Business Details
19 Years
experience
Authentic Falafel Bar in Edinburgh
Established in 2007, El Falafel is Edinburgh's pioneering falafel bar and mixed grill restaurant, renowned for its commitment to authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. We specialise in crafting fresh falafels using a family recipe that ensures a crispy exterior and soft interior, complemented by a diverse selection of natural ingredients and house-made sauces. Our open salad bar concept allows customers to customise meals with 15 fresh salad options and over 10 sauces, reflecting our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. With a mission to maintain excellence in food hygiene through continuous improvement and feedback, we operate a halal-certified, alcohol-free environment that welcomes families and individuals alike.Our environmentally conscious approach extends to charitable initiatives, including subsidised meals for students and food donations. As an award-winning Edinburgh Festival staple, we offer both dine-in and takeaway services, alongside catering and wholesale falafel supply, with franchise opportunities available for those seeking to share our fresh, healthy concept nationwide.
Services
Falafel Wraps
Shawarma
Catering Services
Wholesale Supply
Franchise Opportunities
Open Salad Bar
Takeaway Delivery
Family Dining
Student Meals
Event Catering
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We pioneered Edinburgh's first falafel-only concept with an open salad bar since 2007
- Our family recipe creates uniquely crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside falafels
- Halal-certified alcohol-free establishment serving vegetarian and meat options
- Award-winning catering service providing platters for 15+ people with free accompaniments
- We offer franchise opportunities with two scalable business models for new locations
What people say
Amazing falafel wraps
Friendly staff
Freshly made daily
Great salad bar
Excellent catering service
Services
Falafel Wraps
Our signature falafel wraps feature freshly ground chickpea patties seasoned with aromatic spices, served in warm pita with house-made sauces and salad bar selections. Available in classic, spinach, and chilli varieties, these wraps showcase our commitment to authentic Middle Eastern flavours using locally sourced ingredients. The unique open salad bar concept allows customers to customise their wraps with 15 fresh vegetable options and 10 signature sauces.
Shawarma
Traditional shawarma features marinated meat slow-roasted on vertical spits then thinly sliced into wraps or boxes. Customers can choose between chicken or mixed meat varieties served with salad and sauces. The meat is prepared using secret spice blends passed down through generations, ensuring authentic Middle Eastern taste while maintaining halal certification standards for Edinburgh's diverse community.
Catering Services
We provide vegetarian and meat platters for events serving 15+ guests, including free pitta bread, salad, hummus, and sauces. Vegetarian platters start at 60 while meat options begin at 80, with delivery included within Edinburgh. Our catering team works closely with clients to create custom menus featuring popular items like falafel, shawarma, samosas, and pakoras, ensuring fresh preparation and timely delivery for any occasion.
Open Salad Bar
Our 15-item salad bar lets customers create custom combinations with fresh, locally sourced produce. Features include mixed salad, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red cabbage, spicy onion, gherkins, jalapenos, chilli, garlic, and veg rice. This innovative concept allows complete meal customisation, complementing falafel and shawarma dishes while appealing to health-conscious diners seeking fresh, nutritious options in Edinburgh's busy city centre.
Wholesale Supply
We supply fresh falafel and hummus to businesses across the UK through our next-day delivery service. Minimum orders start at 100 pieces with free delivery on monthly orders of 200+ units. Our wholesale service caters to restaurants, cafes, and food retailers seeking authentic Middle Eastern products made with vegan ingredients, supporting entrepreneurs who want to offer high-quality falafel without in-house production facilities.
Questions
What makes Elfalafel's falafel unique?
Our family recipe creates a distinctive crispy exterior with a soft interior, using fresh chickpeas and aromatic spices ground daily in Edinburgh.
Do you offer catering for large events?
Yes, we provide vegetarian and meat platters starting from £60, serving 15+ people with free delivery within Edinburgh and custom menu options.
Are your ingredients locally sourced?
We prioritise local suppliers for fresh produce while maintaining authentic Middle Eastern spices and preparation methods for genuine flavour profiles.
Can I customise my meal?
Our open salad bar offers 15 fresh options and 10 sauces, allowing complete meal customisation with your choice of falafel, shawarma, or other main dishes.
Do you have franchise opportunities available?
We offer two franchise models - takeaway for high-footfall areas and restaurant concepts for larger venues with seating capacity across the UK.
Is your restaurant halal-certified?
Yes, we're a fully halal-certified, alcohol-free establishment with all meat products meeting strict halal requirements for Edinburgh's diverse community.
