Best Falafel

There are a lot of balls out there, but most don’t deserve a place in your mouth. The crunchy golden balls of fried chickpea and parsley at JERUSALEM BAKERY ALPHARETTA, however, are definitely worthy. Pita bread filled with pickled veggies, shaved onions and spicy sauce tangle with the falafel in a tight burrito-style roll that explodes with classic Middle Eastern flavors. 4150 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-777-0193. www.jerusalem-bakery.com. less...

Although its name has changed and the interior has undergone a much-needed redecoration, ALI’S MEDITERRANEAN is still a one-man operation run by owner Fakhir Ali. Crunchy, earthy and deeply spiced, Ali’s falafel gained a devoted following when the restaurant was formerly known as Sub & Shish Kabob. Cram your pita with the shaped and fried-to-order falafel, lettuce and hummus or baba ghanoush and you will be amazed by just how glorious the seemingly lowly chickpea can be.
2825 E. College Ave., Avondale Estates. 404-297-0029.

less...

Lawrence’s is a cool, dark oasis where, for very reasonable prices and excellent service, you can furnish yourself with a feast. Order the vegetarian maza and a small Greek salad, and you’ll be feeding from a minimum of five plates: salad (with feta and black olives), babba ganoush, hummus, falafel, rice-stuffed grape leaves plus a basket of fresh, warm pita bread. Lawrence’s falafel is crispy, but not over-fried or oily. An order comes with four falafel, draped in yogurt and nicely tempered with lemon juice. less...