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Londonderry

Europe

United Kingdom

Nestled in the heart of London at Unit 5, Queen's Head Passage, Pilpel offers a vibrant escape into authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with a focus on vegetarian delights. This bustling restaurant is renowned for its mouthwatering falafel, fresh salads, and warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a culinary journey to Israel. Whether you're a local craving a quick, satisfying lunch or a traveler seeking an authentic taste of Middle Eastern flavors, Pilpel promises an experience that delights all senses.

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Food was just the definition of awesome and delicious the service was so nice as I was immediately noticed and got my order taken instantly. Its busy location makes it an awesome to hang out. They even gave a free falafel!

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"At the age of 29 years old I had a vision, maybe the only thing that will give gramps peace of mind, is that I keep the falafel coming...Pilpel was born." I like this quote and to me it really encompasses what this place is all about: a great falafel experience! In fact, Israeli store owner Uri Dinay, who opened the store in honor of his grand father, has done a fantastic job with this (second) store in London.

I have been here now twice and both times I really loved it. First time around I had the pita bread stuffed to the brim with delicious falafels, tabouleh, chickpeas and other goodies. The second time around I went for the salad box filled with all the same stuff, just with the pita bread on the side. Both were delicious: I'd recommend the former one for the smaller appetite and the latter one for the bigger appetite.

In any case, try to come early, as the lunch crowd can be quite ferocious!

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Absolutely the best falafel, best pitta and best aubergine I've ever had. There was a lengthy queue outside as the nearby offices were on lunch but it moved fast and it was *so* worth it.

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A bright, sunny summer day in London means we have to get outside for lunch. My dining companion had a hot tip on newly opened Pilpel and toward St Paul's we headed. Inside we were greeted by friendly staffers and loads of chick pea options (plus free falafel samples!) I got a houmous & falafel and added guacamole and hot sauce. 

I was particularly impressed with the assembly of this sandwich. Its preparer took great care to ensure even distribution of veggies, falafel, humous, guacamole and tahini. 

We took our stuffed pitas to a nearby park bench and dove in (note to self: next time bring a handful of napkins.) They were hugely satisfying and great value at about £5.

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I don't like falafel. Or so I thought! I've always found it far too dry and tasteless. Then I found Pilpel.

I wasn't convinced at first. I popped in for dinner before beers at The Dovetail to see off a departing colleague. This was one of his favourite lunch stops during his time in London so it seemed a fitting stop for a quick bite.

I wasn't too hungry but figured eating before The Dovetail was a good idea so I shared a salad with JB. While we were waiting the kind gent behind the counter gave us each a small, warm, freshly made falafel. One bite and I was sold. It was moist and bursting with flavour. These were some sexy chickpeas!

Amongst the usual suspects the salad also included loads of both red and white cabbage, whole green pickled chillis (I LOVE these!), tahini and chilli sauce. And 6 delicious fresh falafel.

Your man behind the counter even came over and gave us some complimentary baklava (he must have sensed it was an important occasion with Guenther leaving us).

If, like me, you don't like falafel and think it's dry, bland rabbit food, just give Pilpel a go, they might just change your mind - they've changed mine!

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The 4th star is for the founder and for spending the money to print his story and reason for opening Pilpel on the menus. I love family and I love stories. AND for the gentleman passing out falafel to those of us waiting in line. I also love freebies!!!!!!!

For £5.65, I was given a significant portion of food. I went with the falafel platter for my 1st visit today. Honestly, i could not finish it. (which is very unusual for me) A+ on portion and value for the £.

Taste..the falafel is good. And the platters comes with 6 pieces! I tried a litte of every salad. While my food was good, it wasn't great. And when I reflected on what was left in my dish, i realized it was more than half the items (maybe a lot of pickling and mint overload? carrots, red cabbage, white vegetable, tabouleh, and the wheat bread).

As for the line, don't be scared it's out the door. it moves very fast.

Would I go back? Yes. Is it a ton of food for the value - Absolutely. Was it super awesome to me that I'm still thinking about my meal - not so much.

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ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Walked out of a final exam today and was starving! Walked around the Bank area, passing so many places a long the way, none of them catching my interest. It was when i decided to turn down a small alley off of the piazza, I smelled an old familiar smell.

My experience at Pilpel was just amazing. I haven't had such an amazing falafel pita since being in Israel!...ok, that one place in Istanbul was also friggin amazing.

Anyway, I was blown away by how cheap it was for such a central area in London. The line was out the door (took that as a good sign) but it went by quickly and an employee was going down the line giving out sample falafels for all those waiting. He ran out a couple of people before me but I wasn't too upset, the smell kept me motivated.  The staff was friendly and even at such a busy lunch time rush (13:30 on a Tuesday), the woman making my sandwich stopped to answer questions.

I got the Mediterranean pita (comes with aubergine) and then loaded it will ALL the salads. Thats right, ALL of the salads are included! Amazing. Almost 5 hours later and I'm still thinking about it. 

GO GO GO GO!  I'll be back for sure.

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Best falafel in London (in my extremely limited experience of like 5 places), but Israeli falafel is the best so....?

Owner is a sweet bro!

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This restaurant not only is vegetarian but it also comes up with innovative flavours within each falafel you try. I went for a usual lunch time meal and "dear Lord" how good that was!!!

Simply yumm and they give you brown pita if you like to be a health freak (like me).

A place that I certainly recommend and will be returning soon.

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It's midday, my caffeine breakfast has speed up my metabolism and left me hank marvin (rhyming slang, say it again, get it now? No? Never mind.) The caffeine left me starving, so we heading in the St Paul's direction down a small side road to be met at the door of Pilel by a tray of falafel being handed out. A sneaky way to wet out appetites - cleaver!

Thankfully my lunch buddy had been before as I had no idea how it would but I knew I wanted the salad option rather than the stuffed pitta. It's not that it's complicated to order, I was simply overwhelmed by the spread of leaves, vegetables, condiments and breads. The colours were glorious and everything looked very fresh.

The portions are so generous that I could finish mine, but I wasn't about to waste it so I asked one of the very friendly members of staff for a take-away bag, and he was more than happy to help.

We all left feeling rather sleeping having consumed our own weights in falafel. Great discover and very reasonable at under £5.00 for a large lunchtime meal. Just don't expect to get any work done in the afternoon as you too may go into nap mode.

Pilpel London: Top Israeli Falafel & Middle Eastern Vegetarian Cuisine Near St. Paul's

Embark on a flavorful journey at Pilpel, a vibrant Middle Eastern and vegetarian restaurant in the heart of London. Renowned for its authentic falafel and innovative salads, this spot is a haven for food lovers seeking a wholesome, delicious experience. Whether you're craving a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, Pilpel's menu is crafted to satisfy every palate.

Begin your meal with freshly prepared salads and flavorful dips that set the tone for the rest of your dining experience.

Dive into a selection of falafel platters, stuffed pita sandwiches, and fresh salads that showcase the authentic flavors of the Middle East. The falafel here is renowned for its moistness and bursting flavor, served with a variety of side salads and condiments.

Conclude your meal with traditional Middle Eastern desserts or sweet treats that perfectly complement the savory dishes.

Refresh yourself with a selection of traditional Middle Eastern beverages, smoothies, and soft drinks that pair perfectly with your meal.

Discover our daily specials and seasonal offerings that provide a unique twist on Middle Eastern classics.

Discover Pilpel in London's historic Queen's Head Passage for vibrant, authentic Middle Eastern flavors. An unmissable culinary experience awaits—book now!

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