L’As du Fallafel is the falafel shop that started it all. Since 1979, this restaurant has attracted crowds on the pedestrian rue des Rosiers, which runs through the capital’s Jewish quarter. The famous pita sandwiches here are stuffed with fried falafel balls, tender eggplant, and hummus. While there is a dining room inside, most people join the line (don’t worry – it moves fast!) and take them to go. The nearby Jardin Joseph Migneret or Square Victor Langlois offer benches where you can sit and enjoy.
Today, the street welcomes several other competing shops, but l’As remains a favorite of locals and Lenny Kravitz. It’s also the only one on the street boasting the kosher oversight of the Beth Din of Paris – and is thus closed Friday evenings and all day Saturday for Shabbat.
- Open Sunday, open Monday, cheap eats, in the Marais, vegetarian friendly, vegan options, kid-friendly, no reservations
34, rue des Rosiers, 75004
Open Sunday-Thursday from 11am-11:30pm; open Friday from 11am-6pm
Closed Saturday
No reservations
OUR PHOTOS OF L’AS DU FALLAFEL
IN OTHER WORDS
Dorie Greenspan (2009) “… the pita is very thick, which is just what it needs to be because what’s tucked into its pocket is heavy, wet and unruly. And so delicious, too…
David Lebovitz (2007) “… you can’t come to Paris and not have a fallafel at L’As du Fallafel. It just isn’t done.”
I did not understand why people were waiting in a line as long as the block for falafel. Seemed silly when the place is surrounded by other restaurants, including those offering similar Mediterranean fare. I went in and sat for a meal. And now I understand! No pretense – no fuss. Just inexpensive, great fresh falafel and related med food in a place with locals, some tourists and lots of young people
I love their falafel! It’s the best. Nothing in the States can compare. Looking forward to my next visit….in March.
Yes, it’s messy. What did you expect?
No, no, no! Maybe something bad happened to L’as du Fallafel between 2009 and 2015. This place has scary food. Before you risk eating there, look at the servers, the crowds, and most of all, the food. There is nothing here that displays any care or regard for creating ambience, and the food looks as sloppy and unappetizing as the wait staff and the restaurant. And the food tastes as bad as it looks.
Most filling meal in Paris for only 5 euros 50. Hands down the best falafel I have ever had.
I dream of L’As du Fallafel when I’m away – all American falafels have suffered from comparison so far. The marinated eggplant just puts it over the top for me. The long lines at the order window are meaningful – and they have it down to such a good system that even the longest line only takes a few minutes of waiting. I’ve found that service inside and out is friendly and efficient. It will be my first meal stop when I hit Paris this fall. Hmmm…think they’re open for breakfast??
Just had my first one of these last week and it was as delicious as everyone says. The flavors of the “original” meld together so perfectly and we voted this our best meal of a week in Paris! I don’t just love standing while eating something messy, so we were happy to sit inside and it was just as much of an authentic experience as standing around with the masses in the street.