinier falafel balls do get dry, due to concentration of pure chickpea without green herbs mixed in, and are not like the dark outer fry as some places, but the hummus and falafel plates come with pickled veggies, guess it'd be consider israeli style with all those extras and pickled items and spicy sauce, smooth and tasty overall.
(5)Rebecca T.
Summary: No frills falafel place that serves warm, delicious, garlicky, cheap but quality falafels. This place is definitely better than Falafel Drive-in (though they don't have the famous banana shakes). Everything tastes super fresh-- balls are crunchy yet soft on the inside, bread is warm and fluffy, veggies are crisp, garlic sauce is OMG....so garlicky. I got my falafel to go and didn't even make it into my apt it smelled so good. Straight up inhaled the thing in garage. The Good: Proportions...not only are we talking big proportions, but everything is proportional! Unlike the Drive-In, your balls aren't sitting on top of a mound of lettuce. They layer everything twice (in the half order)! You get hit with veggies, balls, sauce and spice with every bite till the very end. BONUS points for using SQUARE :). The Bad: Nothing. BALLS!!!
(4)Jas W.
5 stars for vegetarian side Excellent, fresh, well thought out. 3 stars for the meat side Friendly service, but too little meat. Wasn't as flavorful as other places and was a bit dry. I do like yogurt sauce on my shwarma. No biggie though, I wish the meat was better and more abundant. Overall, the owner is top notch and workers are super friendly. Just wish they would improve the meat section.
(4)D P.
YES! This place is super duper awesome. * Fresh, doughy & delicious pita bread * Crunchy & light Falafel * Chopped PICKLES! :) and other fresh veggies (cucumbers, tomatoes and parsley) * Spicy (that's actually spicy) sauce * $5.55 for a full & happy belly The owner was really friendly and offered us a taste of the falafel while we were waiting. I liked the vibe there too. We will definitely be back!
(5)PETER H.
Definitely one of the freshest vegetarian places I've been to!
(4)John C.
I've been eating Bay Area Falafel since 1985, and this is among the best there's ever been. To die for. Even my young kids (3 and 5) love falafel now. Bread and falafel are so amazingly fresh; I'm spoiled for all other falafel. It's not about ambiance. Parking sucks. It's worth it and still five stars.
(5)Mary M.
Fabulous in every way. LOVE this place. Came to visit Sunnyvale around Christmas and discovered Falafel STOP, located down the street from our hotel. This place is great; fresh falafel cooked just minutes before you order, the staff fixing your sandwich right in front of you as you tell them what you do, or don't want on it. They bake their own pita bread fresh, and boy is it good. Nice outside area to sit down and enjoy your sandwich. This was such a treat for us and we will come back the next time (February!!) we are in the area. Thank you so much!
(5)Scott C.
Only been once so far, but the food was great! Very tasty freshly-baked pita bread, delicious seasonings in the shawarma, and some very nice pickled veggies as well. I ordered the shawarma (chicken) on the hummus plate, and I enjoyed every bite. Just know that this place is incredibly busy around lunch time. It's hard to find parking, and once you're inside, it's not laid out very well, so it's hard to know where to start. (There is a line to order and another to pick up, and the lines overlap, so people tend to get all mixed together.)
(4)Nandini V.
Really good falafel pita sandwiches. Fast service, lots of outdoor seating. Great vegetarian options
(4)Ajay G.
Yummy Pita bread and falafel. Shawarma wasn't that spicy as I expected. Overall a very good place to get some quality food. The only minus point being the slightly confusing queue system. One for ordering and another two for pickup.
(4)Kid F.
This is a great place to go to if you have a falafel craving but don't want to stay long (they do have shared picnic benches outside which are first come first served, but no seating inside). I've been here several times now and no matter what time of day it is, there is always a huge line on the veggie side. Once there was a line on the meat side. For an omnivore like me, it's frustrating to have to stand in three lines during one visit - once to order, once for the meat, and once for the veggie - wish they would expedite this, but I keep coming back anyway. The ingredients are fresh and your order is made within plain site of you. Love the falafel and the sabich (eggplant) pitas. They're packed full of flavor and ingredients - onion, egg, cucumber, herbs, tahini, etc. - all to your liking. Sometimes, but not often, the workers get overzealous drizzling the tahini and it gets on the outside of the pita, which is messy. It can also get messy eating so be sure to have lots of napkins or some wipes. Also water - for some reason I can drink about a gallon of water immediately after consuming one of their meals. They have an ipad for running credit cards so they can email you your receipt, which is nice, but you have to be quick about it before they cancel out your screen for the next guest. All in all this places has some good eats that are inexpensive, but minus a star for the crazy lines. Recommend you try it at least once if you like this type of food.
(4)Kim N.
Like Oren's Humus in Palo Alto, this is a specifically Israeli joint. Like Falafel Drive Inn in San Jose, it's basically a shack where you take orders at a counter, get your food at a window and sit on various tables outside under an awning. Got the falafel plate with a pickle/tomatoes/other veggies salad, tahini, and pita bread. I like the Israeli pita when fresh, it's thick and fluffy. The falafels were good but they do pure chickpea ones with no herbs like your normal run of the mill falafel, but they are fresh and light. Good place for a quick cheap bite to eat.
(4)Joe B.
Excellent food prepared with joy. The fresh made pita alone would be worth a stop. But what they put in the pita is even better. The only downside is that they are so popular, you may have to wait fifteen minutes for your meal. But, it is worth every minute.
(5)Giselle C.
the place is totally nice & casual & their food is high quality! it's sooooo fresh and tasty + their prices are very reasonable! to top it off they even have Israeli non-acoholic beer :D ... easy parking on the back... highly recommended!!!!
(5)Kwai L.
This is a welcomed addition to the local food scene. The people there are extremely friendly and helpful. Food is fresh and made to order right in front of you. Long lines during lunch time but that's a good thing, right? They also have the coolest credit card register, an Apple iPad! ;-)
(5)Jamie T.
The quick n dirtay: Falafel plate -- freshly fried falafel, crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. nicely done. It was served on top of a chopped salad, hummus and drizzled with a couple sauces. Hummus plate -- basically a big plate of hummus and a chopped salad/cucumber salad. Served with a piece of pita bread. The restaurant -- You order first and wait for your order...had a fast food feel to it. There are picnic benches under an over hang so u can eat there if you want. There are heaters outside to keep warm during the winter. Small inside eating area. I don't know if I ordered the wrong things, but I wasn't too impressed with my orders. While the falafel was tasty, I felt like the two plates were very similar. The hummus plate was just like the falafel plate but sans falafel. Everything was crammed onto one plate and blended into one big mush by the end of the meal. I'd probably just go back for the falafel.
(3)Alden W.
I've only eaten the meat/grill section. Definitely one of the best tasting chicken shuwarma I've ever had. The pita they put it in is always super fresh as well. Lines can get long sometimes and the wait can feel longer than it should if they made the preparation process more "assembly-line" like, but it's a small price to pay for such great tasting food at a good price point.
(5)Alecia R.
After reading all the raving reviews my expectations were set pretty high and I could not wait to try the falafels. I came in shortly after opening.. around 11;30 and it was not very busy. I placed an order over the phone for pick up which was ready for me when I arrived. The owner was there to ring me up and hand me my food. He was very nice and polite. The rest of the staff was minding their business and getting everything ready for the rest of the day. I ordered the falafel plate which came with a cucumber salad and falafel balls. The salad was not exactly what i was expecting. there was a lot of pickles in there and i was expecting fresh cucumbers , perhaps i miss read the description. In my opinion the pickles completely ruined the salad making it taste like something that's been sitting in the fridge for months. The falafels balls were anything but what i was expecting. They were yellow, I am used more to the brownish color with the inside being green. The inside of these falafel balls was yellow as well. They were ok, but somewhat bland.. the sauces that i got with my food were not much better. Overall this did not fulfil my falafel craving :(
(3)Robert H.
Gulp. I guess I have to swallow my pride and restraint and award 5 stars. I really am reluctant to do so, but after 6 visits to Falafel Stop, I have to do the right thing. This. small roadside "stop" deserves that rating. The menu is simple with the showcase offering of a wonderful Israeli style falafel. Delicately crisp and light falafel balls layered with a wonderful compendium of chopped veggies, pickles, and herbs. The kicker is the soft and tasty pita, baked fresh daily. The tahini and hot sauces are the perfect condiments for this sandwich. I have also tried their Greek and Israeli salads, and both are well recommended. And the prices are very reasonable. $5.50 gets you a full falafel that should be enough for most people's lunch time appetite. There are a few other menu items I would like to try, but I find myself unable to order anything other than a falafel with each visit. Perhaps after another dozen or so orders I can branch out and try something else. The downside is "the line" that winds out the door every lunchtime. The ordering counter and serving windows are awkward as hell, but having said that, they do have an ordering and fulfillment "system" that works better that I would have imagined. And regardless, it is worth the wait. TIP: if possible, visit Falafel Stop around 1:15 or so. The kids from Fremont High School across the street are back in class, and the other noontime lunch crowd has dwindled .... At least a bit. But do visit. You will be glad you did.
(5)Shlomi K.
Great Falafe!!! All ingredients are perfect; Amazing pita, great Salad, top Tehini and spices good Falafel balls and it's wrapped up perfectly! So if you look for tasty, healthy, affordable meal this is the Place.
(5)Anu T.
We all got the falafel wraps with feta cheese and hummus. We each agreed that it was the best falafel that we'd had in a long time, possibly ever. It's Israeli falafel, so slightly different from what we're used to, but in a good way!
(5)Melanie C.
I am hooked! Falafel, no sourkrout, add spice. Nothing better.
(5)Crystal O.
OMG, get here as fast as you can! The falafel is yummy, the pita is stuffed perfectly. In stages with pickles, sauces, spices, and salads! The pita is made fresh and the hummus is divine! Nom, nom, nom. You can't miss the yellow building at De Anza and Fremont. I will be a regular here for sure. I think it's way better than falafels drive in.
(5)Oded K.
Finally we found the best falafel in the bay area. I have tried ten places serving falafel but this one is far more tasty and fresh. The falafel balls are great. The Pita bread is made like it should be made. White flour! Fresh and soft. The Tahini sauce is imported from Israel. Don't forget to add the green sauce. It adds a special taste to the mix of falafel and vegetables in the pita.
(5)Ellin C.
WOW. Really loved this place. The owner is so nice and he threw in two extra small falafel balls on the hummus plate we got. The hummus was fresh along with garbanzo beans interpersed with a bunch of other sauces. The spicy sauce is a nice addition that they have. I expecially LOVED the falafel sandwich. They pile it completely full with falafels. They have a nice crunch without being too oily. The ingredients are fresh and the sauces are good. Would safely say it is the best falafel place in the Bay Area I've tasted=).
(5)Michael B.
The food is tasty and the price is really fair. The setup of the place need to be changed. you pay inside, go back outside and order through a low window. You cant really see who serves you and whats going on inside. But again, the food is good and I will be back to get some more of this great falafel.
(5)Rob M.
AWESOME Falafel. A MUST! I have gone there a few times now, and their falafel is amazing: warm, supple, and so flavorful. Great crew that works there. While I cannot compare it myself, my cowrokers rave that it tops Falafel Drive in, hands down, which from what I have heard, is no easy feat.
(5)Yelp R.
I like it when they come and give falafel while you are waiting in the line. They are so friendly, that I didn't feel like telling them that something in our food felt like grit between teeth. some part of salad was not washed properly most likely. They seem to be doing good business, they have doubled in size, the owner has built a huge house right behind the shop. Remember reading in The Sun, the Sunnyvale paper, about the old owner's story about the shop that his stuff was taken and he was fighting a legal battle from these guys. They claim to use organic chick peas, organic eggplant, not too sure about that. The greens etc. not sure if they are organic, but they sure were gritty.
(3)Evelina R.
LOVE THIS PLACE! I'm not kidding when I say that I want to eat here every day for breakfast, lunch, dinner and for snacks in between!!! Today was my first time here and I absolutely loved it !! 100000000 stars from me!! :) I'm DEFINITELY coming back!!
(5)Dave S.
Finally got around to trying the Falafel STOP, and I thought overall it was pretty good. Food- All tasted fresh, with lots of flavor (got the hot sauce). Different from other falafels, but that's not a bad thing. Unfortunately, I wasn't all that hungry, so I ate it in two sittings after I got home. Only two other people waiting for food, and we got two samples, one with parsley, and one with sauce. Yummers! So why 4 stars if I thought the food was really good? Why did they have to make the ordering process so difficult? It's a textbook case on how not to set up a business. The windows are a fail too- the dividers are all right at the exact height that I couldn't make eye contact with the staff without bending over. Again, it's like they are trying to be difficult.
(4)Ifat S.
Delicious! Great falafel balls, fresh ingredients, very tasty salads and all in a perfect pita; Even my daughter who wasn't hungry couldn't stop eating my falafel balls. Must plan our next stop!!!
(5)Shira S.
I love'd it!! I've had the falafel sandwich inside the best pita bread I've had here, Everything was super fresh the falafel balls were in the perfect bite size, very light and not greasy, choices of great sauces and salads!! I have to go back for the " Sabich" - heard it is to die for!!! Good luck!
(5)Pushkar M.
Great food!!! I heard about this place from some friends and my wife felt like having falafel, so we tried this place out. We got the falafel sandwich. It was amazing. Their desert was also good.
(5)Andrew K.
I don't really like Falafels/Mediterranean, but this place is awesome. Affordable, efficient, and highly tasty. I got the falafel plate and gf got the eggplant nugget (sabich) pita, and I think next time I will combine the best of our ideas and get the falafel pita. This place was quite busy on during Saturday lunch, but they have a very efficient system going on in terms of taking orders and receiving food. Staff is very friendly as well.
(5)Robert S.
I spend about two weeks each year in Israel. Falafel Stop in Sunnyvale is every bit as good as the best Falafel in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv! Everything--including the pitas--are made on site. All ingredients are fresh and top quality. They also carry some Israeli soft drinks. It's right around the corner from my office, so we go about once a week. There's no better falafel in the bay area. They also have salads and "Sabich"
(5)Tim C.
Hands down the best falafel sandwich in this part of town. Their bread is fresh and has this great semi-chewy texture that is simply awesome. I usually ask them to make it spicy and add humus. I keep telling myself that I'm going to order the eggplant but always fall back on the usual. I'll make sure to try it out next time. The falafel plate is good too. I feel that you get more veggies if you go this route. It's basically an open face sandwich with the bread on the side.
(5)Zebra A.
Not the best place for falafel. They are super dry and tastes very stale. This has been my second time there and both times have been a disappointment.
(1)Kaushal K.
The line was long but worth the wait! The créme bavaria is a must try, but can be easily be eaten by one person quickly! Be prepared to wait in line though.
(5)Alan M.
Was ok... the falafels seemed to be missing some herbs and spices that you usually see in them (which may be why they were more of a yellow color?). The falafel plate had a good assortment of fresh veggies and a lot of pickles. Pita was pretty good, though having only one it was kind of small to go along with the plate.
(3)Shawn H.
Great falafel! Soft, warm pita! $5.50 for the falafel sandwich. Owner is nice and wants to make sure you're happy with the mean. Agree with others that adding Gyros would be a complimentary add to the menu. I'll be back here for sure.
(5)Joseph M.
Yay I'd go back...This is as good as it gets in the Bay Area if you are looking for that mouth watering falafel wrap. Not only are the wraps delicious but the salads and plates are yummy!!!. Service is friendly and fast.... From the Falafel to the pita bread this is close as it gets if you want a true falafel. if it's not spicy enough just ask for more spice! My first falafel wrap here was great but not spicy enough, on my second visit I asked for more hot sauce.... PERFECT!
(5)Pei T.
the price/quality makes it a 5 star pick. i have been going there at least once a week:-)
(5)Allan D.
Pita bread is outstanding. Only homebaked pita that I have ever had at a restaurant. It makes this place unique. Had falafel that was extremely good. They were out of eggplant nuggets which are probably good. Hummus looked good but did not try it. They have 1/2 sandwiches which are a bargain. Would love to see turkey pita and gyros be available. Couple of desserts would be good as well. Bread pudding from pita would be a good bet with pistachios. Service could be improved. They wait for you order is too long. But they will get it better soon I am sure.
(5)Brian U.
This place is a winner! The freshness of the falafel makes all the difference. Add another awesome player to the local falafel pantheon of Falafel's Drive-In, Vivi's, House of Falafel, et al. I daren't even weigh them against each other as they're all so good. Best to rotate between them. So much falafel, so little time...
(5)Erez Z.
the best shawarma i have ever had , amazing seasoning ,freshly bake pita bread ,the home made hummus just make it the best. i came at 1 p.m and it was along line but after i taste it i can say it was the best choice i have ever had . i highly recommend to try it but be careful u can get addicted , im already waiting for tomorrow to go again .
(5)Liza W.
This place is so delicious! I give it five stars even though I have only been there once and tried one thing. I had the Shawerma Chicken and Israeli Salad plate and it was fresh, crisp and perfectly dressed with Tahini. The hummus and pita bread were really delicious too. The pita was a little different than you get at other Mediterranean places, it was fluffier and softer than regular pita bread - it was really good! It was pretty crowded on a Saturday, but the line went fast and we were able to find seating pretty easily for a medium sized crowd with kids. It's really casual outdoor seating. Of course, my finicky two-year old decided to snub the french fries (who snubs french fries?!?) and ate two bites of the chicken in favor of the Sesame Street yogurt pouch we brought with us. But, we are not judging Falafel Stop based on a two-year old's unpredictable palate - my mouth was saying yum yum! I'll go there again - and we'll bring along a yogurt for the little one in case she decides not to like french fries that day.
(5)Roy A.
it's the best place for Falafel and Shawarma I've found in the Bay area so far.. it's true that they should learn a bit about service, but it's totally worth it. give it a try.. you'll be thankful!
(5)Kara S.
STOP! falafel time... I think I'm slightly disappointed because the place just had falafel and no meat. It was ok, I personally found the falafel hard to swallow and dense, but can definitely tell that they are fresh and not so hard fried. I also ordered the hummus which I really enjoyed, but they really need to give you more than one pita when you order a full hummus order.
(3)K G.
Super solid. The falafels are excellent. Wish there was a little more variety. But what they have is good. My usual on a Monday is a spicy falafel extra sauce. Looks like they are expanding the location. Hopefully they will expand the selection too. Amazing vegan option with great service.
(4)Juman S.
This place makes delicious food, very clean and fresh every time I agree with other reviewers the owner is friendly and makes sure you get the best food I recommend to everyone, you got check them out Excellent food
(5)Niki D.
I see people write the falafel here is all the s***, but if you've had real Israeli falafel, you'd know the kind you'd get at a bus station for $2 is better than this. You eat there and you feel a bunch of stuff is missing: no herbs in the falafel balls so they are beige inside instead of green, no hummus in the pita, no amba (mango sauce). The salads leave much to be desired: in real places there are extra types of salads you can load as much as you'd like. So meh pretty much sums it up...
(2)satyendra d.
best falafel place in the bay area, we always used to drive to San jose for satisfying falafel craving...but this place just took the top space...their pita is superb (not the supermarket variety), so far I have tried their sabich, falafel and hummus...all have exceeded my expectations.
(5)Tina J.
If i could give a 3.75 stars, i would. Great for a great falafel sandwich and pita, but not enough variety (or meat) for me. Very similar to the pita sadwiches u can get at Farmer Market stands. Hubby and i both got the falafel pita and then shared the Bavarian Creme. The dessert was good, but would have been better with a better chocolate syrup than Hershey's chocolate milk syrup. I did go during a school day, and not too much pileup from the students. They were streaming across the street towards the 24 hr fitness/Jakes Pizza area.
(3)Abizar V.
Unapologetically simple, packed with flavor. Best falafel sandwich since Kuwait
(5)Kelly N Z R.
Yeah, this place deserves the hype. The pita is hands down the best I've ever had, and I've had pita IN the Middle East. My parents come here at least once a week... sometimes more than once a day, I think. Their falafel balls are gluten free and DELICIOUS. Has outdoor seating. I found parking when I arrived before the dinner rush. Malt Star (maybe an aquired taste, I love it) is overpriced, but everything else is a great value. Great for vegans and vegetarians. I love sabich. Please open a Falafel STOP in Washington, DC!
(5)Kimberly C.
Solid bite. Place was constantly busy but quick service. Stand in line (one of the two, depending if you want meat or not). I didnt know I was supposed to hand my receipt to the lady in the pick up window. I assumed the cashier handed her my order. What I ordered: -sabich: really liked how the, egg, eggplant, tahini and hummus were soft contrasting the crisp pickled veggies, tomato and cucumber. They had a healthy dose of parsley..little too much for my liking so I took a few out. Pita was very good..soft and pillow like inside. I'd imagine it be mush if you ate it half hour later. The fried eggplant didn't have flavor as in spices but the pita sandwich focus was on freshness. Simple and satisfying -falafel 1/2 size: thank goodness for half size. I don't live here anymore and wanted to try this too. It came w 6 balls. They were crisp exteriors and soft white colored center. Pretty soon though mid eating, the balls were getting soft. I'm not a big falafel fan and they seemed to be decent in my book. Nothing to Rave about. The rest of the fixings similar to sabich. I felt both were fresh and filled nicely w crisp veggies. I guess they're traditionally made here? I personally think they can use more spice or flavor..but that may make it non traditional. Id try the meats next time since that'll def give more flavor. I wouldn't drive out of my way to eat here but if I was near, craving a lighter lunch, I'd make a falafel stop.
(4)Galit P.
This past weekend, we had a garden party for 70 people. We made Falafel Stop caterer us. Such the right decision! Falafel Stop couldn't have pleased us more. Each item on our menu was delicious, fresh, arrived warm, everyone loved the food, and the service was excellent and exactly as planned. I recommend them highly. Galit
(5)Elle W.
Absolutely agree with all the rave reviews. This is my favorite falafel place hands down and my favorite casual and healthy eatery in Sunnyvale. PRICE: extremely reasonable considering the large portions ATMOSPHERE: ordering can be a little confusing for first-timers. Order at the register, pay, then get a number to either get in one of two lines (or both): Veggie Line or Meat Line (just ask the person at the register). Tented outdoor seating facing Sunnyvale Saratoga Rd; is totally covered from the elements so not an issue with hot or cold weather (bring a jacket in the winter). Parking can be a problem if you come during prime dining time, although we have never had an issue with parking. FOOD: What we have ordered in the past---chicken shawarma plate, grilled chicken plate, falafel plate, hummus plate, Israeli Salad and Stuffed Pitas. My go to order: Israeli salad w/grilled chicken and a side of hummus and pita----the BEST. If you don't like onions, pickles or fermented veggies, then let them know, they will ask you if you want everything on it. You can also order your items spicy. CONS: I'm not going to dock a star for this but I've tried to call a large order in and they kept hanging up on me (after 8 attempts), so I had to order there and wait in two separate lines for the large order (I was picking up for a few people and was by myself). I'm not sure if you can even order over the phone so you should just plan on showing up and getting in line like everyone else...and bring an extra person to get in the other line if you are ordering a lot of different items. OVERALL IMPRESSION: If you like casual Middle Eastern food, you'll love it. It's always crowded for a reason---great food priced right.
(5)Dora T.
This is my #1 go to place for delicious falafel in the South Bay. All the staff are very friendly and the process is really quick! I'm usually not a fan of pickles but they convinced me to add some pickles to my falafel sandwich and I'm so glad I did. They really pack in the falafel too. The hummus, falafel, pita, salad and all the toppings make for a delicious bite!
(5)Alice S.
I was very eager about trying this place. Came here at noon on Sunday, and a good number of people were here. I had the masabacha plate and a 1/2 falafel sandwich. 1) The falafel was very good. The portion was good for only $3. Good meal for lunch. 2) the masabacha plate was basically a hummus plate but more garbanzo beans, as far as I can tell. I didn't like the texture because it was a bit watered down, more liquid than the hummus I've had in the past. Even store bought hummus is thicker than this. Also too much tahini and not enough salt, very bland. Keep in mind though, I didn't put onions in my order, and didn't choose spicy. My boyfriend had the grilled kebab on a hummus plate. He thought the spiciness was a good level. But since he usually doesn't eat Mediterranean, he didn't have much expectations of the food. Overall, I think the place was good to try, but I wouldn't go back. I've had better food, such as at Dish n Dash.
(3)Ze Lin X.
What a hidden Sunnyvale gem! I normally do not like falafels (even in L'As Du Fallafel in Paris) but Falafel STOP has changed my mind. Once you get over being overwhelmed by how to order and how to get your food, you'll learn to love this place too. Let me help break down the ordering process: 1.) For grilled meats (and french fries), go to the far left counter and order there. 2.) For falafel or eggplant wraps and hummus plates, order on the right side of the establishment but INSIDE (outside is where the seats are) where you see the cash register. 3.) After you've ordered your falafel/eggplant wrap or hummus plates, step around where you see all the condiments and hand your ticket to the staff there. Condiment, water, and dessert tips! - If you can't do spicy, tell them you don't want it spicy or only half spicy - Don't be shy to ask for a plate if they hand you your wrap in parchment paper - Bring your own water or buy bottled water unless you're ok with grabbing water from the kitchen sink near the cash register - They have dessert! It's called a "Creme Bavaria" and you can get this from the same counter you ordered your wrap. It's basically creme over some ladyfingers (I think) topped with chocolate sauce and nuts. Very affordable meal with fluffy pita and tasty falafels. The eggplant in the sabich was also delightful. Next time I will order the sabich wrap with extra falafels on the side to put inside.
(5)Emma G.
We love this place! Always a line but the worth wait. Haven't tried the meat dishes but the hummus plate, falafel and masabacha are very yummy and amazing dishes! Must try when you are in the area. So, some people get confused but when you get here, go inside and order from the counter. If you ordered meat dishes, you'll need to wait for your # to be called at the grill side on left. If you ordered vegetarian dishes, you take your ticket and line up outside the counter. They are very quick but everything is freshly made which is why there's always a wait.
(4)Arathi S.
A pretty decent place for Falafel, but to be honest I don't think any Falafel joint (or any restaurant for that matter!) will ever win over Falafel's Drive in for me. The one thing here that is absolutely to die for is the pita! Its incredibly thick and fluffy and holds the filling really well. They also have a nice assortment of vegetables to fill the insides. I was also was a fan of the hummus plate that they gave! It was nice to eat the fresh pita with the creamy hummus and I definitely had a full stomach by the time that I left. Definitely a solid option if you're looking for a falafel place in the area.
(4)Jenn W.
Super delicious, well run, happy small business. I've gotten the falafel bowl and chicken shawerma so far, and will be back to eat everything again and again. Chicken shawerma was really good and I annihilated in in like 3 minutes. A bit on the salty side but the flavors went perfectly together. I love that they assembly the pita in a bunch of layers so you never get a bite of one ingredient. Perfect ratios! They use Square, so they take all credit cards too - yay Amex!
(5)Leslie H.
Oren's Hummus Shop, you've got competition! I've been driving back and forth past Falafel STOP for probably 5 years now, without ever stopping by. I should have known that something was up, given the crowds that are always gathered outside, and the line of cars waiting to get into the tiny lot. No wonder Dairy Queen is out of business now, what with all of the Falafel STOP business. I stopped by on a Friday at lunch time with some coworkers, and we immediately saw that parking in the adjacent lot was not going to happen. We parked across the street and walked over. There was a huge line waiting to order and pick up, but luckily it moved very quickly. You can order a pita, a plate, or some other combos. I was disappointed that there wasn't a way to get the chicken AND falafel, but luckily they do sell the falafels individually. I went with a chicken shawarma pita and three falafels as a side. Their falafel are a bit different from what I'm used to in that they are a bit smaller than the usual hockey pucks and lack the bright green color. On the other hand, they were fresh, crisp, and not greasy in the least! I also liked that she gave me three instead of two, because the price seemed a bit steep at $0.60 each. My chicken shawarma pita was AMAZING! After paying, you get in line to wait for your number to get called. Luckily, it moves pretty quickly. Once you get called up to the counter, the staff will ask you what you want in your pita. It might look like he's not dabbing in much, but that's to make sure there is enough room for all of the goodness going into those freshly made, fluffy pitas. These pitas are even better than the ones that Oren's makes, though they don't seem to have a wheat option. I will definitely be stopping by Falafel STOP more often in the future!
(4)Peggy L.
I came here with a friend on a Friday night. You first order inside the middle door, then pick up your food at the two side counters. Service was friendly and courteous, but the falafel line moved a little slower than I expected considering it wasn't too long. The food itself was great though - falafel was flavorful and filling, everything tasted fresh, and the grape juice they serve was really refreshing without being too sugary. There's a decent amount of covered outdoor seating, but it's right by a busy road so it might be a bit loud and hard to hold a conversation.
(4)Ivy T.
Interesting spot. It reminded me of an outdoor patio w/ a countertop to order from. It was continuously packed w/ ppl. You order you food, falafel is one side, while grilled is on the other. I ordered a falafel pita and a chicken shwarma pita. I was confused on what to do, assumed they would call your number when ready. Instead, you order, go to the falafel side and show them your receipt and same w/ the grilled side. They cut open a warm pita, load it up w/ hummus, pickled vegetables, sauce, and the meat of your choice. It's a pretty decent size and filling in my opinion. I preferred the chicken over falafel, due to the density of the falafel along w/ the pita. Next time, I'll get a chicken pita and falafels on the side.
(4)Christie B.
My mom and I stopped here yesterday after an afternoon of shopping. Cute yellow building with lots of outdoor seating under a covered patio. Since its next to Fremont High, I imagine it gets really crowded at lunch time so luckily we missed the gaggle of teens on their lunch break. There are menu boards on the wall that are easy to read and that actually have two sides to order food. One to the right is falafel and the other side is the grill with kabobs. Everything smelled yummy. We each ordered the 1/2 falafel and the hummus plate to share. I ordered my falafel "spicey". Once we ordered, we went to the window where the lady took our receipt and made our lunch to order. Falafel: perfect size for lunch. Balls were tender and fresh. The pita was light and fluffy and warm. My only issue was how messy it was to eat and the "spicy" was more mild than I'd hoped. But it was good. Hummus: bland and boring. Plenty of it but it just didn't have anything that stood out flavor wise. And it only comes with one pita? The serving is large enough to share with 3 people so one pita is totally not enough. I think this is a great alternative for the local high school crowd but I don't think I'd go out of my way to come back. Falafel Drive-In still has my heart.
(3)Kim l.
Man this place gets crazy during lunch time. Parking is tight! With they had a better system to pick up food. So you get in line to order and pay for your food then there are two separate lines if you ordered a meat dish or veggie dish. I wanted to make my life complicated so I ordered the grilled chicken pita $7ish and a half falafel $3. I wasted some time by standing around outside thinking they would yell out my number. But then I realized you have to stand in line to pick up your food too! Once I finally grabbed my food I was able to sit and enjoy some delicious falafel and chicken sandwiches. Chicken sauce was a little tangy and the meat was juices. Love all the different veggies, sauce and seasoning they stuff I the pita. Communal outdoor seating. If you want water just grab a plastic cup by the register and fill your cup up with the faucet water.
(4)Nandini A.
This is the best falafel place I've ever been to! I've had their falafel in pita, sabich in pita, falafel plate, and hummus plate. The pita bread is amazingly soft, the falafels are fresh, and their toppings are great! The falafel and hummus plates were definitely big enough to share. The line may seem long, but it goes very quickly. Don't let it stop you from trying out Falafel STOP!
(5)Annie S.
After getting super disappointed by multiple falafel joints, I didn't want to check out any ever again... but I'm glad I tried this place! I had the Chicken Shawarma Pita Sandwich and some of the hummus plate, and it was so yummm. The sandwich looks small, but it was definitely filling. The pita was soft and the chicken wasn't dry. I slathered a spoonful of hummus on every bite and nibbled at the super hot pepperoncini (they look cute and innocent because they're small, but be careful!). Service was also great. I placed a huge order for my group via phone an hour before I wanted to pick them up. When I got there, my order was bagged and ready to go! The worker also double checked that everything was there and another worker even offered to help me carry everything to my car! So nice!!
(4)Sue K.
Frozen Frozen Frozen frozen pitaaaaaa stop lying please. We found your source !!!!! Don't lie to your customers.
(1)Chris V.
I had to see what the hype was all about, so I made a stop. [/rimshot] Falafel STOP is a building painted golden-yellow that's accessible from only the southbound direction of Sunnyvale Saratoga Road (that's a mouthful), but it's easy enough to make a U-turn at Fremont Ave. Parking is a bit awkward due to narrow lanes and it shows in the number of cars parked over the lines. The ordering line is most directly accessible from the door nearest the parking structure, but you may want to detour to the second door if you arrive during lunch rush. The cashier was nice enough to show me a pita when I expressed my lack of knowledge of the portion size. I probably should have asked about the water situation too because I didn't realize that you're supposed to fill up at the faucet to the left of the two registers (and I was blocked by the other register). I know they basically serve tap water at many places anyway, but this is a disappointment because it's not ice-cold water. Anyway, I was told to bring my ticket to the window outside (having ordered vegetarian things, anyway; there's a separate line for the meats), so another wait in line ensued. Just hand over your ticket and keep your receipt, and make sure to express any preferences like "hold the onions" beforehand. They seem to hand you stuff without providing a tray (which I had to ask for), but it does make sense because things will spill out of pitas quickly. The people who ordered plate portions probably had a better idea than I did. I had a falafel and a sabich (that's a "k" sound), which are still $5.55 each. I can see why many people enjoy this place. Both of the stuffed pita sandwiches, as a whole, were quite flavorful. Lots of spices, nice tahini sauce, spicy red and not-so-spicy green sauces (ask for extras on the side, trust me). The freshly baked pitas were definitely the star. They're thick and just taste better than any other pita I've ever had. The portion size is great for lunch. One or the other probably would have filled me up, and someone who appeared to be the manager was kind enough to bring me a to-go box. Unfortunately, there's one major flaw here that stops this place from really persuading me that it's the best. The falafel balls and the fried eggplant in the sabich tend to be dwarfed in flavor by everything else (especially hard-boiled egg in the sabich). The falafel or eggplant should be the hero, but the pita was the star instead.. Even when eaten alone, the falafel tends to be a bit bland and doesn't hold the same crunch that I prefer. Overall, I was still pretty satisfied. I will probably return to try the meats, which I think would carry more prominent flavor and can stand up to the bread. I'd definitely suggest that omnivorous newcomers try a shawarma or a kebab rather than a falafel.
(4)Becca R.
I am huge snob when it comes to Falafel. Most falafel places in California have dried out balls, crappy pita, etc. NOT this place. Seriously it's the best I have had outside of Israel. The falafel balls are made to order, so they are always fresh and moist. The pita is freaking amazing. It's baked fresh there. No store bought shit. All the salads for the pita sandwich are fresh and off the hook. I haven't tried the meat side, but you will not be unhappy with the falafel side! Go now! Run! If I didn't live over the hill in Santa Cruz I'd be there once a week for dinner or lunch.
(5)Fabian M.
o my god. This place is to die for. Outside of the fact that their ordering system is initially confusing, this place is simply phenomenal. The food gets an A+ because the quantity and quality is so high. I salivate even thinking about going here again.
(5)Alison W.
Falafels seem to be a thing in the bay area. There's also Falafel drive in, which seems to be a competitor. Anyways I didn't realize we have some of my work's facilities in the area and I knew exactly where I was. Anyways, they only have patio and outdoor seating. It was my first time so I was confused about how the system worked. There are two separate kitchens and one location to order. The register and where you order is in between the two kitchens and indoors. So you order and pay there. For falafels and vegetarian food, you wait in right line and you hand your receipt to the person behind the window and they put together your food on the spot and hand it to you. I recommend getting it to go. A wrap does not come on a plate, you just have to hold it and munch on it and it's not conducive to sharing. Also the falafel line, when t gets long, blocks the entrance to where you order food so everything is super confusing and not efficient at all. If you get a chicken or other meat entrée, you go to the left. I don't believe there's a line and you just wait for them to call your number and you can pick up your food. The number calling isn't loud so you still have to hover around the kitchen. As for the food, I don't think I'm a huge falafel fan, maybe it's the texture but I was good with half of it. Not sure if I could have a whole plate of just falafels. The balls were hot and I liked everything they put on it though especially the pickled veggies. Also I asked for non-spicy so that was good for me. For the meat, we tried the chicken schwarma plate. I think I was expecting bigger pieces of chicken cooked on skewers. But it was shredded pieces of chicken. And the plate comes with fries, salad, hummus and pita bread. It was all mixed together in a Styrofoam container and I do kinda wished the food was more separated. Not sure if I would get the chicken schwarma again though. My friend and I finished both of these dishes and we were stuffed. And it was about $10 per person.
(3)Tish H.
The service! The manager! The food!!!! Omg. Best pita I have ever had I my life!!!! I'm just passing through town and I'm super happy I stopped here!!! I'd give this place 10 stars if I could!!! Love this place.
(5)Ranjani C.
I have been to this place several times and lived the freshness of the falafel. However I went there today and as usual ,the place was very busy and I was ready for that . But the person who helped me was very preoccupied with chatting and going back and forth so many times with one falafel . She did not do a good job with it . I had asked for spicy but she hardly put any spice in it . I truly hope they make sure the workers focus on the customers and not spend time on other stuff. I have always been happy with it except for today. I will go back again and hope for the same quality that I am used since it started .
(4)Jane L.
Amazing falafel, hummus, and pita bread. The pita bread is warm and fluffy, which stood out to me most. I recommend the 1/2 falafel (not the plate), bc it's only $3 and portion size is enough. Only downside is that it's a bit pricey considering how inexpensive the ingredients are. Any meat plate is ~$10, which is not worth for a little bit of salad, hummus, and four pieces of meat.
(4)Glo R.
Seriously THE.BEST falafel I've ever had!!! First, let talk about the pita...FRESH BAKED seriously super-soft, fluffy goodness!! Next, the falafels: they have this falafel making/frying machine, making them fresh, right next to the assembly line. Now, here's where I these falafels are above and beyond any other: the toppings. They have this "Middle eastern pico de gallo" with chopped tomatoes and cucumbers. Then, there's this cabbage slaw/kraut that is chopped just right and not too crunchy. There's also chopped onion, parsley, pickles, this green "salsa" (parsley-based?), hot sauce and a tahini that is thick, rich and just right. There may be more. But whatever they carefully layer in the pita is to-die for. Did I mention a full falafel is only $6 and a half (snack-size) is $3.25 with tax?!? Sorry to say, I've never had anything else besides the falafels and falafel plate (basically a deconstructed falafel, good for take out - so your goodness doesn't get soggy on the way home). Unfortunately, I can't get past the falafel to try anything else! Please, please, Falafel Stop, don't go anywhere and don't change a thing!!! If so, I'll be your customer for life! :)
(5)Amrutha C.
Went there as I was really hungry. The line moves quick. Food is fresh & good. I felt they could use stronger flavors. Also, the outdoor seating area is right on the road. It gets loud & windy sometimes. I really wish they were open till late night.
(4)Tejas B.
The Falafel is really awesome and their pita is soft and fresh. The only downside is parking becomes tough during lunch hours on weekend. Try to go for late lunch or early dinner.
(5)Jens L.
The lines get long for a reason. Try the Shawarma but for you vegetarians, the hummus and falafel are delicious too.
(5)Alice W.
I've never tried a falafel before this place, so I might not have too much expertise in this area; however, I've had a good experience every time I come. It's a little confusing at first because for some orders, you get called when your food is ready, and for others you go around to the falafel line and get your food made right in front of you. Other than that, Falafel STOP is amazing! Their falafel balls are light and tender, and the pita bread is always fresh. They're also very willing to customize your order. STOP by for a great lunch or pick-me-up.
(4)Mohit R.
Good Quality dishes Quantity is great Fresh looking ingredients Great customer service One of the lightest and yummy Falafel I've eaten. returned for a extra of it with delicious Humus Grilled chicken breast is a must In spite of long queue, the team was entertaining the patrons with food samples Go for it!
(5)Reuven S.
By far, the best pita in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Shawarma Pita is orgasmic. I'm sorry every time it's done, just too full to do another.
(5)Jodi H.
Fantastic local falafel joint in SoBay (South Bay). Affordable. Outdoor seating. This is as good as it gets in the South Bay! Falafel STOP has been a local establishment since forever--I've always seen it driving by, but officially made my first visit just last week. This place is great ALL year-round (especially in the summer/spring time) because they have plenty of outdoor seating--playground-seating-style with a vast awning so even when the sun's out, there is shade! I imagine that summertime must be a constant 24/7 hotspot. I had the falafel wrap and ate a bit of my mom's falafel plate for a late lunch around 2PM over the weekend. The portions are PERFECT. I was able to finish my entire wrap (yes, asian girl CAN eat) and they have tap water in a "help yourself" style right by the cashier station. The whole setup might be kind of confusing if this is your first time, but if I could do it...you can too! There were two cashier stations (one for the falafel line and one in the back for the grill/meats area), but I'm not too sure if they are both under the same owner. Anyhow, I opted to go in the line closer to the parking lot because I don't eat meat and falafel is my numba one luvah. The only thing that you really have to know is that once you place your order at the first cashier stand, you have to wait in the outdoor line just by the door because the line cook actually customizes your falafel order. They don't have a system that prioritizes orders in chronological time, so if you don't stand in line to get your food, you're screwed and will never get your food. Also, parking is a beez especially in prime time (LUNCHTIME), but it's worth the amount of parking effort you're going to put in whether it's waiting for a spot to open up or trying to squeeze into a barely-there-parking spot.
(4)Stacy L.
Thank you Falafel STOP for forever changing my expectations about falafels! This is more of a Mediterranean-Californian fusion of falafel but the tastebud profile is magnificent because flavors settle into all areas of the tongue through the meal and for the subsequent hour or two. This has become an office favorite and we try to visit at least once a week. Falafel, no sauerkraut, spicy for here please!
(5)Nishad J.
This place is my favorite falafel place in the bay area. YES it is better than drive-in falafel. After studying abroad in London and having recent immigrants from the middle east make me fresh falafel wraps at street food markets, I have become very picky with my falafels! This place is the closest I've been able to get! The way you order here is you get into either the vegetarian line, or the meat line. I LOVE THIS CONCEPT. I wish every place did this! It keeps the vegetables from being contaminated by the meat and allows the people just getting falafels and salads to get their food a lot faster! It also saves me the disgust of looking at them rip pieces of meat off of the rotating carcass that is so common in middle eastern places. After you order (hopefully from the vegetarian line) you go into another line where they are constantly making falafel balls fresh from chikpea flower! They take your receipt and ask "spicy or not spicy?" and then proceed with making your falafel wrap or salad. Be warned, I have a high spice tolerance and even I usually need some grape juice to wash down the spicy falafel wrap! The pita bread is also always a treat! Fresh, soft, and extremely tasty. This is a place I keep coming back to! It stays busy so be prepared to wait 20 minutes to get your food!
(5)Benjamin H.
Stopped by this place last month when the gf was going through her falafel cravings phase. This place definitely satisfied her cravings. As for me, their food made me into a new fan of Falafel STOP! After we parked (fair warning: parking lot is small), we saw two long lines. Just a note, there is one line that you actually order your food at counter and the other line (at the other side of the restaurant) is one where you wait for your food while it is being assembled. We ordered the Shuwarma on a plate and a 1/2 order of falafel. The plate came with hummus, fries, salad, and a nice round pita. My gf and I destroyed our food and left the place very content. Overall, I give this place a 4 and it's all because the food was great and the staff is nice and helpful. Only reason it is not a 5 is because the line can be long and parking can be a bit troublesome because the lot is small and when the place is crowded, the traffic going into the lot and out of the lot is dreadfully slow.
(4)Bread S.
Long ass line. Matter of fact- two lines. Confusing. Decided to go somewhere else. Will update review upon trying food.
(1)Fred L.
Food tastes good and made quickly; parking lot is a bit cramped and can only exit one way.
(4)Alice H.
Tips: ~$10 for hummus plate with a side of pita ~$6 for a falafel pita ~$3 for a side of fries 4 types of meet Shuwarma, marinated chicken breast, breaded chicken (schnitzel), and beef --------------------------------------------------Â---------------------------- I can now see what all the fuss is about for Falafel Stop, the pita, hummus and meat all taste great!
(5)Puja L.
The ordering process really is a bit confusing and strange - but their food is absolutely worth it. Delicious falafel pitas, stuffed with sauces and spreads and salads. Their beef (from the grill side of things) was delicious as well. So so yummy :) Considered going back on nearly a daily basis.
(5)Robin S.
I honestly don't know what the fuss is all about. The falafel were good, but not as good as Oren's or Dishdash. The chicken in our shawarma was yellow and tasted of curry powder! That's not how you do it. And the lines are just stupid - one line to order, another line to get meat, then another line to get veggies. I can only assume people go here because it's cheap and the lines are long (so therefore it must be good!)
(2)Peter F.
I've never had a better falafel outside of Israel! The best Middle East food in the Bay Area for sure. The owner is usually there when I've been there and he's both nice and on top of his business. Both the Shwarma and Falafel are great sandwiches or plates.
(5)Sin-Yaw W.
The taste and flavors are 5 stars. The operation and ambient have large room to improve. Kid order Falafel (vegetarian) and I chicken shawerma. They demonstrated skills by jamming all those ingredients into the pita bread without breaking it. Mine was topped with some fries (which I don't think were necessary). The chicken and whatever else they put inside the pita was wonderful (there was definitely some Hummus). It was also very filling. I can barely finish mine. The sweet malt drink was not really interesting. Too sweet. The operation is confusing. You wait the long time to order. Then go to the window (the veggie and meat are separated into two areas) to wait for your number to be called. At that moment, you specify your spicy level and other ingredients to put into the pita (not spicy and everything will be good choice for chicken pita). This place can become a phenon, if not already.
(4)Nathalie S.
We pick up often and the food never disappoints. It is delicious and so priced. Although a bit of a drive for us it is worth it. I'd be in trouble if they lived closer! We have no favorite and love to mix it up. Just try it!
(5)Stephanie S.
I have found Falafel heaven....and it is the Falafel Stop in Sunnyvale. I had the Falafel pita with chicken. It was AMAZING. Fresh baked bread, about 8 or 9 fresh veggies inside, with perfect ratio of chicken fresh off the vertical skewer, and special sauce and hummus. OMG. It was huge, and only $7. The place was packed (which is a good sign) and although the ordering system is a bit intimidating, GO ANYWAY.
(5)Chris V.
Fast service (not sure about lunch) consistent food and the pita bread is on point. The falafels are all cooked evenly, crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. I recommend asking for extra sauce. They didn't give me enough the first time, or ask for extra on the side. Parking was plentiful but again, not sure about the lunch hour rush. I heard it gets pretty crowded. When you arrive grab a number. All orders that include meat is ordered at a separate counter to the left, everything else you order is inside to the right. Hope this helps. I don't think it would be awkward to ask a customer there how it works. I can see it getting confusing for first timers.
(5)Elle K.
Food is 5 stars. But I knocked down two stars due to service. I asked to substitute spinach for the pita bread and she just wouldn't do it saying that there's no room in the takeout box.... I told her three times. She ignored me the first time and wouldn't budge with the spinach. Everyone knows what spinach looks like. They're LEAVES. Never coming back. Thanks for not understanding a customer's dietary needs.
(3)Lochan A.
This place is my favorite for Mediterranean food.. The golden brown crispy falafels served here are hard to find at any other place in Sunnyvale. When i came here first, I ordered falafels inside pita and fell in love with that. Next time I had Chicken Shawarma in Hummus Plate and it was mouth watering. Best things in Falafel Stop: 1. Separate serving areas for vegetarians and non vegetarians 2. Freshly baked Pita: Ahh these are too soft and warm.. Its rarely found anywhere else 3. Quick service: Even though its crowded but managed well I love this place..
(5)Andrew G.
Again, such a huge let down, it's been almost a year since I've eaten here. And I decided to see if they changed their ways. Nope, this business is tight with their Protien. I ordered the same plate I was displeased with last year, $11 Shawarma plate. Boy are they skimpy, and yet again the chicken was DRY. If I wanted an all salad plate I would have ordered the Israeli salad or greek salad. The food is good, just disproportionate, not enough of the good stuff that is highlighted in the main heading of the dish. If it says "Chicken Shawarma" then that should be mostly on the plate. I'm done with this Greed. You've lost me lifelong Falafel stop. If you like overpaying for vegetables and garbanzo beans, go here.
(1)Reeshav K.
Falafel Stop has the BEST falafels, shawarma and pita I have had in the Bay Area at the most reasonable prices. No wonder the place is always crowded with patrons. Despite the long lines, they are really quick and it has never taken me more than 10 minutes to get my food. On several occasions, they offer you free falafel samples while you are waiting for your order. Always a big plus !
(5)Cara R.
I'm not really sure what people like about this place .. it was pretty awful in my opinion. The process for ordering and pick-up of the food was totally confusing and inefficient. And the staff was not particularly friendly or helpful. I got a falafel pita and it was SO lackluster. The falafel themselves were terrible--completely flavorless and kind of soggy on the outside. The rest of the toppings didn't really add much to the pita except the overwhelming spice (the pita bread itself was the only bright spot of this meal). Maybe I just chose the wrong thing to get, but when your name is "Falafel Stop," I feel like you should at least do those well.
(2)Sarah C.
I've been wanting to try this place but they close at 8pm so I usually don't make it in time. However tonight I got lucky and made it there at 7:30pm! I'm so glad I finally got to try this place! I've been looking for a good falafel spot that rivals with my socal favorites. I split a falafel sandwich and chicken shwarma plate with my boyfriend. First tip if you're splitting the falafel sandwich order two halves it's not possible to cut a falafel sandwich in half after creating it. Literally you will find yourself in a mess. The falafel alone isn't really that special but in the sandwich with all the toppings the flavors work together to create an amazing falafel sandwich. Same goes for the chicken shwarma plate! Everything mixed together was delicious. The side of pita was so fluffy. The only thing I was not a fan of were the fries. I would probably order the salad plate next time. Overall a great experience! Agreed that the ordering is kind of confusing but they have lots of signage explaining how it works so we got it after reading the signs.
(5)Rohini A.
The best falafel I've ever had!! The hummus is delicious too. The place can get very crowded sometimes. But it's worth the wait :)
(4)Lori N.
Some people say this place is as good as Falafel Drive-In, but I'd say you can't really compare them because they're very different! The falafel here is very soft and light & the bread is also soft & fluffy. When you eat the falafel wrap here, it feels fresh & you don't feel like you just ate fried food. The falafel at Falafel Drive-In is a little more crispy & oily, but I feel like they have a little more flavor. The bread is thinner, but that just means the taste of everything else is highlighted! Both have equally good sauces & are more or less the same price. The parking here is pretty easy for now because the fast food place across the lot has closed down, so you can take over their parking spots! When we came here on a Sunday at 5, there was no line at all, which was nice. You have to order at the counter, & if you order one of their meats, you pick it up by the grill. If you order a falafel dish/sandwich or other vegetarian things, you pick it up at the window. Plenty of outdoor seating! Overall it's pretty good & I would eat here again if I were in the area.
(4)Sophia H.
Skip the falafels and get the meat!! My falafel plate seriously paled next to my boyfriends grilled kebob plate. The beef is sooo juicy and the flavoring was fantastic. I was really sad that they only give four pieces so that I could only steal 2. One of our friends got the chicken shawarma and that was very good too. The chicken is very tender and well marinated. This was also much better than my falafels. As everyone said, the pita is very soft and fluffy. Ingredients are also fresh. Definitely worth a try!
(4)Robbie C.
5 stars for food, 2...perhaps 3 stars for organization, or lack thereof. It seems this place is always busy, for good reason...they have a simple, but tasty menu. Parking stinks and standing in "line(s)" for you order(s) can be a pain in the rear. If you order something from the grill, you go to a separate area to wait for your order....no line as much as it's really a congested waiting area that veers into the ordering area and the back of the "line" of the non-grill orders. The meandering line for the non-grill menu items is terrible. There is little room and I feel I'm always in the way other customers walking in and out of the ordering area, those sitting or looking for seats on the covered patio, and those looking to throw away their trash. If you want water, they will provide a small, plastic cup and you get your water from one of two sinks. The owner seems like a nice guy, the employees are nice, and sometimes they walk around giving samples of their falafel balls with tahini. My favorite...the grilled kebabs on anything....if they put those things on broiled cardboard I'd probably still eat it. The arrangement of their restaurant may be terrible, but the food keeps me coming back. Everyone should try this place.
(4)Sue K.
My daughter and I have been there twice and both times were satisfied with our food. We love the hummus plate and the chicken kabobs/pita. A few reviewers complained about seating, but we found plenty of picnic benches and didn't have a problem. I will say that I find ordering and getting food awkward. Some of the menu boards aren't near where you order, if you are new to the restaurant, it isn't clear which station to pick up your food or what order they call you. Parking can be a challenge.
(3)Pat T.
Superb tasting food, especially the falafel and chicken. And the pita bread is yummy, soft and melts in your mouth. We visit at least once a week. My only gripe is that they probably use baking soda because even though we eat a little, we feel really bloated and thirsty afterward. Weird, but that's not going to stop me from going.
(4)Amanda R.
This is definitely one of my favorite places to eat. My Israeli friend first took me here and he says it's comparable to the falafel places in Tel Aviv so you know it's good. I always get the falafel in pita. The pita here is so soft and fluffy and after coming here, I can never order falafels from anywhere else. I've never tried the chicken shawarma in pita, but my friends have said it was good and they also add fries on top!
(5)Neha P.
I have put on many pounds eating the falafel sandwich from here. And I am not even sorry for that! Love this place :)
(5)Julia B.
While may be the falafel is good the chicken schnitzel is rubbish. I got super fried and dry checking. The guy who was playing the sides was trying to get me out so fast that he didn't event listen to what I wanted on my plate and what I didn't. I lived in Israel for a good chunk of my life and that is not, most definitely not, a good place for chicken schnitzel. Second attempt was a total failure as well...
(1)Krupali T.
Love this place. Close to my home. Good food. Good Prices. Very friendly staff. I have always got good customer service. The reason for 4 star and not five is that they are very very very busy any time you go. Hard to find parking. sometimes they are out of Hummus or chicken Shawerma. When we go there we eat Chicken Shawerma pita, veggie pita.
(4)Henri K.
This is an okay falafel joint. A bit too long a wait to get the food, but it's alright for a lunch pita outside.
(3)Tee S.
Was super impressed with the pita bread. Ordered the large falafel pita and Israeli salad. I asked for the falafel to be spicy. I got a wee dollop on the top of my falafel. Great location and concept but have had much better falafel elsewhere with staff who knows how to distribute some flavors.
(3)Tash I.
Ahhhhhh soooo good!! *drool* I got the regular falafel and mmm mmm mmm is all I can say. The pita was soft and fresh and the falafel was prepared right in front of me. Perfect amount of hummus, falafels were plentiful and yummy, and the price was amazing for so much food! I will be back for sure :)
(5)Tom C.
For a place with "falafel" in the name, you'd think that the falafel would be on point. Unfortunately, I was unimpressed. They lacked the flavor and the texture that I'm looking for. If you want some awesome falafel, then check out Oren's Hummus in Palo Alto or Falafel's Drive-In in San Jose. Those two establishments know what's up. The one thing this place really has going for it are the pita; they are warm, fresh, and fluffy. The food isn't bad, but I'm probably not going back.
(3)Katia K.
Decided to finally write a review after visiting again today. This place is great! Their pita is so fluffy and fresh, so I definitely enjoy both the Falafal sandwich and the plates with pita on the side. Great value and a quick meal. One of the best falafels in town!
(5)Jenn R.
I got the hummus plate with chicken shawarma. $11 for that plus a bottled water was a tad on the high side for lunch. I'm not sure this lunch was worth it? The taste was good and pretty healthy. I'll give that some props! The lines were also confusing, not to mention all of the different windows . Where do you order, wait or pick up just isn't clear. I think they need to probably become more efficient or have better signage.
(3)Smita G.
The three stars are only for the delicious food, which is worth the money and wait! However, NEVER, under any circumstances, buy the falafel balls alone. They are extremely small, and cost $9.70 for just balls! The in-house food is amazing, though!
(3)Raj L.
The only thing saving this place is how good their pita bread and falafels are. The total user experience, however, is so bad that I cringe at the thought of going there. Let me explain. The ordering system is bizarre. First you stand in a line to order. Then you stand in a second line to get falafels. Then you stand in a third line to get fries or meats you may have ordered. Each of these lines can be anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes depending on what time of the day you go there. On one occasion I let go of the fries because the other food was getting cold. Now I order just falafels. On top of that people are rude as other reviewers have suggested. Lastly, theirs hours suck. Who would serve dinner but close at 8pm on weekdays? I went there around that time to avoid rush and found them cleaning.
(2)Vicky L.
Fluffy falafels? Check! Deliciously marinated grilled chicken? Check! Freshly baked pita? Check! Prior to discovering Falafel STOP I was a huge fan of Oren's Hummus Shop. This place puts Oren's to shame. The pita's are perfectly fluffy and the chicken schwarma was seasoned sooo deliciously! The falafels are light and perfectly crunchy. The wraps are well seasoned with the salad mix, tahini, and their homemade pickles and sauces. I wish there was a place closer to my work place... So I could gorge out weekly...
(5)Madhusmita P.
Definitely 5 stars! Crunchiest & fresh falafel. Yummy hummus & tahini sauce! Best part is there are separate vegetarian & non vegetarian counters for serving food.. Love it! Must try! Best falafel in town.. Try it out!
(5)Alice C.
Stopped in here to grab some quick grub for lunch. Based on the packed parking lot, this is a popular lunch place indeed. They had a person standing in the parking lot directing traffic, a very good idea considering the number of cars trying to get in and out. Thanks to the tip from a friendly fellow diner, I went in the door to place my order. Then I took the receipt to stand in line to get my food. I like how they took your little order sheet puts together your order there. The falafel plate was a big container. As the other reviewers said, it's definitely a lot of filler with a lot of veggies, which I like. She also asked if you want it spicy or not. While I was waiting in line (only five people or so and moving pretty fast), a server came around offering a free sample falafels. Definitely a nice touch that made me want my plate even more! I got the falafel plate and also 2 Sabich to go, wanting a good sampling of the food. Watching the other diners chow down on their falafel wraps those look really good. I don't know much about falafels but these was crispy on the outside and very flavorful on the inside. Generous portions of salad, hummus, tahini sauce and pickles. The fresh baked pita was hot and delicious. The bread was puffy, soft, and chewy. I got it to go so I popped the bread in the toaster for a bit and it was delicious toasted. The Sabich eggplant was ok, tasted like egg battered eggplant to me, maybe because it was cold by the time I ate it. Definitely stop by if you're in the area.
(4)Natalie C.
I still can not get enough of this place. It can get very packed during the lunch rush but shoot, I would wait in line for ever to eat a falafel wrap. No need to worry though, the staff is quick and precise! The owner is especially nice. He definitely adds to the whole dining experience. No one can compete with this place! Love it. Everything is great!
(5)L L.
We were here last time with our friends and their son. We really enjoyed all of the entrees and falafel choices. The staff are also very friendly and informative. The dishes all tastes amazing!!! You should definitely come by if you're in the area. And order some bread to bring home.
(4)Philip T.
The shawarma and falafel are excellent, different from the usual, spicy if you need and a large portion. Pita is fresh and fluffy. Ordering food is the only negative; their system needs improvement and during rush time, could take 30 minutes to get your food.
(4)Caroline B.
You can't go wrong with the Falafel Plate (around $6). One of my girlfriends was raving about this spot a few months back. At that time I didn't believe anything was better than SJ's Falafel Drive-In. I was so wrong! My colleagues swore by this place & recommended that I try it STAT! So I did & I loved it so much, it wants me to keep coming back for more. I've only tried the Falafel Plate here. It comes with spinach & other chopped, fresh veggies, 10 falafel balls (crunchy!), hummus, pita bread, hot/mild sauce, & tahini sauce. I ask for the sauces to be on the side in a container b/c I don't like my falafels soggy. They also have the "meaty" items adjacent to them, and have to order separately than the falafels. If you love Falafel Drive-In, then just get a Banana Shake at the Dairy Belle directly across from here (they share the same parking lot). Can't go wrong w/the Falafel Plate IMO. Just go!
(4)Tony M.
If I ever find a better falafel place than this one, I'll update this review accordingly. Otherwise, five stars.
(5)Mark F.
Fuck this place even if the food is good! Shit ain't worth my money and time. The process is the worst in the world even a fucking 10 year old can do a better job. My girlfriend and I came here starving and ready to eat some good kebab. The rating is high here in yelp and so we had high expectations. First of all we came to order and we went in to the wrong line because we didn't see the sign. But that's okay since it's our first time, our bad. Guy told us to go on the right line, cool guy also gave us a free sample because it's our first time there. After we ordered our food is where the shit hit the fan. Cashier told us very unclear instructions on how the food will be given to us. There were two papers that she gave us, she said one was our receipt and one we give to the people next to her. This got me frustrated already since that person is already next to her, why not just give it to her already and put our name there so she can call us when she's finished preparing it. Instead they'll make you go on another line to give it to that person. Waste of fucking time! Second of all since we were new to the place we did not go to the line immediately because the instructions were "your number is going to be called" we did not realize that we had to go in line for the person to prepare the food. We thought that the second paper was to be given to that person when our number is called. If it ended here and we got our food I would've given this review a 3 star but.... After getting our food and left we realized that one of the orders was missing. We then realized that the number on the receipt was for the other side of the establishment which you'll have no idea what is for until you look for you meat order in our case the kebab. We had no time to go back since we do not live close by. Both us and the store wasted our resources in that fucking order. That is my one and only time in that store. Never going back there again. Advise to management, get your shit together and give instructions properly
(1)Nirav S.
This place is super overrated - first of the food is mediocre (both Dish Dash and Falafel Drive-In are waaay better than this). Secondly, the wait was ridiculous (20-30 min for a lunch place?). The things that tops it off? The rude kitchen workers - I took a bigger plate for myself and my girlfriend since we ordered two items, and one of the kitchen workers rudely asked why I was taking one of them and that I should have taken a smaller plate. I'm never coming back here again and anybody reading this review, avoid this place at all costs.
(1)Ryan F.
Love this place! Simple menu that's easy to read and order. The wait is a little bit long but it's not too bad. There's one spot to order at but there's two places to pick up food. One spot is to pick up grill food and the other spot is to pick up vegetarian food. The workers are very kind and attentive. The food was delicious. However, it wasn't as filling as I hoped it would be. I left the restaurant somewhat hungry still, but I do eat a lot of food. A good amount of outside seating, no inside seating. I'll definitely be coming back sometime soon!
(4)Wolf2 C.
Best pita in Sunnyvale....the seasoning on their chicken is very consistent. Chicken in a pita or hummus plate. Good stuff. Highly recommended. The favorite part of my food experience at The Stop is the last few bites. They do a tremondous job delivering a consistent pita bread which stays intact most of the time until the very last bite. All of the savory juices are captured at the bottom of the pita... granted other Mediterranean food pitas from other restaurants fall apart on the first bite or very dry. The employees are very friendly. This continues to be one of my top 5 places to eat for lunch. Quality matters...and this place has it...
(5)P S.
This was my first and last time here. I was treated incredibly rudely. While waiting for my number to be called, I sat on a stool at a counter. There were about a dozen other people waiting, too. I tucked myself as close to the counter as possible to be out of the way. Then a surly cook told me to move. He said I should go stand outside. I refused but he insisted. He said I was blocking the walkway. However, there was more than enough room for one person and possibly two to walk between me and the people sitting and standing across the aisle from me. Why didn't he tell them to move? And why is there a stool there at all if they don't want people sitting there? Is it because I'm a plus-size woman? Would he have told me to move if I were a slender woman -- or a man taking up the same amount of space? I doubt it. Also, the food might be good -- I can't say, because I lost my appetite -- but the ordering process is stupid and chaotic. You have to stand in three different lines to order and get your food. Horrible experience.
(1)Farrah N.
This place is amazing. I got the Shwarma plate, and the falafal plate, and I'll admit, the best thing was the PITA bread. The texture, chewiness, and how it was hot and fresh just really makes your meal. The hummus and tahini are both very delicious. All the ingredients tasted super fresh and I have no complaints. The falafel itself is one of the best around. It's no wonder this place is such a popular place with the locals. You see parents bringing their kids here after a swim meet, college kids in pajamas coming here for a late dinner/snack, starving people off work here to get a quite bite. Their prices are also extremely reasonable. We will definitely be back, but despite it being very quick service, there is often a long line or wait during peak hours. But, they can't help that they are so popular right? Yums! Bring your jacket as all their seating is in an open tent outside and it can get chilly, especially at night.
(5)Nanditha G.
Came back for the falafel plate, and I wasn't disappointed! The food was good, but man, the ordering system needs to change. My coworker got the meat plate, and didn't know she was supposed to stand in another line to get the food. They made the ordering line stand inside, which made it confusing with the meat line, so it was interesting. The thing I don't like about the place other than the ordering system is the pigeons :( I'm not an animal hater, but the pigeons walking under the table waiting for our food to fall was just gross. For now, I'll just take my food back to my office or a place where I can eat without birds hovering around me..
(4)Jane Y.
Can not be better. Every item is very fresh and tasty! The price is good too!
(5)Dan K.
Wow the service reeked of... it ain't bout the customers its bout the workers. I don't care how good your food is (I'll get to that later) if you keep up service like this I don't know man gluck. They got these youngin ninjas up in here acting like a bunch of high schoolers- meaning not good service. The cashier and the falafel maker were neither friendly or very professional and actually talks to the customers with a slightly belittling tone in their voices. They don't really explain the process of how you're supposed to give your tab to the cook dude that makes your food and just gives the tab to you until the cook shouts at you to give you the tab. Anyway enough of that trash. Luckily for this joint i weigh the taste and quality of the food much higher than service thus the 3 stars instead of 1 or 2. The ingredients were fresh but no guarantee that they are clean. There's a difference between fresh and clean. The pita was too soft for my taste but I see why people like it so much. The falafel was pretty darn good! It looked a little different and had a slight kick to it which is not traditional. Overall the sauces and falafel complimented each other well. I think taste wise this place and the drive thru are a tie but they taste different forsure.
(3)T J.
I haven't been back. The line and set up is way to confusing and by the time I got all my food, my falafel was cold. And I wasn't that big of fan of the falafel. I've had way better. I would go back if I was just ordering from one area. The gyros are really good. Their garnishes are excellent. The guy who I assume is the owner is very nice, but one of the cashiers was really disinterested and didn't answer my question when I asked how the line and it all works.
(3)Gors P.
What i ordered... falafel ... same o same...
(4)Kary M.
I was starving after leaving the gym, and as usual I wait till the last possible minute to eat. Since this place was nearby, I decided to give it a go. Since it is a Sunday and late in the day, the place wasn't too packed, so the wait was really minimal. I got the grilled chicken / salad, and the chicken was deliciousssss. The marinade, in combination with the tahini, spicy sauce, and the green sauce is delicious (as you can tell, i'm definitely a pro at names of the sauces). The pitas were also fresh, fluffy and delicious. The portions were pretty good for the price as well. I definitely had more salad than I can handle :) Overall, I was SO SO SO pleasantly surprised. I've never really ever been knocked off my feet by middle eastern food, but this place is GOOD. I'm definitely going to make additional trips!
(5)Joseph H.
We were just around Sunnyvale for errands and decided to give this place a try given all the reviews. All I can say is that I never knew falafel, shawarma, could tastes this good and peta bread this fresh. WoW.....
(5)Shriya P.
Falafel STOP where have you been all this while?! Nothing can taste better than freshly fried Falafel on a cold rainy day. Husband and I visited a couple of weeks ago while on a quest for some warm comforting food. This was the perfect place! I ordered the Falafel Pita and watched it being prepared right in front of me. The wrap came with a generous helping of Falafel balls, mixed vegetables, homemade pickles and the freshest tahini I have tasted in a while. I asked for it to be made spicy so they added some extra hot sauce along with the Tahini and it tasted absolutely delicious! The husband ordered the Chicken Shawarma which was also quite tasty. They have a separate section for non vegetarian and vegetarian food, so it is a great spot for vegetarians and plenty of options to choose from. I will definitely be going back to try the hummus plate, the fresh grilled chicken Pita and some more warm, fresh falafel!
(4)Hari K.
Over rated. I saw the reviews here and visited the place. The most unhealthiest kitchen, never ending line and not so great taste. I would think about going to the place to review again. But not anytime soon.
(1)Tina C.
Great food and everything tasted fresh! Their ordering system is a bit confusing as other reviews have mentioned. Besides that we really enjoyed our dinner here.
(4)Avi U.
Pros: Good tasting falafel and shawarma. Great customer service from the cooks and the management. Always happy to give you a little extra if you ask. Cons: Lunch hours are always busy and parking is an issue. The ordering process is confusing and inefficient.
(5)Matt G.
Freshest Mediterranean in the area! Don't be fooled by the lines, they move quickly. I get the shwarma hummus plate, it comes with chicken shwarma, hummus, pita, and a variety of pickled and fresh vegetables. It's a good amount of food, but I wish they'd give you more meat and less hummus. The parking sucks when it's busy but I've never had an issue finding a spot
(5)Michael F.
This place is awesome, I've tried the same Falafel salad plate (I've forgotten the actual name) a few times and its a perfect dish. I'm the type that always has meat with a meal and I've never been disappointed with not having meat when i eat here. I have not tired the new meat counter they added but I will definately try it the next time i'm nearby. Give this place a try, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Janine K.
Falafel STOP is awesome. - Fast & friendly service. Sometimes they walk around with falafel ball samples while you're waiting. - in the Winter, they enclose the patio and provide heat lamps for a great dine in experience - hummus is delicious. Only 4 stars because I think Orens Hummus shop is better! ;) - Falafels are fresh and delicious. Meats are great. - Pita is AMAZING. Pita at Falafel stop beats Oren's & everyone else for that matter. So delicious and fresh. YUM. Quick and cheap! Only complaint is that it often times smells of oil in there. GRR I don't want my clothes and hair to smell!! :)
(4)Todd W.
Best falafel, hummus, and pita I've ever had. *And now I'll upgrade to a review, adding ordering instructions. This is my favorite place to eat in all of Sunnyvale. A tip on ordering: your first choice is protein (falafel or one of the meats from the grill), and your second choice is what your protein comes with: in a pita, on a plate, with a salad, or on top of hummus (basically). You can also get a hummus plate on its own, a Greek salad (lots of tomatoes and cucumber), and Masabacha. You order at the register. If you're getting something from the grill (anything with meat) you'll get a number and wait for it to be called over by the grill. If you're getting falafel or any other vegetarian dish, you take your ticket to the window outside and they'll put it together for you. Unless your food comes inside a pita bread, it will come with a pita bread.
(5)Tiffany C.
Kind of amazed that I have been living in San Jose for my entire life and 3 days before I'm leaving for (at least) 2 years, I've found my dream falafel sandwich. First things first - I echo the complaints about the weird lines and strange ordering system. It's a mess. It's not intuitve. You order from inside the side bar under the sign saying "order here" - don't try ordering AT the window, you'll be shooed away. Also don't try ordering from the meat grill, they'll chuckle at you patronizingly. Apparently the meat dishes have to be prepared separately from the vegetarian? The whole thing is completely confusing. If you can jump through these strange hoops, hooray! You're rewarded with a falafel sandwich that tastes of heaven and how. I had previously been a diehard Falafel's Drive-In fan, not knowing there was more to be found. The pita is super fluffy and soft, the falafels all snug inside, served to perfection with more than a large dollop of hummus/some mayo-like sauce and pickled veggies. I got the full-size which is way too much for one sitting (although that didn't stop me from trying!) The main differences between Falafel's Drive-In and Falafel Stop are the pita sandwiches - they're much thinner pitas at Drive-In, there are very meager lettuce shreds and no pickles/cucumber/veggie bits, and the sauce is more hummus-like at FS. So content with my experience here, minus the initial floundering around looking for food. Final tip: I'd also recommend bringing your own water, since they only sell bottled here!
(4)Laney S.
This place has the best Falafels in the Bay Area! This place is very busy, but the service is fast and the customer service is great!
(5)Kapil V.
If you really want some fresh hummus and falafels, this is the place you will want to visit. Hot, fresh and yummy. The staff keep rotating but the food is constant. Went there today for lunch and their salad in the falafel plate had previously unseen veggies on them, a good change actually. Lookout for weekend mayhem. A 20-30 minute long wait in the line is guaranteed, but well worth it at the end of it all.
(4)Kathleen L.
Fantastic! I wish Falafel STOP had later hours! Falafel STOPs ingredients are always on point and flavorful, their servings are more than generous, and their prices are digestible too! Falafel STOP is my go-to place if I want good food, I want it fast, and I want to feel healthy. If you're looking for somewhere healthy and yummy, definitely stop by Falafel STOP. The restaurant is somewhat split into to areas, the meat section and the vegetarian station. First you place your order inside and if you get a vegetarian dish you line up outside at the window by the cashier. The servers will take your receipt and construct your meal in front of you. If you get a meat dish, you head over to the meat area indoors and they'll call your number. When they call your number you hand them your receipt and they'll make your meal. The only seating area is the outdoor part and it can get chilly, loud, and a little messy. It's not unmanageable though and it seems characteristic for a place like Falafel STOP. I usually eat my food at Falafel STOP cause I can't resist it long enough to wait til I get home. :)
(5)Kyle B.
Generous portions of perfectly seasoned amazingness. This may be my new addiction. The falafel in a pita and shawarma on a humus plate are my favs.
(5)Nicole G.
Stars 3.5 Been here a couple of times and each time I had something different. Last visit tried the Chicken Shawarma. Pretty interesting set up, I like that you can see every thing being made. The chicken Shawarma is on a spic and is shaved down with an electrical shaver. There are two mini bar stands with your ingredients, one for falafel and the other shawarma. Shawarma $8: not bad.. not bad. It had a interesting flavor of tumeric, curry and cumin. Not really what I had expected. Cooked on a spic then they shave the meat and cook a little more on the flat top. Served in their truly amazing pita, which by the way is home made. This pita is what makes this place. They add some hummus and tahini on the inside with veggies and pickles from your choosing at the mini bar. It all comes nicely packaged in a pocket topped with fries for you to eat Seating here is basically on the street with tables. Parking could be a little limited depends on what time you show up. Why the 3.5 cause I have had shawarma else where and Falafel Stop's flavor is their weakest link. Not just shawarma, but in their falafel as well. Now if you could combine the pita from FS and have the deliciousness of FDriveIn.. now that my friends would make one fine meal!
(3)Brenda Jiwon L.
I wish this STOP was in Berkeley! Half a Falafel wrap for just $3 It's just so tasty with 3 falafel balls filled with hummus, tahini and spicy sauce. The only downside is that they put a lot of pickles. But still so very good! They also have the hummus plate, and various other falafel wraps (meat options, ones filled with fries, etc). I definitely recommend this place if you happen to be near Sunnyvale!
(4)JJ C.
The food at this place is amazing!!! Fresh and delicious, I can wait to stop for some more.
(5)Kenny N.
I went through all the pictures twice before finally coming in, I was super excited! Came by on a Tuesday night for dinner. Got in line to order and I got a hummus plate with extra falafel balls. It was good, but as another yelper mentioned, you should probably get an extra pita if you're gonna order this, it was a lot of hummus! The portion was smaller than the pictures :( but in the end it tasted good and it felt very healthy. I think if I were to come back I'd get the Falafel in a pita or a falafel plate. My experience was ruined by the lack of efficiency in the kitchen, I think I waited about 10-15 minutes just to get my food, and there were only 2 people in front of me. Granted one was a mother with a group of other mothers and their kids and who knows why but that order took ages. There was only 1 person manning the kitchen... and then after that lady took her 10 minutes to get her food, more staff finally came and assisted.. a little too much staff probably, but the 5 people behind that mother were quickly served within minutes; wish they did that earlier. And usually, I'm a big fan of kids, unfortunately all those mothers and their extremely rowdy and excessively loud kids who were screaming during the 10 minutes I was trying to scarf down my food and get the hell out of there, was extremely unpleasant. Nothing the restaurant could do about that though. I'll be back, I'll just try different things next time.
(3)Marc S.
I dont understand the hype. Cold fries, bland hummus, extremely inefficient line system, and a rude employee. I will not be returning here ever again, very unsatisfied.
(2)Dhawal S.
Best falafels, hands down, in bay area at this family run greek place. Going there for past 3 years for sunday lunches. Generous servings, customizable and topped off with amazing little yellow chillies. Used to be veggie only but recently started serving non veggie shawarmas and they are equally good. Hummus plate, falafel in pita, chicken shwarma and grape juice are amazing here. Prompt service and clean seating area (considering they are at a busy intersection with open seating). Parking could be a struggle at times.
(5)David C.
Forget it. Juice isn't worth the squeeze. I mentioned "crawling with people" and that's a good description. It's like bumper cars in there, people just crashing into each other, waving their tickets and triple checking their numbers. I've gone probably four times since and I know how the system works... I just think it's a little too chaotic for me, both the establishment and the food. Too much going on in the pita, too much going on around the pita, too much going on outside the pita.
(3)Albert W.
Good but I've had better (my favorite is still the shawarma place right next to UC Davis). Anyhow, place is super busy around lunch time. Lots of Apple employees and other IT folks that are getting their grub on. Fast and efficient with ordering and getting food (where to line up and in what sequence is confusing). Not good enough to visit again but still, you won't have a bad meal.
(4)Sophia L.
Tried their felafel plate and hummus plate. Must say, they're REALLY tasty and pretty healthy too! Glad I stopped by! Next time will try the shawarma :) might be a pricy though.
(4)Golda R.
The pita bread is so fresh and soft that it's awesome. I took a bite out of my chicken schwarma in pita bread, and I was blown away by the flavors. Each bite kept getting better. You can also order falafel on the side as a side dish, and they're pretty good as well. We didn't have tahini sauce with ours, but it doesn't need it because they taste good by itself. Ridiculously amazing good like the chicken schwarma. Please don't be fooled by appearances because from afar the picnic benches make the place look a little casual. I'll admit it took us awhile to come here for that reason, but with all the great Yelp reviews, we decided to pop in and give this place a try. I am a new fan favorite!
(5)Emily X.
One of the best Mediterranean food I have had in the bay area. The pita is freshly made and its super fluffy when you take a bite into it. Plus they give you a good portion for what you pay. I could only eat half of the falafel plate that I ordered and I was super hungry (forgot to have breakfast). I would definitely recommend this place to any friends or family who have never tried Mediterranean food or people who have had bad experiences with Mediterranean food. This will change their perspective on it. The owner is also friendly and chit chats with his customers while they wait in line. Everything on my plate was delicious and I cant wait to go back for more.
(4)Joanna B.
Where to even begin writing this review? *takes a bite out of my lamb pita sandwich. Warm and toasty on the outside, its literally like bitting into a warm pillow of fresh Mediterranean goozeness. I especially liked the fact that they add some french fries into the mix. Don't waste your time scrolling down to read the rest of the yelp reviews! this place is a must GO.
(5)Steven H.
Passes the parking lot test! I should have known so many people visiting this place when every I drove by. I finally gave it a shot. I had the Falafel pita which was delicious, hardy, filling and only $6. The line to order the food moved pretty quick and you can have food prep customize your dish as they make it in front of you. I'm looking forward to the next time I stop by! Great job Falafel Stop!
(4)Kells M.
Not as good as people said it was. It was really dry and it made me lose my appetite. The people that worked here were also pretty rude and rush you when you try to order.
(1)Dinesh R.
A good spot for veggies. Chipotle for middle eastern food?
(5)colleen d.
So awesome! super good flavors and the pita is the best I've ever had. Reasonably priced for what you got... Was a little intimidated about ordering (online menu did not match the menu at the restaurant) but was happy with what I ended up with. Parking is a bona fide nightmare but my kid went to the orthodontist next door so I felt justified parking there...
(5)ms m.
Rude staff. We were totally ignored when the staff was serving free falafels as samples and others were offered. Asked for help a few times about where the line for pickup was, staff didn't seem to wanna help. Parking always an issue.
(1)Veronica C.
This is one of the tastiest places to eat in the area!! It's quick, filling, cheap and delicious as all hell! I often stop by for lunch and it's always packed with long lines (which is a good sign for them and us). No worries, though, for it moves rather quickly. The ordering process is rather confusing because you have to line up twice: once to order then again to pick up your food...and, oh, don't lose your receipt! You'll need to show it to the lady who prepares your food. On my first visit, I ordered the falafel sandwich and OH EM GEE...it was amazing!!! Light and crispy falafel balls lay comfortably in a fluffy pita pocket with freshly diced vegetables as companions and a generous amount of tahini sauce draped around them. I requested chillis on my sandwich for that spicy kick, but honestly, I barely tasted any spiciness at all, so ask for extra if you love dat Heat ;) Their hummus plate is also really delicious! It's a huge portion and served with one fluffy pita bread on the side. Although I highly recommend their falafel sandwich, it's really their hummus that made me a loyal addict to this place.
(5)J C.
The fresh pillowy pita that they serve their amazing falafels with pickles is what keeps me coming here. I drive 40 mins just to come get a falafel from this place. They know what they're doing here! They do not skimp on their fresh ingredients and sauces! Love this place.
(5)Anita B.
Yummy, healthy and super fresh! The falafel came straight from dough via frying onto my plate!
(5)Elizabeth Z.
Move over Oren's...this place definitely has the best pita bread hands down! I got the hummus plate with 1/2 order of falafal and it was just enough food for me. I only wish the hummus plate came with more pita bread! It is truly like eating a cloud...soft, pillowy, awesomeness. The falafal comes with two layers of falafal, pico de gallo, sauce, cilantro, etc! I am typically the person that picks out all the onions and cilantro (I can see the shocked faces already...) but it tasted DELICIOUS here! I dont know what they did, but if they can convert a long time anti-onion/cilantro person like me, it really is heavenly.
(5)Chau L.
Best falafel ever. Crispy on the outside, moist and fresh on the inside, this place gets falafel right - and that's hard. I've been searching high and low for good falafel places from Oregon to California and this trumps all. The signature falafel sandwich is stuffed with the creamiest, most well-flavored hummus (I wish they sold it in buckets) and of course, small, crunchy falafel balls. Their menu is varied enough to please everyone, but not long and convoluted like other places - which is a sign of their dedication to quality and good food. They don't mess around and serve straight-forward food. I come here about once-a-week for my fix. The sabbich is also a must-try - it's filled with thinly sliced pieces of fried purple eggplant, and a boiled egg. You really can't get this anywhere else. The grill side offers a pretty good menu of kebabs, which is also pretty spot-on - I've had a lot of kebab while in Europe, and honestly nothing compares to this place. The ingredients are fresh and the everything is made-to-order. Finally, the pita bread...light and fluffy, they serve it to you so hot it almost burns (in a good way!). Finally, prices are ridiculously reasonable - half a sandwich is 3.5 and is a perfect serving size, and if you order anything else, you'll have to split it.
(5)Ralphy J.
Really sad to have to update my review to knock a couple stars off this place but I need to address some issues. The food here is excellent, I love it because it is fresh and healthy but there is a pink elephant in the room and that is the delivery model. First off you need to order at the counter inside the restaurant, once you order you need to wait in another line outside if you ordered a falafel. If you order anything with meat, you need to go wait in line at the grill and then in both cases you will give your order receipt to the staff who will make your food. Hmmmm, I wonder what you do if you order both a falafel and something with meat thankfully I have not experienced that quanundrum. The problem with this process is that absolutely no one knows the process their first time at Falafel Stop. People slowly walk around outside the door or wait in line behind those who have already ordered and are waiting for their food. People start forming two separate lines, one running the length of the store inside and another trailing out the front door bisecting the line for falafels. I yearn for The Soup Nazi who will make an orderly tight run ship of this mess. Today I ordered 2 Chicken Falafels and a Beef Kebab Hummus Plate. My thoughts were that I would surpass the long line at the falafel counter by ordering from the grill. I was so wrong. I gave my receipt to the guy working behind the counter at the grill, not sure if there was a communication issue but he told me to keep the receipt and wait. So I waited, 5 minutes and then 10 minutes....in the meantime people were being served left and right. I checked in with the guy behind the counter twice more to no avail. Finally after noticing that someone had been served the exact same order I was waiting on I asked for some clarification. Turns out that everything was exactly as I suspected, complete and utter chaos, the guy was filling orders that were more recent before completing orders that had been sitting around for quite some time. I love this place, but it doesn't take a restauranteur to see that there is a problem with the service model. When it gets busy I am going to avoid this place......maybe they will re-tune their process and it will improve but until then I am going to get my falafel fix elsewhere. Check out my check-ins and previous reviews...I am a regular. Please fix the process!
(2)Carlos G.
Why I can't get shuwarma over Greek salad is totally stupid. You just earned a bad review for your stupidity
(2)Mystie M.
Very fresh veggies. I got the chicken Schwarma and it came with some pita on the side. My husband got the chicken pita sandwich. Huge portion, tasty, and fresh. I think the salad was the most fresh of all the falafel restaurants that I've every had. It's always a long line and we waited for over 25 minutes for the food to be ready. You will be sharing the table with others since it's crowded. It worth the wait. Will be back:)
(5)Tamiko B.
Went back today. They've added meat to the menu. Their chicken is fantastic. Can't wait to try the beef kebabs...the man who is at the meat station is so friendly. He said, "HI!" when we first walked in. I smiled and said, "Hi" back -I didn't realize that he was at one of the counters, he walks around and chats with the customers and makes sure everyone's happy (at least when we were there, anyway). I think that's way cool! He gave us some chicken as a sampler. We also received falafel ball samples as we were waiting. The falafel balls are really good, but I knew that. The chicken was out of this world in flavor...it made my decision all the more difficult. I went with the same falafel plate I got last time...it's really good. They have this fried chicken that we were schooled on -we heard that instead of chicken nuggets, Israeli children eat those. Next time, I'm bringing two stomachs so I can try everything! Just so you know, if you don't like pickled type vegetables, the salad has them in it, so keep that in mind. I love pickled veggies so enjoy it. Outdoor seating is plentiful, it's in a tent-like clear plastic set up with heating so it's really quite comfortable to eat, even when it's colder out.
(5)Laura W.
Incredible. I had the falafel pocket, spicy with everything on it. I'm new to falafel but YUM. My husband got a kebab pocket, tasty, but get the falafel instead. The ordering system is kind of annoying and if your party is getting grilled and falafel, you likely won't be eating at the same time if there's a line at the falafel window.
(5)Eran G.
For real the best mediterranean place @ all bay area !!!!! Just simple and great food !!!! I feel at home there
(5)Carey M.
Great good and great service. Everything is fresh... meat, pita bread, hummus, salads, etc. If it's your first time, just go to the sign that says "Order Here".
(5)Andrea W.
This place is AMAZING. Best falafel I've ever had in my life (I've had my share of falafels). I came here for dinner around 5:30PM on a Saturday, and it was pretty empty. But it was SO GOOD. When ordering, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to order falafel or eggplant (I love eggplant which is why there was a debate in the first place), so I asked for a suggestion from the cashier. He was super friendly and gave me a sample of their falafel, and I was SOLD. It was SO GOOD. So I got a falafel in pocket pita, and I watched them make it. The pocket pita was so soft and fluffy (and FRESH), and the falafels were light and crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. They were amazing. There was a good amount of vegetables as well, although they didn't have that much flavor. I asked for spicy also, but it wasn't spicy (they just sort of dump some spicy stuff at the top as opposed to actually putting it into the pita with the rest of the ingredients). I wish the pocket pita came with hummus too; I think next time I'll get the plate. Anyhow, I love this place even though my pocket pita has room for improvement. If it were closer to my home, I'd go here at least once a week. It is delicious. It's cheap too! Including tax, it was $6 for about 6-8 falafels inside a pocket pita with sauce and vegetables. YUM! Highly recommend.
(5)Scott F.
2/5: The Sabich sandwich is over-rated: yelp.com/biz_photos/fala… It has a few skimpy strips of eggplant, but everything else in the sandwich is filler, and the pita bread gets soggy really fast. Previous visit: The hummus is great: yelp.com/biz_photos/fala… also good is the creme bavaria: yelp.com/biz_photos/fala… Layers of vanilla mousse, layer cake, with chocolate and nuts on top. It's better than most tiramisu. But I didn't like the falafel; too much like clumps of bread crumbs, with a flavor that is dominated by pepper.
(3)rotem a.
best falafel in town, you get fresh warm pita bread with delicious falafel ball, and you choose your salads and spicy sauce, all home made.
(5)Kate C.
To add another voice to the chorus: how incredible is this place. If I lived anywhere near Sunnyvale I would eat lunch here every single day. A++
(5)Sagi Z.
First off this place is an Israeli joint not Mediterranean or some other fusion crap that people have mentioned. The food and options are as close to eating in tel aviv as you can get. The plates, portions, falafel and shawarma are the best in town hands down. The pita bread everybody raves about is real pita bread, not Safeway pita bread. It is the only place that has it other than Oren hummus. The reason only 3 stars is the logistics setup of the place. Falafel or shawarma should be served in 5 min max from ticket time. Every time I have been it's 15 min avg ticket time it drives me crazy and not seeing the owner there to run the ship or make improvements could be the downfall of a good product. Great food, slow ass ticket times!
(3)Julia T.
Falafel STOP makes (you guessed it) excellent falafels. The first time I was here I got the Falafel Plate served with chopped salad and tahini. To be honest I liked the falafels much more than the salad or pita bread that accompanied it, so the second time that I returned, I ordered a small side of just falafels to go. My favorite aspect about Falafel STOP is that their ingredients are always fresh. I don't think my orders of falafels were ever cold or soggy. Dining wise, there are tables outside in a covered patio for you to sit and enjoy your meal, and the employees there are always friendly. Ordering can be confusing for first-timers as you walk inside to place your order and then step outside to line up and pick up your food at the outer windows. Parking is in a very small lot, and this place gets packed around lunch time so I'd recommend either visiting before the lunch hour rush or midday.
(4)Sean L.
freaking AMAZING! My favorite place for eggplant pita's or chicken shrwarma (with fries!). Everything tastes super fresh, great moist pita, and just overall delicious! Also great price! which is what I'm all about. I think the eggplant or falafel pita's are like $5? And then the chicken pita is like $8? You get a ton of food! one of them is more than enough to fill me up. Only downside is the limited parking. Also a story for those interested. The first time I got the chicken pita, they asked me if I wanted fries in it, and I was like HECK YA!
(4)Javier P.
I don't know why I didn't stop by this place sooner. I drive by it every time I'm in Sunnyvale. After reading a few reviews about the long lines but well worth the wait. I decided to eat here today. I came here as soon as they opened at 11am. I was the first customer of the day. No waiting in line for me. I ordered the Falafel with everything. I asked to try their spicy sauce. I was dissapointed that it was not spicy at all. They lady told me that if she added a lot it would make it spicy and she gave me a small container with sauce so I can add it myself. It still didn't make a difference. The falafel (first time trying falafel) so delicious that one bite wasn't enough. Everything on it was fresh. Next time I'll ask for extra hummus. One falafel will fill you up but you might want to order a 2nd to go. You need to go inside to place your order and pay. You get your receipt. You go outside in front of the windows and give your receipt to the lady making the falafels. I can see now why the lines get long because you need to get in line twice. People starting showing up when I was leaving. Can't wait to come back for more.
(5)Lisa B.
STOP THE FALAFEL'S cuz I hit the jack pot finding this best in town falafel balls. ! Just lately I have been on a search of Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Jose, trying new places that serve falafel and hummas. When one of my friends on yelp reviewed this gem of a place. I decided hey its by my work I will try. And I am so happy I did. The parking is kinda small but I got in... It was busy during lunch time. The place was actually had a large line, my cocern went up. But not to worry... The way this resturant takes orders is inside.... then when that is done... just simply walk over to the PIck up line... and it goes pretty fast... They have an assembly line of women that handles your order. They may ask you for your ticket... they may see what your would like on your order, hot, or not... any items you would like to omit from the item. Food: Absolutely to die for FALAFELS AND HUMMUS ! and the bread it was a thick, pita bread that was fluffy, soft, melt in your mouth bread ! Still warm as she pulls it from its hot chamber... I will have to admit... I made a pig out of myself cuz I wanted to order everything ! lol But I order a Hummas plate and 1/2 of a pitta bread that was full of saucey, flavorful items. I got a little hint of Hot nes in the middle of my hummus plate and it just made it more delcatble than I could imagine. The Falafels where deep fried to perfection, Perfect... the inside was fresh and huummmmy... topping the their sauce I couldn't ask for more. Tahini sauce is excellent I also ordered the the 1/2 pita filled with the most tasty items... The 1/2 a falafel was only $3.00 The hummas was $6.75 Now that is a deal ! I ordered a extra pita bread $1.00 I can't rave more about this place ! Take a moment and try it is a MUST !
(5)Ayush G.
This is definitely the best middle eastern food I have had. I go there every week (sometimes twice a week) and still never get bored of this place. The best dish I like is Masabacha plate. I have tried all their vegetarian dishes and each of them is great. My non-vegeterian friends love their non-veg menu as well. This is my regular lunch stop being 2 miles from my office. I wouldn't recommend this place to people just because it gets crazy crowded in lunch hour and I'd like to get to my falafels and the masabcha plate as soon as I can :-). On a serious note, definitely worth trying.
(5)Wayne C.
There is a reason why this place is always packed. Their food is heavenly. This place is conveniently located near 24 Sports, so I often come to this restaurant for my post-work out meal. I highly recommend getting the Shuwarma - On a Plate. What you get is a wide assortment of vegetables, hummus, tahini sauce, fries, meat, and a piece of pita bread. It is a high protein meal perfect for post-work out. What I love the most about this place is the shuwarma chicken. It is so tender and roasted perfectly. The smokey flavor of the meat is so divine. I cannot get enough of it. You can also eat it with the hummus or tahini sauce for extra deliciousness. The vegetables are great too. You get many different kinds of vegetables on the plate, each with a distinct flavor. The pita bread is also very fresh. The bread is light and fluffy. I love eating the pita bread with the hummus. There is just so much food with the plate and so many different flavors, it is impossible to get tired of it. The service is great too. One of the guy that serves the food likes to chat with my mom, and my mom likes to flirt with him. It is cute to watch.
(5)Eryn E.
I love this place. My boyfriend and I are both gluten and dairy free and the Israeli salad with chicken Shwarma is our favorite. It is fresh, flavorful and amazing. The service is always personal and prompt and I highly recommend eating here if you haven't been!
(5)Kevin W.
Beef and marinated falafels made me a new falafel lover. Their pickup system and process needs some work (numbers aren't called out on a speaker system so if you aren't nearby, you'll be skipped).
(4)Alice L.
I've grown to despise this place over many visits. 1) Unless you go at very off peak hours you will not be able to park in their minuscule lot. I'm sure the other businesses that share that lot really love that. No you cannot park on the street nor are you supposed to park in the adjacent dentist office parking. 2) if you are a new customer it may be completely confusing in which of the long lines where you're supposed to stand. The flow is weird and not obvious. I've seen so many people confused and have to ask after minutes of wondering if they're wrong. 3) many of the ingredients are already mixed together so you cannot really fulfill someone's request for no cucumbers, for example. 4) pushy and arrogant owner. Hear me out: so they often offer falafel samples to customers waiting in line. Sounds nice, right? For me, two times the falafel was too burning hot. I burned my mouth and it hurt. Why did that second time ever occur, you ask? Because the owner is pushy and arrogant. He pushed his precious faultless falafel on me even though I politely declined. He practically insisted each time. Ok so eventually I find myself there sometime later and he's coming down the line again with his samples and this time I decline, he pushes, I decline again, he pushes again even harder "Come on! Try one!", and then I let him have it. I tell him that he serves them way too hot and that I've burned myself in the past. And then he does this thing , an overly animated step back with his hands up, like being mock arrested. And says "okay! okay!" with a contorted mocking face. As if I'M the one at fault. Ugh. Hate this place.
(2)Sudesna M.
Fresh...Tasty...made to order and they customize the dish for you if you ask. Chicken shawerma tasted a whole lot better than any other shawerma I have tried earlier. The salad served is unique and doesn't need any additional dressings. Tastes good as is. They add French fries to your Pita or plate which is different than normal falafel places. Tahini sauce and hummus served were excellent. Pita bread was super fresh and awesome. Must visit.
(3)Steven M.
Whoa, really good Falafel AND Shawarma. Equally delicious. One thing: when you say you want everything on your Shawarma, that also means a small order of fries placed on top of the stuff in the pita. Kinda weird, but not a big deal. Ordering everything also means a ton of rando toppings, all very good. This place gets busy though. I went at 2pm on a Sunday and it was packed. Helpful tidbit if you're torn between the Falafel Sandwich and something more meaty: there are TWO lines with potentially very different waits. After you order at the middle counter, you take your ticket and wait in the vegetarian or non vegetarian line. The veggie line was about 15 min long when I went while the other line was empty. The outdoor seating is nice and there's a pretty decent turnover even when it's full, so don't be discouraged. The sandwiches are huge though, so don't order sides.
(5)Mugdha K.
Best falafel I have had so far in the bay area. Their hummus and chicken shawarma are good too. My favorite here remains Falafel plate.
(5)Channing M.
I got the falafel plate and it did not disappoint! There were about 10 falafel balls on the plate with hummus, salad, a pita, and all the fixings. The falafel were smaller than some of the other places I have gone to, however, there were so many. They were crunchy on the outside and delightfully soft on the inside. They don't use any herbs, I am used to seeing some green on the inside, but they were still delicious. They were super friendly and our food was out very quickly. I also like how they separate the vegetarian side with the meat ordering counter, good for those who are strict vegetarians! The pita was soft and delicious, I could have eaten 4 more if I had the chance. The price was just right and I will be coming back when I am in the area to try the chicken pita!
(5)Andreas N.
Pros - they have great falafel here, taste amazing and looks beautiful. Watch out for the spicy sauce if you're human. For you robots out there, go ahead and ask for double the sauce! You'll definitely get full on one falafel in pita. Awesome service. Doesn't matter if it's the owner or that new guy helping you, they all provide a great and honest service. Cons - Well, the only thing I can think of is that it goes a little slow during the lunch-rush. But I understand, when you have 50+ people waiting in line to eat Bay Area's best falafel it might take some time to prepare everything! I love this place.
(4)Jennifer T.
I got the falafel plate. Very very tasty 10 falafels on a heap of spinach, pickles, pickled cabbage (?), chopped cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, other veggies, tahini sauce, dab of hummus, and a whole pita bread. It was enough for a second lunch the next day for me. Even if you don't like super spicy foods, I'd recommend getting the spicy option as I think it would be a little bland without the bit of chili sauce. Everything tasted very fresh. Definitely recommended, but my only issue is the wait time. It must have taken me 20-25 minutes in line to get my order while my husband's meat order was done in 5 minutes. The veggie orders are quite popular and it's not as if the staff are working slowly they just seem to be understaffed. So prepare to wait around lunch time, but it's well worth it.
(5)J M.
I'll definitely be splitting my time between Falafel Stop, Falafel's Drive-In, and Dish N Dash! The falafel here is good but not as good as at Falafel's Drive-In in my opinion. I took off one star because they cost 50 cents each a la carte and are TINY! Be reasonable! If I'm really craving falafel (or milk shakes) I'll go to Falafel's Drive-In instead. The hummus is the main attraction for me. I almost thought I was eating pâté because it was so creamy and flavorful. The pita bread is served fluffy and warm and just goes great with the hummus. Depending on what you order there is a very generous serving of fresh and pickled vegetables which keeps the meal refreshing and light. My main concern is that one serving is not enough to fill me up and two servings would be too expensive. If I want to get filled up for cheap I think I'll go to Dish N Dash instead.
(4)Derwei C.
Amazing falafels! Super crunchy on the outside and nice and moist inside. Can be a little too salty on its own but in the pita and with the tahini, it works.
(4)Alvina L.
If you're a pita lover, don't miss this stop! They're pita is so fluffy and baked fresh daily! I got the falafel sandwhich (falafel balls and all the goodies in a pita pocket) and my mom ordered the sabwich (no falafel. Eggplant crisps plus the goodies). The contrast of texture from the crunchiness of the falafel and the chewiness of the pita bread...omg...one word--HEAVEN. My tummy was definitely in a good place afterwards (aka food coma-land). It was my mom's first time trying Mediterranean food, and even she thought it was bomb!
(5)Neesh Q.
Set-up is great- fast and easy. I like the falafels here, though I like them better at places like Albayk and Falafel Tazah. Not as flavorful as I would have expected, however hits the spot just the same when the mood strikes. Also the sauces that come with the falafels are ok. Staff is friendly and the place is clean.
(3)Yvonne B.
Every Sunday I pass by this place twice on my way to church and after church. Lines are always long here. I got their spicy falafel sandwich. It was quite yummy. The pita bread was so warm and soft and all the ingredients inside held together. And it was only $6! And the falafel was just the right amount of spice, not burning your mouth spicy. I will definitely be coming back here again.
(4)Jackie S.
I was introduced to this place last Friday by my friend and I went back here with my family for lunch on Sunday too haha! Place/Location: To be honest, the place looks like a shack. There's a parking lot on its left, but it's TINYY. Make sure you don't come here when it's lunch rush! However, in the few times I've been here there has always been at least one parking space available. Or maybe I'm just lucky. There's plenty of benches outside for you to eat, so it's pretty casual. Lines: You actually order inside. There's a counter once you go through the first door where there will be someone taking care of your order. DO NOT blindly line up in the line outside! That's actually the line for the falafel/eggplant orders to get their food. You will still have to order and pay first before you get into that line if you even order falafels. The line for the meat is in the other room connected to the cashier and it is MUCH shorter. If you want to avoid a long wait, I'd suggest ordering a meat dish. Food: It's not on their website or anything, but they DO have a meat menu! They have stuff like beef kabobs, chicken shawarma, chicken breast, etc. You can choose to put it in a pita ($7.50ish), salad ($10ish) with the pita bread on the side, on a plate ($10ish) with hummus, fries, etc. I chose the chicken shawarma with the salad both times. There's not too much wait if you're ordering a meat platter. The "salad" is actually the israeli salad (diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions) with pickles, a few leaves of spinach, and the meat of your choice. I'm not a stranger to middle eastern food and the chicken shawarma is pretty good. However, the real showstopper for me was actually the PITA BREAD. I've never had such soft, fluffy pita bread. And I eat a LOT of pita bread. You can tell it was freshly baked and it was like the consistency of a sponge cake. It was THAT fluffy and soft. The best pita bread I've ever tasted! The salad was pretty bomb as well. Very filling meal! :)
(4)Jessica C.
Omg yum!!!! I've been to be falafel stop in Santa Clara and this one definitely won my heart. I got the shawarma with hummus plate! So good!! Will definitely come back often!!
(5)Tiffany M.
It's official, I'm obsessed! Delicious food, quick and friendly service, and great prices. What could be better? I LOVE the chicken shwarma here. I usually get the plate or the salad, depending on my hunger level. The meat is tender and flavorful, and I can't get enough of the pickled vegetables they serve with it. Oh man, and the pita is SO good - light, fluffy, massive. It's everything you could want in a carb and more! Bonus: they're often walking around with free samples of falafel. Grab one - you won't be disappointed! (Or you can be like my husband and order 6 falafel in addition to your meal. Whatever floats your boat.)
(5)Grace S.
Had the chicken shawarma plate - the Israeli salad was absolutely delicious and very fresh. No complaints there at all! I usually do not like tahini at all, but the tahini here was actually tasty - I'm still not in love with it, but I actually enjoyed having it with some of the items on my plate (a first for me and tahini!). The overall portion size was good for $11 with the salad + pita, but I felt a smidge under-served on the chicken.
(4)Shirley C.
This is the place to be to get your falafel fix. I got the falafel plate here and it was delicious. The falafel itself is very light and airy. This place is different from other places because of its light flavor. If you're looking for a falafel that has a very bold flavor, then this place may not be right for you. The falafel balls are also very crispy as well. But for me it is fantastic. The pita itself is very light and fluffy and it's made fresh. I could just eat multiple pita bread and be happy too. I tried the hummus as well and it's also a very light flavor. Over all this please generally has a lighter flavor in their dishes compared to other Mediterranean restaurants.
(5)Jennifer Y.
This place is pretty good! Last night, I got the falafel plate with everything. I really like the pita bread here, it is super fluffy and delish! Writing this makes me want to go again. TIP: if you order at the counter, make sure to give them your order/receipt so that they will start making it!!! I paid and sat there for a good while until a kind lady told me that she made the same mistake her first time. You have to give them your receipt at the window, then you watch them make your food. That is when you can customize your meal.
(4)Chiku C.
Authentic Mediterranean food @ affordable prices. Falafels tasted great, pita was freshly baked- soft & fluffy and hummus was by far the best that I have had in the Bay Area. Portions are generous, prices are wallet friendly and service is fast. Will come back for more!
(4)Aaron S.
Been there twice. Food was fresh, pita was soft and just made. Both times the person making the food was extremely rude. This last time, I was missing half my order and asked about them. This grinning little dude told me to speak to the cashier. When asked by the cashier the issue, i said i was missing the rest of my order. Then he said it's right here. Why didn't you just give it to me? Will never go back.
(1)Benjamin L.
I don't know why this place has such high reviews. Food was pretty good but it didn't blow me away or rather, it was just mediocre. Nothing memorable or to write home about. I ordered the chicken shawarma with israeli salad. I asked for a side of hummus and they gave it to me. It also came with a pita bread. The pita bread was ok but I've had better. The hummus was also ok. They give you quite a bit of salad and top it with chicken and tahini sauce. It seems pretty healthy. The whole thing cost $10 which is fair but I think given what I got, it could be a little cheaper. I heard the falafels are good so I will return to try those but I'm not going in with high expectations. I think Oren's in Palo Alto is better
(3)Sameer B.
Delicious food. Awesome taste. Heaven for vegetarians. Their Israeli salad and falafel plates are the best. Very sogt and delicious pita. Not like other places. Highly recommended for all. Must go place at least once.
(5)Deepika L.
So awesomely, unbelievably, yummy in my tummy tummy-deliciousness going on here. I am very picky when it comes to ordering out and really find ot hsrd to find somrthing "special" enough for me to return a visit. While i like Mediterranean food-ive never loved it, and falafel has always been bleh to me-a bit on the bitter side probably from the garbanzo bean flour (I have a delicate and sensitive palate). This place had changed my mind. The falafel @falafel stop-holy cow good. The nutritionist in me says stay clear of anything fried but these delicate gems are so good, not greasy, and perfectly seasoned. The portions are generous and will have you licking the bowl/plate or in my case the to-go box, wanting more food. Oh and the pita- a previous yelper described as little clouds-well put. Omg. They are unbelievable. *side note-the grilled chicken not to my liking- it had a sweet marinade that I didnt enjoy but if you do like sweet almost terriyaki like flavor then by all means order it. All in all- Go here. Like now. Drop your food if you are eating and just go. You won't regret it.
(5)Allison Y.
The fresh falafels here are so delicious and fairly priced. i also love that they have a half serving option. all the sauces that come with your food are equally delicious. the eggplant falafel wasn't my favorite, since it wasn't as flavorful the homemade pita is on point... soooo good if you have room for dessert, the creme bavaria is amazing the ordering system is a little strange. the lines are awkward since they go in between two doors (i'm not explaining this well at all) but after you order your food, you have to bring your receipt to the other window where they'll make it for you
(5)Lisa L.
I drive by this place all the time to get to the freeway and I always see a bunch of people outside. Today decided to stop in for some lunch. Like all first timers I hopped on yelp to see recommendations. Not really a consensus so I decided to get the kebob on pita. Omg are you freakin kidding me, so freakin bomb! They really nail the concept of flavoring food and not making it salty. So much flavor in one bite. The owner is constantly doing QA during lunch rush asking everyone how everything is. This place is a definite 5 stars in my book, for price and food. Glad I work down the street to this gem
(5)Katie R.
This was so delicious! Easy ordering and stellar food at a great price. I got the beef kabob in the homemade pita and it was so good. My mom got the 1/2 falafel pita and it was the perfect size for lunch and also just as yummy. I'm definitely coming again and trying everything on the menu!
(5)Jo'an R.
we move to Cupertino on 1/22. We were craving for Middle Eastern food and found this place on Yelp and tried it on Monday, 1/26. Then, the next day, we came back ---- the very next day. I love it --- especially the picked thing they place on your plate. yum!
(4)Sherry C.
Whenever I have a hard time figuring out what to eat, Mediterranean food always come to mind. So we are near this place and decided to stop by for some tasty falafel. This place can be a bit insane as there are always long lines - A line inside for ordering and then you have to come outside wait on another line to pick up the food. The queue at the pickup windows can be painfully long depending the quantity of the orders before you but they do make the food fresh right in front of you. We got the falafel and sabich in pita. Since I was craving the eggplant in sabich but also wanted falafel, I ordered an extra falafels on the side. The falafels were fresh and cooked to perfection unlike other joints where they are fried for too long and became tough on the outside. All the ingredients tasted fresh and delicious. Even the hot sauce was great! Total for 2 pitas and a side of falafels came to roughly $14. What a treat!
(4)A. D.
Good fresh food !! And so many others have commented on everything you want to know about this place, I'll just cut to the chase........just go try it atleast once.
(4)Anh T.
I love the combo plate. You get a little bit of everything and it's so delicious. I love french fries but I always feel guilty. There you get the salad and the french fries so they negate each other! Yes! I'm pretty sure i'm addicted to the shwarma. Typically, I love trying new items on the menu at any restaurant but this one canNOT be beat. My food partner in this instance is the more adventurous one ordering the beef but dude.... my shawarma is always better. The pita is puffed by angels' breaths. it's so soft.
(5)arun m.
Amazing place! really love the food. Always busy.
(5)Dennis L.
This place is addicting. The falafels are surprisingly packed with flavor. Every bite is delicious. Haven't had a problem with customer service yet. Everyone has been pretty nice to me. Parking sucks, so try and get there slightly before the lunch rush if possible. Yes, the ordering system is awkward at first, but you get use to it.
(5)Victoria J.
How have I not written a review about Falafel STOP yet?! This place is crazy delicious. I've definitely on more than one occasion driven down from San Francisco just to come here. The falafels are FRESH and they know how good they are, which is why they're often liberal with the sampling. A few things to know: you order inside, then stand in line outside to pick up your order. This understandably can be confusing for newbies. I love the sabich despite its messiness and I also love watching them mix everything fresh for you as you wait. Overall, what makes Falafel STOP so amazing is the fresh ingredients and balanced flavors.
(5)Schelly Y.
Parking here can be sort of a mess. We arrived shortly after opening on a Saturday for lunch and the lot was small and already packed. For falafels you order from the right side of the restaurant while meat dishes are ordered from the left. Once you order, you get a number and wait at the pickup area. Seating is outside picnic table style. The bread here is really soft and fresh. Between the schwarma and the falafel we both agreed the falafel tasted better overall.
(3)Sunil P.
Food is pretty good, but so is it at many other falafel places around. It isn't outstanding like I expected. I don't think I will go back,though, because service wasn't really good, parking was horrible, ordering was chaotic, there weren't enough options or customizations on the menu.
(2)Girl O.
...Yes, the best falafel, warm & fresh pitas and hummus. #authentic My picky 14-year old did not like hummus or falafel but she loved it when she came here. The food is fresh. truly the heart of Israel in their food. I usually stock up when I go because I'm hardly in the area as much as I'd like to be. This place would be my local favourite! And it is... Also, a great Thank You to their manager Dora for making my experience wonderful. Great service!
(5)Kevin V.
The girl at the register was rude.. I was with a friend and we asked her to split the bill between two cards.. She disagreed.. Weird.. Wht if we had bought separately .. Food was fresh and good.. Very good hummus..
(3)Santosh G.
Awesome food... great quality and unbelievable quantity.... best falafel in south bay
(5)N N.
No question...one of the best falafels I have had in a very long time. The bread was freshly baked and super soft as well. Will definitely be back. Highly recommended. Super friendly staff as well.
(5)Van N.
The pita bread is freshly made and is straight up pillowy. I had the half falafel sandwich for $3 and made it spicy. The falafel itself is pretty good, but I prefer Falafel Drive-in's because it is a little crunchier there. It's really spicy too and has a nice kick to it. I definitey need to come back and try out the other things on the menu.
(4)Amit S.
I went with lot of expectations. Ordered falafel and chicken shawurma. Falafel was good but not great. It is fresh and lot of quantity. Chicken shawurma was disappointing. The meat itself did not have much taste and curry sauce tasted raw. Rest of the ingredients did not go well with grilled chicken. Overall it is average. Nothing great.
(3)Michael L.
Only thing I don't like about this place is they call all their food "Israeli Food", when it's really Middle Eastern Food! However, that is just a small nuance and this place deserves top scores for excellent meats and salads. I have eaten here about 4 times and ordered something different each time, and the food was always great!
(5)Renu A.
This place has a similar set up to Falafel Drive-In but is a bit newer looking. I like that their outdoor seating is covered and clean. I had the grilled chicken pita sandwich here and it was really good! It took a little while for my order to be ready since they throw the chicken on the grill only after you order it . This is obviously great 'cause you get hot off the grill chicken but be prepared to wait a bit. I also liked the tahini sauce, hot sauce, and other veggie toppings that they stuff into a super soft and fluffy pita. Everything tasted really fresh too. I'll be back to try their falafels.
(4)Katie D.
I am really fond of this place! The walk up to the window order style is really cool alongside the outdoor/patio community style seating, not many places around here have that! Not too pricey either, under $15 for 2 people. I got the isreali salad which is basically a Mediterranean style salsa with cucumber and other veggies topped with tahini. They serve all their salads with pita bread, which is heaven. The bread is so fresh and delicious i wish they sold it by the bag. My friend got the fallafel which looked quite delicious too! The only wierd thing is they have two lines, i think one for vegetarian or something but its really confusing at first. Its reallllly crowded during prime dining hours so parking is kind of difficult so be ready for that.
(4)Meg k.
Freshly made falafel and pita, plenty of salad on the top and well seasoned with sauces. Delicious quick meal and inexpensive.
(5)Ana V.
My Order: Shwarma(chicken) in a pita light hummus Tahini sauce cabbage + parsley and red sauce and top it off with fries! THE BEST!!
(5)Kelly P.
WOW. I have tried a LOT of falafel from a lot of places, and this was the best falafel pita I have ever had, hands down. Not only is it bursting with flavor, it's actually easy to eat (unlike many pitas where it's made like a taco and falling all over the place) because they pack it into more like a pita pocket. Fast, cheap, delicious. Worth a trip to Sunnyvale just for this.
(5)Diane W.
The best pita bread in the world!! Huge puffy pita bread stuffed with a mountain of fresh spicy falafel balls and scrumptious veggies and sauces. This is such a huge sandwich that everyone had leftovers which they graciously boxed up for us to take home. The bread is homemade and so light and fresh. The falafel balls were perfectly crispy and the perfect foil for the puffy bread. Assorted sauces and chopped vegetables get piled on. Great care is given to each sandwich. Recommend you use a fork to get started with this wonderful dish. We all ordered falafel so I tried to see if anyone on the patio had anything else. The only variation I saw was a plate of hummus. It looks great. Everyone is very friendly and cheerful. They look like they love making these fantastic falafels. Highly recommend!!!
(5)Eli E.
Excellent!! Everything was so fresh here. Clean space and great service. The best falafel in The bay area, and possibly, in America.
(5)H G.
This is my second time here.. When we really wants to have a taste of Israel we come here... The Shawarma is so good , can't find anything like that in the whole Bay Area. It's pretty far away from our home but worth the drive. The owner is very nice, he offer samples of the food and the positions are very generous.
(5)Amy W.
I really think this cannot be expressed enough. The ordering system is wacky AND crappy. I get the whole 2 kitchens thing (one veggie, one meat) but surely there is a better solution than this place. While I did eventually get my food, I still can't exactly tell you how it works other than to avoid ordering a combo of a veggie and a meaty meal because you'll have to wait in not only 2 lines but 3 lines! Now I'm sure this would not solve the problem, but maybe a sign that explains the process would be read by 30% of the customers and at least those people would know how to order. You can tell the employees are sick of explaining it as well, they just mumble at you. The food...we had an eggplant sandwich and a falafel sandwich. Falafel Drive in is far superior in quality/taste of falafel. This place has better bread - so I'm saying something nice. Oh, and as another reviewer mentioned this - the owners' son (I'm gonna say around 8- 11 years old) is hanging around (bored to death & kinda "entitled") and getting in everyones' way by chatting with them while they are busy, I saw one guy stop filing orders to make him a mini falafel snack. Seems like he absolutely bored. Leave the poor kid at at home, or give him an actual job to do, I'm sure this is not his idea of a great Sunday afternoon. Here's an idea...make him a greeter, who explains the ordering process to newbies!!!
(2)Eve K.
Lives up to the hype: fluffiness in the falafel and fresh pita makes it. Now serving meat too. 4.5 stars Food: 4.5, Service: 3.5, Atmosphere: 3 Cost to worth it rating: 4 (huge falafel pita for under $6) Return worthiness: yes Eve award: best fresh pita bread Highlights: - Pita bread: fresh and fluffy warm pocket of heavenly goodness. Loved it - Falafel: more airy texture and this version reminded me of a hush puppy. I liked it but it isn't like the crunchy outside and spiced inside versions you may be used to. - Size: the full order of the falafel was humungous. Unless you're starving, a half is probably enough. Though then you'd get less pita bread... - Meat: they have chicken and beef now which means I can come with my hub :-) The flat large strips of deep fried chicken looks right up his southern alley - Eggplant: there's a wrap version and salad with eggplant nuggets that I'm dying to try. I've never had that before and it sounds fun Midlights: - Hummus: pure but would've liked more flavor Lowlights: - Ordering process: totally confusing and no direction or signs to help. You go inside to the right to place your order. The line up the front is for people with non-meat orders who paid and are waiting for their order to be made. Meat orderers head to the left inside to get their meal orders filled. May be cumbersome with 2 lines for a non and meat family - Hummus side: would be nice to be able to get this as a small portion with your order. Only the plate is on the menu but you can get containers of it to go--just not single portion. Glad I finally got to try this place out and I will be back for more.
(4)Ppl C.
I was there for lunch on Friday, the parking lot was all full. So, they have this guy valet park my car, so I can go stand in line to order lunch. Unbelievable! Good food at a fair price. If you don't like their ordering system, don't eat there.. If you don't like their hours, don't eat there. The line would be shorter and go faster without you. I never had bad service from the employees there. I think when I am pleasant and polite to the people that take my order and cook my food, they are automatically nice to me too.
(5)Emily A.
Believe the hype- Falafel stop is awesome. Hands down the best pita bread, falafel and sabich. The food can't be beat but the parking is a disaster. Be prepared to fight for a spot for your car, then wait in a long line.
(5)Skevos L.
My wife brought me one!! Falafel with everything!! The pickle chunks and parsley and spice and tahini!! All perfect!! But the pita??!! It's a revelation! Billowy but great tear and texture, even delivered an hour after it was constructed, room temperature, STILL delicious. Should have fallen apart in a soggy mushy mess. NOPE. I will STOP.
(5)Lauretta L.
The star of Falafel STOP is the freshly baked pita bread. It makes store bought pita bread look and taste like cardboard. You can never go back.
(4)Ziv B.
Amazing falafel!! Probably the best in the Bay Area! I have had many different types of falafel, I have had it in different parts of the world! The taste that these guys managed to bring is amazing!! Their service is amazing! The people are extremely nice! They are very efficient for a new business and they get better each time I go there! They are extremely willing to let you try many things for free just to ensure that you are getting what you want! They have a very large space so bring on the whole family! It's perfect for a sunny day with their outside area! I would highly recommend trying the grape juice, it's imported from Israel and its by far the best I have ever had!
(5)Yaron F.
Best Falafel in the Valley. You will not find a better Pitta bread anywhere nearby. The only down side is the rather slow service, but it's worth the wait!
(4)Daniela S.
I found this Place by accident and I'm so glad that I drove by and saw all these people standing in line. As I love Falafel I slippend my lunchplans and went there. I took the Falafelplate and asked for Hummus instead of Tahini and got it without any problems. The staff informed me that the Hummus also contains Tahini, but I don't have a good allergy, I just like Hummus better. I got this plate with 10 Falafel on it and a nice mix of salad. The Falafel were delicious but their fresh baked Pita (alone) was worth that stop. I would go there again - always!
(5)Sharon T.
OMG I LOVE THIS PLACE. I was never one to like falafel. I've had it before, and it always turned out dry and flaky. After reviewing numerous reviews on yelp, my coworkers and I decided to try this place. It was NOT disappointing at all. The falafel itself was delicious. VERY crispy and they really pack that falfael wrap for you. You can always ask for extra sauce on the side too if you are saucy person :) but the sauce was just the right amount for me. Definitely very messy to eat though so be prepared. I had to subtract one star because the way this place was designed was not very efficient...They had 1 line to order, but there was no sign so I saw a lot of people get confused, not only me, and started asking everyone that was in line, if this was the line to order. Then AFTER you order, you have to either get in line for the veggie side, or walk to another line for meat. It was just a hassle, and the place was small. So it was very hard to maneuver around the place. If you were lucky, you found a table to eat at, if not, well, I guess you could stand or eat in your car.
(4)Marshall G.
Authentic Israeli dishes In particular.. All of the hummus dishes are wonderful Israeli salad (similar to a Greek Salad) with falafel balls Separate vegetarian and meat kitchens
(5)Holly R.
I am such a fan!!!! As I'm reminiscing about this place for the sake of this review, I am drooling and craving it. I was apartment hunting and it was awkward limbo stage between breakfast and lunch. I knew I wanted something more substantial that coffee, but I didn't want a full blown lunch. This was the closest thing to me and so I decided to stop by. Changed my life. I ordered half a pita with falafel with all the fixing without spice. I really appreciate the level of detail with the creation of the orders. First tzatziki and hummus is placed at the bottom of the pita, then the vegetables with a generous amount of falafel then topped with tzatziki and hummus again. Apparently they make the pita in house everyday, and you can tell! It was soft and fluffy while holding the ingredients together nicely. I thought it was unconventional that there were pickles and parsley, but the sweetness of the pickles complements the bitterness of the parsley quite nicely. Every bite had a pleasant blend of veggies and falafel. And you too can get this great explosion of flavor if you have $3-5!! I'm definitely coming back!!
(5)Nizzy D.
Felafels weren't tasty at all. They are not as green as actual felafels. It seems to me that Felafels were made of mixture of other vegetables such as potatoes. I am a middle eastern and I know it.
(1)Beatrice Z.
Great place. Amazing prices. Wonderful food (especially if you're vegetarian). Very authentic. AMAZING pita bread (just like in Israel). Wonderful service. I specially like the Sabich - a pita with salad, hummus, Tehini and fried eggplant. My kids love the shawarma and Shnitzel (fried chicken breast). All in all, they cater to everyone's taste. Highly recommended.
(5)Cocha Y.
Love it! Mandatory stop when I go to Sunnyvale!
(5)Jason F.
I drive by this restaurant every day and noticed it had long lines every day for lunch and dinner, so I decided to give it a shot. I was never a fan of falafels until trying this place, now I go there once or twice a week for the unbelievable falafels, and my family (also previously not a fan) loves the hummus plate. Taking off a star for the long line, long waits, and sometimes confusion about the line system. Most people know the drill to first stand in the order line and then queue up with your purchase receipt in the meat and / or veggie lines (yes, you need to stand in up to 3 lines if you want something with meat and a veggie item). But sometimes newbies don't get those instructions the system breaks down. Of all the restaurants I've seen, this one could benefit the most from an online order ahead system.
(4)S B.
This place is the best! I usually go for the greek salad with some falafels thrown in. So yum and incredible value. Place gets pack at lunch and at the weekend but the are usually really quick about getting you served.
(5)Alan D.
Holy sh....................ttttt That was cray-cray. That was seriously one of the best things I've had the pleasure of eating in a quite a while (of course, not counting the LB Steak I had last night). But my goodness.... how can I explain this... let me phrase it this way. The ingredients exploded into an orgy in my mouth. I just wanted to grab a quick bite somewhere not called Panera Bread, and stopped on this little treasure. And boyyyyyyyy was that amazing. I had the falafel in the bread and Jesus Christ was it good. I had to get that bad boy spicy, but next time I'm going to get it extra spicy. Lines were long, but the parking can be a bit of a hassle, but thankfully, people leave pretty quick. So this is definitely a 5 in terms of a great lunch, great service, and damn amazing food.
(5)Ruby H.
I love this place and have been back many times since discovering it a few months ago. The hummus is awesome and the pita bread really is phenomenal (fluffy, warm, and tasty). I usually split a hummus plate w/ meat and get two extra pita. What makes this place the best though, is the owner and staff! Customers are warmly greeted and treated like old friends. The owner will occasionally come around and offer samples of falafels as you wait in line.
(5)Beth U.
Falafel has good pita bread and the other food we had was okay. But dang customer service was terrible! At least at McDonalds they are fast and don't yell at you. When I picked up my falafel first off there was a 15 minute wait, second the lady looked at me as though it wasn't worth her time, and when I asked for a plate (needy I know right?) You would've thought I asked for the world with the look she gave. And she completely ignored when I asked for the chili sauce on the side. Okay fine, maybe it was a miscommunication. So I went to the other side to wait at the grill. The guys behind the grill have their backs to us and they're shooting the shit talking about a big check one guy got and other random stuff. An older guy in line asked if they had started his order (they had not) and the grill guy gives him attitude! Says wait there it will come out when it's ready glaring at him. The old guy was confused by the anger in the reaction. I was like wow is this a thing here? Like soup Nazi status? The old guy gets his order, but then I realize he ordered after me and mine is nowhere in sight. It's now 30 mins since I ordered originally at this point. I ask them and the guy gets the 'oh shit' look on his face and make it real quick. So overall, aside from the cashier, all the customer interactions I saw were pretty poor. But I'm not mad in general or at the staff - if everyone is like that it's probably management. I'm surprised yelp thought so highly of this place. One more thing, it's weird that there is no water for customers. If you ask, they have you use the sink in their kitchen/prep area. Again, sub-fast food level stuff. Now I'm sure you can go there and have a good falafel and a good experience and this is all really no big deal, but for me there's tons of other options so why bother with that stuff. Especially since there's so many great food options (including other falafel joints) in sj area.
(1)Foodie S.
I have almost always seen this place full when I am at the gas station across the street. So I thought I should stop by once and check it out for myself. I ordered a hummus plate and took a while to understand their complex ordering system. Next, I see the man frying the falafel and placing them into a tray without draining them...aagh so much oil. They served me the falafel on tahini and when. I ate them, I felt the falafel were too oily and the hummus was bitter! Did not enjoy the meal at all. However, their pita was exceptionally good and I might go back to this place just to buy a dozen pita breads!! That is the only reason they get their two stars from me.
(2)N B.
Very tasty and definitely will go again! Friendly staff too!
(4)Meenakshi T.
We were on our way back home today when my son reminded me that I had promised him Falafel. We were near 85 S and this was highly rated on Yelp, so we made the trek here. It didn't disappoint us! If you are looking for Ambiance and Comfort - this is definitely not the place.. if you are looking for lip smacking, authentic middle eastern food - your quest has ended my friend. My son had half a falafel wrap for $3 - it was pretty big and he finished it all without a squeak - he adored it. My husband had the grilled chicken pita wrap which came with fries. He is not a big fan of middle eastern spices but he was a FAN of this wrap. I got the hummus plate with chicken shawarma - it was really good -- I wasn't able to finish it all as the portion was large! We had a few of the falafels - crunch, perfectly spiced and fluffy...dipped in the tahini sauce - a glimpse of heaven! We fed a family of 3 (stuffed) for $20...I have easily spent over $50 in other middle eastern places which weren't as good.
(5)Robert L.
The food is "OK" at best, but the real issue here is the prices! Way over priced on some items!!! Example: want extra falafel? It's .60 each, and they are about the size of a nickel. You can get 6 falafels the size of a tangerine at other locations for about 2.50! Other example: requested a side kabob, cost 6.00, was ok with that until I see that I got 3 small, under an inch in size. Wow, not for 6 bucks! Like I said, the food is ok, not the best, but not worth the prices they charge!
(2)Lauren G.
I went here with my dad. It was my first time and, if not for my him, I probably would have been confused about where to order. We spilt a falafel and chicken shawarma in a pita. As we watched them make it, we realized that you get a lot more food when you order the plates rather than in a pita. Nonetheless, it was still plenty of food. The falafel was delicious! The chicken shawarma, not so much.
(4)Samantha C.
Can't believe I didn't discover this place earlier! Loved the fresh pita bread, crunchy falafel balls, and hummus. I had the hummus plate that didn't come with falafel, but will get the falafel plate next time because their falafel was delicious. Came here after peak hours to avoid the crowd, but it was still pretty busy. Excellent friendly staff.
(5)Shabina M.
I don't get the rave reviews for this place. The food is just okay. I gave this place a second try, just to make sure I was not judging it unfairly. The hummus plate is decent, nothing great. The grilled chicken is sweet & terrible.
(2)Michelle C.
I am constantly trying new falafel places and usually they dissapoint, but this one did not! The falafel is so tasty and fresh and their homemade pita bread is amazing! Only thing I could wish for is that they put a little more sauce in the pita, but I am sure that can be requested! It is busy, but well worth any wait!
(5)Kathy S.
Sorry but I saw an old man who works here sitting among the customers working on some weird saw tool while blatantly picking his nose. Like half his finger up his nostril twisting all around. I am sure this man works in the meat department so if you're a vegetarian and ordering falafel you should be OK. Also, it smells like vomit!! The bathroom is disgusting. The falafel are decent but I doubt I'll be back after today's experience.
(2)Sagi S.
amazing schnitzel plate with extra shawarma on the side.. Best plate I've eaten here..
(5)Stacy A.
I tried falafel there, it was really good. Did not try anything else. It's pretty crowded, and the line to get the food is slow and out of order. Outside seating is ok for a quick bite, but if you want to actually enjoy your food, just take it to go.
(4)Yelper o.
Food is ok, not extraordinary. It was our first time here and as a lot of other people in line said: the ordering is a bit complicated especially for a first timer. Girl at reception was extremely rude which makes me think their business is rolling because of lower prices compared to other Bay Area eateries
(3)Christina S.
This review is long overdue. After moving up from socal & almost losing hope in the food game in the bay, I stumbled upon this place and since then it has been one of my favorite places to eat in the South Bay. The owner is super friendly and goes out of his way to make you feel right at home. The pita bread is made fresh daily and is the most wonderful pita bread I have ever tasted! If you're a meat AND veggie lover like me, get the chicken shawarma pita w all the veggies and you won't be disappointed! Ask for it extra spicy too if you like a spicy kick!
(5)Chad J.
Skip the meat - Get the falafel. Was great falafel restaurant. They've now added mean. Such a shame to run curelty-free restaurant. I'll probably never go back. Lines were out the door when they had just falafel. Not sure what their motivation was. Oh, well. Now more money for Great Vegi-Land, Garden Fresh, and Veggie Grill. Such a shame.
(1)Stephanie C.
The falafels and good, but the pita is really where it's at here! Maybe it should have been called Pita Stop (and that even would have been a play on a "pit stop," although that may be less charming an association). I stopped in with some friends who live nearby because we were talking about pita, and this influenced our dinner decisions :P One thing, though, you can't really unsee once you see it--the box cutters. They cut the pitas with box cutters, the kind of super cheap utility knives with the replaceable snap-off blades. I'm sure they probably use clean ones (okay, I HOPE they use clean ones as the place itself isn't exactly the picture of cleanliness), but the association with less-than-hygenic uses of such blades is hard to shake. I really don't understand why they'd be using something with a razor that could, conceivably, snap off and into your food (in reality, not likely to happen without anyone noticing because it takes a bit of force to snap them) over a normal kitchen knife, especially when it would seem so much less sketchy, but there you have it. The pita is so fluffy, though, that I will probably overlook this if/when I go again anyway. The layout of the place is also a bit confusing for those who wish to order meat. Luckily, my friends had been here before and knew what they were doing, but the thing is that apparently your meat will come out of the grill side, and you need to either have someone hold your place in the falafel-side line (that was me) or queue up after you've retrieved your meats. I saw a few confused patrons attempt to sort this out, but other than the cashier, the staff seem a little absorbed in their respective duties on the falafel/plate assembly line, so they were really only able to figure things out with the help of other patrons. That's a little shameful :/
(3)Lois K.
I have a coworker friend who had never tried falafel before. I promised to take her to try it and turned to Yelp to find a place worthy of her first time. I opted for Falafel Stop because falafels are the star of their menu. I am really glad with my choice!! Here's why: *Pita bread - I was expecting the usual flat ones, but theirs are so fat and FLUFFY!!! *Falafel - have lovely crisp on the outside (no soggy crumbling falafels here!). The seasoning is just right - not too salty or bland. We were given a sample while we were waiting in line, which was awesome! (By the way, the staff and owner here are very friendly.) *Fresh veggies - good amount given so the sandwich less heavy I ordered the Sabich (eggplant) pita and that was very tasty. The egg crumbles add an interesting texture. $6 isn't the cheapest in my opinion, but you are very full afterward from the bread and the fillings. Thanks Yelp for making my friend's first falafel experience a great one!
(4)Nicole W.
People are attracted to this place like bees are to flowers; completely infatuated. Falafel Stop is a bit of a hole in the wall with a confusing ordering process and menu. That aside, customers adore this place because the Falafel is so incredible they could serve it out of a cardboard box. Go with the classic: One falafel, spicy. Skip the fries- they taste like printer paper.
(4)Dena M.
Tried to get in here today but the parking was a mess. Cars were lining up down Sunnyvale Saratoga Road in the right lane blocking traffic. People were honking and getting frustrated. We got nervous about the situation and hot tempers and left for PFChangs.
(3)Julia G.
Falafel Stop serves great falafel in the original daily baked pitas. This is the best falafel I've ever eaten around the Bay Area! Absolutely love the food. In my opinion, there two moments for improvement. First, the serving windows are too low and do not open all the way, so you have to bend to make your order choices. Observing this bending ritual from the side and participating in it feels ridicules. The second improvement moment is about the drink choice. All current choices are sugar intense, no low calories option, or unsweatened ones. Usually, I bring my own drink to the place because cannot purchase anything suitable for my taste, which is a business loss for the owner. Hopefully, sometime these issues will be resolved in a near future.
(4)James S.
The best Falafel and shawarma in the area. Make sure you get enough hummus (which is excellent) and pita bread.
(5)Buffy M.
I have been a Falafel Drive-In loyalist for over 20 years and finally tried Falafel Stop today. First off the pita is amazing and inspiring. Definitely going to be working on a recipe for this. The Falafel itself was tasty. And the toppings were really good. If I could put the Falafel Drive-In falafel balls into a Falafel Stop falafel it would be the perfect falafel.
(4)Chelsea L.
There are literally no negatives about this place. Outrageously friendly people with outrageously good food (at a great price too). I didn't even think I liked falafel until I tried theirs and discovered I was so, so wrong.
(5)Ashley N.
I cant get enough of those falafel balls! And they always give you extras ;) The Shwarma pita is by FAR the best pita i have had here in San Jose. I have tried PLENTY of falafel/ Mediterranean inspired food spots and they nail it! The Service could be a little better but the place gets so busy im sure it gets hard to a staff that ALL want to be there. However, one of the guys who runs the grill always knows how to make my wait go by a little quicker & knows exactly how i like my pita, NOT SPICY! ;) Thank for great food on the regular!
(4)Kevin D.
Stomach pain!!! This place gave me a stomach pain after 1 hour. I was at work and had to go home early. I did not eat anything prior to this therefore I can presume it was there food. As for the taste of the food, I had the chicken with the salad -I don't recall the name if what I ordered- and there were soo many filler. All I can taste was the cucumber. There was barely any chicken in it
(1)Rishi A.
Excellent food! There is almost always a line, as a result.
(5)Jenna L.
Hmmm hmm no wonder there's always a line!!! Parking sucks, but we parked across the street. Theres a line for meat and a line for the veggie options (falafels, etc). I got their falafel wrap plus the works and made it spicy. it was sooo good! The pita breads are so unique and fluffy. The falafels were on point. I want to go back to try the chicken options. :D :D
(5)Matt C.
Called. They couldn't tell me the exact ingredients in the schwarma in a pita. Said only that it was salad and refused to let me change it when I picked up
(1)Rogelio O.
Used to be good. I just waited ten minutes to find out people ahead of me are still waiting. It was not at all busy. My friend got his fries when he was almost done with his food and he had to remind them he ordered them. Screw this place now.
(1)Sonali S.
Not very consistent with taste and presentation. Seems to have changed their pairing of ingredients. Last two times was below my expectation.
(3)Dan M.
I've only been here once and only had the falafel (sandwich and salad) with my wife but they were EXCELLENT. They do a great job cooking and building them. Best falafel I've had to date. Their ordering/ticketing system is a mess. Order inside, then wait in one of two lines outside, then give your order ticket to the respective counter so they can prepare your food. The whole time you need to cross through multiple lines to get where you need to go. No wonder this place is a zoo at lunch. I've never run a restaurant so I can't figure out logic here but there must be a reason no other place operates this way.
(4)Eila S.
I am a huge fan of the shawarma in a pita at this place. I honestly haven't tried much else but hopefully my raving review about the shawarma will be enough to sway you to stop by. They line the pita with hummus so you undoubtedly have some on every bite. The chicken shawarma is juicy and flavorful. They don't skimp on it either! The minced onions and pickled toppings are so savory and tangy - a fantastic compliment. To top it off they add fries...FRIES...to the shawarma in a pita. If that's not enough to get you in the door then I don't know what to tell you.
(4)Maximus D.
Great food deserve great words...in a poem: It was a chilly Monday night, Longed for a Mediterranean delight. On Saratoga Road and to my right, Veer in and Falafel Stop is in sight. Everybody gathers in line - straight and tight, Very hungry for falafel balls to bite. Chowed down real fast with a Sprite, Heading for seconds...I just might.
(4)S R.
Honestly, the best falafel I've found in the Bay Area. It's always fresh out of the fryer (which is the only way to eat it), the pita is soft and fluffy, and the salads are great. You can see the chicken filets in the shawarma rack, it's not just a scary stick of mystery meat. The schnitzel pita is their best kept secret, but definitely start with the falafel. The place is a little confusing at first because it has two kitchens, one vegetarian and one for meat dishes. You order inside and go to whichever one your food comes from. It gets busy so parking can be tight, but I've never had a problem finding seating. Great for lunch.
(5)Bill G.
This restaurant has a fairly small menu but the foods they do have are fantastic. The ground beef kabob and fried chicken "Jewish Schnitzel" were both fresh and delicious. Falafels are amazing. Hummus is just like I've eaten while sitting next to the Mediterranean Ocean. And the pita-- man, THIS is what pita should be! Thick, soft, delicious pieces of bread. The one downside of Falafel Stop is its awkward layout. You order at a small counter inside, then go to either of two other counters (depending on what you ordered) to wait for your food. Lots of people line up in the wrong places, and it's not obvious whether anyone starts making your food until you find the right place and tell them what you've already ordered. Dining is all outdoors, though tent walls and heat lamps make it tolerable in the winter. I do hope that the owner can improve these aspects of his business in the future. I'm still giving him a 5 star review because the food is just so amazing.
(5)Jaspreet S.
Great place for pita bread. My favorite is marinated chicken breast on a plate of hummus and pita bread on the side. The staff is friendly and so is the owner. The service is fast. It's become a family favorite and we need to come here every couple of weeks.
(5)Nicole Y.
Wow! I have been meaning to stop at this place since I pass by it going to the gym everyday and it always has a huge crowd outside so today I finally went in. I was a little confused on where to order and how this place worked but the cashier was super friendly and told me specific instructions since there is a meat side and a vegetarian side. I was waiting in the falafel pick up area and was given a falafel ball while I waited. The lady at the meat counter actually found me while I was waiting for my other orders to specify that mine was a to go order. I got all 4 of my to go items super quickly and with a smile from the employees. The food itself is DELICIOUS. The angus beef was so good and the grilled chicken beast was coated in delicious flavor. The hummus is so on point and the tastiness of the food paired perfectly with excellent presentation. I would definitely recommend trying this place out and it is definitely a must for all you foodies out there!
(5)Sara B.
I don't really have words to explain how I feel about the food at Falafel STOP. We moved here from Michigan, which is Shawarma country, and have been disappointed with the lack of good Shawarma here. My husband and I saw the sign and stopped, and might have found our newest addiction. I would be so bold as to say that this food isn't what we were looking for, IT WAS BETTER. The owner stopped by and talked to us after we ate and told us that he only uses free range/grass fed meat, and that he orders all of his seasonings from Israel. I had the Israeli Salad with Chicken Shawarma on top, and my husband had the Falafel Pita. We agreed that I won, but his food was so, so good too. He used to go to Israel regularly for business, and said that this was true to what he would get there.
(5)Shraddha G.
Awesome place.... One of the places with amazing peta bread. I have been to this place like so many times and just cant get enough of the fresh, warm and tasty falafel.
(4)Rishabh G.
Hands down the best falafel I've had till date. Always hanging out with a vegetarian friend has made me try out most of the mediterranean places in the south bay and trust me, this is the place for falafel. I've pretty much tried out everything out here and here are my top three items here 1. Falafel 2. Shawarma 3. Masabacha
(5)G P.
Pretty fantastico. I always hated falafel bc I thought it was sorta dry. Here it's a totally different texture - crunchy and fluffy. My husband is Lebanese and claims that this is more like the falafels back home than anything else he's had in the US.
(4)Kaje Y.
Didn't really know this place existed! After a 15 mile bike ride, my friend suggested this place for lunch. I shrugged and agreed. Didn't really know what to expect. We turned into the awfully small parking lot. It was pretty much filled. Parking really isn't the best here... it's small and very unorganized, extremely tight spaces. You enter into a tent like place, the dining area. They don't have walls made of concrete, it's walls are made of tarp. There are quite a few picnic benches. Then there's an actual building. Walk past the line with the windows and enter into a door. There's a little room with a menu and a cashier, and you see the back operations. We were given deliciously amazing samples of the falafels. OMG drool. I looked at the menu and was like okay i'm totally getting the falafel. THEN I look at the next item, Sabich, which is eggplant. I love eggplant, so I was like okay done, I'm going to get this instead. You pay and get a printed receipt, then go out that door into the dining area, and get in line again. (they take credit card). You hand them the receipt and they make your food, and will ask you spicy or not; I of course got spicy. They hand you your food and then you go find a seat. Now on to the actual food... The pita bread is pretty darn good, its not like other pita bread I've had before. It's toasted warm and kind of fluffy and has a bit of volume. It was completely filled, lots of veggies, and sauce. and a frikkin hard boiled egg?! YAY! Initially you might think, this falafel is a bit small for 6 dollars... but they fill it up. They fill it up. It won't get you stuffed, but it'll be just the perfect amount that you feel content and not disgustingly full. Highly recommended, I think I want to become a regular here (meaning I'll be back!)
(5)Karen T.
Did I come on a bad day...? Maybe I just ordered the wrong shit because I totally missed the 4 1/2 stars review this place got. Consider this your warning to NOT make the same mistake as I did- a chicken shawarma hummus plate. I would have gotten the falafel stuffed in a giant pita, but I was attempting to cut down on the carbs that day (worst idea ever, should have just went full force on the carbs). The hummus was extremely bland. I was promised the herb lemon and garlic sauce. WHERE WAS THE LEMON? WHERE WERE THE HERBS? The chicken was meh, nothing special. Te pickled items probably had the most flavor (sour). Plate full of hummus. It went in as mush. And it came out as mush. You can imagine how that ended.
(2)Aravind N.
I usually come here for lunch on weekdays. They manage to give me my order pretty fast. Best falafel I have tasted. Do try the cream Bavaria too.
(5)Keenan D.
Great food, anyone visiting in town should not miss this place. healthiest mediterranean fastfood!
(5)Eating And Living Well U.
They have ridiculous lines a lot of the time but wow I can see why! One of the best Mediterranean food around the area. Delicious all the way around, good value. Love this place!
(5)J D.
Hygiene check at the meat section. Towards closing time, the guys are transferring raw meat on the counter where the salad bar is - too close to the humus and vege stations. They don't change their gloves, then proceed to stuff pita orders!! Next time I'll video tape it.
(2)Samuel Y.
Heard a lot of good things about this place: all my yelp friends gave it 5 stars and I've also heard about it before through word of mouth. Good sign so far yea? Finally got to make my way to this place as the last time I wanted to come, they were closed. Parking was not a problem. I made the rookie mistake of lining up in the wrong line for a few seconds before realizing that was the order pick up line and the actual line to order was through the door. It was not a big list of things on the menu but the two that mattered were top of the menu. Easy choice as I wanted to try the falafel and the girlfriend wanted to try the sabich as she loves eggplant. We order and had to stand in the cold weather as the long line to pick up was realy slow. The cashier walked over to offer us samples of their falafels as this was a nice gesture and a delicious one at that. Once we made it to the front of the line, it almost seemed like a chipotle assembly line except instead of moving down the assembly line, they would double back so you'd get the perfect balance of veggies, sauce, and magic in your pita bread. It made sense that was why the line was so long, their lack of efficiency is made up with how amazing the end product is. Taking the food togo to eat in a comfy home setting, as I took my first bite of my falafel sandwich - pickles + spicy, I had a long grin on my face as it was amazing. In fact I'm salivating right now as I write this review. It was the perfect amount of flavor and spice for me. There was a similar reaction by the girlfriend with her own sandwich and though I'm really not a fan of eggplant, I tried it and could not detect the vile texture and taste of eggplant that I despise so in actuality, it was delicious. I'll come back in the future since the consensus was 5 stars. Servers = super friendly, all were very nice and all smiles Just wish they had an extra set of ingredients and extra hands so they could serve more people at a faster rate, but maybe the intimate small shop is what they are going for. After all its Falafel Stop, not Falafel Kingdom.
(5)Jay M.
Best falafel pita pocket ever. The falafel was a perfect combo of spices and sauces and crunch with the best pita ever. Held all the ingredients and sauces together perfectly while tasting good on its own. I'm a vegetarian but have accepted that when I go out to eat things can get cross contaminated. But not here. The vegetarian orders are made and served out a separate side. Love it!
(5)James K.
I'm a bit torn between 3 and 4 stars. 3 1/2 seems more appropriate but yelp doesn't roll that way so 3 is what it is. Let me get this straight. The food is pretty damn good. I ordered the chicken breast plate which comes with salad, hummus and fries. I went with double salad and hummus since I'm leaning down for summer time and the flavors were on point. My slight problem with this place is for one, it's overpriced. The amount of chicken I received did not reflect 11 dollars worth. It just didn't, plain and simple and I need my protein intake. Like others mentioned, the parking is a mess. Luckily I went when it wasn't as crowded but by the time I was done eating on a Friday night, it was extremely packed. Parking is something that a lot of businesses can't control too much of so I can't knock them too much on it. But the organization is pretty bad. There are lines going everywhere and at times meshing as one. It's hard to tell who's ordering, who's already ordered etc. There needs to be better organization and the small spacing doesn't help.
(3)Valerie V.
The hummus plate is the ish! Super healthy here, and although you are eating mainly veggies it is filling! It is usually busy so I would recommend ordering over the phone for pick up.
(5)Tony Y.
normally not a fan of falafels at all, merely because i cant say no to meat, but this place definitely has the best meat substitute you can get. cheap, large portions and super fresh. truly and unbeatable combination.
(5)Divya R.
Our go to falafel place in the southbay. The falafel is always fresh and freshly baked pita. They include a lot of vegetables and their hot sauce is AWESOME. Only try the hot sauce if you can handle the spice level...a little goes a long way. Peak lunch times are always super busy and it can easily take upto an hour to get your order and finish eating. They do have a shaded area outside the shop to eat. It does tend to get cold though during winter nights. Oh also while waiting in line they sometimes hand out samples of freshly prepared falafel. Yumm !!
(5)M W.
Food(4/5) their pita is the best, Falafels are good, I am a fan of the sandwiches, the plates look on the messy side for me. Shawrma is different if you had a good Shwarma before. self service place but the staff are very friendly
(4)Sunny A.
Great fresh pita bread, tasty shawarma, very nice people. Chicken shawarma salad a yummy low carb option if you can resist devouring the warm pita. Excellent humus and the absolute best falafels in the area.
(5)Katie B.
Food is 5 star for sure. Amazing falafel pita. Their ordering system and customer service is atrocious. They should think about expanding. I love that they make a mini falafel pita ($3.50). It is just enough food for me during the day.
(4)Sebastian F.
Best falafel I have ever had I think. Amazing sandwich! They also have a lot of shwarma and Mediterranean food. Only problem is a really poor parking situation.
(4)Jennifer B.
Being among the hundreds of falafel places in the South Bay, Falafel Stop would have to be really fantastic to stand out from the competition. Seeing the great Yelp ratings, I was looking forward to eating here, but I came away not as impressed as I had hoped. Maybe my expectations were too high. Note that I am a huge fan of Middle-Eastern/Egyptian cuisine and eat it often. The food was good, but it didn't blow my socks off. The hummus is pretty standard but there are plenty of places in the area that do it better. The falafel was tasty but unfortunately a little bit dry. At least it wasn't greasy or overly-fried! The pita was nice and fluffy and the toppings were standard. If you want your falafel spicy, make sure you ask for LOTS of spicy sauce, because the amount they give you for a "spicy" falafel adds more flavor than kick. I don't plan on coming back, but wouldn't be opposed to it if a friend wanted to grab a quick bite here.
(3)Lee X.
my favorite falafel place . I like them better than falafel drive in since the falafel balls are not as greasy and the pita bread always tastes fresh baked. Extra hot is the way to go. Careful with the a la carte French fries, it's enough to feed a family of 4 per order. I wish they had a smaller size, you either get 4 or 5 fries n top of your pita , or giant family order, nothing in between.
(5)Mike Y R.
Although I live in LA, whenever I am within 50 miles of this place, I will visit. The falafel sandwich and the chicken "schwarma" are stellar. If you arrive early the owner walks around to make certain everything is going well and customers are happy. While they offer a number of Israeli dishes, stick with the main items they have superbly mastered and you'll become a repeat customer like me
(5)Silver K.
Falafel Stop is a great, busy restaurant to come eat. I go there because they have the best hummus & the best prices. Check them out 5+ stars!
(5)Kirby C.
This place is a lot better than felafel drive in. HANDS DOWN. The pita bread is made fresh. The felafels are freshly made and they put just the perfect amount of sauce and seasoning. We got here right when it opened so we did not have to wait for a long time. I have driven by this place plenty of times and seen a line that is INSANE. My only complaint about this place, like some others, is their ordering system. You go inside, order and pay, Then walk outside with receipt in hand to give it to the person standing at the window. Weird. Especially when they stand next to each other. Not entirely sure why they do not implement the order # system but hey, i am not running the business.
(4)Anon A.
Love this place. Would eat here everyday if I could! My favorites are the chicken shawarma plate and the falafel plate. Their falafel is amazing. Light, crispy and always fresh. Pita bread is good. This place gets pretty crowded at lunch and parking can be hard, but it's worth the wait. Best in the South Bay!
(5)Catherina W.
Their pita bread is to die for it's super fluffy, warm, and chewy. It makes the sandwich amazing. I got the Shwarma(chicken) it was sooo good. Amazingly the pita held together to the last bite. I liked how I asked for extra spicy and they actually gave you extra spicy. Most place spicy is medium. Ask for the french fries on top :) The only thing about this place is that if you're getting the sandwich don't get it to go since the sandwich gets soggy super last.
(5)Yaron D.
This is the best place in the area! Amazing food, everything from the shawarma, of course falafel, the kebabs, and the best and most fresh salad and hummus you will taste. And finally the pita is the only real one outside of the middle east! Overall A+!!!
(5)Darrin K.
Just offering some feedback on the meatier fare they've added. They serve the best chicken shawarma I've had on the west coast - ample strips of tender chicken, with the same great fillings you get with the vegetarian fare (and topped with a handful of fries. The real highlight is the chicken's subtle curry flavor.
(5)Jun P.
In a nutshell, good food, nice owner, very dysfunctional ordering system. I live close by and I either go this joint or the other one on Maude for falafel. Being a former restaurateur, I can say operation here is not ideal, to say the least. POS on one side with 2 places to pick up your food? That is a logistical nightmare that slows down service. I was irate today because of this reason. Do I pick up my chicken shwarma or get my falafel? Either way, waiting on either end makes my food cold if not colder. Menu on the wall should be better too. Hope the nice gentleman(owner) realizes these issues and addresses them soon. Good fresh/tasty food, Courteous prompt service Reasonable prices Cleanliness So simple yet so hard for most.
(2)Pauline H.
The best falafel sandwich I've ever had. Warm, chewy (in a good way) pita bread stuffed with fresh falafels and toppings. I know everybody is giving them props for their pita bread, but there needs to be more attention on their sauces and hummus. It's smooth, creamy and really puts everything together. Their falafel plate is also a great deal! it's their falafel sandwich deconstructed onto a plate, kind of like how you can order a bowl at chipotle instead of a burrito.
(5)Sylvia K.
Try the sabich!! It's really really good! Cooked pieces of eggplant PLUS boiled egg and hummus and tahini and fresh veggies, all packed into a deliciously fluffy pita. I usually always get falafel, so it was nice to try something different. The falafel here is really really good too. If you get the falafel plate, you can see the falafel which are little balls of fried goldness. The color is a lot lighter than the falafel at other places. Yum! The set-up is a bit awkward at this place. You order inside and then after you pay, you go outside and give your receipt to whoever is at the window. I had ordered my sabich and the lady who took my receipt asked "spicy?" to which I replied "YES!!!" And then she asked me again like two minutes later if I wanted "spicy?" After about five minutes I got a heavy pita stuffed with lots of things. I actually got my order before my friends who ordered before me so it was kind of confusing because we thought it was hers but it was mine. The line got super long after we got our food - this place is really popular!!
(4)Sridevi K.
What's there not to like?! Great fresh falafel, excellent pita, nice salad and chicken. Friendly people, very reasonably priced.
(5)Esther S.
This place is amazing. I'm not even a huge fan of falafel but I LOVE the falafel here. It's so crispy and light and delicious. I usually get the 1/2 falafel pita and it always fills me up because they stuff it as much as they can and it's only $3! I crave their falafels. I would recommend this place to everyone. Even those who don't like falafel!
(5)Adrienne T.
Best falafel I've ever had. EVER. Seriously. I was scared to try it, but I went anyway... it was SO good that I went back the SAME day for another one haha. Good stuff! I like the falafel pita.
(5)Lalu B.
This place is really yummy like everyone says. Love the kebab which is very mild and also loved the stronger spiced chicken dishes. Hummus is rich in tahini and delicious. Very friendly service. Worth driving to.
(5)Robert C.
I have eaten at a lot of falafel places both here and even in Israel and this is my favorite. Their pita is like little fluffy pillows of happy. The falafel is always perfectly cooked and the toppings are fresh and flavorful. The Schwarma is incredible as well. The outdoor atmosphere is awesome. The owner can usually be seen giving a sample or two as well. He is friendly and inviting. Going for lunch? Get there real early, like 11:25 am the latest or you will wait.
(5)Tai N.
I heart Falafel Stop. The pita bread is so soft and chewy. The hummus is creamy and amazing. The falafel, crunchy and delicious. My favorite dish though is the shawarma plate, it's a little bit of everything and plenty of food even for the largest appetite. Can get super crowded at noon on the weekdays, so if you're going for lunch, get there early. You'll be glad you did. Oh! And it's great for kids. Ours like the falafel + hummus + pita.
(5)Venus T.
I was extremely excited that my colleague recommend this Falafel joint to me last week because it is 7 minutes from my office. My first experience was so delicious and met with superb customer service that I wanted to come back asap to introduce it to a friend. Fast forward 3 days later, I'm back. But my oh my, service flipped 180 on me. The cashier rudely barked at us when we were taking a few minutes to decide--woah, calm down there, sir. Additionally, the vegeterian food prep ladies scolded me "don't you see there is a line" when i brought my receipt up to them thinking that there was no wait for my falafel plate (bc obviously I see the line but the manager or whoever he was told me to just go pick up my order). I understand you guys are busy, but customer service should not be compromised. I heard of this place through word of mouth but after my belittling experience today I will definitely need to think twice before I return here or to recommend this place to a friend.
(1)Kelly F.
Hard to rate as there were some food items we loved and others that fell super short. That based on the non flavor related concerns led me to a rating of 3 stars. Falafels - bland and small, my husband put it well when he compared them to bland tator tots Beef kabob - delicious, cooked rare but that is fine we don't mind, may be an issue for some Hummus/ tahini - ok Pita - delicious, like super good Line organization/ parking - horrible Price - just ok Since we don't live close, I don't think we'll be making it back very often
(3)Alison T.
Falafel Stop is fresh, affordable, and filling! And their house made pita is light, fluffy, and doesn't fall apart like the store-bought ones Falafel Drive-In uses. The ordering system is confusing, but the food is more than enough to make up for the craziness of the disjointed lines. They need to keep things kosher, so meat preparation is on the left side of the cash wrap, and all things falafel are on the right side. To speed up the process, be sure to have your preferences READY to go when you're asked. Ask yourself the following: - Do I want it spicy? - Do I want everything on it? If not, say what I'd like it WITHOUT (i.e. no onions and no tomatoes please) - Do I want extra green sauce? (In my case you say, YES I DO! And they'll give you a little container of it) - Do I want extra tahini? - Is my order TO GO? Sometimes they will still ask you even if it's marked on your receipt Favorites to get: A container of hummus with everything on it - I love snacking on this during the week! Extra pita (usually two extra) Falafels on top of my hummus plate Chicken shwarma on top of hummus, extra pickles! STOP for Falafel! Armenian falafels at that. :)
(4)Andrew C.
Outside eating area / food pick-up window(s) similar to Falafel Drive-in, but here it's "tented" off so a little respite from wind. I got the Chicken Shawarma in pita and a couple of Falafel balls ($0.60 / ea) As others have said, it's a pretty confusing system where you order in one spot, but there's two different cooking / serving areas for the meats vs. veggie (falafel / hummus) items so I waited in the veggie line and then was redirected to the proper area for my chicken pita. The Falafel were golden and crisp ( yelp.com/biz_photos/fala… ), but not crunchy. Not very seasoned and actually pretty bland on their own ( yelp.com/biz_photos/fala… ). I was disappointed by their name-sake offering The Shawarma Pita was a filling and satisfying sandwich. Chicken has a light curry-ish sauce. Lot's of fillings along with the chicken, but all you can see at first are the french fries ( yelp.com/biz_photos/fala… ) As you dig deeper you find hummus, tahini, green salsa, pickled and fresh veggies (tomato, cucumber, red cabbage, celery, onions, more? yelp.com/biz_photos/fala… ). The pita was excellent. Fluffy, stretchy, chewy . . . it held up great to the last bite ( yelp.com/biz_photos/fala… ) and was a great pocket for the sandwich. Falafel - 2 stars Chicken Shawarma Pita - 4.5 stars
(3)John K.
9/7/2015- update Jonathan apologized for his employee and reached out to state that the hummus plate never came with falafel.. I would respectfully suggest that if u look at some of the yelp photos that it did "sometimes".. Regardless of this one bad experience with the employee who could care less.. I still love this place.. And frankly think it's awesome that we have a restaurant owner in Sunnyvale who cares enough about his customer experience to reach out.. ---------- Sad.. As places become more popular.. Sometimes service goes down.. Ordered my hummus plate today.. The gal takes my ticket while talking to her friend... And asks spicy or regular.. I say spicy.. She continues to make me a regular hummus plate.. I am about to leave and I ask her to make it spicy.. She proceeds to make it spicy.. On my way home I open it and realize it has no falafel balls in it.. I go back and they tell me that the hummus plate does not include any falafel.. I am thinking since when? They always included 2-3.. Oh well.. Was good while it lasted..
(4)Brenda A.
I really liked this place. It's outdoor picnic table style and also perfect for takeout. Light and fluffy falafel, large portions, thick pita bread, and fresh veggies. Not sure what style of hummus they make, but know that it's very heavy on the tahini and they don't seem to use lemon juice. I like my hummus lemony so I wasn't crazy about it. However, the falafel was better than I expected. Don't let the two lines confuse you. It's not that difficult. If anything, vegetarians/vegans should appreciate that the separation protects their food from meat product contamination. They are serious about keeping Kosher and I personally think that's pretty cool. The two lines show commitment to quality. If you're really that worried about it, come with a friend and stand in both simultaneously. We shall return!
(4)Andrew N.
I came here before when the place first opened and thought good and would come back. Back then they only had vegetarian items. Now it has expanded to two sides of the grill with one being the falafel side and the other for meat items. I came back since I was in the mood for Mediterranean food and got the Falafel plate extra spicy. Since this is my first time back, I didn't know how it worked, so I sat down after ordering. I looked up and everyone was at the window handing their tickets to the cooks and stating if they wanted it spicy or not. Something different, so I joined the fray as I probably would have ended up sitting there for a while playing Candy Crush while I wait for my to go order assuming they called out order numbers. Anyway, got my food and during the drive home, I thought how awesome does that food smell. When I opened up my plate I tore at it like a savage beast that had been starving for days. So good! The falafel was perfect and went well with all the veggies and hummus provided. Their tzatziki sauce on the salad was awesome too! My only complaint, but not much of a complaint was that the hot sauce was not hot but pretty mild (at least for me). The dill peppers they provided helped kick it up some though. Now comes the thing that makes this meal amazing: Their PITA bread! Not sure how they made this, but it was amazingly fresh and felt really condensed. It is the best pita bread I've ever had so far! I thought they give you two, but it turns out it was only one bread. Just one is enough trust me. It is filling. Not sure how the meal would have went without that bread, but that bread itself made the meal fantastic!
(4)Denise L.
My brother raves about this place, and finally got to try out this spot. The parking lot was packed, and I barely found a spot to park in. The line for the food was incredibly long around 6 PM on a Thursday. It was a warm day, and there is only outdoor seating. We went inside to order, and then I went to the meat corner for the fries, while my brother waited in line for the falafels. Prices are really reasonable, a falafel plate is $6.75. Overall, we spent about 25 minutes waiting for the food, but an owner (?) came around passing around falafels with tahini sauce. Very nice of him! The pita bread is the best I've ever had. So fluffy and fresh. Falafels looked different than what I am used to, but they were tasty! 10 of them on the plate with a pickle salad, cabbage salad, hot sauce, hummus, and tahini. French fries were good too. Everything was fresh and delicious. Would come back just for the pita bread and hummus!
(4)Jackie S.
The falafels are amazing! They have a unique flavor to them and are yellow on the inside. There is less focus on the parsley. One of the best part about the falafel plate was the amazing pita bread. So soft and fluffy!! My husband ordered the kabobs and he loved them. Outside seating only. Opportunities for improvement: - The workflow for ordering and receiving food needs some improvement. You place an order inside, and then you take your ticket and wait for your meat or your falafel in another line. - Parking is terrible. The lot is really small. You may need to park across the street or in a residential area and walk over.
(4)Susan M.
I had to admit that the first time I came here, I wasn't a fan, however, the second and third++ times I came here, I fell in love. I love falafels, especially when they are made fresh and light and not too greasy. I especially love the falafel pita sandwiches when they are made right, and I can tell you that they make it really well here. My #1 place for these will always remain with the Flying Falafel at the Sunnyvale/Campbell farmers market, however, Falafel Stop comes pretty darn close! The falafel balls here are light, crispy and a bit smaller than other places I've had it at, but they are pretty delicious. I love getting the pita sandwich or the falafel plate. They give you a ton of food for only $6.75 which is pretty unbelievable. Tons of fresh veggies, hummus, 10 falafel balls and my favorite part, the FRESHLY BAKED pita bread! That is really what seals the deal for me. The pita is super soft and doughy and fresh. Most places don't have this and that's really what contributes to making it a really great falafel sandwich. I've also tried the chicken schwarma plate on hummus which is pretty good. Chicken tasted like it was marinated in a curry sauce. Lots of meat, not as much hummus, but definitely a protein packed meal. I wanna say this was about $10ish? Outdoor seating, long lines unless you coming during off hours. Cheap, fresh, healthy and large portions, YUM~
(5)Aakash G.
This is my favorite Middle Eastern place in the South Bay. Your food may take a while to get, you have to wait in two lines. But the quality is always simply superb. And the prices can't be beat. If you like Israeli food, get out here. Fast. The falafel, chicken shawarma, everything in a pita or on a plate tastes fantastic. The Creme Bavaria is great too. I love this place. You will too.
(5)Shalini P.
Hmm... Veggies are not that fresh. I'm definitely not fond of their celery garnish. Falafel balls are tasty though -- hence the three stars. Overall, I've had better, but I wouldn't mind returning for their falafel and hummus, which are pretty good!!
(3)Charlie G.
Food was delicious as usual. Amazing flavors!! My only pick is that they serve in such small plates that I only am able to mash up all the food on the plate. Can't really enjoy the different sides. It might have been better to order home si I can separate the food n u enjoy them a little more. Amazing chicken breast.
(4)Sharanya A.
The lines are a bit long but they move fast. I love the falafel plate - complete value for $. When you read the item on the menu, it sounds like an appetizer, but it'll will totally fill you up. They take pride in what they put on the plate which is a fantastic quality for anyone who run a restaurant. Everyone is very cheerful in spite of the crowds. I wish they had more branches.
(5)Swetha N.
Recently did a catering for 40 people ... Jonathan was very accommodative and the food was amazing with reasonable prices!
(5)Paul S.
This place gets my rare five star rating because it's the best falafel plate for under $7!! You get about 10 falafels and all the trimmings, including a flatbread. You can order mild or spicy for the seasoning level. The spicy level comes with a handful of peppers that look a bit like pepperoncini, but are hotter. Now, I can deal with some funkiness in a restaurant like this one (e.g. a "value" place), but you should know the following: 1. All the seating is outdoors, but covered. There are heaters for the winter. 2. After ordering at the counter, you get in a second line that passes in front of a window where they ask you spice level, assemble your order and then hand it to you. This means you don't typically go sit and wait, but stand and wait. The goodness is that you can see them pull your falafels out of the fryer just before they put them on your plate. None fresher! 3. It can be crowded. Very crowded. 4. Sometimes, the parking is insufficient and you have to park and walk. My wife and I continue to love it anyways because the food is great and the price is low. We'll deal with the rest, especially since the staff is pretty nice.
(5)Shijie F.
0 star for GROSSLY UNCOOKED, INEDIBLE, AND BORDERLINE RAW meat. 0 star for rude customer service. We were first time patrons and ordered takeout. When I opened my kebab plate at home, I was abhorred to find completely uncooked kebab meat. I called the front desk. The cashier guy first said "we cook all our kebab medium rare" (which I seriously doubt it). I said he knew we were first time there (and gave us samples for chicken) and why he DID NOT tell us the meat was prepared this way. The cashier then changed his story and said they were a busy restaurant so we shouldn't expect to be informed (TOTAL LIE because we were the only person at the cashier ordering food at the time). I told him: "Steakhouse asked their customers how do you want the meat cooked because you cannot expect EVERYONE to eat rare, uncooked meat. The fact that you forgot to tell us and cook meat in such a grossly undercooked way was unacceptable. For someone who never eats bloody pink meat, this was inedible, and unsafe to eat." The cashier then said "it was a mistake so what and what do you want??? you could cook it yourself" and hanged up. Speechless. They try to masquerade their uncooked meat as a routine practice (who serves rare meatballs???) and blame me for my inability to eat such uncooked meat and my decision to order a takeout, and then changed the story to how they were too busy to tell us when they were in fact not, and later casually mentioned it was a mistake without apologizing. No apologies and all excuses. Completely gross and unacceptable food that was unsafe to eat. UPDATE: I got a funny/sarcastic message from someone apparently associated with Falafel STOP but hidden behind a pseudonym. For the curious/sarcastic minds out there, Why did I NOT know your meatballs are uncooked before ordering them? GREATTTTTTTT question. Maybe because (A) Your cashier does not inform customers (esp. 1st timers) that the meatballs are meant to be uncooked. #poorcustomerservice (B) Nothing on your menu states your meatballs are meant to be uncooked. #badmenu (C) The cook did not check the temperature of the meatballs when he shoveled them to the box. #unsafepractice #irresponsible (D) Falafel STOP operates on the ASSUMPTION that everything from its kitchen, including uncooked meat, will be happily consumed. #arrogance (E) All of the above. #worst Also, since when meatballs are MEANT to be uncooked? Is uncooked meatball a thing now? What a novel (and convenient) invention. All fault is apparently mine, for having ordered mystery meat from falafel STOP.
(1)J S.
I am not even a fan of falafel, it's not something I would usually choose , but I crave this place like crazy . Any other place I am not interested in for falafel to be honest . I love the way their falafel is not greasy , but somehow it is magically crunchy on the outside and no oil on the inside . Their pita is UNDOUBTEDLY fresh ! Every time. The texture is just amazingly fluffy. I am stuffed after I get their falafel plate and I am always surprised that there's no meat on it , which strangely you don't even miss. This place is ISRELI style not Armenian. I know some people are confused about that . My friend from Isreal says she has never had it like this anywhere in America and this is the only place she can have it EXACTLY the way it is in her country .
(5)Lisa C.
We've been here every weekend for lunch for the last month or two! The falafel balls and the pita bread mixed with pickled vegetables and the spicy sauces are addicting. What makes these falafels better than other places I've tried is the pita bread - soft and chewy. Most other places use lavish bread or some other wrap which are usually hard. What is also unique is that the falafel balls are layered in the pita between rows of the veggies and the sauce. So, you get a falafel ball in every bite. The price is great too - less than 6.00 for one falafel. The 1/2 falafel at 3.00 is quite filling - there are about 7 falafel balls in them. For my daughter, we usually get the veggies and the sauces on the side so she can put what she wants (or not) on her 1/2 falafel. The first time I went to Falafel Stop, I ordered the Sabich which has the eggplant nuggets in it. I didn't like it at all - the eggplant nuggets were all placed at the bottom of the pita. And, I couldn't really taste or distinguish the eggplant. So, I'm sticking with their delicious falafels. It seems to get crowded although we try to arrive on weekends before 11:30am. The ordering and pick up system can be improved. You order inside and then bring your receipt to the pick up window and stand in line there. When you place your order, it is not tied into any computerized system for the kitchen to see. You have to show the people making the falafels your receipt so that they know what to make. This system can certainly slow things down especially if people are not aware of the process. I've seen a few folks who sit down after ordering and expect to be called to pick up their order. I just really enjoy their falafels so much - it's a filling tasty meal at a great price!
(4)Sam G.
Love love love! The pita is perfect, pillowy goodness and the falafel balls are delicious. Best pita in the area
(5)Derek M.
Super fresh ingredients, fresh baked pita bread that is soft, fluffy, and thick enough so your hands are not a covered in Tahini dressing before you finish your sandwich, and crispy, golden falafels made with garbanzo beans instead of chick peas. Delicious! I would definitely come back again, and again, and again. Owner was friendly and gave us free falafel samples because the wait in line during lunch hour was 5+ people deep.
(5)Shabdita S.
Tucked in a corner, this place is an absolute treasure. I've had my fair share of falafels in the bay area but their's is the best so far. My husband and I duck in for a quick snack on a cold Sunday and while we were still trying to figure out out orders to match with our appetites, the lady upfront gave us a sample. The falafel was crunchy outside, fluffy on the inside, the seasoning was spot on, oh heaven! We decided on a falafel plate which came with salad and freshly baked pitas which were so soft and fluffy and yum. Just writing this review has me dreaming and salivating for their food, this place is a definite must visit.
(5)Brandon R.
Long, unorganized lines to get your food. Parking is basically nonexistent. Falafel wraps are extremely dry and lacking flavor. There are better places for falafel in the area.
(2)Matthew H.
Israeli style falafel and salads here, not your typical Middle Eastern. Recently visited this joint on a sunny weekend afternoon. We were not the only ones, the place was packed. They weren't ready for all of the people, and there was quite a wait for our food. Be sure to queue up for ordering on the inside, and then wait for your number to be called outside. I hope to return and find them to have their prep/speed improved.
(3)Lindsey O.
The best $7 you will ever spend for a huge and DELICIOUS falafel sandwich!
(5)M J.
Got the Falafel sandwich. Portion was good for me although it might be a tad small for big eaters. Taste was great, I got everything with spicy, and got extra red sauce. I really love the red sauce - which is very important to me. They don't just give store bought sauce but looks like they make some there, green / red and have chilli peppers for the extra spicy. Heart warming, went twice in a week. Seating is outdoors though and right on the street.
(4)FuzzEcuB -.
I finally tried this place being skeptical that I'd get massive indigestion like did from that other Falafel place in San Jose. I had the Falafel Pita after a workout and enjoyed every bit of it so much that I didn't realize how fast I shoved it into my face. No indigestion at all which is surprising since I basically inhaled my meal. I had the chance to chat with the owner and he mentioned to me that he uses fresh soy oil every day as well as all fresh ingredients. One of the reasons that their Falafel is so tasty! He is very passionate about delivering quality tasty food and in my opinion has succeeded. I'm looking forward to going back. Best of luck in your success.
(5)Mandar B.
Meat lovers, they are opening separate section for meat only. That's really good in a way so vegi people don't have to worry about their food getting prepared with meat.
(5)K P.
The pita alone is cray-cray....to quote Despicable Me...."it's so fluffy, I'm gonna die". Yeah, none of that flat thin stuff that can be used for a Frisbee. The falafel pita....nice, flavorful, moist, never burnt and crammed. Wish it could be a tad bigger but that could be my gluttony speaking. The greek salad....yummo! Glad it's back. Like the other yelper mentioned...if you're vegan then just hold the feta and let the rest of us have ours.
(4)R M.
You should definitely try this place. Make sure to wait in line right after you get your order receipt! They make your order once you hand them your receipt at the window. Food comes freshly made and tasty. The falafels are tasty and perfect.
(3)Sean W.
The falafel pita is fresh, delicious, and cheap, but not that filling if you're really hungry. I'd recommend coming if you're just a bit peckish. The procedure for getting your food can be a bit confusing. After you pay at the register and get your receipt, immediately line up next to the window to tell them how you want your pita. I've seen a lot of people just sit down after paying, expecting for their pita to be brought to them. Don't be one of those people!
(4)Susan F.
This is wonderful new restaurant across from Fremont High. I had the falafal pita sandwich and it was mouth watering from the start! I finished it quickly and sat out on their outside seating on a beautiful sunny day! Before I ordered, one of the woman servers handed out a sample of their freshly baked falafals! They were hot and delicious! She put a mild sauce on to give it more flavor! THe pita bread is made fresh here dalily! WHen I got my sandwich, the bread was still warm! The vegetables were fresh and the sauce was impeccable! IT was mild, but you can also order it spicy, which many people did! This restaurant is vegetarian, but highly popular! They also have a wonderful dessert cake with cream and dribbled with chocolate on top! The reason to come here is for the food! The atmosphere is good and they are extremely efficient! Their menu is limited, but they have perfected it! The most popular are the sandwiches with the fresh pita bread or the greek salad! I highly recommend this place - not only because of the good food, but it also has plenty of character and charm!!
(5)Kristy C.
Stopped in after hearing about this place from friends at work. It was a bit difficult to figure out how to order and get your food as it was crowded and people fell into a routine that no one explained and I didn't quite figure out until my food never came along. Apparently you order and pay inside then go outside and hand your ticket to the person who prepares your food to your liking. Once i figured out how to GET my food, I have to say i enjoyed THE best falafel and THE best hummus I have ever tasted. Food is worthy of five starts, especially for the great price. A beautiful and satisfying falafel for $3. Homemade pickles and sauerkraut. YUM. Downside is that all seating is outdoor so I was kind of cold, and struggling to eat my falafel in the wind, and without any utensils or a plate. I think they would have given me some had I ordered my food "for here" but again, I was a little slow on figuring out the flow and assumed it was all "togo". I was a mess when it was over and luckily as a Mom I always carry baby wipes. I'll be back and better prepared next time!
(4)Kimberly N.
Where has this place been all my life??? So I recently discovered this falafel stand several weeks ago and I can't seem to stop coming here for lunch. This place is steller! The first time I had ate here was after a long workout I had with my best friend. We were driving around town and saw this long line of people waiting for falafels (never had falafel before) so we decided to join the crowd and wait as well. Although we came during lunch hours and it was extremely packed it was sure worth the wait. The ingredients in the falafel were so fresh it just melted in your mouth with every bite. Ever since I have been coming here for lunch. I hope you enjoy this place as much as I did :)
(5)Tobie C.
We went to Falafel Stop after some friends told us how good it is. It was great..the best falafels ever. We ended up with a falafel in the best, freshest pita bread imaginable. After that, we decided to take home a Greek salad and a hummus plate. After we left, I couldn't stop thinking about how good the food was and eating the rest of what we ordered when we got home. This is a place I would go out of the way to go eat again.
(5)Poorna K.
They have very good falafel. Try Cream Bavaria for dessert. Grab a falafel wrap, sit on the benches outside in the sun!
(5)Julie P.
I am SOOOOO glad I gave this place a try. Drove by it on a Friday night, saw the REALLY long line and thought.... 'huh... that's odd. i've never seen the flower place so crowded' (the whole building used to be a flower shop). Came back on Sun. Yeah, there is a wait to get your order. It's not McDonalds!!!! You can't drive through and pick up your food that's been ready for the last 40 min. The spicy falafel is FREAKING AMAZING!!!!! Had it for lunch, and wasn't even CLOSE to being hungry for dinner. It is soooooo goood, I couldn't stop eating it. Next to Ethiopian, this is my new fave!!!! Parking sucks, and the line sucks. My advice? Bring your patience, but give it a try!!! If you don't like it..... then I'm sorry. But can't say i'd be heartbroken, because that means MORE FOR ME!!!!!! :D
(5)Don H.
Outstanding falafel and pita bread as others have said over and over. They do serve meat there now but we haven't tried it. Best to go at odd hours: 11AM Sat for example, otherwise the lines can be daunting. Also, as other reviewers have observed: their method for getting orders to those preparing the food is a bit chaotic. I've seen folks wait for 10 minutes only to figure out they need to hand the receipt over... once you understand the system it's not a huge deal.
(5)Roney P.
Fantastic!!! It was the first time I tried it and I fell in love with it. I tried falafel elsewhere but no one can beat this one.
(5)Jamie L.
Yum! What a pleasant surprise. My bf and I have passed this place many times but had a spur of the moment urge to stop in for a quick snack. It did not disappoint. For $3 you can get a half sized falafel (which for me is more than enough) and it was super delicious. Not easy to eat but worth the struggle. I'll definitely be coming back here.
(5)JP F.
Good quality. Nice flavor though it was a little on the intense and raw side (garlic or something in salad). It didn't agree with me but u think that's more my diet than this place. I have a pretty sensitive stomach and I've fallen off the healthy eating wagon this month. Falafel was tasty.
(4)wanda b.
Service was low-quality and hardly personable. Immature girl at cashier was too busy singing along to blaring ghetto busy music to tell us that after we paid, we had to actually go outside and place our order at another window. Other people apparently didn't know this either and went to sit down also. One couple became upset after their food never arrived and they asked for a refund! Food isn't bad, but impersonal, immature service makes this feel like a low-life kind of place. No thanks. there are too many other falafel places worth the drive. This one isn't.Maybe if the week end staff is replaced with more level-headed, mature people, it has a chance.
(2)Tal P.
Ever since this place opened, I always wanted to check it out, but for some reason never stopped in. A few days ago I was feeling adventurous for lunch, so I stopped in. I found my way to the counter and asked if I was in the right place to make an order. The lady at the counter told me yes, and offered me a sample of the falafel. It was amazing, so I ordered the falafel plate. It was pretty awesome; the falafel was warm and crispy, and the pita bread had just the right flavor. I'm definitely going back probably tonight in fact. The reason it didn't get 5 stars was because my car sitting in the parking lot was warmer than the seating area. This time I'll just take it to go, no biggie. :)
(4)Pral N.
Freshest falafel you can get, the service is quick and it tastes amaaazing! I have been stopping there every week since I discovered a couple of weeks ago, yumm is the word. I wish they make it more spicy.
(4)Amod D.
I don't get what the fuss is about this place. I didn't like it at all. OK falafel and tasteless salad. I don't recommend this place at all.
(1)Amber P.
The Falafel STOP is a delicious falafel joint. This is my definition of a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. It is a very simple restaurant; order at the register, pick-up your food at a window and then eat on one of the tables they have set up outside. Do not let the lack of ambiance fool you, this joint cooks up the best falafel in the bay area...yes, they got my vote! They make the tastiest falafel; very crunchy, but light, very flavorful. If you like falafel you need to STOP by here!
(5)Iye R.
falafel balls was delish! and the bread is to die for ;)
(5)Sean A.
Vegetarian , fresh ingredients , family run , ethnic , cheap and tasty.. Always a big fan of locally run cheap eats. Great place for a healthy meal.
(4)Beni D.
We usually get our falafel fix from DishnDash, however, since its closed on Sunday, we decided to try this one out. Its just OK - the flavors are a lot milder, their pita bread is fantastic though. The half falafel option is great for kids. Prices are reasonable. Lots of options for herbivores, as all their food is 100% vegetarian. Seating is on picnic benches, and its not enclosed - just some soft covering. so on a cold day you cant take your jacket off. The line can get long, as they take sometime to prepare everything as they fry the falafel balls right when you order them, We've had the falafel pita and the eggplant pita. I would have preferred the falafel balls to be a little more cooked, these seemed a little doughy on the inside. Overall a decent option. Much better for eating in than carry out. The whole things falls apart - and we live only 3 miles away from the place.
(3)Tricia L.
Just loved this place! Great food and the friendliest service I've seen in a long time. Our first visit and we'll be back!
(4)James L.
YOU'RE A JERK IF YOU POST LESS THAN 4 STARS FOR THIS PLACE. I honestly cannot understand anything below 5 stars for this place, simply based on what I go there for... the falafel. Who in the world complains about rude "customers" or WIND??? Sounds like someone's been beaten by the bitch stick far too often, you've got to be kidding me. This place has the BEST falafel's I've eaten to date. It's so damn good... I've eaten here three days in a row, and I'm 15 minutes driving distance from this place. The girl behind the counter probably thinks i'm stalking her... but it's for the food damnit, it's great! The falafel's are warm because they come straight out of the fryer... the veggies are fresh, and the sauce is exactly how i'd expect. I didn't even know about the pita bread being scratch made... that's even better. Make it spicy... wow... it's delicious... not delish.. wtf is that anyway? It's a palate pleaser that will make anybody who loves this stuff... gush. And they give you a lot of falafels... it's how you emo people call it... ginormous! This falafel is so good here, they need to franchise this place and put it next to my house. I have a food crush... and it's a falafel. STOP here... and STOP with the negative reviews about anything other than the food.
(5)Ahmad G.
Best falafel in the entire US. I am middle eastern and understand a good falafel from another and I tell u that this is authentic falafel. He bakes his own pita bread too which is one of the many reasons this place is good. Trick to avoid the line is to order on the phone ten minutes before your arrival so that the sandwich will be warm when you begin eating it
(5)Michael W.
Went there over the weekend for lunch. The service was fast and friendly. The food was great! The pita was spongy and warm, not like the thin, dry stuff I'm used to. And the falafel balls themselves were delicious and plentiful. To my knowledge, they don't serve ANY meat here at all, which is a shame, but for a great falafel, this is the place! I'm just worried about going there for lunch once school starts, as it's right across from a high school. I imagine it will be flooded with vegetarian high schoolers (if that's even a thing).
(4)megan s.
Awesome falafel! The best I've had in the states. I always get mine spicy. Delicious! It has been incredible busy lately with crazy long lines but always worth it.
(5)Jen S.
I had my doubts because I'm a Dish Dash faithful BUT their falafel pita was really good. Very fresh and not heavy, as fried food can sometimes be. Also had the hummus plate which was delish. Falafel and pita bread are all house made and very very fresh! Delicious! Only complaint was there was only one pita bread for the huge plate of hummus so half the hummus went to waste. However, I ordered a second pita bread on my next visit and that was perfect. Only $1 more, very reasonable.
(4)Terel B.
Best falaffel I've ever had! Forget Vivi's. Forget Falafel Drive-through. This is it! I tried the Israeli salad the other day as a lower carb option, and it's very, very good!
(5)Jeanne C.
Been waiting for this place to open ever since I saw the "coming soon" sign that mentioned "fresh baked pita" and it did not disappoint. The fresh baked pita was stupendous. The falafel is light and fluffy not like some that are lead balls. My biggest disappointment was they were not serving the greek salad the day I went because "vegetarians complained the feta wasn't vegetarian"??? Just don't put it on their salad then but give me a greek salad WITH feta thankyouverymuch! Had they had this, they probably would have gotten 5 stars from me. I also wasn't very happy that none of the seating has backs, benches only and for a person with lower back issues, this is extremely uncomfortable so it will be carryout for me from now on. I also wonder what it will be like to get in and out quickly once schools starts back up.
(4)Casey P.
Best falafel I've ever had! 5.50 for a big old falafel that fills you up, so it's a really great deal. Only complaint is the lines can sometimes be pretty long, but if you go at odd times it's not a problem. Been here 3 times in the 3 weeks I've lived here.
(5)Chetas M.
One of the best falafels I have had. The place is small but they say small thing make big noise. Try their Falafel plate or Falafel wrap. Both are mouth watering. The pita bread is the softest i have had so far. Definately a must go place. Only thing is the place closes by 8 pm, so go early if you dont want to miss out.
(5)Andrew S.
Compared to Falafel's Drive-In this has the best pita bread by far. In fact, this may be some of the best pita we've ever had. Got to give it to Drive-in on the actual falafel though. If you're looking for a very tasty, inexpesive lunch then I highly recommend this place.
(4)Abby T.
I have had a hankering for mediterreanean food for quite sometime and this really hit the spot. I was looking for something quick and easy to have for lunch, so the hubby and I decided to try out the Falafal STOP. So glad I convinced him to check it out. As other reviewers indicated, the ordering is a little confusing, but you eventually get your food. I ordered the greek salad and the hubby ordered the kebab hummus plate. Talk about huge portions, I'm sure I wil have food for dinner and possibly a midnite snack. the salad was hugs and the eggplant pieces were so cirpy but moist, i couldn't believe how wonderfully cooked the eggplant was. I love spicy foods so when hey asked if I wanted my food mild or spicy, I jumped at the chance to determine the level of spiciness. It had the right amount of flavor, with just a kick of spiciness. Next time I will ask them to make it super spicy. My husband loved his lunch plate. The one thing I will say ws that my salad was ready a lot quicker than his plate was, so there was a bit of time he was just eatin gsome of my salad, waiting for his food to come. When it finally came, what a delight! there was generous portions of hummus and the pita bread was phenomenal! i will definitley try this place again!
(5)Alex Z.
Forget this place. The Mexicans running this place don't care about the business. Just had the soggiest, most unsatisfying sabich sandwich. 90 percent of the sandwich was filler and crap. Waste of money will never be back.
(2)Jacob F.
I drove past this place every day on my way to work since it opened and never stopped by because falafels are usually too dry on the inside and greasy on the outside, but these are perfect. Smooth and juicy on the inside, and the rest of the veggies and sauces in the sandwich are excellent.
(5)Jaynne L.
Oooo sooo good!!! The falafel balls are warm and crispy goodness. I ordered a shuwarma in a pita and it was good!! I asked for it to be spicy and one of the cooks noticed I kept asking for spicy stuff so he gave me extra chilis and spicy sauce on the side. My brother got kabob in a hummus plate and it looks so good I think I'm going to get that next time. The portions that they give you are so big it's delicious and overfilling goodness! I can't wait to go back :)
(5)F O.
One word: DELICIOUS! First timeI've been and it was soooo good! I can't wait to go back and try the hummas plates they have!
(5)Morgan C.
I've been going to falafel stop for months and I've always enjoyed it. Today, however I was in for a rude awakening. I usually order the masabacha or falafel plate, which is very tasty and good-sized. This is put into a normal take-away box, approximately 10 inches square. Today the new food preparers tried to give me a 6 inch round plate claiming it was the same thing I've been buying for months, despite being around a third as much food. When I showed them photos of previous orders of masabacha which were much much more substantial, they claimed I did not order this. Unfortunately for them, I have the receipts with corresponding photos of the food I received showing otherwise. They refused to give me the same thing and refused to acknowledge any sort of mistake. This hostile and dishonest attitude is shocking. Even though I like their food very much, I will NEVER return to this restaurant, and will instruct everyone I know to also never go. Shockingly poor customer service.
(2)Surbhi S.
I really am out of words to describe just how amazing their falafel is. I have visited this place a few times and this place just leaves me craving for more and more falafel. This place is a must for all falafel lovers!
(5)Mukul N.
I love meat, so I was suspicious when I saw that Falafel Stop was only vegetarian food, and yet it was getting such high ratings. It's really hard as a non-vegetarian to find tasty veg food but here I've found it. Absolutely delicious food. Had the falalfel just now, saving the sabich for tonight. Also, they have exclusively outdoor(shaded) seating. Might be less then ideal in the winter but for spring/summer it's perfect. P.S. Make sure to get a shake from Dairy Belle right next door- I had a cold mango shake. It was yummy even on a warm day. In the middle of the summer it would be divine.
(5)Kobi A.
This venue is just what I waited for, food made with love , dedication and perfection. The Hummus and Tahini are perfection, the pita bread is amazing. 2 items for a feedback and the reason for 4 stars - 1. Long wait , the owner is doing everything by himself and it is very cumbersome. 2. Sabich needs to have more eggplant in :-) Overall, a very good start, since this is a new place I assume it will improve in time.
(4)Ben S.
Over-rated! We've been huge fans of Falafel drive in and heard people raving about this place so checked it out this past weekend. While it's decent food, it's nowhere near as good as Falafel Drive-In.
(3)Sameer C.
Awesome place for grabbing a Falafel. Everything is super delicious and great value for money. We tried the Falafel, Falafel Plate, Greek Salad and Bavaria Crème desert. Everything tasted great, the owner came out of the kitchen to offer hot Falafel's while waiting to order. The staff is extremely quick and very polite. This is going to be our new spot to grab a quick meal.
(5)Naresh R.
I am a big fan of this falafel place but wheres the good hot sauce? Bring your own hot sauce!
(4)Dolphin R.
Best Falafel in the Bay!!! Love the fact that it's a vegetarian stop! LOVE LOVE LOVE the place. And the staff is nice and friendly. They welcome you with a falafel dipped in tahini. Awesome!!
(5)S M.
Service was friendly, parking is kinda tough when there are more than 20 people there as there's only a small lot. It's an odd ordering method as you order inside and then pickup outside and the area inside is quite tight. Pita is good but it's not your typical thin pita, but is a thicker pita which is excellent and I believe is locally/freshly made as it's still warm when you get it. Felafel balls definitely leave something to be desired. They are soft all the way through as I prefer mine with a bit more of a crunch on the outside and are pretty bland. All the toppings are good and I think if they improved the felafel balls themselves I'd give this 5 stars. Between this place and Felafel Drive-In I would chose Felafel Drive-In without thinking twice.
(3)Steave G.
i've been their on my trip to the us. food is great. service is quick ! and the lady that served me was super hot :) their is pleanty of parking spaces around. i'm pleased defentily will go back next time
(4)Goldilocks J.
Hubby and I were in the Cupertino area and hungry. A quick check of my Yelp app to satisfy hubby's craving for falafel and we ended up here. Great place. Falafel was tender, hot, and fresh. I got the Israeli salad which was really heavy on the onion and my car stunk after taking the left overs home, but it was really good. Tried a bite of hubby's falafel sandwich and it was really tasty too. The place was busy at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon, and I see why. Definitely a local favorite.
(4)Shannon C.
While their menu is limited, it comes with good reason. They have PERFECTED their falafel which is hands-down the best I have ever had, even better than Falafel Drive In in San Jose. Their ingredients are incredibly fresh, prices perfect ($5.55 a sandwich) and service incredibly quick. You won't walk away disappointed!
(5)Sal C.
Stopped in for a quick meal before an overnight shift. The menu is short and sweet. The service was friendly and quick. The veggies in the falafel platter tastes fresh. The pita bread was warm and flavorful. All for a very good price. I would definitely come back.
(5)Paul W.
Limited menu- but what they have? EFFING DELICIOUS! I can't get enough, but to be truthful I can never eat enough hummus, cucumbers or tomatoes. Really friendly people and "crave it once a week" food.
(5)Jyoti C.
OH EM GEE!!! The best Hummus plate ever!! I am kicking myself for not trying this place out before. A friend of mine had suggested we check it out long back...and my encounter with this place did not happen until last weekend. Shucks, we go to the 24 Hr fitness almost everyday, right across the street and we have never tried this place before..I wonder why..... Of course without having checked their closing time I happily call them at 7.55 PM to place an order for a take out. The lady on the phone was very kind. She asked me how long it would take me to reach there and then readily took my order...AWESOMEEE. The place was obviously dead..I guess it is best to take out food even during business hours. The food is definitely 5 star. What soft Pitas...gorgeous texture and great great tasting hummus..The hummus plate is to die for. The cumin powder, cilantro chutney, with olive oil, chopped up pickles/english cucumbers and tomatoes..just yummmmm!!! Great quality food..inspired me to bake some pitas at home...definitely coming back and often now!! :D
(5)Karen B.
The falafel is delicious - much lighter and less oily than falafel I've had in the past. A half falafel in pita more than fills me up for less than $5. Can be crowded so it helps to order for pickup then eat it there. Mostly outdoor seating, but they have heat lamps for winter. Also - free sample as soon as you walk in.
(5)Newton L.
Amazing falafel (like Oren's Hummus style). the salad which I got was fresh and clean. I love the casual feel of the place. the Falafels were moist and not over fried. :-D.
(4)sha s.
Freshness oozes out of the food here! I love falafels, but the falafels here are beyond description, they bring to point the age old open secret, the freshness of the ingredients can make a world of difference in the taste! I tried the Masabacha plate & falafel plate (at different times). Surprisingly filling though it looks small - portion wise. The falafel plate is nice too, filling & fresh tasting, perfect seasoning. The billing system is fast, but all food (except the eggs) are "made to order" , meaning you do have to spend an average of 15 mins on a busy day to get the order after placing. But its ok. The seating is very limited, so unless you are a couple or a group where you can hold a seat for someone , plan on doing a take out. Also the people from the bus stop close by tend to occupy some seats (for shade) than wait at the bus stop (sad sad .. .. ). So plan for take out anyway. Definitely recommend if you are in a mood for take out.
(4)Rob M.
I read all of the reviews and thought, come on... how good could this place be. It is amazing. I resisted for a while because of the lack of meat, but the falafels are so fresh and the pitas are so good. Great customer service (went on a saturday afternoon). Just a phenomenal place.
(5)Joshua S.
Likely the best falafel in the Bay Area. The pita is super fluffy, the falafels are made fresh, and the sauerkraut and pickles add a nice dimension to their menu items. You really can't can't go wrong here. Falafel Drive In is going to have to step it up bigtime.
(5)Dana M.
This place was crazy busy when I walked in but the service was amazingly quick. I got the falafel plate and it changed my life.
(5)Paolo B.
The folks at Falafel stop are pretty friendly. I can't say that their falafels are the best. They are just ok and I've had better. The add-ons in the sandwich adds the missing flavor.
(3)Tim B.
Falafel Stop is hands-down the best "fast-food" Mediterranean cuisine in the South Bay. It started as just falafel and hummus with some excellent, hand-crafted pita with a distinct Israeli twist. Then they opened the Shuwarma and other meat kitchen (separate so it is still kosher). The flavors are exceptional, the quality is consistent and superior, and the atmosphere is friendly. The owner/manager is quick to say hello and offer a warm laugh and handshake. His staff are always quick and professional, even offering "samples" to those who have already ordered if the line is taking longer than usual. If you enjoy this type of cuisine at all, you owe it to yourself to give Falafel Stop a try.
(5)E M.
This place is great! small menu, but the falafel plate and the sabbich sandwich were both really delicious. I've been thinking about that sandwich for two days now, I'm really looking forward to going back! Definitely give it a shot!
(4)Carol L.
So I drive by this place all the time. I love falafel and my daughter lives pita bread so it seemed like it was time to give it a try. We each got the falafel plate. It was a good value the salad with the homemade pickles yummy. The falafels were really good and not greasy like some places and a good flavor. The pita bread is super fluffy and yummy! We ordered a side of plain hummus cause that is what my daughter likes. It was good just plain. When the owner saw us eating plain hummus he asked if we wanted to try some with olive oil lemon and some spices. He made my daughter a generous sample. She loved it. So he offered to do up the one we purchased and she jumped at the chance. We will be definitely going back and trying some other items. The staff was nice and the place gets busy but it was a yummy filling meal and a good price.
(5)Nobody M.
Super friendly service, creamy, delicious hummus, spicy spice and golden falafel balls wrapped in the warmest, fluffiest pita you'll never have unless you come here.
(4)Adithya S.
Best Mediterranean food in bay area. Sabich and Masabacha plate are my favorites.
(5)Evan J.
I love their Falafel. It's amazing. Made FRESH and served HOT! Get it spicy for a nice kick.
(5)Anna S.
Awesome find thanks to yelp! We come here often: the food is fresh, tastes great and isn't expensive. As an added bonus: my 2yr old loves falafels. The only drawback are longer lines during peak hours but it only proves how good it is. I have tried the falafel sandwich (it can be made spicy or not spicy) and the Greek salad. Both were fresh and tasty. They have recently expanded to add meat food choices: we tried the shawarma sandwich and my husband loved it, but I wasn't crazy of the seasoning so will stick to falafels. Portions are on the bigger side: small appetites can choose the half sandwich option or save it for later.
(5)Tamar M.
Awesome falafel! Best I ever had!! Very delicious pita :-)
(5)J J.
Tasty, Very reasonably priced and great service. The place is also really clean and well maintained. One of my favorite places to get a snack when I'm at work.
(5)Gabe R.
Great falafel, everything is fresh especially the pita and falafel balls. Great service, but the wait is sometimes a bit long. The pita bread is the best I had, definitely go for the falafel in the pita as it comes traditionally and not the falafel plate.
(5)Yanni V.
Yesterday we had the falafel stop provide food for my daughters 8 year old party. The falafels were out of this world, juicy , crispy and not over fried like the other falafel places. Everybody at the party was raving about the flavor and the taste of the homemade pita bread stuffed with all the fresh ingredients including humus on the side. The owner was very generous with the portions provide for the 30 people at the party, we still are enjoying the leftover today.
(5)Anon N.
I have been a fan of their fresh falafel for a while and noticed they started to offer meat, so I ordered the first on the menu which is the chicken sharwama with Israeli Salad, and guess what, there is hardly any chicken, it is just salad, kind of disappointing but still like their falafel though, hope this is one time fluke, I will go back but will keep an eye on the amount of meat. Salad is fresh and tasty as always, just not enough meat :-( I may post the picture later.
(3)Alex Y.
I have been here several times now. The first time times were amazing. One of the best Felafel sandwiches I have ever had (yes I have been to Oren's, Israel, and Felafel Drive In). However, the third time the quality of the Felafel ball seems to have gone down a bit. It wasn't cooked long enough maybe? Who knows. I will give it another try to see (3/4 usually determines everything). The first two times were excellent. Super authentic, super tasty and the freshly packed pita bread was incredible. Felafel balls were very traditional, and properly made, they have all the right toppings and this place is straight from Israel, even the lady owner is Israeli. The place has not atmosphere, it's on the side of De Anza next to a burger joint, but you don't come to a Felafel place for atmosphere. It would be nice if they serve beer but they don't.
(4)Jason W.
So I've eaten the falafel wrap and hummus plate here. Defintely up to par with really excellent falafel restaurants I used to eat in LA. The wrap is made constructed in a way that gives you a bite of falafel throughout. Falafel on the bottom, pickles, onions tomatoes tibouli, and another layer of falafel on the top with hot sauce. The falafel itself is light and fluffy and flavorful. No shawerma, but thats ok because the falafel is just awesome.
(5)Cobolt P.
I'm not a vegetarian, and I don't like vegetarian food. But this I like
(5)Tsachi A.
This is a little piece of Israeli goodness. Excellent falafel in thick, soft, fresh pita. A little overpriced drinks from Israel, but overall good value.
(5)Lalita A.
This is a relatively new place. Their falafels are their main and signature dish, everything there is made fresh and right in front of you so that you may customize your order if you like (subway style). Although their food is great their menu is a little bit limited due to their small kitchen style so every plate is basically a variation of a falafel. Still all delicious though, and a half falafel is often enough to fill you up (only $3) so it keeps me coming back for lunches.
(5)Leslie S.
Falafel STOP definitely earns its high rating here on Yelp. I didn't think it was really going to be amazing or anything, but I've seen it cross my feed so many times that I figured I had to try it. And I was IMPRESSED!! The ordering process is a little weird, but the food was delicious!!!! I'll definitely be back!!
(5)Donald D.
The best falafels in the area! Crisp on the outside, soft and moist inside. Not very spicy, but that's fine, just add as much hot sauce as you like. Most importantly, they are made fresh and are served warm. A friendly place with great, inexpensive food.....what more could you want?
(5)Ropey C.
The best falafel I've ever had. Everything made right before your eyes. It's like a Chipotle but for falafels. The bread is so fluffy and fresh. The benches outside aren't that comfortable but the food is excellent.
(5)Eileen W.
I'm addicted to this place and go every week. Last time I had one of their falafels I found myself saying out loud "This is so good!" Their Sabish is delish too; I never had it before.
(5)Mini S.
Great little inexpensive place to stop by if you love falafel. However, their menu is small but good enough to satisfy your appetite for Mediterranean food. Service is on the slower side and there is not much of an ambience or so whatsoever just few benches placed in a shaded building.
(4)Lana P.
Great place to get quality food. This is as close as you get to the real Israeli street food. Fresh with vegetables and pickles. Full of flavor. My whole family cannot get enough of it. I even got my friends hooked on the Falafel Stop. The only wishes and request to the owner: please have better organization of the line. Sometimes it is just crazy wait.
(5)Raanan K.
No doubt the best Falafel (vegetarian) and now also Shawarma, in the bay area. The key is the fresh pita. Can't beat that!
(5)Amy C.
I didn't think I liked falafel. I tried it before but didn't like the texture or how dry it was. But this place changed that. Every review is right on. The pita bread is thick and soft. The falafel was crispy on the outside and full of flavor inside. It didn't taste dry to me. I had the falafel sandwich and my husband had the plate. The sandwich was layered very well with the sauce, fixings, falafel, more sauce, fixings and falafels. The spicy sauce was pretty spicy for me but tasty. The plate had similar ingredients but you get more falafels and a salad. I would definitely go there again. It's decently priced for how good it tastes. FYI, just order what you want at the register inside but any special requests should be communicated with the the people actually preparing your food.
(4)Dennis N.
Little isreali food at this busy little stall. They have some really unique speciality malted alcohol free beer. Very unique taste. Falafel balls are yammy . All vegitarian so do not expect to last long in your stomach. healthy eat if you wanna avoid fry stuffs.
(5)Deane G.
Best falafel I've ever had. Tender, crisp, hot, juicy, and fresh. Not the usual stuff at all. I ordered mine "spicy" and it was just right. You order at the register inside, then go outside to wait in the assembly / pickup line (once at the front, give your receipt to the food prep ladies, tell them spicy or not, for here or to go, etc.) The pickup line was 10 deep as I left a little after 6pm on a Saturday evening.
(5)Bridget D.
When this place first opened, I was very happy. I love falafel! Unfortunately, too many people in this area also love falafel, so it takes 30 minutes to get through the line if you attempt to get a falafel for lunch on any given day of the week. (Even Sundays!) It always seems I get behind someone who is ordering 14 falafel plates to go. The sheer number of customers is both a good and bad thing. Good because it seems this is a very good falafel place, so people flock. Bad because it makes me not want to come back because of the constant wait. They need to expand or something!
(4)Walin M.
Straight forward menu with great prices. If the line doesn't convince you this place isn't the next great thing in the neighborhood, then the quality fresh food will. This is my go-to place for Saturday lunch. Getting there by 11:30 will result in a short wait on freshly made pita, falafel, and fillings. I had to find another place one time when their falafel machine was under maintenance (they got it fixed under an hour, but I couldn't wait that day). Really, nothing frozen or pre-made here! You can modify your falafel to your liking, swapping out one filling for another, and/or kicking up the spice level. They are great when eaten at the tables they provide, or stay great for travel up to 30 min. If you have longer travel I'd recommend going light on the Tahini as it can saturate the pita causing it to dissolve (it is liquid based after all). I'd advise not eating in a moving car as it can get a bit messy. Great food, excellent value and something I look forward to every Saturday.
(5)Rahul S.
Don't let the cheesy name fool you - this place has fabulous Israeli/Mid-Eastern food. The breads are super fresh and fantastic. We ordered several plates - Masabacha, Sabich and falafel plates and they were all outstanding. Very highly recommended.
(5)Gerald H.
It was hard to decide between a 4-star and 5-star review. The falafels and other items are good and a great value, and portions are fairly generous, and if that was the whole review this would be 5 stars. The less perfect areas are the seating (adjacent to Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road), the organization while placing orders and picking them up, and the minimalist restroom facilities. Still, the overall dining experience is better than other comparable restaurants and is not a large distraction, so I settled on 4 stars. We have dined at Falafel Stop several times and will be back, and we recommend it to others.
(4)Pankil S.
I've been to couple of mediterranean joints around this Bay Area. This is my favorite place to go when I crave for falafal. Food is not very spicy but I like it more than Dish Dash on Mathilda Ave. It is very crowded during lunch time on week days.
(4)Bindu A.
I ordered the falafel plate after reading rave reviews about it. It did not disappoint me. The salad was very fresh and crunchy and I loved the flavors. There was no wait time which made the experience even better!
(4)Joseph C.
Best falafel in sunnyvale by far! great price, location, serving, and staff.... pita is amazing and so are the veggies.
(5)Dan G.
Well ... Now Israeli's have a place to taste home again. The Falafel is AMAZING & FRESH .. light and just the way I remember in Ramat Gan and of course the Fresh pita is a gift from above.. I know this sounds like a teenager gushing ...But I had YET to find a truly Israeli place to eat in Cupertino for a while.. The minute I heard Hebrew being spoken in the parking lot..... I knew I was in for some good food. and Boy was I right. Check this place out and Say..... Ma Nish Ma ( How are you ?)
(5)Shyamali S.
This is our favorite place for falafels. They are excellent and not greasy. The whole combination makes for a quick inexpensive meal.
(5)Yossi S.
Best Sabich outside Ramat-Gan!
(5)Phebe T.
why is everyone raving about this place?! it's not that great!! falafel balls could use more spices cuz it was FLAVORLESS, and...well that ends it right there for me. pita bread was fresh though. don't care for the "relish" thing. you want really really good falafel balls? GO TO OREN'S HUMMUS in palo alto. pricier but oh sO GOOD. besides their price, wouldn't go back.
(2)Luke E.
Yes. What an amazing falafel they have to offer. I don't, eat them often but when I am working in Sunnyvale I definitely prepare my appetite for one of there tasty treats. I order the falafel plate and usually share it with my mother for lunch. It includes delicious pita bread, hummus, greens, kraut, pikckles, parsley, house made falafel, and many different sauces sweet or spicy! It's always consistently delicious and never a greasy mess. The ingredients are always fresh and I love how they make your food right in your view. The kitchen looks very clean and the people preparing the food are aware, present, and pleasant. Even when there are 20 people in line it goes. I'm not positive but it seems like the owner of the joint is in there often helping the flow and talking with customers. What a rare sight in a restaurant these days. He is also very content looking. There are so many Falafel places popping up claiming to be the best or the original all over the Bay Area. From Santa Clara county to Santa Cruz. I like how this place isn't making that claim but just being it. It's awesome to look around while eating and noticing a melting pot of culture in this place, not to mention while all seeming content. I definitely recomend trying it out if your in the area for lunch.
(5)Jared G.
Great food, simple concept. I hesitate to call it In n Out for falafel, but take the good points of that simile. It's a short menu but everything on it is done very well. Small place, small crew and really tasty falafel and hummus. We'll be coming regularly. The place is pretty busy, so don't expect a quick turn. Not slow, but not fast. Every piece of food seems to be done with care. Jared
(5)Rina A.
yummy food, amazing falafel, sbich and the pita is out of this world!!! Service is friendly but can be slow if there are a lot of people so try to plan your visit, if you don't have much time or are hungry right at rush hour it won't work for you. REALLY good!!!!
(5)S T.
One of my favorite places in Sunnyvale! I love the salads and sandwiches. The woman behind the counter is always so nice. Tip is to get there before 11:30. The wait can be long.
(5)Larry H.
Brand new place. Heard about it from friends yesterday, had dinner there tonight. We had falafel plates with salad and tahina. His spicy sauce is a perfect mix of spicy and tasty. His pita is thick and fluffy, not the standard off the shelp tasteless stuff you get at most places. Everything is fresh. Hummus is excellent (we had just a small taste because he was almost all out). Prices are very reasonable, and portions are good.
(5)Amit K.
Like being transfer to Israel.. Great Service, Great Falafel, Great Pita, Excellent Tehina, Schug and even black sweet beer from Israel (Malt). Fun !
(5)jason f.
Saw the large crowd in front Had to stop and check it out. The falafel was great. Great value and filling. Will definitely return.
(5)Trish G.
not what i was expecting, but still pretty good. pros - -everything looks fresh and homemade, including pita bread. -there's a dairy belle next door, so you can get a milkshake or something while you're waiting (but perhaps waiting is a con). -falafels look different from falafel drive in....they're golden yellow like tater tots or nuggets. they're also fluffier on the inside and not as dense as the dark ones from falafel. - creme bavaria was pretty good, kinda pricey tho since it's fairly small. cons- -pita is super thick and doughy (IMO). maybe i'm just not used to that style. even less appealing after it cools down (less than 5 minutes). -falafel pita was yummy but dry (IMO, maybe it was cuz of the doughy pita). if i go back, i'll ask for more sauce or olive oil or something, so that I can chew a little easier. -menu is limited. falafel, masha something (eggplant version?), and salads. one dessert. -israeli salad is almost like tabbouleh, but not as awesome (my mistake). also expensive for what it is.
(3)Paul K.
One of the best falafels I ever had. Very friendly owner who really wants people to appreciate what he is doing . . . And rightly so. What we need to do is give this man enough business to keep the good stuff coming and do some interior work to have a better dining area. With just a little bit work this place has the potential to be one of must-stops in Sunnyvale (there . . . really aren't any I can think of actually). Keep up the good work!
(5)David D.
Do your self a favor and stop by! Super cheap and amazing food. The owner is a super nice guy, and they give out samples of their falafel regularly. The pita bread is the best I've ever had, baked fresh daily. It's a very simple establishment, but they make great food at a very affordable price.
(5)Barak K.
Best falafel in the entire bay area...and I've tried them all. From the awesome falafel, to the fresh salad and amazing pita bread. If you're craving for falafel then look no further.
(5)boreal C.
The food here is just amazing - i tried Falafel+pita s/w and sabich (sa-beekh) s/w - both were absolutely amazing, the humus inside was so tasty and all the vegetables amazing. I will go again there. Four stars only as they dont even provide a plate (just a small pouch for the s/w). Even when i asked, the guy was so sad to part with a plate. Otherwise, food was just amazing.
(4)Hardev G.
Best falafel place in the Bay Area - excellent pita, hummus and of course falafels. Used to go to Falafel Drive In on San Carlos in San Jose, but this new neighborhood addition is awesome.
(5)Aidan M.
Best falaffel in the bay area, which is saying a lot. They can get a little busy but its worth it. They use home made pita bread which makes a huge difference in taste. The falaffel doesnt use cilantro like most places, which is good for me i hate cilantro. Delicious fresh vegetables and the sauces go together perfectly. Reccomend to anyone
(5)Christopher L.
The falafel was the best I have had. Fresh made Pita bread and the falafel balls were excellent. Sampled both the falafel balls and the eggplant they use for the sabich and will definitely try the sabich next time.
(5)Nicole C.
Absolutely divine. While they are still ironing out the kinks with the ordering process, and there was a bit of a wait, it was definitely worth it. Your plate is made on the spot to order, which totally makes it worth waiting a few extra minutes. The prices are great for the food quality and portion (I couldn't even finish my plate since the portion was so generous). The guy preparing the food (I assume the owner) also gave me a little falafel ball to try as I was waiting. I ordered the falafel salad ($7.30 after tax). The pita was fresh, fluffy and hot (not those flat, bland store bought kind); the greens and other toppings were bright and fresh tasting; and the little falafel balls were super crispy and not at all greasy. Unlike many places, these falafel balls are made from chickpeas and they aren't loaded down with spices. The fact that they were pulled freshly from the fryer and not a bit greasy is a huge plus. The breading or whatever they put on them to make them so crispy puts them a step above other falafel spots, including, in my opinion, Falafel Drive In. The menu looked pretty basic and small. I like this though. Rather than places that offer a ton of stuff with nothing being really great, they are appearing to offer few items that they know will be exceptional. It also makes figuring out what to order a whole lot easier. I have a strong hunch I am going to be a regular at this place! I can only imagine this is going to be a huge hit with the Fremont High kids once school starts, which I will keep in mind when deciding what time to hit up this place.
(5)Ariel K.
This place is awesome. They have quality falafel and fresh ingredients. I love the pita. Their menu is pretty limited, so don't expect a large selection. What they do have is really good though. Seating is mostly outdoors. There are only a couple seats inside.
(5)hernan s.
Their falafel is freshly fried and good. But it's no where near the best falafel like "falafel drive in" in SJ or mediterranean wraps in Palo Alto. But their pita bread is fresh and excelent. The service sucks. You have to make two lines to get your food and they both move slowly. It doesn't matter if the owner is nice and offers free samples while u wait. Waiting this long for uncooked food is always rude. The staff is not coordinating well yet. The owner tells me i can chose my own vegies, but the lady who made my meal already decided it for me and put all the vegies she wanted. Part of the vegies included some kind of pickled cucumber that tasted too eastern european. Pickles is an off flavor and it can never combine well with hummus no matter what. It's a unversally bad idea. However, while i waited in line, i noticed a visceral almost painful need for this place. Maybe it's due to the lack of variety in this area outside of asian food. I like asian food but i appreciate places like falafel stop because middle eastern food is almost the only cuisine that can make delicious and healthy at the same time. If i had my way, i would import one of those Falafel franchises that all over europe. But for now i will settle with places like this.
(3)Arie L.
Falafel Stop opened about a week ago after teasing us with their "Opening soon" sign for months. I dropped by on Saturday at 4pm, and half the tables outside were taken and only 2 people in line in front of me. It took about 5 minutes to put my order in, and 10 minutes to get my order of 2 falafels in a pita with 2 drinks. Came out to $17. Not cheep The pita was FRESH, the salads and veggies accompanying the Falafel were fresh and crispy, the tahini sauce was just right, and the hot sauce was good too. The Falafel balls were fresh out of the oil, but were a bit under done. I like them a bit more cooked through and crispy outside. It is nice, clean, parking, and there are tables to sit outside. I know they have just opened, and I hope they develop a better system to speed up the orders, Falafel is fast food and it was a bit too slow.. Fix the long wait, cook the Falafel a minute longer and you get 5 stars.. Ill go again in a couple of week and write an update.. UPDATE: I have been there a few more times since the last review and the falafel is getting better. I added one more star.
(4)nubered w.
This place is delicious! The vegetables are fresh and the falafels are sumptuous; but the most amazing part...is the homemade pita-bread. No Joke; this is the best pita-bread I've ever had. I will be going back and getting some bread to-go!!!
(5)Modi B.
8:00PM... Fresh hot Falafel, fresh salad, fresh Pita bread and its 8:00PM! Love this place!
(5)Stefan S.
Great quality, taste and service. Only knocked one star off due to that the seating is next to a busy road
(4)Yu A.
One of the finest falafels in the area! Love it!
(4)Amir D.
I love Falafel Stop! The food is always fresh and tastes great. It can be confusing ordering but I still give this place 5 stars. I wish the cashiers would just get your order and call out your number when your food is ready.
(5)Dew I.
This is my new favorite Falafel joint. Sorry Falafel Drive-in, I'm still a big fan and 2nd place ain't so bad. Other falafel places take notice, there is a new King in Town and it's Falafel STOP.
(5)Audrey L.
Wow. That is some amazing pita. Thicker, chewier, and more substantial than the typical dry pockets I'm used to getting. Is this what pita dreams of being? Oh right, the falafel's perfectly bite sized and cooked to order. Hummus has got a vicious garlicky bite to it. Pickled cabbage and cucumbers were a tangy, crunchy surprise. My family licked the plates clean.
(5)D E.
I love Falafel Drive-In, but this place blows Falafel Drive-In out of the water, at least as far as the falafel sandwich goes. (Because that's pretty much all Falafel Stop has--the menu is really small.) The falafel balls are light. The pickles, saurkraut, and other "toppings" add nice crunch and flavor. I also appreciate how everything gets layered in the sandwich, so you get falafel, veggies, and sauce in every bite. And the pita is thick and fluffy and doesn't fall apart! The only thing Falafel Stop is missing is a banana milkshake!
(4)tatiana l.
I take to go and leave. May be I'll try to eat there as soon as it gets warm. I like the sabbich sandwich, falafel, pita and pickles. Everything is very fresh and tasty. When they get very busy it's hard to have a smooth flow, because the place is tiny. Hope they expend sooner. I think it's a great quick stop for a quality lunch or diner. May be we'll take to go to the park nearby with the kids in the summer. I think it's a great idea to have this kind of fast food place. I wish to have one close to my home and save my cooking time... The food is great: protein and veggies!
(5)Tiffany N.
The first time I stop by Falafel Stop, the food is delicious and fresh. Stop there at lunch time around 12:45 but still a long line of waiting, you can tell the food is good. It was worthy time for standing and waiting.
(5)Ryan S.
I come here for lunch about once a month with a friend of mine and we both really enjoy the food. We've gotten into a habit of ordering the falafel plate with an extra pita. Diced pickles and other greens taste very fresh as does the fresh baked pita bread and just-cooked falafels. Seating is more or less exclusively outside. Most of the seating is under an overhang that they drop plastic sheeting from the sides on cold days. They also recently installed heaters which I've yet to be there when needed, but I assume that will be a big plus when the temps drop (you know, for those harsh CA winter days). Price is very reasonable and will be back soon.
(5)Vanessa W.
This is a great place for Vegetarians. I thought their falafels and pitas were ok. I think the pitas at Oren's in Palo Alto are better, but the pitas are fresh and quite fluffy. Definitely a close #2 in terms of Pitas in the area. The falafels were ok. Nothing mind blowing. I also ordered the Sabich and thought it was good, though the proportions of ingredients needed juggling. I felt like the person that made mine kinda just threw stuff in without thinking about the proportions. The way the lines work is not very efficient. There needs to be a better system.
(3)kate s.
Best falafel I have had. Hummus plate rocked. Service is great! You do have to wait some time to get your food, but it is well worth it. YUM Great prices too!
(5)Etoli W.
Finally, this is the feeling I was searching for, best Falafel in town, reminds me of Israeli's best. The Pita bread is just "to die for" fluffy, warm and doesn't break under stress of the fillings, make sure you ask for Hummus and Hot sauce. My only complaint is I added few pounds since this place opened up .
(5)tom c.
Good food and fair prices. The downside is on the weekends crowds of people speaking over each other in Hebrew at 85 decibels collectively made the place chaotic - and that's outdoors!! Maybe we'll go back during the week to avoid the chaos.
(2)viola c.
good falafel, not too greasy and the hot sauce is actually hot.
(4)Angie W.
I had high hopes for an alternative to Falafel Drive-in in San Jose, as it is a long way and always packed, but I was disappointed. The pita bread is freshly baked and good, but very thick, and the falafel balls are small and seem to have less protein than they should. Eating them with all that bread left me feeling as though I had overdosed on carbohydrates. Not only are the falafel at the Drive-in spicier, larger, and more numerous per sandwich, but I feel more satisfied and healthier after eating them. It didn't help that I ordered "Grape Juice," which was in its own category on their sign and not listed with the sodas. I asked if it was actually Israeli grape juice, expecting some decent juice that was not from concentrate. They assured me it was. I was appalled to find out that what was billed as grape juice was actually a highly sweetened soda which tasted like medicine, and contained only 9% juice. As I am pre-diabetic, I try to avoid sugar, and never would have ordered it had they told me the truth. Some ice might have helped thin it, but they don't have that. I mentioned their grape selection when returning tonight to give it another try, since a different woman was there. She also insisted it is actually grape juice. When I pointed out that it is only 9% juice and the rest is a sugary soda, she defended it as an Israeli drink, and so grape juice. I happen to know they have wonderful 100% grape juice in Israel, and I don't follow the logic that because (perhaps) they call this 9% syrup grape juice there, it is grape juice here. We have truth in labeling laws, after all. I didn't appreciate the implication that if I were more knowledgeable about Israel I would have known about this drink and not expected it to be juice as advertised. I've managed to navigate quite a bit of Israeli cuisine in the past and never come across such misinformation, even from those whose English did not rise to the perfect California English spoken by the purveyors of this fake juice. I think they were just covering for an extremely limited drink selection. Not seeing anything I wanted in their drink case, which is hard to peruse, as it is in the kitchen, I asked for water. I was given a cup and told to come just inside the kitchen and pour myself some tap water from the sink, which looked like a sink where they did dishes. I wasn't crazy about that, either. The hummus was better, with tasty toppings, though the small piece of bread that came with it was barely adequate to finish it, and I ended up eating part of it with a fork.
(2)Ziv G.
Totally authentic. Best falafel I've had in the US
(5)O F.
I really cant go here and ever enjoy my food. This is my third time going here and all three times i have not enjoyed myself! The line is terrible for one! They should really hurry up in there or have more cashiers! Two the food is either too cold or not even hot! The falafals arent that great what people say it is. I prefer the ones from DishDash Restaurant cause they taste much more better then here. Im sorry 1 Star for this place after 3 horrible experiences!
(1)Mallik K.
That was my first time to taste Falafel and I wasn't sure how that would taste and the girl there was kind enough to give me a sample and helped me get a what I wanted.
(5)Zackie l.
This is fantastic Falafel.
(5)Tony C.
I went here a while back when they first opened and was so impressed with the food quality, taste, and presentation. I thought the hummus plate was a work of art, and the falafels were delicious, crispy, and made to order. I also loved their bread which was spongy, fresh, and unlike any other pita I've had before. I raved about the place to everyone. Recently I returned to get my falafel fix, and was disappointed by everything. It may be because it was after their lunch rush, and they were tired, but there was no line at all and I was scolded for not knowing that I needed to hand my receipt back to them after he just gave it to me. Then watching them assemble my hummus plate, I could see the uninterested server just quickly scooping the pickles and throwing them in the plate, juices and all. When I opened the box up to eat later, lo and behold, it was a soupy mess. The falafels, I'll have to say, were still very crunchy and delicious. I may come back to try again, but it seems like their popularity has taken away from their care of the food and customer. Maybe if I go before the lunch rush, they will be friendlier.
(3)Phoebe A.
This place is really awesome. I have always loved Falafel Drive-In, but I like this place way better. The food is just wholesome and awesome and fresh and perfect. New favorite place.
(5)Katherine B.
Incredible falafel. It's no Paris, but it will do. I'm holding out on that extra star because, yeah, I'd like fries with that.
(4)Racheli L.
great place! The Falael is delicious, the sabich also The pita is soft and tasty like in Israel! Yummi!
(5)s j.
Completely addicted to this place .. everyone should definitely try sabich. falafel sandwich is awesome too.
(5)Kam T.
Bread was soft, falafel was crisp. I've never had chick pea based falafel before and really enjoyed it.
(4)Keyur P.
Good place for lunch. Closes early though in night. I love the fact that the owner comes and gives you a fresh falafel for tasting. I think that is really good gesture.
(5)Benjamin A.
Their falafel wrap is delicious! Took the wife here and we both ordered the wrap. They layer everything so nicely that you get a little bit of each flavor in every bite. Recommend!
(5)Chris T.
Grabbed a quick dinner here with my girlfriend tonight. I had the falafel and she had the sabich. The service was quick and the total for both of us was $12. I really enjoyed the falafel, the ingredients tasted fresh and the pita was delicious. I had a bit of my girlfriend's and it was pretty good too. She thought it needed more eggplant nuggets, and thought the taste varied too drastically from eggplant on top to mostly egg salad on bottom. I thought it was pretty good though. Overall 4 stars and look forward to going again.
(4)Marc L.
We went in today and had falafel sandwiches! They were bomb! The falafel were cooked perfectly. Be sure to get hot sauce on the side if you like it spicy. There was a line but it moves fast. Will be going there again.
(4)Christopher R.
Thank you fellow yelpers for helping me find this healthy and affordable lunch! This place was super clean and the employees were nice. Square app.
(4)Niraj T.
I had always been on the lookout for really good falafel somewhere near the Mountain View/Sunnyvale area and I believe my search has ended. The falafel was really great (I got the falafel pita sandwich). And, even though the place was quite busy, the hosts were quite friendly and accommodating too.
(5)Amy M.
Came here for lunch with my co-workers. Meat lovers beware...no meat sold here. The food was good but pricey. I had the falafel sandwich and the hummus plate. The falafel sandwich was huge. A half of a sandwich would have been enough for one person. The hummus was good, but it was strange to see it with so many toppings, including pickles, with a single pita bread. Wish they offered just the dip minus all the toppings and more pieces of bread. The pita bread was wonderful. This place gets crowded at lunch time and there is a limited amount of seating so be on the look out for open seats.
(3)Shak A.
Falafel is fresh and so is the fresh made pita bread. The only downside here is I think they need to really consider including Meat or Chicken plates in their menus. Falafel Drive-In does and they are very successful with catering to various taste buds. I know the place is small, and just starting out, but they can really do much better with expanding their menu. Include Yogurt Drinks (Ayran) too like other mediterranean restaurants provide. One other concer is parking. There is a house going up next door. What is that all about? Final word, want a great Falafel Dish, go to Falafel STOP. If you want variety, stay away.
(3)Charlene K.
We're tourist from Florida visiting Cupertino to see the apple campus, which was closed for thanksgiving week :-( and then our camera battery pooped out on us so we were driving to best buy thinking what else could possibly go wrong when we happened upon this gem! We already knew we liked falafel, so I looked up Falafel Stop on help to see if it was worth it... All the reviews were great and 100% agree!! The falafel plate is great! The fresh baked pita was amazing!!! And the price was very reasonable! Definitely recommend!
(5)Jason Z.
Unquestionably the best falafel wraps and sabich wraps in the bay area! Their spicy version has a little extra kick, and the ingredients seem to have just the right balance.
(5)Dachopigu C.
I have tried everything on the menu. It is all good - you just can't go wrong here. Service is also excellent.
(5)a p.
fast, fresh but not authentic.
(3)Violetta X.
The fluffiest pita bread I've ever seen. Delicious! I would give a 5 star, except for the ordering system... it could use a little work. If you don't feel well, waiting to get to the window is very painful. It would be better if you could sit down and wait for them to call you to the window or something. And in winter it's going to be less fun to wait.
(4)anichka n.
If you want fresh, amazingly tasty food, this is the place. The owner was incredible in accommodating a large order request for us. We had 40+ people to feed at a birthday picnic and Jonathan took care of everything. He suggested how much of what to get. He arranged everything super nicely on the plates (I did have to bring my own large plates, but that was not a problem at all.) He even came in early to make sure that everything done on time (my order was for half hour before opening time.) It tasted truly amazing and is very authentic! I was sad as there were very little leftovers left .. there was enough food to feed an army but even the pickiest of my guests went for seconds and thirds. Pita was freshly baked that morning and everything was super fresh. And can really taste it! I just can't say enough good things about it. We will come back again and again for orders large and small. And the price can not be beat anywhere! Under $150 to feed an army of hungry guests with amazing food, that's just unheard of anywhere else. Very honest, very tasty, very VERY awesome place!
(5)Venki S.
One of my favorite places for falafel wraps. Pita bread is yummy. Gets crowded and you have to wait a good 10-15 minutes most of the time. But, it is worth it! Finger licking good! The staff is very friendly. I keep going back there again and again.
(5)Y Y.
While I don't think the falafel itself is a big hit,the Masabacha Plate is definitely awesome!!! You have to give it a try - it's fresh and delicious. The owner and service is great as well,although it tends to get pretty packed on the weekends
(4)M D.
The menu is very limited. I ordered the falafel plate, too many veggies on the plate and not enough falafels. The hummus was good, the pita bread however was unbelievable. I would go back for the pita bread and a side order of hummus.
(3)Gail M.
They definitely have the best tasting falafels here! The pita, veggies and falafel are delicious. I do think they should give small paper plates with their pita sandwiches. The pitas are stuffed and it may keep some of the falafel balls from dropping to the ground :) Also, as mentioned, standing in line to pay for the food, and then in another to get the food is not the most efficient system.
(4)ter b.
Hauled a group down for an early dinner on a Sunday to introduce them to a real Israel falafel (and especially pita) and it was a HUGE hit with everyone. We ordered one of everything (though they did not have the Greek salad), and the humus was divine, falafels were great, and the pita was worth the trip alone. The sabich was a bit disappointing in the eggplant department- they should have much thicker soft succulent slices but these were wafer thin and deep fried in some batter- not to my liking. Still, anything in that pita would be fantastic... I hope they offer more variety as they ramp up, and the plate portion sizes (too much ratio of salads and garnishes to actual humus). The sandwiches however, are just perfect, with the red and green hot sauces being particularly authentic. There are more salads that could be made (red cabbage, pita chips, etc, and I hope to see them next time... All in all, a worthwhile lunch or dinner option and you can't beat the prices!
(4)Jon C.
Really, really pleased that my wife and I stopped here for lunch. Fresh food. Very tasty. Because there was a bit of a line (3 people), they gave us a little snack while we waited. Good value. We'll be back.
(5)Sarah G.
I'm a fan! The Falafel balls are extremely good, Pita bread was tasty, the salads, hummus and everything else was great. The Sabich was OK, I wish the eggplant wasn't that thin sliced. Service was great, and the Israeli atmosphere is always fun. Home away from home. I will defiantly return there.
(4)Daniela S.
SO YUMMY! We had Falafel Stop cater our sons' birthday and everyone raved how delicious. We picked up and it was hot and ready for us. We have also gone there numerous times and have never been disappointed. If you like falafel, it's a MUST GO!
(5)Pree K.
really good pita, that is fresh.
(4)Pam W.
Best falafel that that I can ever remember having! Soft, delicious pita bread stuffed full of falafel (not just a couple of pieces... literally STUFFED) with just the right amount of tahini, diced cucumber, etc. Soooo good and the staff is very friendly. Definitely will become a regular stop for me.
(5)Devin D.
fast, great food, fresh, cheap=5 stars
(5)Ben W.
Best falafel in the Bay Area. Very similar to the falafel in Israel.
(5)David W.
Like everyone else says, their food is fantastic. Everything is fresh, and their pita bread is soft and steaming hot. I really wish that they would improve their ordering system. It is a bottleneck at the door with people trying to figure out which line to line up in. Also, check your order carefully if you get it to go. More than once have I been shortchanged on extra pita that I ordered.
(4)Daisy D.
Very good food. But I have to take a star off because I really don't like the way they hand me the falafel without a paper plate or a basket, just straight in my hand, and that's for sitting down, not a take out. I have to ask for a plate every single time. Falafels are messy and I don't want to pick my food off the table. Invest in plastic baskets or paper plates. By the way, I have heard the same complaint from other customers, so it's an issue.
(4)M H.
The place is super good and you can tell it is owner operated. The food is ultra fresh and parking is super easy. We will be back for sure.
(5)Ilan C.
The Pita Falafel dish was spot on, can't get much better then that, Wife tried the Sabich and it was beautiful. The ingredients were absolutely fresh and the food was prepared on the spot! definitely will come back,
(5)Pat S.
Absolutely delicious!! The ingredients are fresh, delicious and gorgeous to look at! The family running the place is delightful. This will now be one of my regular take-out places every week. You can eat there, too. They have really nice picnic tables out front and a very small eat in bar with stools. The pita bread is fabulous!!!!
(5)Min C.
Fantastic falafels, been there four times now. This place is great, my 3 year old loves it, every few days wants to go eat falafel. Everything was nicely made, and the owner is just great. The pita bread is fantastic
(5)Krishna T.
Fresh Falafel
(5)Chintan P.
Excellent place for Falafel and pita bread. Never had such fresh pita bread before. Quantity you get is enough for a lunch. We tried their new dessert Cream Bavaria, which was very nice and excellent value for 3$.
(4)Marina C.
Finally a good falafel place in this area. Their pitas are amazing, so soft and don't fall apart even when fully stuffed. Everything tastes great, highly recommended! And whoever is confused about the variety- it's humus, falafel, tehini, salads and pita bread, that's what Falafel place is suppose to serve. Definitely going back there for more deliciousness yummm!
(5)Michael C.
Excellent Felafel and very friendly service. I'll be a regular.
(5)Praveen J.
Great hole-in-wall place. Its a small place but food is delicious. Both Falafel Plate and Masabaha plate are great. I think all dishes are vegetarian which is even wonderful. Staff is friendly and always keep passing out sample falafel's to those waiting in line :-) Its a bit confusing that we have to hand over the receipt to order the food (its not passes from cashier to kitchen staff directly)...but hey..these quirks are what make it this place different than huge fast-food chains ;-)
(5)Unknown U.
Best falafels around! I think I might like the sabich even more, but it is a toss up. The pita is fresh, fluffy, and tasty. I could eat here everyday. A must try even if you are not a vegetarian. The owner is very nice and always giving samples. The only suggestion is to get a little faster because it is going to get popular.
(5)Kay E.
Wow!!! This place has amazing food...atmosphere is laid-back and fun. The food tastes so fresh and there are so many layers to the falafel sandwich it is truly a culinary experience out of a little shack! Which, I should add, is a very classy little shack. I highly recommend this place and they have a menu unlike any other I have seen in Sunnyvale/South Bay. The owners are also so sweet. I'm glad to see this place is doing so well. Truly a treat!
(5)ilan k.
Best Falafel Ever!
(5)Maggie R.
So good! Everything was fresh, authentic and delicious! Will come here again for sure
(5)Arieh C.
Fresh pita, excellent falafel and hummus. What's not to like
(4)Peter T.
Good place for fast and cheap vegetarian food. I really like the hummus here. Falafels are pretty good. Salads are good.
(4)Justin P.
fresh falafel! i'll do it again and again.
(5)Yaniv L.
Fresh, tasty, authentic and good service.
(5)Aniket S.
I am usually not a fan of Falafel, but one day my girlfriend and I had lunch together. I ate something else that day and she got Falafel STOP. Her food looked really tempting and took a bit. I was HOOKED! Probably the best Falafel I ever had thanks to my girlfriend.
(4)Nathan L.
Falafel Stop=Best Falafel Sandwich, they actually take the time to custom build the sandwich to each customer taste. Busy place definitely worth the wait. Will try their Hummus Plate next time. Remember to go back to the window after ordering with the cashier.
(5)Mark F.
This is truly an Israeli experience with Israeli quality. So, so, so much better than anything else I've had in Mountain View or Palo Alto. The falafel is tasty, the pita is delicious and - finally! good hummus. The one thing I struggled with was that he put toppings on before I could say no, which to me is important as any hot spice gives me migraines. But, 1) I came during lunch rush and 2) they just opened (and i did manage to avoid the most spicy). Overall, they pass with flying colors and I will *definitely* be back! It's nice to find a good, hearty vegetarian restaurant my whole family can enjoy.
(4)J S.
very clean place. good for vegetarian (that is big plus for us). awesome felafels and sandwich. very quick service. they also offer welcome felafels to taste before we order..
(4)Osan S.
this place is awesone.. we catered the food from here.. and everyone loved it.. their hummus, falafel, pita breads - everything is tasty .. highly recommend.. especially if you are vegetarian .. since this place is strict vegetarian. edit - 3/31/2014: well its not vegetarian any more!! food is still good though
(5)D P.
Saw this little place driving by and decided to give it a try. Food is quite tasty, sandwich and salad quite delicious. I have to agree that the seating situation on a cold day is not the best. The sauces were just ok. The eggplant chips are great. For a quick lunch this works.
(4)H S.
Best falafel this side of the fertile crescent! Quirky fast-food stand from the 50's, cramped parking lot, long lines (this tells you the food must be good) but worth it all for the BEST fresh homemade pitas ever! Will never buy flat, tasteless pitas from the market again. This place rocks!
(5)Margaret L.
Good falafels but long wait on a weekend. The falafel sandwich is about $6 and tastes pretty authentic! Their yogurt sauce (tzatiki???) is pretty good. One downside is that the seating is mostly outside, unless you want to sit in a small indoor "bar" area. I liked the food, and it's pretty cheap, so I definitely would go back but would probably take it to go. Their hummus plate looked good so I'll probably try that next time.
(4)Anna S.
Great falafel and pitas. Great service. Before closing they run out of Sabich. I'll definitely will be back to try it.
(5)S B.
Not sure what all the hoopla is about. All vegetarian food and portions are small for price and not really that great to taste. The owner is very nice and i think they need to make some thing more substantial to feed the crowd.
(2)Mepa R.
We love to eat at Falafel Stop. My favorite item there is Sabich. My kids are big fans of the pita bread. It has a community feel to the place.
(4)Mike B.
If you like Falafel... This is as good as it gets!
(5)A K.
We are vegetarians and just love this place. Simple menu and fresh ingredients!
(5)Judy S.
Yummy! Tasty fresh falafel and pita, and the people behind the counter were so friendly. The only drawback was that service was a little slow, given the long line of people, but I'd happily come back here to eat again.
(4)Talia D.
Best Falafel in the bay! The pita is so fresh and really makes the sandwich! Prices are extremely reasonable!
(5)Patty C.
Okay, I am officially ready to write my review. First let me say I have been eating falafels and hummus for over 25 years now and am a native Californian. My first experience with falafel was at a particular drive-in place on Stevens Creek (I won't name any names). I had nothing to compare it to back in the 80's, so I really enjoyed their food quite a bit. Over the years my tastes have refined, and I stopped going there well over 10 years ago. 2 weeks ago I heard some good press about the Falafel Stop so I decided to see what it was all about. I had the 1/2 falafel and hummus plate. I was absolutely floored. Floored for MANY reasons, first.... they make the food right in front of you and customize it any way you want, and then all of the filling they put inside is super fresh and seasoned just perfectly. I had never had pickles in a falafel or hummus plate before, but now I'm hooked. The crunch and tang just makes it. They really pack tons of great veggies in the pita (OH, the pita!); I will get to that in a moment. But back to veggies, some "un-named" place on Steven's Creek just throws in lettuce, tomato and a tiny bit of cucumber in their falafel. This is pretty boring to me... so I love the veggies at Falafel Stop. Now to the bread. The pita was warm and fluffy and thick... it was great just to eat on its own, but mixed with all of the veggies and perfect little falafel balls it's the best combo ever! I could go on and on about the food, but let me tell you about the owners a bit. I found out that their son is actually in the same class as my daughter at the local elementary school. Both owners are super social with their customers and treat them like they are coming over to their house for dinner. When it's slow, they will come out and chat with you and truly want you to have a great experience when you are there. It's very clear they put a lot of heart and soul into their food, and I can't imagine eating a falafel anywhere else EVER! P.S., my husband had never had a falafel before I handed him one 2 weeks ago. He is a meat lover, but that all went out the window when he ate the falafel and a sabich wrap. He started telling his patients about the place and none of them had heard of the Falafel Stop, but kept mentioning this drive in place in Stevens Creek. I told him "you don't want to go there". Told him that the last time I was there (over 10 years ago), the pita was thin and dry, the lettuce, tomato and cucumbers were non eventful and the falafel balls tasted over cooked and mealy. He was still curious about it. So I thought, "Well, maybe they have changed over the past 10 years"..... I just came back from Stevens Creek, and opened up the bag, and sure enough, nothing has changed. In fact the entire bottom of my pita fell apart and I ended up tossing it out and just eating my boring lettuce, boring tomato and over cooked & mealy falafel as a salad. Can't wait for my husband to get home for lunch so he will truly know that he's had the best, and that there is no other place for falafel and hummus than the Falafel STOP! :o)
(5)Teresa K.
I'm a pretty big fan of this Falafel place, I love their lamb shawrma and the falafel (balls) although I thought it seemed to prepared differently from other falafel houses. The quantity is plenty and the ingredients seem fresh and authentic, it must be prepared right from scratch. I especially love either their Greek and/or Israeli salad, because they leave a clean taste and it is filling just right but not too much. First got introduced to this place by chance for dad's Birthday as our family looked for a place that is healthy and delicious. They had little idea on what falafel, shawrma, kebab or anything is and we kept referring the plates with other falafel house but this one is just as good. The Greek salad is surprisingly good, I recommend it.
(4)Gautam H.
This stop hit the SPOT!! It really did. The food is delicious, fresh, crispy. Meat is always fresh and perfectly spiced. Tip- Grow an appetite before you go!
(5)Partha S.
I just love everything here. I usually do the Chicken Shwarma on Hummus and then a 1/2 falafel. Like most traditional Israeli establishments, this place stands out with its excellent hummus. Furthermore, there's an assortment of amazing toppings (love the red spicy sauce that they are so generous with) accompanied by the unfading enthusiasm of the staff. They really seem to enjoy their gigs. The falafel is fried right in front of your eyes. It's as fresh as it can get. You can literally feel the heat from the oil between the bread right as it hits your tongue. The parking situation is a bit nefarious around 7-8:30PM. One simple hack is to park in the 24 hour fitness lot across the road and then walk over. It's worth it :)
(5)Gill C.
You must Falafel STOP right now! It's Thanksgiving week, and in the spirit of the season, I'm so grateful for this casual Middle Eastern Vegetarian tasty gem. I stopped in for dinner, and was excited to finally try FS after driving past it numerous times. It's a clean, small establishment. Prices are reasonable given the freshness of the ingredients used to prepare the savory menu items. Staff is efficient, and Owner is super friendly and happy to provide recommendations. We ordered: - Greek salad ($7.25): Fried eggplant along with plenty of feta, cucumbers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Salad was ginormous, and hoped to eat healthy after a workout. However, the fried eggplant and enormous amounts of feta were not exactly calorie nor fat saving, but it was so worth it. This is now one of my favorite Greek salads. - Falafel ($5.55): Falafel balls are perfect crisp, and super fresh tasting. Pita was stuffed with falafel, veggies, tahini sauce and spices (can get extra spicy upon request). Extra napkins may be required upon consumption. - Pita and hummus: You haven't lived until you've tried their homemade pita bread and hummus. OH MYLANTA! It's so digalicious and tasty. Pita is freshly made, and served warm. The small container of homemade hummus was devoured, as we initially thought we'd take home the leftovers since getting full from the salad and falafel. It's so smooth and rich with the perfect flavor blending the garbanzo, garlic, lemon, and extra virgin olive oil (with no preservatives). This stuff is truly the real deal, and the best Hummus I've ever had. Even though it's not listed on the menu, you can buy containers of hummus (like we did). Get some pita bread, too and make sure to eat both quickly (if it doesn't survive the ride home) as the freshness of the hummus won't keep long. Small container is $3.25 and large is $6.50. Looking forward to returning to FS to try more of the menu items, (or just going back for the salad and falafel). :-0 Falafel STOP in the name of love (and Thanksgiving, 'tis the season).
(5)elita n.
I like falafel drive in and rose market, and I can't believe it has taken me this long to discover this place. It's awesome!! The fresh pita makes this my new fav outdoor drive in place.
(5)L H.
I LOVE this place! I've always liked Falafels, but I absolutely LOVE falafels at this place. I live in Los Gatos, but came here because my daughter was taking Krav Maga classes nearby. The pita bread is amazing. It's not dense and flat, but soft and fluffy. The Tahini sauce is delicious and I always ask for extra. Their meats are delicious, but since I am trying to drastically cut down my meat consumption, I'm happy to say that the falafel is very satisfying and I don't miss the meat at all. I love their chopped pickles. They are very subtle tasting, not super tangy like a normal pickle. On ly downside is that it is very crowded during peak hours of the day, and the parking is very difficult to obtain during those times. It's very casual serve yourself seating on covered picnic benches in covered patio area with heaters. They don't often turn on the heaters though, so make sure you have your jacket with you! It's kind of heavy tent like, so it's not completely sealed/enclosed. I wish I lived closer. I would eat this everyday.
(5)Rinky K.
Authentic Mediterranean food. We ordered grilled chicken breast plate with hummus and a side of pita. Quantity was less. But taste was great. It did not disappoint me. House pickle salad tastes great ! Simple and great food.
(4)Tal M.
BEST FALAFEL PLACE IN THE SUNNYVALE AREA The food is amazing! I love Arabic falafel restaurants, but Israeli falafel restaurants are a little more my style and I'm happy that I don't have to drive all the way to Oren's Hummus Shop (and stand in long lines) anymore! The food here is always fresh - nothing beats fresh pita bread and falafel! On most entrees, they add spinach, hummus, tahini, cabbage, tomatoes, and spicy sauce (I believe it's schug). My only complaint is that the tahini is inconsistent between visits and is sometimes too lemony, but maybe I am being too critical considering I prefer to eat pure tahini paste straight out of the jar. In addition to the falafel, they also have Sabich, which is hard-boiled egg, fried eggplant, and Israeli salad. I love it just as much as the falafel! I haven't tried their meats yet (shawerma, kebabs, etc.), but I often hear great feedback. The only reason I am giving 4 stars overall is because the service can be extremely slow sometimes, especially in the afternoon. I had to wait in line for 40 minutes for my food last time, but the food is still worth it! The food alone earns 5 stars! Even though it doesn't really matter, I love how the restaurant is bright yellow.
(4)Hundred F.
Food here is amazing. I always love having the Shawarma plate here. The flavors are amazing and the portions are generous. It can be fairly crowded at lunch times, but it's worth the wait every single time. Parking is also cramped due to lack of space but none of these small con's have ever deterred me from grabbing an epic meal at this restaurant.
(5)Adam E.
I really liked this place. My wife, toddler and I split chicken shawarma over salad, the same over hummus, and fries (don't bother with the fries). We loved it. For $10 a pop I expected a little more food, but it was all delicious. Avoid the lunch rush if you can or order from the shortened menu (inside register). That or wait in a ridiculous line. The parking lot is small and annoying to navigate, but we've always found parking. We'll definitely keep coming back.
(4)Sahil C.
I'd just say its one of the best falafel's I've had in the area, and that too vegetarian! everything they make with the falafel is vegetarian, and they have a different counter for non-vegetarians which makes it a great place for vegetarians. I always try the Falafel plate or wrap, both are equally good. They have a unique taste of the Falafel balls which is what lures you to the place every time. Things to try here are: Falafel plate Falafel wrap Hummus plate Definitely a must try for vegetarians
(5)Jill W.
First, this place is a nightmare to find parking and the lot is so small and crowded that once you're in it's very difficult to maneuver. Once you find parking then you have a long wait ahead of you in one, two, or maybe both lines - depending on whether you want meat or vegetarian dishes as there are separate lines and kitchens for each. Then there's the food - I tried the falafel sandwich and the Masabacha plate and neither were very good, not to mention absolutely covered in raw onions which I did not want. The chicken shwarma sandwich was much better, and this line was shorter. I had high hopes for this place based on the reviews of my fellow Yelpers, but found more negatives than positives. Falafel Drive-In is a much better choice.
(2)Becky K.
Without a doubt, THE best falafel I've ever had. Better than Falafel Drive-In, better than Dish 'N Dash / DishDash... the BEST. Why? 1. You can tell the bread is homemade. Fresh, soft, fluffy and delicious. Perfect amount of chew 2. Perfect falafel / veggie / sauce ratio. And oh my- the sauce! I'm a garlic lover, and this sauce was garlic perfection. Creamy, flavorful and nicely complimented everything that was going into my mouth 3. Falafel cooked to perfection and seasoned perfectly. I thought it was interesting that the falafel was yellow... the hubs noted that they must've not used any parsley in the recipe. Fine with me! Give me a pure chickpea flavor and I'm good to go! 4. Huge falafel for 5 bucks. Go and bring your friends!
(5)Ayca S.
Excellent falafel sandwich. The pita is like a dream. Everything is fresh and tasty.
(5)El W.
The food is awesome, 5 stars. But one employee in particular makes you not want to come back.
(1)Madan A.
I have been there twice. After first time, had to bring the wife back the next day. I tried Kebabs and Grilled chicken with salad and hummus plate. Wife ordered falafel plate and peta bread etc. for kids. They all loved it. Informal setting. Parking can be tough but place is worth trying. They need better system of announcing the numbers but they make up for it with good service and great taste.
(5)Amarjeet S.
This is a hidden gem! I have been living in this zip code for almost a decade, but only tried Falafel STOP recently. Pity, I have been missing out on some very tasty falafel for years. The food is fresh and delicious, perfect for a midday meal. They are organized, but the long wait at the pickup queue forces me to take off a star.
(4)Jared G.
Wow, amazing food. Only complaint is the line at lunch -- but that's just a testament to the quality.
(5)James L.
Great food but what a mess at lunch time. No parking and the line is 20 minutes while people bump into you. Why not use same process as some sushi restaurants where customers use paper and pencil to order food? Also why not use carboard boxes to place the pita inside? Much easier to transport and eat. Would have given five stars but because of the disorganized place only three stars
(3)Happy M.
I love this place as much I love Mediterranean food. Fresh pitas , hummus and shawarma chicken is must try. I try to visit this place one a month.
(5)Donna C.
Yum!!! I am addicted to the chicken dharma sandwich. What really makes this place is the fresh baked pita. Not to be missed! However the seasoning in the chicken is delicious. The beef kabob is also very flavorful if you a carnivore.
(5)Dick V.
This place serves the best Falafel I had in the US
(4)Louis W.
There's only one bad thing about Falafel STOP: the grueling process you must endure to get your food. But let me be perfectly clear: that is the ONLY bad thing about Falafel STOP. Falafel STOP is the 2nd best** falafel I've ever had (and I'm a man who's had a sizable amount of falafel). The hummus plate is delicious as well. Its a great place to take your vegetarian friends as their meat dishes are served in a totally separate area from the falafel. The staff is friendly and for being small and seemingly family operated they accept credit. The meals are filling and the portions big for being as inexpensive as they are. The falafel sandwich is HIGHLY recommended as the falafel is spiced perfectly and golden fried. Its incredibly good food. The food is, in fact, so good it continually overcomes my deep want to never have to battle the ordering process ever again. The process somehow obligates every customer to wait in at least 2 of the 3 different lines created to serve a very limited number of dishes. The first line you must enter is wedged directly in between the other two lines creating confusion and a near-madening flow of traffic. I'll put it this way: you can't make it through the ordering process without having to touch another person. Its disconcerting and alienating if you haven't been there before. This first line is where you order and pay. There is no visible full menu once you make it to the register. The menu is posted 10 feet up on the wall to your left but not the whole menu. The other half is behind a pole that's directly behind you. Once you make it to the register there's only one person taking orders. This means, after all this confusion and lack of a ready menu everyone in line is at the mercy of whoever is currently ordering. Now, I'm an East Coast native who lived in Chicago for a decade. I don't know what it is about people in the Bay Area but sometimes making snap decisions in ambiguous situations is a struggle for these fine people. What I'm trying to say is...this line does not move quickly. At the end of this line you place your order and receive only your drink. You are then sent out a door to get in one of the other 2 lines you had to initially cross to get into line 1. These are the meat/falafel lines. They also do not move quickly. This is because at the end of the lines you present your receipt and RE-ORDER YOUR MEAL where they START MAKING IT. At no point until you reach the end of the second line does anyone even begin to prep your food. The term Kafka-esque comes to mind. The falafel is either made "fresh to order for every order" or (more likely) "not quickly enough" because at least twice the line stops entirely as you wait on more falafel to fry. There are only ever about 3 people making falafel/prepping orders and they do not have any semblance of an assembly line down. The person you give your receipt to starts making your order and just continues to do it until they blissfully complete it or get distracted by the bald man in the glasses running around doing, what appears to be, nothing but glad-handing and giving out free falafel from the already dwindling supply. The falafel line cooks are visibly frustrated with each other and the process. I want so badly for Gordon Ramsey to come in one day and rip things off the wall screaming "Your bloody falafel is so good but your f****** complete lack of ANY organization is losing you f****** customers by the second!!!" I feel like tough love is appropriate at this point. It doesn't seem to be getting any better (I've been several times.) But the food though. The food is so good, so well prepared, that its worth it. It is worth every inconvenient, hot, frustrating, sweaty, stupid moment it takes to get one delicious bite of that golden-brow falafel. **The best falafel I've ever had is in Paris at L'As Du Fallafel. Look it up.
(4)Roopa S.
Came here for lunch today, and was overall pretty impressed. I couldn't help but compare it to the Falafel Drive In (for which I gave 5 stars), which I consider to be the best falafel place I have tried so far. The pita here is completely mindblowing. Thick, soft, warm, and fluffy-- it's pretty much all you could want in a freshly made pita. I ordered the small falafel sandwich ($3) and shared the hummus plate with my parents, which comes with a pita bread on the side ($6.75). The falafel sandwich is small for $3 but still enough to fill you up. The flavors are a bit underwhelming-- which is why for me it isn't a five star-- but the flavor of the falafel ball is pretty on point and the pita is just... wow. I would have liked a bit more OOMPH to the sauces or something about the way the flavors combine in the sandwich itself, but it was still a tasty lunch. The hummus plate felt way too overpriced for what was given. Though the hummus was great and the texture was creamy and smooth, the flavor was again underwhelming. I probably wouldn't order this again, just because I feel like you can get tastier hummus at other places. OVERALL: Get the falafel sandwich. The pita and falafel balls are the gems here! TIP: They add a TON of extra olive oil to your hummus plate if you don't mention anything. If you don't want added olive oil floating around in your hummus platter (and I mean, it REALLY floats around), just ask them to hold the extra olive oil. Believe me, the taste isn't sacrificed at ALL without it. Also be sure to specify what spice level you want for your sandwich or your order in general. I went for "medium," which actually turned out to be REALLY mild; I'd probably go for spicy next time. This might just be because I found the flavors to be kind of on the blander side.
(4)Celeste J.
This place wasn't as good as it used to be... The new workers doesn't put the right amount of the things inside it tastes really bad.
(3)Kevin S.
So, the other day I went to this joint to have one of my favorite foods. FALAFELS. The falafels were extra crispy on the outside, but were very soggy on the inside. It was like biting into raw falafel dough. The place was busy, but the name of the game is consistency, and if you're not consistent then you won't last long.
(2)Bebe F.
Finally got around to trying this place after driving past it a gazillion times... I tried their chicken schwarma & wasn't impressed with the flavor of the meat. I liked everything else that came with my plate...the "salads", pita bread & fries but I like House of Falafel's schwarma much better! I told the cashier it was my first time there & she, kindly, gave me several falafel balls on a plate with some sauce for me to try. OMG it was deeeeelicious!!! THAT is what I'm ordering next time. Those were the best falafel I've had yet, no joke! 3 stars for the schwarma plate...
(3)Vishal K.
My favorite falafel/middle eastern spot, hands down. Whenever I'm in the area I try to stop by for a chicken plate or falafel pita. The falafels are the best I've ever had, crispy and delicious. The spicy sauces and peppers are amazing. The pita is soft and holds up well. All in all, tastes like gourmet food and is amazing for the price!
(5)Jimbo S.
5 stars IF you guys were BETTER ORGANIZED! Let's get this out of the way. The restaurant's layout is whack. There are THREE LINES -- one for ordering, one for the falafels, and one for the meats. Better get in the ordering line when you first come in, or you'll waste your time. Then wait in line at the falafel line. OH - you want chicken too? Wait in a Third line! It's ridiculous. Also - you wanna know what else SUCKS at this place? PARKING. It just blows. Prepare to wait in a line of *cars* to park. Or risk getting towed parking at the vet place next door. Or park across the street and use the cross walk. Or be a punk and use your hazard lights -- what else are they for anyway? Okay... breathe... it's all worth it.... The FOOD is awesome. It's so awesome. I mean, it's not very good for you. The falafels are deep fried and the hummus must be loaded with tons of extra virgin olive oil. But it is soooo yummy. And it's a huge freakin portion too. It makes it all worth it. And the sabich is the real bich, if you know what i mean ;) It's also finger lickin good. Instead of deep fried garbanzo mush, it's deep fried eggplant and an egg. I honestly can't choose between the falafel and the bich, so sometimes I just get both. :D
(4)Veronica P.
Great food! I got the chicken shawarma hummus plate. So good. Lots of flavor. The place was really crowded and there is limited parking, but when I visited today, the owner was out directing traffic in the parking lot and making sure everyone could get in and out safely, which was much appreciated since it's right off a busy road. Also, I sat outside on a table in the sun and an employee came by to check on me and asked if I minded the sun (I didn't) and then noticed that I still had some food on my plate, but was out of pita bread, so he offered to grab me another piece, on the house. So, my experience of the service was great as well. All in all, great food, great service, great little Mediterranean place.
(5)Czarina B.
No. Just no. After trying every falafel resto in a 10 mile radius - no. This place has good PITA BREAD. And they over stuff their pitas like super sized burritos. I realize I have NO IDEA what their actual falafel tastes like because it's smothered and covered in basically a vegetable sammich. The lines are a HUGE FUCKING hassle. And there are 3 of them. You may be unlucky and get stuck behind semi-autistic young male IT workers who cut in line and are rude as hell and drive inexplicably giant pick-up trucks to compensate for...a lack of basic social skills? Ah Silicon Valley, this is why we can't have nice things. So yeah, people will cut in line or you'll end up in the wrong line for 10 minutes or both. Be prepared! Oh, and people who can't PARK FOR SHIT. Ive seen people make up their own parking spot in the tetris-like lot and block in 5 other people. TRUE STORY! I shoulda taken a picture of the offending car with the caption, "Kids, dont do this at home. Or anywhere." Good luck trying to track down the bad parker in the mob of customers and employees inside! It's basically a clusterfuck of people who will aggravate you. No thank you.
(1)Erica D.
Great falafel and chicken sandwiches! Check your neatness pride at the car if you order one of these giant things. You most likely will be messy but happy. We've been avoiding the work day lunch times here due to crazy amounts of people and cars, but Sunday lunch was great!
(4)Lila S.
Food: 5 stars customer service: 5 stars Price: $$ FIRST TIMER! Came here because every time i passed by was always busy. Got to this place at around 12:40pm, small parking lot but luckily found one. Noticed a lot of people getting to go and people coming I'm and also leaving so parking wasn't an issue. I stood in line thinking it was to order but it was the "Pick up food" line. Your order inside (very tight when busy) then you bring your receipt and stand in the pick up line. You give your receipt to a lady and thats when they start making your food. We found a table right away(ALL SEATING IS OUTSIDE) . I ordered the regular falafel, and hummus plate. Very tasty and yummy, wish they put more of those balls in there and give 2 pieces of pita bread with the hummus plate instead of just one. Portion was a good decent size but if i was really hungry i could've probably eaten 2 falafels. But the falafel and hummus plate filled me up. Lots of taste in both dishes! No complaints.
(5)Alana L.
Absolutely LOVE this falafel place! This is one of my go-to places when I get a craving for a falafel sandwich. You can't miss Falafel stop, it's a bright yellow building right next to Dairy Queen. The workers here are always extremely friendly. I remember my very first time here and the cashier walked me through the menu very patiently :) As for the falafel it is very yummy. I usually always get the falafel sandwich. It is a round pita that's been opened up and it's filled with big balls of falafel, hummus, delicious sauces, and other veggies. I always get the spicy sauce on top--my favorite. I love the soft pita, the crispy falafel, fresh vegetables, and creamyness of the sauces and hummus. This place is definitely a must-try. It's a bit messy to eat but definitely worth it and extremely filling and worth the price :)
(5)Amal S.
It's awesome awesome food... Growing up in the middle east, I can tell when an awesome shawarma comes by, and this is the best I've had for a long time. But these guys have no idea how to organize a crowd... Order from one.. Wait in front of the hot baking meat for ur order to come... It's a lil messed up to be honest... Beware of rush hour
(5)Eva T.
4 stars for hospitable service and great food! As I walked in, someone handed me a sample of a free falafel. Someone else (the owner?) greeted me with a very warm hello. We placed our order and brought our receipt over to the window. My friend, who is a regular, says this system is pretty inefficient, and when they're busy it's also pretty slow since they only have one cook/assembler on hand at a time. But they weren't busy when we went so it was all good. We got the spicy falafel and it was really good! I've never had falafel like this. The smaller balls give a really good crunchy to soft ratio. The creamy sauce with the hot sauce made a good balance, and the parsley took it to a whole new level. We also got the hummus plate, this was especially good as well. It was super huge though! So share it with a friend.
(4)Yaron O.
This is a Falafel place and therefore will judge based on that. Falafel is excellent, best in the bay area and maybe all of Northern California. Pita bread is authentic and real and made on the premises Salads are fresh and tasty Only 4 stars because ordering food is a disaster when place is busy (almost always). You order at a counter inside and pay and then some of the food you pickup in one window the other in another spot and the lines are long and inefficient. Would have been better to have staff bring food to patrons. Now I did say that I will judge place only based on Falafel... so this addition is for your information only and does not take any stars away from Falafel Stop. Hummus which is served on the menu and in multiple dishes is tasteless. It is fresh and it is not bad, but really not that good either. The owners need to taste the Hummus to realize that those making it have no clue... My suggestion on Hummus would be to order it from Oren's Hummus and serve at Falafel Stop. Overall, if you have patients standing in line during busy hours you will not be disappointed.
(4)Jai N.
Compared to the other nearby falafel places (Falafel Drive-Through comes to mind), this is probably the best falafel in the South Bay. I've been here multiple times and i'll be rating what I have eaten on a scale of 5. Sabich Falafel 3/5 It was ok, but it wasn't amazing. I feel that I should have eaten it when I got it instead of getting it to go. I will try it again. Falafel 5/5 Probably one of the best falafels I have ever had at a restaurant in the South Bay. The fresh pita is wonderful and probably the best part of the whole restaurant. Hummus Plate 5/5 The pickled vegetables (Celery, Cauliflower, Carrots, Cabbage) are great. so is their green parsley sauce and red chili sauce. It's served with their great pita. Israeli Schnitzel 3/5 Once again, I felt it was ok, it didn't really stand out to me other than the fact it was like a piece of fried chicken. Shawarma 4/5 I've had the shawarma in almost all of their different ways, and it still tastes delicious. I feel like the portion size for the shawarma could be a bit bigger however. Grilled Chicken Breast 4/5 It tastes great, but like the shawarma, I feel the portions are a little bit too small. I've had this in every possible way on the menu. TLDR ------ The place has great food, the owner is wonderful, the whole menu is really good, and the place is crowded during the lunch rush hour (All the engineers from Apple come here, they're couple miles away :P). The ordering system is a tad bit awkward, with vegetarian and meat is split into two different sections. Parking however, is terrible.
(4)Keyur P.
This is by far the best Falafel place I have been to on west coast. fresh, made to order and always busy. Keep up the quality.
(5)Eric V.
I have been to falafel stop a few times and every experience has been stellar. The food is delicious, every staff member is nice and helpful, once the owner was even walking around once chatting people up and handing out free samples. Highly recommended!
(5)Miss Bonnie B.
The ordering system here is much like their parking situation, it's fine if there's no one else around but as soon as it's crowded, it's a bit of a cluster £@#%. As other people have mentioned, it's really inefficient. You wait in one line, only to have to wait in one to two other lines, depending on what you order (one is meat and one is vegetarian). You wait in this second and/or third line to give them your ticket and tell them how you want your meal prepared. This could mean a thirty minute process! The owner tries to alleviate customer frustration by making jokes but I'd much rather him find a solution to the problem. In my opinion, they already take your order in the first line. If people want to customize their orders, they can tell the cashier. (You know, like at other restaurants or at Starbucks. You tell the waitress, not the cook. ) They have ticket systems that already send out orders to corresponding stations as it is, might as well maximize it's use. I think it would make everyone happier and bring more customers. I really enjoy the food most of the time... Some days are better than others. On food alone, I would probably give them four stars.
(3)Eco T.
So soft pita bread. Pretty good falafel flavor. Nice guy ( I think he is the owner) offer the spicy sauce. But so busy at parking lot. So STREET PARK NEAR THE STORE. So you won't need to wait to park.
(5)Mona W.
I think I have found my falafel place of choice. Their perfectly crispy, small bite size falafel is the best I had in South Bay proximity. The texture is pretty amazing. If I must be super picky, I would say they could use more herbs and seasonings for the falafels. However, I think they are just right as is if you eat them with the already very flavorful pickled veggies with tahini sauce. The falafels are legendary but the sabich wrap is just as memorable. I might even prefer that over the falafels. The eggplant nuggets are so addictively creamy. Their soft and fluffy fresh baked pita are to die for. Everything is made to order so expect a bit of a wait during prime lunch hours. This lovely little falafel stop is no longer a hidden secret.
(5)Candi L.
Finally tried this place since I drive by it almost everyday and it is ALWAYS packed with people for a lunch rush and during dinner hours, and now I finally know why! First off, they make their pita fresh which tastes amazing! I ordered half a falafel ($3) and also a pita with grilled chicken ($7). The falafel came with about 4 pieces inside the half of a pita. It also came with hummus and veggies and many different sauces, I'm not sure what each of them was but it was delicious! The grilled chicken took a really long time to cook because I didn't know they only made that one when you order it, so it took about 15 minutes just for the chicken. The chicken shwarma is already cooked and it freshly cut from the rotisserie, which I plan on trying next time. But the grilled chicken was awesome! It was tender, marinated with a lot of flavor, and very tasty. I got it in a pita with similar veggies and sauces like in the falafel (not spicy) and they even top it with a few french fries. But both the grilled chicken pita and the falafel in a pita were great and i will definitely be back!
(3)Brian K.
I really want to give Falafel Stop 5 stars. I really do. It's not the food, it's the organization and the parking. The good: The food is awesome. They have the best falafel pitas I've had in a very long time. I really want to try the rest of their food, but I can't ever get myself to buy anything other than a pita every time I go. It's a conundrum. The parking: Terrible. Really terrible. Save yourself the trouble and park across the street in a big parking lot for the strip mall there, and walk. Just do it. The organization: Bad, bordering terrible. The first time I went, I walked around trying to figure out where to order. There are no signs indicating flow, and customer flow seems to have been an afterthought. Theoretically, there's a line inside to a cash register where you order your food, then you have to go between *two* different lines to get your food -- one for falafel pitas, and one for meat. Want both falafel *and* meat? Enjoy three lines. Often long ones. No, really. And did I mention that this causes all sorts of confusion, resulting in people being in the wrong lines and gumming up the works? Oh but the food. It's all worth it. Really. :)
(4)Nicole C.
This place is yummy! Definitely order the falafel. Great place to meet friends and fill your belly with some tasty food!!
(4)Richard W.
The food is fresh and very good. The atmosphere, however, leaves much to be desired. Parking: there is very little parking, the lot is small and shared with a firewood sales booth. There is little room to maneuver. Unclear process: where to order and how to get your food is not quite clear. The counter is inside and there is a sign marking it, but there is much confusion around where the line begins and ends. Meat dishes are automatically fired and your number is called when it is ready. Veggie dishes are different. After paying, you take your receipt outside and hand it to the food prep crew; then your order is made. Dining: all outside, next to a large, heavily traveled street. Between the noise of the traffic and the poorly projected pop music station the cacophony was hardly bearable. Order to go! The food is good, but dealing with the confusion and noise is not worth it.
(3)Kevin L.
Really good tasting falafel. Didn't know I liked it until I came here. I would buy so much and eat so much.
(5)Maggie L.
If you don't like to smell like food when you walk out from a restaurant, wear some clothes you are going to wash soon! I like their falafel, but the eggplant nuggets are super oily. So go for the falafel wrap or plate.
(4)Maha W.
I loved the falafel sandwich. The toppings were amazing and fresh. I wasn't too keen on the shawarma. It had too much of an Indian flare to it. I'm not used to that much curry taste in my shawermas. I'll definitely be back for the falafel for sure though. Great job on the tasty falafels. I liked the outdoor seating and watching the cars go by.
(5)kungfupanda l.
This place is sooooooooooo Gus. Love their fresh falafel balls the pita bread is the best I have ever eaten. Chicken is nice but not out of the world. The salad is also very good.
(5)Mike M.
Upon the recommendation of a friend, my wife and I stopped at the Falafel Stop for lunch on Sunday; we are glad that we did! This is a very crowded and popular place! We were lucky that we found parking in the small parking lot, and were also lucky that we got a table to share. My wife waited for the table while I was waiting in line. This place is divided into two separate kitchens (and ordering places). One is vegetarian and the other has meat items. We chose the vegetarian side for the Falafel. Ordering is a bit confusing as there are appeared to be three unmarked lines. Asking the people in the lines gave us the procedure. Since the vegetarian pickup line was long and blocking the entrance to the vegetarian ordering area, we had to enter through the door on the right, which is the entrance to the meat area, then proceed through an archway and wait in the line to order for the vegetarian items. When we placed our order, the payment with a credit card was via Square, on an iPad mounted on a movable arm; you sign your name with your finger. You are then given two receipts, one for your records and another to give to the people who will make your paid order to your specifications. This required going back outside and joining the long line that goes to the windows on the right side. Once you get to the window, one of the many people behind the window will take your receipt and ask you how you would like it (spicy or not, extra this or that, etc). They then make your order while you are at the window. When it is finished, they hand you a tray and than you find your way to a seat (one of many picnic tables outside in front). There are many tables (shared tables, each seating from 6 to 8 people) under an awning, and several more outside in the sun. The food was very good. My wife had the Falafel Plate ($6.75), which includes a whole pita bread and a plate full of all the ingredients (but in larger quantities) that go into a Falafel sandwich. The pita bread is fresh, soft, puffy, and very delicious. I had a Falafel Sandwich ($5.55), which was very tasty. They make very good Falafel Sandwiches! We both split an order of a Hummus Plate ($6.75). The Hummus plate also included a fresh pita, and many items to mix into the hummus. The humus itself, seemed to taste a bit on the bland side, but once mixed with the condiments, it was very good. I never tried pickles with hummus before, and I thought that in small amounts was an interesting and positive addition; but if you add to many pickles, then they pickles dominate the flavor. You need to find just the right amount for your taste. If you are looking for great Falafels, this is the place!
(4)joe j.
As promised, I am reporting on the Falafal Stop. I mistakenly, thought it was the Falafal House so apologies all around. After my horrible experience at the House of Feel Awful, I'm happy to report that this place is the antithesis of the House of Feel Awful. The food is very good, the service is friendly and excellent! The falafels were warm and cooked perfectly. The pita bread was the thick and chewy (not too chewy) type; warm, soft, and delicious! I'm sure there are other places with good middle eastern faire, but this is my new place because I felt so welcomed. I can't imagine the food will be better anywhere less, and I KNOW the welcome and service will not match Falafal Stop's! I gave it the 5 stars because of the service and friendliness. If that was merely good, I would have given it 4-4.5 stars. Food is VERY GOOD, but not sublime. Hope this helps. Good eating!
(5)Lee L.
I can't stop eating here. Ever since I tried it for the first time over Labor Day weekend, I've been back about a dozen times. I'm a big fan of Falafel's Drive-In in San Jose, but this place has it beat, at least as falafels go. The pita bread is soft and thick, which is a big plus because I'm used to having pitas rupture at the bottom because of all the sauces soaking through. Doesn't happen with these falafel sandwiches. The falafel balls themselves are cooked absolutely perfectly - at other places, they're often fried to a crisp and are too dry around the edges. I do find the ordering process a little odd, since you place the order inside and then go outside to provide instructions for your order. I suppose if you're kind of particular about what goes into your falafel sandwich then it makes sense, since you can tell the friendly falafel artists exactly how you want yours made. I just get it with everything plus hot sauce, so there isn't a lot of complexity to my sandwich. Menu is limited and strictly vegetarian, which is fine by me. If I'm really craving a gyros sandwich, I know where to find one.
(5)Achu J.
I love yelp and I want to help my fellow yelpers out there. If you love falafel, falafel drive in is still on my top list but if you want to get meat pitas then this is a good place.
(3)Jennifer C.
First time to this place, it was a good meal but a few small details to point out: the falafel's are very tasty but much milder in flavor than falafel drive in. They are more golden in color and not a dark brown, and were much easier to digest. The entire falafel would be borderline bland if it were not for the green sauce (a mix of cilantro, parsley and one other thing) and I only got a small amount on top - so if you like a falafel with a lot of FLAVOR but not necessarily spicy, please make sure you ask for extra green sauce when they are layering in the falafel (you stand and watch them make your food and can tell them) The freshness and quality were there, the pita is totally perfect for the sandwich (unlike other where it rips and spills out) and you can taste it the "just baked" essence. I will definitely go back because that green sauce was seriously tasty and I want to combine it more in the layers this next time. I also tried the creme brevaria (?) because it was recommended here, but they put too much chocolate sauce on it and it ruined the entire delicate flavors of the creme. I'd try it again but with minimal chocolate sauce (its just hersheys syrup anyway, you can taste it). So, if you get it ask for "light chocolate sauce" The grape juice they have there was crisp and flavorful, and overall I left the dining experience feeling full but not stuffed and I had zero indigestion which I can have sometimes with overly fried foods. Highly recommended for a falafel fan, if you haven't been - just remember the tips about layering the green sauce.
(4)Jeremy S.
Popular spot with the Israeli community and they obviously know their stuff. The funny and charismatic owner makes sure you get the real deal and his passion comes through... people were lined up at 2 in the afternoon! Their hummus and pita are tasty too, a great spot for lunch or a snack. Very authentic, quick, and yummy middle eastern food.
(5)Dustin S.
I have tried several Falafels throughout the years and this one is hands down the best I have ever had!
(5)Tim O.
Good: - Great food! - Very inexpensive - Good sized portions - Excellent falafel, hummus, shwarma - Super fresh pita bread - Everything is very fresh - Very friendly staff What you have to put up with: - Extremely crowded and difficult parking at peak times (which is a testament to their great food). If picking up take out, can be difficult to get in and out of parking area. - Cannot order ahead by phone. - Very basic eating area - wooden picnic benches on asphalt under an awning next to a busy road. - Confusing queuing system - go into middle of establishment for 1 usually short line to order (usually have to maneuver through the long line for vegetarian food to get to the ordering counter). - If getting vegetarian food, take your receipt and get in the long line that usually obscures where you order. Once you get to the window to get your vegetarian selection, you hand over your receipt, specify spiciness or other customizations, and your food is assembled right then in front of you -- the process is quite fast. - If getting a meat selection go to the other pickup location behind where you ordered. They print out duplicate receipts there and will call your order out when it is ready (roughly in the same sequence as you placed the order but not always). - If you are one person picking up both vegetarian and meat selections, good luck! You must get in the vegetarian line first then go back to the meat area to pick that up. Despite the hardship (or maybe partially because of it), in the end you will relish the delicious Israeli Middle-Eastern food.
(5)Cait S.
So I'm kinda torn...The falafels tasted quite good, and the service was friendly. But my meal was ruined when I found a maggot crawling along the edge of my pita. Will it make me sick? No. Is it gross? Yes. Will I go back? Sadly, most likely not. As I said, the food tasted good. Maybe this incident was a fluke, but I don't think I want to find out.
(3)Monica W.
The food is 5 star delicious, but they lost a star for poor service and lack of cleanliness. You have to stand in 2 separate lines if you want meat and vegetarian meals, and there's only outdoor seating that isn't kept very clean. There weren't any clean tables, and there was food and trash on the ground. Even the trash cans were overflowing
(4)Mohomod F.
Great vibe, even though this place is in this guys garage or something. The meetball sandwiches are green inside! And are in an interesting breading. The israeli black beer was suprisingly good, I drank three! Unfortenately this beverage does not contain alcohol. I was tryna turn up :C. Still had a learning experience.
(3)Saeed L.
Great food and awesome service. Their falafel is always fresh and crispy. Best in the South Bay.
(4)Richard D.
Make sure to try the falafel together with the grilled chicken over hummus! This place has really delicious food. You can usually tell how good things are by testing the place by their falafel. YUM! Secret to success here is know how to work the lines. Yes lines. Line 1: Ordering Food - It is one INSIDE leading up the the register - Special preferences on your order will be taken when your order is made. See below - Get the receipt(s) from them Line 2: Vegetarian Pick-up - If you ordered vegetarian only, the line by the windows is where you go to pick up your food. **Note** It will not always be automatically made and called out for you just because you purchased it! - If you haves special preferences on portions, things being left out, etc, this is where you let them know. Line 3: Grill Pick-up - If you ordered any grilled meats, you must also stand in line by the grill and confirm your order. They will likely already have started your order, but you need let them know any special preferences. The food is so worth it if you can get over their almost-amateur-hour level of organization. They close at 8PM on weekdays, but if you show up at 8PM, they'll usually take your order. They're very friendly!
(4)Scott H.
This place it's my first stop to eat falafel , very filling and great tasting... more sauce more sauce
(5)Preethi R.
I really loved their food! Intact the falafels were much better than their chicken schaurma....definitely going back!
(5)Michael S.
Food is avaerage. Super crowded. Price is expensive. This place is really overrated. I prefer "dish and dish", you get much more for the price and the quality is wayyyy better.
(2)Stephen T.
I love it! Nice food, good favor, friendly service! In a Pita is what I order every single time! I love the chicken shwarma and the angus beef! This place is always packed! Some people think that they have poor service, I actually think their service is pretty good comparing to most of the fast food out there. I would choose tasty food over friendly service 100% of the time! If they have a bigger parking lot, they will get my 5-star.
(4)Kent H.
I just tried the Shawarma Plate and at $10, I was hoping for more than Shawarma crumbs on a plate.. I took it back and asked the guy that made it, if it was supposed to be crumbs and he said, "yeah". Very disappointing.
(1)Falanke W.
FStop catered for a friend's wedding reception/party. Food was fantastic. Guests were like, wow, this chicken breast is flavored and juicy. Jonathan (FStop's Owner) made a special Israeli Rice dish - baked with lentil that was full of flavors. My wife loves everything and can't get enough of the food. She thinks the pita bread is the best ever... I've personally eaten Israeli food in Israel, having worked there for a while... I can't believe the best of Israel is just down the street. Overall, it was just superb food at a reasonable price. Food was also delivered on time, hot. We will use Falafel Stop again for future catered events.
(5)Stefany V.
Was in the mood for something new and had been craving Mediterranean for the past few days- found this place with great reviews here on Yelp and went off to try it! Ordering was quick and painless, and I got my food in about five minutes. The dining area is covered outdoors and it's nice and breezy. Parking lot is kind of small but there weren't any issues- wasn't as busy as reviews led me to believe it might be on a weekday at 12:30. Employees and service were friendly. Based on reviews and pics here, I went with the falafel wrap with extra green sauce. I'm glad I went with the extra sauce, because I found the falafel itself to be slightly bland and the sauce really enhanced the flavor. I really appreciated that the falafel here was unlike any other I've had elsewhere- it wasn't fried to a crisp, or greasy at all. After eating I still felt light and healthy without being weighed down, despite the rather large quantity of food. The pita itself was super nice- large and soft and fresh-baked delicious; not at all prepackaged or falling apart, like those I try and fail at making at home on my own. Will definitely be coming back- I know the BF would love this place, plus I'd like to try the spicy falafel to see if it's more flavorful, as well as the eggplant wrap and the salad. Everything looked so fresh and good! I may be working in the area soon, and if so I'll definitely be a regular.
(4)ophir s.
Great food for all the family
(5)Niv D.
Tal - When a customer tries to talk to you - twice - you should take the time to acknowledge, otherwise it can become public: 1. Great food. It's no surprise you have a lot of business. 2. Fix the system you have set up for lines: It's okay to have customers waiting for their food. What's not okay is to have customers waiting in line to order, and waiting in line again to pass their receipt off to the employee who makes the food, then wait again for the food to be prepared. People should be waiting in the sitting area - or anywhere else BUT a continuous chain of lines. Which leads me to... 3. First time customers don't know what each lines is, and in several occasions when I was in the food prep lines people have lined up behind me thinking this is where you order the food, then wasted their time when they had to switch to the order food line. This is a lack of respect for the customers time. 4. Don't tell me what shirt I can or cannot be wearing (twice). Best, Niv
(2)S F.
I love watching the machine pop out the tater tot shaped falafels! +1 on all of the reviews of the awesome falafels!
(4)Matt W.
Love the Falafel, love the spicy sauce but the bread is the game changer - give it a go!
(5)Nisha S.
Been here a couple of times now, really good place for a quick casual outdoorsy lunch. The wait might be long, the place might be busy - and that itself says something about Falafel stop - the food is good. Crisp falafel outer layer, fresh pita bread, nice sauces & dips, and tasty food. I have seen a lot of folks come here from work to grab a quick lunch. Sometimes while waiting in the queue they might hand a falafel to everyone in line to munch on while waiting for their turn. Recommended.
(5)Sharon B.
Great falafel sandwich. Generous portions and loaded with flavor. I loved the homemade pita and all the added condiments. Busy but the line moved quickly.
(5)Val B.
When this place first opened, I was the first to be there and try the Falafel. I thought, "Wow, what a great tasting Falafel." I went a few times by myself or with my wife because we were addicted. About a few months later, my wife went to get two Falafel sandwiches for us, she came back home really upset. She explained how the owner treated her and was really rude. The owner is the bald caucasian-looking guy (sorry I don't know his name and I know he is not Caucasian). So I'm thinking, "Oh, no, he is not to be rude to my wife." So ever since then we have not returned. I'm sorry, but if a person is running a business with customers and the person or their employees either do not like their job, are stressed out, or are just plain miserable, it is not right for them to bring others down and treat their customers like crap. As a result, we will never return to support this business.
(2)Winnie T.
So delicious. I brought my parents here and they usually don't like anything other than chinese food but they agreed everything was good! We got two falafel plates, one kebab plate, and one shawrma plate. The portions are pretty large, and everything is layered over tons of hummus. You could probably split two plates between three people. The pita bread was really fluffy! Before coming, I would definitely recommend that you read up on the line system. You have to go inside to the right, in order to order. Then, they have a line to the left for meat, and a line outside for vegetarian food. They give you tickets and you go to the respective lines. If you get both vegetarian and meat, split up your party to wait in these lines so you minimize wait time.
(4)Garth S.
I stopped in on a whim and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food. I was even greeted by the owner who noticed I was studying the menu. He gave me a falafel to try and also had me try the chicken shuwarma. Both were very tasty. I put my trust in him and he ordered me a falafel sandwich and Israeli grape juice. It was so good I forgot about the meat. He then came by my table, sat down and made sure I was happy. The dining area is unassuming, but you wont be disappointed with the food. I also have to mention that the pita was fresh and perfect with the falafel. The personal touch and the owner's passion for his food really came through. I will come again.
(5)Nabeel H.
At-a-glance: Falafel - unique, fresh, delicious Hummus - The best in the US Pita - See above Chicken Shawerma - among the best in the world The Story: Having spent the first half of my 30 yr life in the Middle East enjoying the exceptionally good Shawerma, I spent the 2nd half trying in vain to find a decent one in California. Until now. The first time I went there, I gave them specific directions on how to prepare the shawerma in a pita, trying to replicate the gustatory goodness of the Levantine joints back home: Please layer the meat with tahina, pickles, NO TOMATOES, some ground parsley, another layer of tahina, and could you please put some fries on that? Manuel the man behind the counter looks at me, smiles and says that's EXACTLY how they prepare it! I fell in love. They (and only they) know how to do it right. And there's the man turning the Spit. Baba, from Turkey is as good a poultry perfectionist as i have ever had the pleasure and privilege of coming across. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, crisp on the outside, tender inside, and oh so fragrant. Nowhere else in continent (yes, I've even tried the famed lebanese places of Toronto, who have insanely good beef shawerma) will you have chicken of this quality. Nowhere. The owner is a consummate businessman, offering waiting guests elegantly dressed falafel samplers, and newcomers samples of the magnificent chicken. Even if i go there after a few months, since i live and work rather far away, he recognizes me and makes me feel like family. Did I mention their pita is freshly baked, and made from scratch in-house? There are at most a handful of places that tempt me out of my vegetarianism. This is definitely one of them.
(5)Mitesh D.
Awesome Falafel one of the best in bay areal. Great service, even though this place is really busy. The staff is very friendly and always happy to help.
(5)Ed C.
This is the best Mediterranean food I have ever had. Everything we ordered was off-the-charts good. Why only 4 stars then? The ordering and pickup process are truly byzantine. There is one order station (to the right), and two pickup stations (vegetarian to the far right, and meat plates to the left). The meat plate area is filled with people milling around in no particular order, like a train station in China. There are two cooks who are preparing food, but no apparent system of numbering. Every now and then a friend of the cooks will walk in and greet them, and they will chat incomprehensibly. The seating is on long picnic benches you share with others wherever you can squeeze in. There's no tap water available, so buy a bottle or bring your own. But like I said, the best Mediterranean food ever.
(4)Marissa K.
I'm giving this place five stars for their food AND service! I've been meaning to try this place so after finishing my work out, I decided to stop by here for a quick bite. The restaurant closes at 8:00 pm and when I got there around 7:50 pm, there was still a line of people waiting (and even more people coming in after 8!). The cashier was extremely helpful in explaining the menu and generously offered samples to people waiting in line. I tried the falafel and sabich, which were both SO GOOD and served in warm, toasty pita bread. I typically don't like falafels but this one I really enjoyed. They really pack their food so you get your bang for your buck. This place is great for a fast, casual dining experience. Must try.
(5)Sarah K.
This probably would've been a 4 star review but my past few experiences and especially my visit today had me compelled to give it only 2 stars. Don't get me wrong, this is my go-to falafel place but lately my falafels have been mediocre depending on who is making it. I can easily spot out the noob worker who barely puts anything in my falafel and only puts the hot sauce on the top layer. If I wanted a falafel that is only spicy on the first bite I don't think I would be ordering a "spicy falafel." Consistency is something that I expect at a food joint and if I'm freaking out in line hoping not to get paired with the new guy then I might have to forgo my falafel cravings all together. But besides that, what really threw me off was the unprofessionalism that I witnessed in line today. There was a lady that had been clearly waiting a while for her take out order of just one falafel plate and salad. I think 3 people must have gotten their food before her so she asked the young, slightly plumper girl behind the glass where her order was. The worker rudely replies that this is not a McDonalds and that it doesn't take a couple minutes to make an order. The customer and I exchange baffled looks, and the worker continues to loudly rant about how this place cares more about the quality of food rather than speed and at that point it was too cringe worthy not to laugh awkwardly at the whole thing. I mean, the customer had the decency not to talk back to the rude comments and got her order (which only took approx. a minute to complete) and left as the worker thanked her for her visit in the most sarcastic way possible. I could barely enjoy my falafel after that whole ordeal. And to make things worse, my falafel only had spicy sauce on the top, yet again.
(2)Joel A.
A Great place to get your Falefel! me and 2 other friends dropped here because we were so starving and both of them are in the mood for middle easten foods so this place fit the bill. Very good dishes and everything is wonderful.A little disorganized when ordering for the first time and quite confusing actually but you'll get it immediately. We spent about $54.00 in total but the food that we got was so much that they gave us to-go boexs right after our meal. We had the Shawerman in pita pockets and everything else that I don;t remember. This place has parking as well and the only downside is never go here on lunchtime because there's along line and if you're pressed for time, it's not a good idea and getting a table if you want to eat here because it's first come first serve. Other than this, this is a great place for middle eastern food!
(5)Terence N.
I was excited to try Falafel shop finally...maybe i hyped it up too much. One day decided to trek down here early for lunch and avoid the crowds. The parking in the lot is a complete nightmare, its a good thing i got a spot in the front. I ordered the falafel plate, the setup is pretty nice....you order and pay, then go outside and wait your turn to be served by the workers. You can add any number of toppings. I told the lady i wanted everything, but not too spicy. The falafel is fried to perfection, crispy outside with a warm soft inside. Unfortunately there was very little flavor in the falafel. Okay i dont eat falafel much, but these things were just bland. Sure you taste uhh, fried breading on outside? The inside was tasteless. I still enjoyed it but then realized she didnt give me hummus and my friends all got hummus on their plate. Booo. The salad and toppings are pretty fresh but also very simple: lettuce, onions, peppers, tzatziki, spicy sauce, falafel. For $8 its hard to beat but wasnt anything amazing. The pita bread is really fluff and soft, especially eaten warm. Next time i will try the meat dishes over falafel. All in all, not a bad spot, i'm not much of a falafel eater so i cant compare how their falafels rank amongst the top shops, but nothing really amazing about the falafel plate.
(3)Umair K.
A very good Mediterranean option in the Sunnyvale Cupertino area I've been there many times and I've never been disappointed. Would love to have a little bit more sauce in my falafel wraps but other than that I think the food here is pretty perfect. The wait can be a bit daunting at dinner times, But don't let that discourage you from trying this hotspot out
(4)Tasha R.
This place is so good! Highly recommend the falafel, with the fresh ingredients, it takes me right back to Israel!
(5)Amir L.
Great Falafel - Amazing Pita bread. Yeah, it's busy as hell, and the parking is hell. but finding the sweet spot of the day (off busy hours) and enjoy the best Falafel in the states. the Shawarma is also very very good. my advice - don't let them go wild with herb and spices on the Shawarma. Keep it simple with some Tehini, Hummus and one or two veggies. Fries work as well..
(5)Arkadi E.
i tried the sabih ! and it was great , all was fresh i think they have the best hummus in the bay ! i really recommend to go try eat the shawarma plate if u never tried it before so its about time u should , great staff and service with a clean space
(4)Migs M.
Of all the eating establishments in Sunnyvale, this place seems to be the most reluctant. Is that an odd way to describe a restaurant? I assume the attitude starts from the owner/management and works it way down. All the employees (except the young cashier) really don't seem to want to be there (so why should you?). Maybe that's why they close early (8 p.m.) so they can go home. Hmmm, why not shut at 6 p.m.? Or even better, pack up and move to a different city, they would fit in better in a more miserable place than Sunnyvale -- the people are typically pretty sincere/polite around here. I'm not sure how the food tastes, the unwelcoming attitude is so unappetizing, I just left. Please don't patronize this kind of service, and if you do, don't ask any questions, just order and eat. :-(
(1)vinny l.
What a great place, this was a referral from a friend and my wife and I visited two weeks ago and as we walk up and look at the menu some how the owner spotted us and he knew it was our first time visiting. He got us some samples of falafel,and shawarma to try and recommended two things and told us we shouldn't order any more because it's a lot of food. Great guy and great foods. We definitely be back. Thanks
(5)Bert K.
Tastey Falafel. After reading the reviews and coming here once, seeing the long lines and left without ordering, I would try once more, that would be tonite. Just one person in front of me, yet it took almost 15 minutes to get my one falafel. I noticed the guy tell the cook to get his food ready; he ordered after me, so I stood up and waited a couple minutes and asked for my food. $5.50 Tastey falafel, but unorganized service. Decor: low rent. Parking: tight.
(2)Alyssa F.
This place is so good!! I'm actually starting to crave a falafel as I'm writing this review.. Well anyway, i live in south San Jose & I would drive all the way to Sunnyvale just for the falafel! Idk what kind of sauce they put in it, but it's amazing. It's somewhat like sour cream but not really! The price is good too!!
(5)Andy L.
Tried the beef kebab in a pita. You can definitely taste the quality and freshness of the ingredients. For almost $8, I would thought the portions were on the smaller side, and I would have wanted a handful of fries on the side, rather than just sprinkled on top of the pita. Nonetheless, this was very tasty and worth the wait.
(4)Aditya A.
The falafel is as good as it gets. The shawarma is excellent as well. The pita bread is very fresh along with tasty sauces and salad inside the pita. The lines can get long on weekends though.
(5)Alex N.
My wife and I tried the Falafel pita and it was very good. It was a little messy compared to the falafel Wraps we get somewhere else but the taste is great
(4)john d.
Best Mediterranean food in the South Bay period. I love the Israeli salad with meat. Best pita bread I have ever had. Awesome service.
(5)Jennifer M.
Falafel Stop's crispy balls of freshly homemade golden goodness are falafeltastic! I love how fresh and crunchy the falafels are. The pitas are equally wonderful too. The big bonus... They know how to construct a falafel sandwich. They know how to mix in the falafels, veggies, and sauces. You don't have to worry about eating a bite of only veggies or having all of the falafels sitting at the bottom of your pita. They mix in all of the ingredients evenly to help you experience the perfect combination of flavors in every mouthwatering falafel bite. BIG TIP - Make sure you order at the register and then GIVE YOUR RECIPE to the people making your food. They make your order once they get your recipe. Yes, this is kinda weird but it get the falafel job done. Next step, chow down on your your yummy order. NOM NOM NOM! I highly recommend stopping by for a half or full falafel sandwich. You won't regret this falafeltastic experience.
(5)Johnny T.
I've eaten here several times now. If you order menu item #1: Falafels in pita bread, yes, it's excellent and as good as Falafels in pita bread can really get. If you order anything else, you might be disappointed unless you came in with zero expectations (I think that was my mistake). Meat dishes are mostly salad with a small palm sized pita bread for ten dollars. For such a small place, it sure takes a long time to get your food too. You have to select from a menu, go over to a line to pay, and then go to another line to order.
(2)R K.
My favorite go to place for falafel. The Sabich is also veryyy good here. The pita bread is soft and fresh.
(5)Nathan S.
Came here, and the parking was pretty ridiculous, I know it's pretty hard to make additions to parking lots, especially in the Bay Area, but that's why I rated this as a "4 Star" is just because it took so long to find parking. The atmosphere, to be frank, was very noisy, but despite the noise, seeing the 4 girls behind the counter works their heads off to make some of the Bay Area's best Hummus and Falafel plates made me pretty happy. I got the Hummus plate, and the small Falafel sandwich. Both of which were delectable and delicious. I couldn't believe how good it was. Being from the East Coast, and growing up there I grew up around a lot of Lebanese restaurants and Deli's and this place stacks up very well with them. I would say check this place out earlier in the day before the lunch rush, because if you don't you will find yourself circling around and doing 2 U-Turns to see if you won the parking lottery the next time around. Once again, would have given a 5 Star if not for the parking situation.
(4)T. D.
I went with my wife and we both really enjoyed the food. I ordered an Israeli Schnitzel plate and she ordered an Angus Beef plate. We went at 11:15 AM and avoided the lunch rush which was great. The pita bread is the best in the Bay Area and the owner was very nice and helpful during our ordering process. They do get very busy at lunch because the food is so delicious. Check this place out, it's great!
(5)J S.
I can see why this place is so popular! I was craving falafel stop but decided to get a plate instead of the regular falafel. I liked it much better because the falafels stayed crispy and I could eat the pita bread on the side or dip it in the hummus. Soo yummy in the tummy! Prices are very reasonable, portions are filling and it's healthy! They just opened the other side for shrawma and grilled meats. I haven't tried it yet but I will next time. Finally a business that will last in this spot! There used to be some lame fruit or flower shop here that nobody went to, now the place is packed!
(5)Jack L.
Like many other Yelpers, Falafel STOP kept appearing in my feed and I figured I had to give it a try. Many Falafel joints in the area are sketchy and dirty, so I was a little skeptical. I'm not a Falafel expert, but man was I hooked after I had a free sample in line! The Falafel balls were crispy, tasty, and airy at the same time! The food here is simple but delicious-- the Falafel pockets are perfectly sized for lunch (try one and half if you are starving). I especially enjoy watching the employees prepare my food in their small and clean kitchen. Great outdoor seating as well. It gets crowded at lunch and early dinner, and the ordering process is flawed. You go inside a tiny room, pay, and then go back outside to claim your order. Don't forget to hand them your receipt-- they don't start your order until you do so! I wish there was a way to speed up the entire ordering process, but the Falafel here is so tasty I'm a regular regardless!
(5)Brian L.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Every time I go, I am thrilled by the delectable food! The falafel, eggplant, and now the shawarma are spectacular :) Keep it up! Thank you !!
(5)Ellen C.
Make sure you're in the right line to order - there is one LONG line (which is likely the line to pick up) and there is a shorter line that enters a door to the left of it, which is usually shorter. That is the line to order. I was actually thinking about skipping trying this place since I saw the long line but figured how often am I in these parts? So I stopped by. It took less time than I thought to get my falafel sandwich - about 20 minutes from ordering to getting the food in hand. Yes, it's slower than a McDonald's but it's also healthier and fresher! It was an even $6 for a falafel sandwich. I got mine spicy, which isn't really all that spicy, it's more of a tinge above a mild salsa. They also gave us samples of falafel to try while we waited in line to order. I do appreciate how they layer the sandwich so that you get a good bite of everything the further you go down the pita instead of, like others have mentioned, all the falafel on top and then random bits and pieces of lettuce and tahini through the rest. The pita bread is amazingly fresh. But besides that although the falafel was fresh, it wasn't extremely flavorful, but for the price and the size of lunch it was perfect. Everyone there was friendly and you can watch them put the orders together through the window as you wait in line. There are a few stools inside the restaurant but most of the seating is outdoors in front. Great place to go for a casual lunch.
(4)Asaf K.
Falafel STOP is basically as good as it gets. I don't write reviews a lot these days -- why review somewhere that's only "meh?" -- but I'm compelled to fist-pump for this place. Unlike other falafel places in the area, Falafel STOP stands out for several reasons: 1- the drive in is actually somewhat convenient, wind-sheltered, and is CLEAN. They have heat lamps for cold days. 2- the pita is THICK and actually holds when you eat your 'wich. No thin pita that melts and rips! When it's warmed (which should be always, but i've had once or twice where it hasn't been), it's absolute heaven. I could eat the pita without the fillings and it would still taste amazing!! 3- the falafel themselves not only taste good, but have a great texture and are made-to-order. Not soggy, dry, or stale! 4- major thumbs-up for sabich! there are pretty much no other places serving this, and it is delicious, and well-prepared. 5- the pita sandwich uses mostly tehini, which is thinner and more flavorful than hummus and makes more sense for a sandwich anyway. I love the add-on sauces and decoration. 6- the fact creme bavaria is served made this guy's parents smile. :) Only 6 bucks for 'wich. Try it out!
(5)Tiffany W.
I ordered a hummus plate and it was huge! It lasted me for two meals and kept me full the whole day. Pita was fluffy and held up really well with the hummus. Needless to say it was pretty tasty. I also ordered the side of fries but they came soggy and were disappointing. There's a small parking lot in the back, but be sure to arrive before the lunch swarm around 11:45!
(4)Eli H.
Best falafel and shwarma I've had since I lived in Jerusalem. Authentic tasty healthy food.
(5)Armin B.
This restaurant is awesome. Not only food is great, customer service is one of the best. I ordered for catering and all of my guests enjoyed the freshness and the taste.
(5)Pow A.
Falafels and chicken pita is delicious. Customer service is friendly. Ordering can be confusing, but will probably get it down after coming here once.
(4)E. I.
Best falafels I've ever eaten and their hummus is great too. I wish they had roasted pine nuts for the hummus. Then it would be absolute perfection for me.
(5)Greg C.
Very good falafel sandwich with homemade pitas (I think) but the falafel is not as tasty as at Vivi's. The condiments on the sandwiches are really fresh and tasty. It is almost always extremely crowded and not very organized but we usually persevere because the food is so good. They really ought to figure a better way to route the customers through the line. Parking is very limited.
(4)Margo M.
I always see that this place is packed, and today when I drove by, it was before the lunch rush, so I decided to stop in. I'm glad I did! I ordered a spicy falafel with everything on it. Next time, I think I would skip the pickles, just because I'm not a huge fan. Otherwise, it was great! The parking lot is a bit of a mess and the lines are a little crazy, but worth it.
(4)Inna S.
This place takes the cake for poor service: the unbeatable combination of being rude and disorganized. I placed 5 orders that were processed at two separate counters. While standing for some time at one counter that served felafel and hummus plates (many people, no clear line) I got distracted by the lady from the other counter who had to ask me a few questions (for here or to go, spicy or not). Every time she had a question she had to leave her counter and go to the other one where I was standing. While talking to the meat lady I lost track of my felafel and hummus order. Trying to trace my order, I found myself engaged in a very strange conversation. Me: I ordered a hummus plate and a felafel plate... Server (rudely and aggressively): So what? Me (astonished): So, where are they? Server: (more rudely and aggressively): It's not McDonald's or Burger King, it's the real food. Me (more astonished): Thanks for educating me. It's really appreciated. Server (the most rudely, you should hear her voice):The real food takes time to prepare! Me: speechless. So if you want smooth and polite service don't go to this place.
(1)Stephanie A.
Now serving meat as well. Shawarma and other meditarenian dishes. Worth a try. They opened the next room for that matter and added more seats outside.
(4)Ariel F.
Coming from the Toronto area and living around many many Israeli restaurants, this place makes me feel like home is nearby. A good solid shawarma, really fresh bread. Need to try the falafel still!
(5)Stephen D.
Fresh, fast and well done. They keep the meat separate from the vegetarian food. Price is good. The staff is polite and helpful. Bring a jacket if you come at the evening as the eating area is covered by a tent...
(5)Elizabeth H.
I've been hearing about this place since it opened forever ago, but never bothered to try it. And when I saw all these five star reviews, I went in thinking that it was just all hype. Yet, here I am, giving a five star review. My friend and I came here, got a shawarma hummus plate, falafel pita, and falafel plate. I can`t remember the last time I went to a place where everything tasted so fresh! I had to wait a little longer for the falafel, but it was totally worth it because they just came out fryer. Light and crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside. Flavors were amazing. The only thing is that there shawarma plate didn`t have much meat on it, but whatever. Overall, it was awesome. Customer service was great as well!
(5)Alexander P.
I don't think this place needs witty opening lines on their reviews, or a meandering introduction to their food. It's called Falafel Stop, you can pretty much order anything here, as long as it is a falafel. The falafels are freshly made, so is the Pita bread. I don't know about hummus, but it might as well be, because it's also damn good. You know what? Stop reading this, just drive down here and order a falafel, you can thank me later. P.S. Only vegetarian meal that ever gave me a food coma.
(5)Niket B.
order: falafel, hummus
(4)david d.
Awesome service. You get the impression the the owner cares about his customers ensuring a freshness with every purchase
(5)Uerica W.
We really like this place, definitely try the sabich. My kids love the falafels too. They now serve meat so my husband will now eat there with me too.
(5)Christina V.
Fresh ingredients, creative combinations. One star removed for their disorganized ordering process.
(4)Jeremy H.
When driving in Sunnyvale by the corner of Fremont Ave. & Sunnyvale Saratoga RD, do yourself a favor and stomp on your brakes and STOP! ...and eat a falafel here at the "Falafel STOP!" They have open outdoor seating in front (swanky picnic tables) or if it's raining they employ the rain coverings creating a little covered patio area. The pick up window is on the right, so go inside first to place your order. I have only tried the falafels and falafel plate. If you don't like pickled veggies and are looking for some meat, then I suggest you GO! down the street to 'the Habit', or elsewhere. I found the falafel plate to be a very satisfying and delicious lunch, even though normally I like my meat. Hey, I didn't fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a vegetarian, but the Falafel STOP's crispy falafel balls, freshly baked pita bread, and pickled veggies and sauce all come together creating a healthy and tasty lunch, sure to satisfy! One of these days, I should try their sabich wrap I suppose. Now GO! down to Falafel STOP and try it for yourself! My Pic of the Falafel Plate: yelp.com/biz_photos/fala…
(4)Surge C.
Wow. Falafel STOP definitely brings their A game when it comes to perfecting falafels. I heard that this place rivals with Falafel Drive-In in San Jose...and I have to agree. I think Falafel STOP might be my favorite falafel place now. I came here to grab my first meal of the day and boy was it satisfying! Everyone in front of me and my cousin kept ordering a half portion of falafel. HALF?! Psh! Forget that! I'm in it for a whole falafel, which I later realized was a mistake. Oh the fat kid in me... The owner is so nice. He was giving a bunch of samples of the falafel balls and eggplant nuggets. You can tell he loves his business and every patron that walks in.I got the whole order of falafel pita, spicy with everything. So good! The pita bread was FRESH- I was amazed that it tasted like it just came out of the oven. The falafel had a perfect crisp and tasted like it was baked. I liked the simplicity of the falafel balls since the pita was stuffed with so many other ingredients. Man, now I'm going to be craving this place all the time!
(5)Naru S.
Really awesome falafel and Schwarma. Well sized falafel to too. Don't take it out -- its sooooo good fresh
(5)Nichole W.
Yes, I'm a fan, especially since they now offer chicken. The first time I ate here is when it was strictly vegetarian. I wasn't a fan, because the food was too salty. However, I sat on the bench and decided to give it another try...especially after one of my friends posted a picture of her chicken shawarma. I ordered the chicken shawarma salad, and I will order it again. The serving size was generous and the dish was tasty. I also want to add that the pita is fluffy and yummy.
(4)P G.
I have been wanting to come here for the longest time and after hearing again from another friend how good it was I made sure I fit it in my schedule. It's a happening place at lunch time. I was there after the main rush, around 2 pm, but there was still a steady stream of customers. It's a very busy place!! Lots of parking (because Dairy Queen is closed next door), and a pretty easy system to follow to place your order. You order and pay first, and then go to the appropriate window (either meat or veggie which would be the falafels), give the worker your receipt, tell them any changes you'd like and wait for your order. I had to laugh as I had preread some reviews that said the falafel (pita) was fluffy and didn't know what they were referring to. Well, it was the pita and its definitely fluffy and light, really nice. The actual falafel balls are lightly breaded and fried, moist not dry. The condiments are outstanding, especially the pickles which added a nice freshness. The regular size falafel is BIG and plenty for one person. Next time I might have to do the 1/2 size which is a nice option.
(4)Daniela N.
This place is on my way home from work and I had noticed that a lot of people seemed to stop by here, so I picked up some dinner from this place last night. I had already looked up the menu online so I went in and ordered a Falafel Plate and a Hummus Plate from the cashier, then brought my receipt over to the guy who gets the food ready. He gave me a falafel sample, so yummy! He quickly got the food ready then I drove home. It took literally like two minutes and only cost $14! Each plate came with one pita bread, which I thought seemed like too little at first but they were big and fluffy. The Hummus Plate had a ton of hummus and some "toppings" such as onions and parsley in the middle. The Falafel Plate had plenty of falafel and salads. Next time I'll have to try the Masabacha Plate! Heads up, the Falafel Plate leaked a ton in the bag, so just watch out for that if you get it to go!
(4)Ruchi S.
This is the best falafel I had till date! The falafel wrap was delicious and it held string to the last bite!
(5)Sasha G.
Good pitas, good falafel, good hummus and good shewarma. Wish they also had laffas (rolls). Packed with people on lunch hours of every day. Good service. Parking is a bit problematic... Best place for decent falafel in the area, definitely.
(5)Iris C.
We came to this place for the first time. There was a long line but it was worth it! The owner was very personable and treated bis customers like his friends. The food is very good the pita bread is warm and fresh! We will be returning over and over and over again! If you need to have a falafel stop, go to this place. It is worth the wait!
(5)Jay S.
Wowser. We are out of town and were driving by and saw this little gem. We turned around and stopped in and we are glad that we did. The food here is amazing, be sure not to miss out. I would recommend getting a platter no matter what you decide to get. They have covered outside seating with heatlamps.
(5)Josh B.
I highly recommend this place. Authentic israeli falafel. Great vegan options. Parking can be limited at peak times (especially lunch on weekdays).
(5)Ari M.
Best falafels ever. I get it with hummus. It's perfect. The way they layer it is perfect. Sometimes they offer their balls to people in line. I always take a free ball or two. Then I stuff more in my mouth with their house made pita, which is perfect. It's perfect. Eat it now!
(5)Adam B.
I rarely write reviews, but on this occasion I feel compelled to tell the world about the sheer awesomeness of the chicken shawarma pita that I just wolfed down. Everything was perfect- soft, fresh bread, chicken with the perfect amount of spices balanced out by fresh vegetable garnishes, the sweet mix of hummus and tahini sauce, and the perfect amount of spicy sauce. I already want another one just describing it. I have traveled in Israel, Greece, Turkey, Amsterdam, London, etc. This place is top 1% in the world. It's last meal on earth quality shit. Thank you falafel stop. Keep doing your thing.
(5)Joel V.
As the great Flava Flav once said, "Don't... Don't Believe The Hype." FALAFEL STOP didn't really impress. While the homemade pita bread was absolutely outstanding, it is really the only high remark I'll make about this place. I thought the falafel balls were a bit flavorless, and the mixed veggies in the sandwich were blah. I will say the pita also made the small sandwich filling, which was a good thing. Great pita, mediocre falafel. No idea how this place rocks a 4.5 star rating... Drive In, Mr Falafel and Dish N Dash are all superior in my opinion. 3.25 stars.
(3)Loon E.
Damn that was good! Fast and quick service. Came here starving after not eating for at least twenty hours. Quickly assembled and ready for me within minutes. Great value for the amount you get and the falafel, albeit a little different, was tasty. Forgot how much it was, but think it was ~$8 for a wrap and a drink. Get it spicy too, of course! (though it wasn't very much spicy for me; any added kick is good) Only complaint would be that they are weak on drinks: only soda, water and grape juice. Getting some ice teas and other juices would be cool, but I guess not necessary with the number of places around you can quickly run in and grab a drink from.
(4)Jim W.
Uneducated, non-english speaking, and rude worker. Did not understand me while taking my order. Tried to correct her, and still could not get it right. So, I take my food and left unsatisfied. As I walk away, she laughs with one of her colleagues. I stop and turn back around and I said "Excuse me? Do you have something you want to say to me?" She shakes her head no and I tell her off. I call back asking for the owner who was not available. I email them letting them know my experience with no response back. This place was one of the best falafels I ever had, but the bad customer service really turned me off. That's one thing I will not tolerate when even the owner can not address my issue. Also, their process in ordering your food is extremely annoying. They need a new system.
(1)Sarah E.
I went at lunch time which is crazy busy but it was still relatively fast. And I was lucky to find a parking spot! The lot is just horrible. The ordering system inside is confusing but I figured out how to get my falafel and it was delicious. Like everyone says, the pita bread is fantastic. The veggies and sauces are totally yum and the falafel balls are amazing. Just don't order the fries!!! Terrible. Not one grain of salt on the whole order. Ick. And I got them to go so I couldn't do anything about it from the car. Made me very sad. I would love to try the meat dishes at the grill and also the Sabich and the hummus plate. Can't wait to go back! (I wish they had more interesting drink options though, like their competitor over by Valley Fair does)
(4)Wissam A.
Their falafels are small in size, extra fried and too crunchy. Good falafel is supposed to be round 2-3inch circle diameter, fluffy and tasty inside. Their pita bread is too thick and falls apart.
(2)Christina E.
When i saw PITA in their name i instantly thought of extreme pita! I saw it had awesome reviews so i decided to eat here. I should have researched a little more. I didn't know it was authentic middle eastern food. So it's my fault for not liking it. There was a huge language barrier! I had no idea how to order/where to go. I didn't know what the meat spinning was, but it looked good so I got it. I didn't really like it. It's definitely an acquired taste, but it's worth a try i guess. The reason why i gave it 3 stars- I walked in and I see some guy in the sink sweating profusely! He's rubbing the sweat off his face with a rag. He then squeezes the rag and brings it over to the meat counter and wipes it down! Are you kidding me?!! That can't be sanitary! I brush it off b/c he's not the one making my food. Then I just so happened to look over at the toppings station and see this guy putting his finger in the hummus. He then stuck it in his mouth?? Um gross! He saw me and walked to the sink and washed his hands.
(3)kitoo d.
We went yesterday to kind of get lunch. I opted for non vegetarian since last I went there, they did not serve non veg dishes and my friend went for vegetarian. The place was crowded for 2:30 pm. I have been to this place several time now because of the food and it is kind of close. The host was in a state of confusion as did not help in recommending or explaining the non veg dishes. I ordered Shuwarma Plate....did not see much of chicken on the plate though. Over all food as always was good.
(4)Donna S.
The food here is amazing. I am addicted. Please open one in Redwood City! We're the new cool place with lots of construction going on! The bread is homemade and so good. A millions times better than that flimsy store bought pita. The falafel are small and so delicious. All the condiments are fresh and so tasty. The owner came out and seeing we had an extra pita brought us some hummus for free. And chicken schwarma to try. Both were excellent. And the prices are so reasonable. I want to try the other food but can't get past the falafel. For the reviewers bitching about the separate lines, I assume Israeli=Jewish=kosher, hence the separate kitchens for meat vs veggie. Just a theory.
(5)Erin O.
It's close to my office, so I've ended up here several times. This is pretty darn good falafel. I'd wager it's the best falafel in Sunnyvale. The balls are very fresh, and as you wait for them to put your falafel together, I'm betting they are finishing off your falafel balls. While you wait, they often will hand you a freshly fried ball, dipped in humus. They're good. Not heavy on herbs, which is a for better or worse scenario. I actually love the flavor of the herbs, so this is why I pull 1 star from the possible 5. The freshness and texture are great. What makes this place special is the fresh pita. Screw getting a plate here, and always get the pita. It's just good, and again, the freshness and textures they put together make it amazing. They layer the ingredients into the pita, so each bite is well balanced.
(4)Tiffany L.
If you want delicious falafels and Mediterranean food at a really affordable price, come here! It's hot off the grill and incredibly tasty. The people are nice and this is a low-key place - picnic seating inside a tent.
(5)Tiffany C.
My friend had told me a new falafel place opened up in Sunnyvale and suggest I check it out. I work in Sunnyvale so I thought I could stop during my lunch....biigggg mistake. The wait here was just wayyy too long...it probably took me half an hour just to get to the front of the pick up line. They're fast and all, but they're just soooo busy. On top of that, there's a communication issue. Basically as soon as it got to my turn to pick up, all the people making dishes just took off their gloves and left the room. WTH. Apparently they were out of bread, and had to make more. It would be great if they could have told me this versus just packing up and leaving. I eventually found out from another person who was waiting. In terms of the food. The falafels were nicely done, fresh and not oily. Everything is made to order and they really pack in there for you.
(4)John L.
Got a falafel plate after calling it in. Busiest falafel place I've ever seen - 50 people in and around the counter. they have veg and meat dishes . Loved the falafel plate which comes with about 8 balls, hummus and a great salad, and pitas. Nice salad dressing.
(5)Kushagra S.
Definitely recommended. This is a hole in the wall Mediterranean place that you'd rather not miss eating in! They primarily sell falafels, salads and hummus. (I think they just started selling shawarma recently). Of all the items in their menu, Falafels are the best! Overall, very quick service, super tasty hot food, and nice sitting area by the road which is great for sunny days but bad for cold days. I usually order ahead and pick up food, and they get the order ready in less than 10 mins.
(5)Patrick G.
Some of the best gyros around. Fresh baked pitas. I found the chicken shawarma better that the meat as it is beef rather than lamb. Great great flavor and texture. Negative is parking and the ordering process is old school. Can be a time burn waiting to get your order. If it's crowded be patient. I try to go off hours.
(4)Linh T.
Food here is the bomb. Everything is amazing. I love their hummus and pita bread. Kabob is made of high quality meat, so moist, melt in your mouth and full of flavors.
(5)Sonny R.
Omg it's so good. Stop by after work, get yourself a falafel wrap spicy (or not spicy, they're both good). You'll get full and it's not unhealthy at all. Their grilled chicken and shawarma is good too. The best part is the pita though. Their pita is fresh baked on site and it comes with practically everything you order. And the girl that works behind the counter during the day is ridiculously cute.
(5)Crys S.
Yes, very very delicious. Food is awesome, especially the pita and hummus, but everything else as well. BUT prepare to wait. For me, longest was thirty minutes from ordering to picking up. Try to avoid the lunch rush and be careful in the parking lot - it's not set up to efficiently accommodate their massive volumes of patrons.
(4)Juliet C.
BOOM BOOM!!! The falafel here is so fresh and never greasy. The hummus is wonderful and the fluffy pita is the best. A great place for a fresh lunch or quick dinner.
(5)Ilan C.
Falafel and Shawarma just like in the middle east served in a freshly baked pita bread. Just great! Great vegetable salad, deep-fried eggplants sandwiches. Everything is just great! Awesome for vegetarians, semi vegetarians and carnivorous people with lots of appetite. Staff friendly and welcoming, the place is always sparkling clean. * * * * *
(5)Shark B.
If you could get passed the crappy layout and ordering system - you can enjoy the best falafel in the bay. Yes they have Chicken Shawarma, humus, etc but the place is called falafel stop for a reason. Having said that, supporting cast is delicious as well. This includes pitas and Israeli salad.
(4)Annie D.
Stopped in a while back while they were still pretty new. Their ordering system needs help, made you wait to order and wait in another line to reorder the food to be made. I just thought that was a little silly. Ordered their falafel- Organic garbanzo beans and spices crispy balls, mixed vegetables, homemade pickles and sauerkraut & tahini sauce - it was crispy and there was plenty of falafel, but I didn't taste anything I've never tasted before. I still don't like how each bite you take isn't even, it's either the ball, or the sauce or the veggies, all separated. Sabich- Organic eggplant nuggets, hard-boiled egg, hummus, mixed vegetables, homemade pickles, sauerkraut & tahini sauce- nice to try something different, but still was eating everything separate and it became a mess all over my hands. They also were pretty cheap on the sauce,only a little at a time even asking for it on the side. Pitas were good fresh. Overall, avoid place but nothing special I haven't tasted.
(3)Eric L.
Best falafel around. It's our favorite. The pita bread is thick, fresh, and delicious.
(5)Alex K.
Awesome falafel and Chicken! Interesting place since there is a meat eating line and a vegetarian line, and both were super delicious. Their hot sauce is delicious but not that spicy - they could use a little more kick! Otherwise, everything was awesome and I'm definitely going back!
(4)Ashish M.
Great foood!
(5)Veeral S.
Falafels here are awesome. Will definitely return, especially for their pita. The process of paying and getting your food is tedious, but the food definitely makes up for it.
(5)Rohit S.
Best falafel I've ever had hands down. Well made and tastes great. Eat it right away there though. Love how they bring around fresh falafel while you're waiting. Meats are decent next door but they don't compare to the falafel. I recommend eating a falafel sandwich with some of those spicy peppers they have. Bring your own drink if you don't want to have to buy soda or bottled water. Parking can be tough to find.
(5)Heinz J.
Chicken swarma, beef kabob, house-baked pita bread, falafel, Israeli salad, fresh hummus, tahini, homemade pickles and sauerkraut- it is all really delicious. The owner Jonathan clearly cares about the food he serves and his customers. Highly recommended
(5)Cynthia A.
Ive been craving falafel for 2 weeks and finally made a trek to Sunnyvale to try this highly rated Yelp establishment. Was it everything I thought It'd be? YES it was! Ordered the falafel pita extra spicy with a side of banana peppers. The falafel was crunchy on the outside, hot and soft on the inside. Garlicky sauce garnished the final product. The Pita bread was so fresh. I was in falafel heaven. Im craving it still as we speak. So if youre in the mood for some bomb falafel.. head over to Falafel STOP.
(5)Venugopal V.
This place just too good. They have really fresh and soft pita breads. I've ordered both Flafel plate as well as the wrap. Both are awesome. The tahini sauce, salad and the crunchy falafel really adds to the taste. If you like to add some spice, they can add spicy pickles too. The vegetarian and non-vegetarian sections are different. You just need to take the ticket from the counter and order what kind of salad etc., do you need from outside (just like ordering at Subway). Since i'm a vegetarian i could comment only on that section. But i heard non-vegetarian section is more sophisticated than just a ticket and order :) Do not get deceived by the place. The parking is limited and can get filled really fast. So you should either get early like around 11:30 am or late like 1 pm.
(5)Jay R.
Good food! Nice people and good service. Tried the chicken shawerma pita wrap and was very tasty. A bit pricey but worthit. Will try the Falafel next time.
(4)Nicholas R.
They now have a grill for israeli kebabs, Israeli schnitzel, shawerma, and marinated chicken. Super delicious, super filling. Grass-fed beef for the kebab. This is a must-try, and it will hook you!!!!!
(5)Will S.
Just had a falafel sandwich here. The sandwich was ok. not as crispy as I like. the balls at the bottom were kind of mushy with the bread, which is more spongy than I would expect. So it's missing the toothiness of the pita of which I am accustomed to, as well as the crispiness of the ball. I thought - great - a place to get falafel and not smell like it! And so much closer than "falafel drive-in"! (I will continue dealing with the commute to Falafel Drive-in) But you have to go inside to order and that is where they tag you as a 'person who had falafel for lunch' After you order and pay(exactly $6 after tax!) you take your ticket to the outside window and give it to the lady where she make your sandwich. She was busy frying up falafel when I got to the window, so I put my ticket next to her other ticket and sat at the picnic bench right by the window and patiently waited for her to finish making falafel. So she finishes up her frying duties and makes a sandwich for the person in front of me. Then, the guy who ordered after me walks past me right up to the window and gives her his ticket and tells her how he likes it. Here's her opportunity to tell him to get in line, but she just ignores my ticket and makes his sandwich and he walks over to a table.. She makes one for his lady friend, who wasn't sure if she should take it or not since she doesn't seem like the type who is excited enough about her falafel to line jump. The making-them lady indicates to her that it was indeed made for her, and I nod in agreement. ("Now go tell your friend what an ass he just made of himself", I think) So the falafel was ok, but what happened there with the line situation wrong mostly because they rely on customers to give the ticket to the making it lady. I shouldn't have to defend my place in their pickup line against other customers more than once. Also, they have this weird thing where they give out free falafel ball samples while you wait in line. Yeah, I'm already here for falafel, since that's all you serve. This ain't a mall food court or costco. I didn't come here for free samples. Just make the sandwiches and give them out in the order that folks show up and order them.
(3)Anisha C.
After my summer in Israel a few years ago, I've been searching long and hard for Israeli-style falafels in the Bay Area. SO glad to have finally found it! Lots of herbs and veggies stuffed into fresh, soft pita with delicious falafel--doesn't feel like you're eating fried food at all :) Great find!
(4)Joel R.
A 10 by my falafel standards. The freshly baked pita makes the package though. The waiting can take a while but well worth it. Outdoor seating is a plus and very energetic atmosphere. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Dorothy Lou B.
This was incredible. Best service in town from the helpful parking attendant to the owner - everyone who works here was an absolute delight to do business with and the food was sublime. Fresh, tasty and filling - I will certainly go back next time I am in that part of town. Love, love, love, love it!
(5)Nicolas H.
Really great falafel. Generous amount of crispy falafel as well as sauce and veggies. The pita was nice and fresh as well. I'd recommend asking for a plate though as its messy and all they offer up is a piece of paper. The line was really long so be prepared to wait during peak hours. The ordering/pickup situation they got going on is absurd, but whatever...
(4)Steven F.
I first read about this place opening in the paper a while back. I remember two things about the article(s) which have been stuck in my mind since then and have influenced me from trying it out. The positive part of what I read was how the owner brought over the yeast starter from Israel, making the pita bread unique. The negative thing I read was how he raised the rent of the Hispanic tenant who had a produce and flower stand there so he could move his restaurant in. Anyway, my Wife and I were in the mood for a hamburger, but decided to try Falafel Stop instead, thinking that it would be healthier food to eat. We live near by and always see a lot of people eating there, so it must be good. I ordered the Angus beef kabob pita and my Wife ordered the Falafel pita. In order to get the grilled meat entrees you go to a different part of the restaurant and tell the server what condiments you would like. The falafel dishes are around the corner from the cashier which requires standing in another line for the pick up window. They don't call your name or number out. If they did, you would need a loudspeaker or number display system because the place is so loud. You would have a hard time carrying on a conversation there. My pita finally was ready to assemble and the server asked me what I wanted assembled in the pita. I left it up to him and received a small sampling of the garnishes they offered, which even included french fries. The pita was tasty but lacking the more traditional ingredients I am used to like chunks of Romaine lettuce, red onions, cucumbers and a yogurt sauce. The added ingredients were kind of like relishes and the Angus beef kabob was actually seasoned hamburger. The meat was very good, well seasoned and perfectly cooked. It kind of extinguished my hamburger craving but left me with a disappointment of not having real kabob meat. And lets talk about the pita bread, which was not what I was expecting or used to. The bread was very doughy and bland with a soft texture, which made the pita sandwich a bit heavy. The dish had subtle flavors but not satisfying my taste buds or stomach. Think of a very thin hamburger bun cut in the center. I think that the fare here has some German influence, especially since they serve what they call an Israeli schnitzel and creme Bavaria. Bottom line, this is not your traditional middle eastern fare and I don't think that is what they are trying to be, just in case you have your mind set for a more traditional menu. I may go back again, but not for a while since it is not at the top of my list for good food. I would go back if they introduced an actual hamburger sandwich made from the so called Angus kabob meat!
(2)Addie L.
You can tell this is the real deal, it was very busy and it's late lunch (2PM). General rule I have, if you see lot of Chinese at a dim sum restaurant, hear Spanish at Mexican restaurant, etc.... you hit the right place, same can be said here. The falafels are fantastic, fresh veggies, perfect blend of spices, not too overwhelming nor salty. Great deal for the money you pay. Can't imagine how the place would be during peak hours, my friend says that it's packed!
(5)Sam L.
A bit pricy for what you get. Understand that the Pita bread is fresh, but that does not justify $8 gyro. Well, I tried one, but I am not sure whether I will return.
(3)Rebecca C.
I had wanted to try this place for a while since it is literally right around the corner from where I live, and when I finally did, I couldn't believe I had waited so long to try it! The menu is simple but every thing that I have had here tastes extremely fresh and the flavors are wonderful. I've had the Israeli salad, sabich, hummus, falafel, and Greek salad. I'm not a huge falafel fan but of the falafel I've had, this was the best. My favorites are the Israeli salad and sabich (eggplant sandwich). The pita is phenomenal - warm, fluffy, and chewy. Order at the cash register inside, then take your receipt directly around the outside corner window and give to the cook who will only then make your meal, after you give them your receipt. Large portions, fresh and wonderful flavors, and reasonable prices (about $7 per plate) make this place a definite staple on my list of places to get some awesome food. I'm so lucky that it's only a 5-minute walk from my house!
(5)Sonny K.
There aren't many Israeli shops in the Bay Area, but if you are in the area, you MUST try out Falafel STOP. The food is amazing! They bake their own pitas, so they are very fresh and chewy. The falafel not dry and not overcooked; Its just right. They also give you the option to choose how spicy you want your wrap. A++++
(5)Jana C.
4.3 stars $6 cash even gives one a fulfilling, rather healthy-enough stuff-thy-face-worthy falafel. Fresh, fresh pita with this wicked tahini- based hummus...veggies are packed in there, and plenty of garbanzo-balls!!!! My only comment there: exterior of the falafels were not golden or crunchy enough. Could have been bit crisper on exterior. Nice flavor inside, and mine came with at least 6 inside. Great stop for food. Lucky Fremont HS students!!
(5)Taran S.
Its busy but food is always fresh and delicious. Pita bread is best I have had.
(5)Christina P.
The food here is great. The only thing is I didn't realize they had two separate sections. One for vegetarian and the other side was for meats. The service is great and the people were nice. There's alot of parking space. And the falafel balls are bomb.
(5)Chad S.
Vying for the best falafel in the south bay... a serious contender and probably the front runner! Everything I have had here is fresh and delicious. Really nothing to complain about. Yet to try any of the meat selections b/c every time I go there I cannot skip the hummus plate, the falafels, etc This place is great.
(5)Nikhil K.
Best falafel you can get in Bay Area. A paradise for veggie lovers. I go here at least twice a month.
(5)Liat Z.
The pita RULES. Anything you'd stuff in it, will taste like heaven. This is how pitas are supposed to be - plump and soft. The sabich was to die for! Even after a day in the refrigerator - it was most yummy (though I recommend you eat it right away). The sauces are excellent. The weak spot is the falafel - small, pale, flavorless and dry falafel balls. I was very disappointed. The place should be called Sabich STOP. I will come back for sabich only.
(3)Gil B.
I've been coming here for months and it never disappoints! The falafel balls are crispy on the outside but soft on the inside, just as they should be. Also, the pita bread doesn't fall apart like most other places. Just a warning: if you don't like spicy food make sure to ask for no hot sauce. I made the mistake of not saying anything once and it was a lot spicier than I expected. Overall, this place is awesome and well worth the price!
(5)E. B.
Love this place! It's been a great addition to our local eatery options. Jonathan and his team are friendly, helpful and make an excellent falafel at a fair price. The falafel balls themselves are golden nuggets of crunchy deliciousness. The pita's are outstanding, fluffy but hold up well to the fillings. For the uninitiated, have a falafel the first time here, but for a great change of pace I highly recommend the sabich.
(5)Allan D.
Eaten here twice. Both times were great. Menu is simple and simply great. The pitas are like clouds stuffed with healthy goodies. The eggplant was very unusual for me. I loved it. The falafels were very tasty. The location could be better. This place is so good that it will run into limitations of parking and speed of making the food. It will be a franchise someday I am sure. They are thinking of adding Gyros I am told. That will cause a traffic jam it will be so popular.
(5)Cindy C.
finally, real pita pockets in the Bay Area!!! They import the dough from Israel frozen, and have a custom made pita-baking oven, which do the job and produce fluffy, soft, fresh pita-pockets. The service is great, driven by the super nice owners. The falafel and salads are authentically Israeli, and the ambience is just what the name suggests -- a falafel stop, nothing pretentious, and perfectly priced for a stop of falafel (similarly, a humus plate, or a sabich). And they also brought malt beer from Israel, what more can you ask for?? We order from them lunch at work for 20 people every other week, and everybody lovvvvvves it.
(5)John B.
Just tried this place last night. Had no idea what was going on so was a little disoriented at the start. When I arrived, it was about 6:30pm and was busy with several families seated on their outdoor benches. I got in line to order only to find out that i was in the pickup line. Orders are taken inside. Once inside, the nice lady explained to me what was available, and so I asked her if i could have a falafel with chicken. This is when I found out it was a veggy place. I would have walked, but had no plan B in mind, so I just ordered the basic falafel, $6. I had low expectations because the listed ingredients were items i dont like to eat. But when i finally bit into my food, I was surprised to find out it was delicious. So i found something veggy I like to eat. I docked one star for the ordering system and the fact I did not get a CC receipt after my transaction. But that wont stop me from coming back.
(4)Diane S.
i have been to many falafel places for the last 32 years in this area. I always thought that the falafel drive-in was the best. It just went down a notch. this is the number one place around. too bad that do not sell only diet cola. Light lemonade would be great.
(5)Michal R.
so yesterdays I figure outs I was cravings some stuffs but not sure what this was not like the sanddwhiiches from the subways jersey mikes like not the meats like not the wraps from the mexico I can find chipotles cupertino but more you know patties more likes the beans you know still like the burgers likes the in nd outas but you know not like cows or the farms the animals no the animals thaz stinks its like the beans from you know the parts of the worlds in the easts the middles the easts so i drive along the roads sunnyvales the stop signs si I stop the cars because I think stop signs but no I remember what I want all thiz times FALLAFEALS wow so I make the turns insides the peoples they honk I go I order I say give me plates with the balls made the beans they say pockets more better taste so I say give me this one no spicy bothers the insides you know the tubes the tubes that go to the stomachs makes the aches sooo bad so then I wait for the orders but its no coming and then I finds out the peoples they hands the printed papers you know to the guys making the foods so I hand then my papers and they makes pretty tasteyy when i try I like the sauce tastes goof like my daddies makes back in the middles of the eaststs yum so I leave hard to turn car onto busy road but delicious thanks you
(5)Vijay D.
I had their falafel sandwich. It was one of the best falafel sandwiches that I had in bay area. The falafel was simply delicious and of perfect size and spice level. But only complaint was the wait time. They do everything to keep the line moving fast, but still it took about 40 minutes for my sandwich. Also, remember to pay and order inside before waiting in the queue (its a little confusing).
(4)Patty T.
i love this place. the best pita, the best service, and the best price. i try to make it here once a week.
(5)Cindy L.
The freshness of this place is amazing. And no, I'm not talking attitude. All of the food is fresh! The falafels are prepared on the spot, fried right before putting it all together making them really crispy...and the pitas are freshly baked. They are hand assembled, in front of you! Which makes the best time to eat this falafel is right away! Now....the process of getting to this goodness a little different. So, to save yourself the trouble, here's what you have to do. Go inside to order. Once you place your order, you have to go back outside and wait to give your ticket to the pick up window. After that....you just have to wait til they assemble your food. The lines can get really long, so I'd recommend going at an off peak time or about an hour before the usual meal times.
(4)Eric W.
The pita bread is the highlight here, warm, soft and chewy. The hummus and falafel is good but I didn't care for the chopped cabbage salad which had viginager type of dressing serve with chop pickle. You order inside and pickup outside. Make sure you are in the right line. Plenty of picnic style table to sit. Came on weekday like 5pm, no line, no wait.
(3)Sharra C.
The name should really be 'STOP (for amazing) Falafel'! Ok, that would be a little long-winded, but you get the point, yes?! (+) The falafel is FRESH and it's pretty much made while you're waiting. The chickpeas inside of the falafel are yellow (per my mother and aunt who were both born in Israel, this is how falafel SHOULD be). (+) The pita bread is fresh baked and made in-house, so it's served WARM and does NOT break apart while you indulge. Mmmmmmm (happy dance)! (+) you pick what you want inside and it's 'made-to-order' (-) being THIS good, there was a little bit of a wait but it wasn't brutal. However, it was a Saturday. I could only guess how busy this gem is around lunch time during the work week! (+) The pita is packed FULL of yummy goodness... the tahini is AMAZING, the parsley is aromatic; the tomatoes, cucumbers and pickles (YES! Pickles) add a lot fresh flavor. There's sauce and flavor in every bite and I believe it's layered within the pita... I ordered mine SPICY and although it was more 'warm' than hot, it was delish all the same! Pros - fresh, filling, bursting with flavor! There's also have a 1/3 size falafel for the kids or those with smaller appetites Cons - I could only imagine how busy this place is M-F and, parking is limited. Seating inside is limited but there are several 'family style' tables outside. Overall - My absolute FAVE falafel! I am bringing my department here Friday to get a taste!
(5)exploradare G.
Falafel, kabob, hummus -- all YUM! The menu is a bit confusing at first. The seating is not the most comfortable. It was a bit chilly, and they could have turned on the heat fans earlier.
(4)Happy P.
Best place to get Falafel in Silicon valley. We ordered Falafel plate and falafel wrap and it was worth the money ($14 for both). The portion was also very good. Usually most of the middle eastern restaurants serve falafel which is very hard. The falafel here was crispy on the outer side and soft on the inside. Cant comment on meat food as I am a vegetarian. Best time to go is during sunset where you can sit outside and have a nice meal.
(5)Grace L.
The pita bread was really good and fluffy and it's probably the best and only thing that would make it stand out from other falafel places. I got the sabich, which has eggplant, which I love, but the slices were so thin and they only put in a few pieces, if I didn't know beforehand there was eggplant I wouldn't have noticed it. Veggies are veggies, you can't mess it up unless it's not fresh. The egg in my sabich was a nice touch and was probably the second best thing about my meal. The falafels were great--not the best I've ever had, but quite enjoyable. They really stuff their pitas and I can never finish it in one sitting. [EDIT] They added in heat lamps for the cold weather! Along with the tent shelter thing, there's no problem eating here when it's cold out.
(4)Rocker K.
They only serve Falafel and salads here. Everything is made in front of you. Despite the long line outside, you order inside the place. Then you wait outside in line to have your food made in front of you. They ask you if you'd like hot sauce on your dish or not. Since I love spicy food, I got the hot sauce of course! It's not that hot BTW. At least not to me. Anyways, I got the Falafel plate there the other day for around seven or eight dollars. It was just OK. It came with lots of Falafel balls and a variety of fresh vegetables. There was some kind of salad in the mix that tasted like a Middle Eastern version of cole slaw. It wasn't really creamy. It had a vinegar base to it which I liked. The only thing that could've been a little better was the Falafel. It was a little on the mushy side inside to where it was slightly undercooked. Also, it would have tasted better with a little more seasoning in it. However, it was good mixed with the salad and the hot sauce. There is plenty of seating outside. Parking might be hard to find at peak hours as the parking lot is small.
(3)Neha D.
The staff members were really friendly with the exception of the lady in the cashier position who seemed very annoyed at the sight of customers. The food there was excellent and simply delicious. I can see why this place has a near perfect rating!
(5)Linda L.
Came here at 3pm on a Sunday and there were still people going in and out. Thankfully not packed because I was starving - very grateful for the fast service. Small shack-like location, you order inside and you sit outside on benches in a covered patio (can be a little bit chilly). Not a Mediterranean food expert, so my review is strictly based on the palate experience :) We got the... Hummus plate: plate of hummus topped with chickpeas, oil, seasoning, (supposedly herb lemon and garlic sauce), pickles, and sauerkraut. Couldn't quite taste the seasoning, it's very mild, but the hummus is smooth and tasty. I mixed everything together, plus mixed in the hot sauce as well. Portion was good, food didn't feel heavy. Way too many chickpeas on top for my preference though. Falafel plate: the falafel themselves are fantastic. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The plate was supposed to come with chopped salad & tahini, but ours just felt like a lot of pickles and sauerkraut. Ended up leaving a lot of it because it was too sour. The pita bread though, is SO GOOD. Love the texture and how soft/chewy it is. My favorite by far. Will be back just for that.
(4)Mansi C.
Honestly the best falafels I have ever had. The falafels are soft and moist and melt in your mouth. The pita bread is soft, warm and the perfect size for the overflowing veggies inside. I love how they put veggies such as pickles, onion and tomato and it all tastes so fresh and I like how they give you the option to have it spicy. I really like the hummus plate and the falafel wrap, the eggplant wrap (I forget what it's called) is also pretty good if you like egg. The food is always fresh here and made in front of you. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because I wish they had indoor seating because their current outdoor seating arrangement isn't the most convenient. Ordering can also be confusing because you have to stand it two different lines and one is indoors and one is outside. But overall, this is my go-to place for falafels.
(4)Mansi P.
Hmm, not sure what the hype is here! I've been going to Falafel Drive in for my entire live here in San Jose and people kept saying this place is even better. I don't agree and neither does my husband. It's not bad food, but nothing special. i think good falafel is so much about the sauces and bhajya...and the sauces are just ok. I pass by it frequently and never feel like going back. Maybe we will give it another shot some day.
(3)Sanket K.
The Sabbich is also excellent (has pieces of fried eggplant and hard boiled eggs instead of falafel balls). It's hard to choose which one I like better but I think that's a good problem to have. :) This is a weekly spot for me now going forward.
(5)A G.
Pros: Their falafel and pitas are a must try. The freshness and taste is the best in the area. Cons: The lines can be long and parking is tough. Their multiple restaurant, line and pickup system is confusing and it is unclear what to do without asking someone. Their staff isn't always the most attentive or friendly.
(3)V C.
Consistently great shavermas. A little pricey for what you get but the crowds show that people don't care too much. Logistically quite a nightmare - menu, ordering queue, pickup for shavermas, pickup for falafels are all in different spots. Perhaps this is to make you feel like you're in a typical shaverma joint somewhere in the middle east. The lines can be long and parking can be a problem so plan for that.
(4)Denise A.
This place is so yummy! The chicken breast, falafel's, pita bread, hummus, sauces, etc. all very delicious! Falafel stop is so close to me and I can't believe I am just now finally trying it. One of my new favorite spots for sure! ;)
(5)Nick T.
That was a damn great falafel sandwich! Fresh crisp falafels, and lots of veggies. Perfection in a pita. Yum!
(5)Cam P.
I love this place! It's right by where I work. You can be in and out really quickly. Everything is fresh and tasty. I always ordered the Grilled Chicken Plate without Fried. I can eat this all the time without since it has a great combination of veggies, meat and carbohydrates. The only thing is that the set up of the place is funny. If you want meat plate then you have to go to the other side of the register to pick up your order. Other than that, the people who work there are very friendly and fast.
(4)Bridget C.
Delicious- highly recommend the falafel plate
(4)Diane W.
The best falafel sandwich I've ever had. They even bake there pita bread fresh daily. The service is great and you get to watch them build your sandwich. I recommend the spicy version with a little hummus added to it. It's a bit messy but worth it. I just use a ton of napkins.
(5)Vladimir P.
This was the most unreal experience I have had for a long time. Looking at the place on Yelp... Hmmm 4.5 starts... Let's drive by it to have a look... Tiny, hole in a wall place... Wow, that's an incredibly long line to wait for a falafel... Haha, the guy cashing for the falafel is really funny... a real character... O wow, we just got a fresh sample of falafel balls, VERY yummy... Yes, waiting a little bit more... Eating... OMG, the BEST tasting Falafel !!! Fresh, vibrant, home-made pita... Heaven... Let's finish with a haiku: Small falafel place, Fresh and home-made honest food, Explosion of taste
(5)Ben L.
Delicious. Had the grilled chicken w/ lots of sides and it was great. The pita in particular was really good. Has a somewhat strange ordering system but the food makes it worth it. Highly recommended.
(5)Richa S.
Someone knows how to make falafels! Soft, crunchy light. Not dense. Not heavy. The wrap is perfect. Good bread, flavorsome filling fresh ingredients and excellent sauces! Busy over lunch time but the service is speedy. And a sample falafel on the counter as you order!! Love it!
(5)Joe A.
I come here often and I am usually impressed. However, the quality and service has recently dropped
(3)Gary J.
A clear step apart from the normal. The pita bread is freshly baked, the Falafel is crispy and not stuffed with parsley filler. The vegetables are fresh and crisp. I believe the other Falafel places have just had the bar raised and there is a new cowboy in town. Very good There is some work needed on crowd control. They are so good and crowded that it is awkward to move around. You go inside to order, come outside to pick up your order at a window and then struggle to get back inside where it is warm. They'll figure all that out, for now people are willing to stand on their heads to get these delicious morsels of joy.
(4)Esti S.
First time with a friend, she loved her Falafel, for her it was prefect!! So I need to try it next time. I had sabich which was OK. Pita bread was yummy!!!
(4)Ella T.
I'm not a falafel person, but this place rocks! I tried it once and it was really good, so I've been eating here since then. Super recommended. Best value for money. My kids also love this place.. Yummy. Oh... one last thing, you should try the Cream Bavaria... absolutely amazing! Enjoy !
(5)Ankur G.
Great to have an awesome falafel place in Sunnyvale! The 'falafel plate' is very fresh and tasty. Importantly, it stays great if you plan to to take it to-go!
(4)Dmachop C.
Beat falafel in the town. If you're planning to have falafel in the vicinity, then you ought to give it a visit. More re options for vegans too.
(5)Kelly L.
This place makes the best falafels, perfectly cooked, never brown and crusty, like I had been used to getting everyplace else. The Pita is warm and smells so amazing. And the staff is fast and friendly. Just around the corner from my house and I could eat here every single day!
(5)Mikhail P.
A definite 5/5 stars for Falafel STOP. Whether you are looking for a place to go to lunch or someone to cater for 100+ people, this is your destination. My first run-in with Falafel STOP was when we asked them to cater for our company event 200 people big. With only a days notice and at a reasonable price they pulled through and provided some amazing fresh falafels and assorted fixings making our event a huge success. My second run-in was when I ventured to the shop for some lunch. Once again they did not disappoint. I ordered the falafel plate which came with freshly made falafels and pita bread plus salad, hummus, and a few other sauces. Definitely worth a visit!
(5)Ted K.
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Though the line was long, the staff offered me not one time, not two times, but THREE times a felafel sample (best felafel i've ever had). I Ordered the Hummus plate with kabob. GENIUS MOVE as the grill line is shorter and faster than the felafel line. If you're anywhere near Sunnyvale around lunch GO HERE. Healthy delicious food.
(5)Mama J M.
So good!!! I love the homemade chewy pita, crunchy falafel and addition of pickles. Most falafel pitas have all the falafel on the bottom, then lettuce, then veggies and then topped with sauce. Falafel Stop layers everything so well that every bite has all the good stuff. My only complaint would be the lack of sides. Should come with fries or a side of hummus or something.
(4)Sir T.
FRESH. Everything is so fresh, the pita bread, and esp. the falafel balls.....it made me think all the other places around here serve out days-old balls. Only thing is it feels like it's missing something...spice? Tips: - Try crema bavaria, it's chocolate/vanilla spongy creme pudding that can be topped ith chocolate sauce and seasoned nuts. ($3) - If you like to eat a lot, get the Falafel Plate. For a dollar more, you get your pita bread and a plate of another falafel's worth of salad.
(3)nina m.
Yummy!! As soon I stepped out of my car the smell was so heavenly remind me of the sameFalafel restaurant in israel. The price is great and service is excellent . The pita is so tasty as well and the falafel tasted great all FRESH If you want a taste of israel fast food you must go to Falafel stop
(5)