Falafel Heights

Okay, I want to start with the good by agreeing with several reviews on the superior taste of this spot’s falafel. Super flavorful and great texture. Also great: the chicken shawarma fries (added harissa) and the sauces. The reason I’m giving 4 instead of 5 stars is for value. The falafel plate comes with falafel, choice of sauces, and just one side. I can’t see myself going back here unless something is adjusted, as the salad was nearly flavorless, overly creamy, and a very small portion. (For takeout reference, it didn’t fill even a small 1 cup container.) I know food is expensive and I’m not cheap, but paying $15 for falafel, sauce, and a tiny salad (and zero pieces of flatbread) didn’t feel comparable to this place’s competitors. If you’re super enthusiastic about falafel, this is probably the best in the area. But if you’re looking for a halal/middle eastern meal with an overall great selection, I’d go somewhere else.

Definitely the best falafel I have found in San Diego! Each falafel is traditional size with fresh green ground chickpeas and a perfectly crisped shell. Each sauce I've tried is phenomenal (especially the spicy hummus and harissa!) The meal is perfectly portioned and I even had leftovers for another meal. The fresh mint lemonade is delicious and refreshing. There is a small outdoor seating area

Falafel Heights is in a league of their own. Chef Lialie cooks food from the heart using family recipes and quality ingredients. This spot is new to the block but already feels like a staple. Do yourself a favor and stop in for unbeatable chicken shawarma and falafel wraps, drool-worthy loaded fries, sweet and tart mint lemonade, and a knafe, a regional dessert with phyllo, cheese and simple syrup.

Right, so a falafel “plate” is literally one adult handful of falafel, one measuring cup of tasteless cucumber salad, and three ramekins of dipping sauces? And it’s $15 plus tax and tip? I ordered the plate thinking it’d be falafel over like an actual tasty leafy salad. And take up the space of a normal serving plate. Maybe even a piece of bread? Idk, egregious expectations I guess. Massive rip off. The bowl my friend ordered looked marginally better, but tasted mid af. Both meals really seemed like something you’d get from the prepared foods section at a grocery store, just warmed up and more expensive. So while the actual falafel tasted fine, the volume and format really sucked. Like how much money are you saving by cutting the corner on salad? I left hungry. I’m sure this place is very cool if you’re a transplant or tourist with little exposure to ethnic foods. But idk, I’d recommend just going to an actual Mediterranean restaurant for the price, quality, and volume. Shocked to see how highly rated this place is.

The service was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable as the lady there was the one that was making these amazing dips. The mango one is especially good. The Falafel is very fresh and the insides beam their hearty greens at you when you bite one open. I also got a Falafel wrap as well as I was excited to try the menu. I must say this. It was one of the most fresh and delicious wraps I’ve ever had state side. This place really has that freshness I normally feel I can find only in the Middle East. I am fortunate enough to live close by so this is going to be one of my new daily spots! Also I was allowed to bring my tiny greyhound in while I ordered which is a make or break for me when I’m out picking food up!