Casa De Falafel

Casa De Falafel is one of those rare Arizona restaurants that manages to feel both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly original. It is a place where fresh ingredients, family recipes, and years of hard work come together to create food that feels comforting, vibrant, and unmistakably homemade. What began in a small gas station in Peoria in 2016 has grown into one of the most beloved Middle Eastern restaurants in the Valley, and the story behind its rise is every bit as charming as the food itself.

This is not fast-casual Mediterranean food. This is handcrafted, scratch-made cooking grounded in generations of family tradition. Every sauce, every plate, every wrap, every bowl, every pastry is prepared fresh daily. Nothing comes from a freezer bag. Nothing is outsourced. Nothing is rushed. It is a kitchen where flavor comes first and where the heart behind the food is just as important as the ingredients.

And then there are the falafel rings. They are the signature item that helped put Casa De Falafel on the culinary map, and they represent everything this restaurant stands for. Creative. Thoughtful. Made with care. Impossible to forget. These rings are not the dense falafel balls you see elsewhere. They are shaped in custom molds developed by the restaurant, fried to golden perfection, and known for being light, crispy, and full of bright herb flavor. They became such a sensation that Yelp ranked them number two among the best falafel dishes in the entire United States.

But the falafel rings are only one piece of what makes Casa De Falafel special. The plates, pitas, wraps, bowls, lentil soup, shawarma, and baklava have earned just as much loyalty over the years. This is a restaurant where the menu is honest, generous, and overflowing with flavor. Whether you are new to Middle Eastern cuisine or you grew up with it, Casa De Falafel offers something that feels both familiar and exceptional.

Below is the full breakdown of what makes this place one of Arizona’s true culinary gems.

The Story Behind Casa De Falafel

Every great restaurant has a beginning, and the origins of Casa De Falafel are a testament to resilience and passion. When the family first opened their business in 2016, they operated inside a small gas station space in Peoria. It was modest. It was tiny. It was not the kind of place most people would expect to find remarkable food.

But greatness does not always come from grand settings. Sometimes it comes from people who believe deeply in their craft.

From day one, the owners made everything from scratch. They came in early, prepped fresh vegetables, mixed falafel batter by hand, cooked pots of lentil soup, and marinated shawarma using spices passed down through generations. What the space lacked in size, the kitchen made up for in soul.

Customers began to notice. One meal turned into another. People brought friends. People returned again and again. The restaurant earned a loyal community not because it was trendy or flashy, but because the food tasted like something that mattered. Something homemade. Something inspired.

That gas station location eventually became too small. The menu grew. The customer base grew. The reputation grew. Eventually Casa De Falafel moved to Glendale, where it now serves guests from all across the Valley. The original spirit remains unchanged. The food is still scratch-made. The falafel is still hand-formed. The lentil soup is still cooked daily. The family is still at the center of everything.

This is a restaurant built not on hype, but on consistency and heart.

The Falafel Rings: A Signature Dish Unlike Any Other

Falafel is one of the most iconic foods in Middle Eastern cooking. It can be simple or sophisticated, depending on the technique, the ingredients, and the execution. Casa De Falafel took this traditional dish and reinvented it in a way that no one else in the Valley has.

Their falafel rings are crafted using custom molds they designed themselves. This shape allows the falafel to cook evenly, crisp beautifully, and maintain a light interior. Most falafel balls are dense. These rings are airy. Most falafel balls are dark and heavy. These rings are golden and delicate. They shatter gently when you bite into them, revealing a bright, green, herb-filled center that tastes fresh and fragrant.

This innovation is part creativity, part culinary precision. By altering the shape, Casa De Falafel changed the entire texture profile of the dish. The increased surface area means more crispiness. The thinner interior means lighter bites. The circular shape makes them visually striking and perfect for dipping.

They became the unofficial mascot of the restaurant. They earned national recognition. They earned the Yelp ranking that made people across the country curious. And yet, for all the attention, the falafel rings remain grounded in the same homemade recipe the family perfected long before the restaurant became famous.

These rings symbolize everything Casa De Falafel does well. They respect tradition while embracing creativity. They honor heritage while introducing something new. They represent a willingness to do things the right way, even if it takes more time and more effort.

No visit is complete without them.

Plates, Pitas, Wraps, and Bowls: Build Your Middle Eastern Feast

Customization is a major part of what makes Casa De Falafel approachable for every kind of diner. The plates, pitas, wraps, and bowls allow you to build your meal your way, whether you want something hearty, something plant-based, something light, or something loaded with every topping available.

Plates

The plates are the most generous and complete option. They usually include your choice of protein, fresh vegetables, rice or fries, falafel rings, sauces, and warm pita. They offer the full experience in one dish. Each plate feels balanced and thoughtfully arranged. The vegetables are crisp. The proteins are seasoned. The sauces tie everything together.

Pitas

For something handheld, the pitas are ideal. They are soft, warm, and filled with your chosen protein, toppings, and sauces. The pita absorbs the juices and sauces without falling apart. It is the perfect on-the-go option.

Wraps

The wraps offer a slightly different structure. Tightly rolled and packed with flavor, they create layers of texture in every bite. They hold up well and make for a filling lunch without being too heavy.

Bowls

The bowls are customizable in a way that appeals to both lighter eaters and those craving something hearty. Rice bowls, salad bowls, and mixed bowls give you plenty of flexibility. You can load up on vegetables, add extra falafel, or choose a double portion of shawarma. Everything remains vibrant, fresh, and flavorful.

This flexibility is part of why Casa De Falafel appeals to such a wide range of diners. Vegans can build full meals easily. Shawarma fans can get exactly what they want. Families can order dishes that suit everyone. The menu never feels restrictive. It feels abundant.

Lentil Soup: The Liquid Gold That Regulars Swear By

Casa De Falafel’s lentil soup has a near cult following. Often described as liquid gold, this soup is silky, comforting, and incredibly flavorful. It is vegan, but even people who do not typically enjoy vegan dishes rave about it.

What makes it so special is its balance. Lentil soup can often be too thick or too thin, too bland or overly seasoned. Casa De Falafel strikes the perfect middle ground. The texture is smooth without being heavy. The seasoning is warm and aromatic. The flavor is bright enough to taste fresh but deep enough to feel like something that has been simmering for hours.

It is the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out. It is ideal on a cold day, but it tastes just as good in the Arizona heat. It is one of those menu items that regulars order every single visit. Some people pick it up as takeout just to bring home for later. The consistency is remarkable. Every cup tastes as good as the last.

Lentil soup is a cornerstone of Middle Eastern home cooking, and Casa De Falafel honors that tradition beautifully.

Beef Shawarma and Chicken Shawarma: Tender, Flavorful, and Made With Care

Shawarma is one of the defining components of Middle Eastern cuisine. It requires precision, patience, and a deep understanding of spices. At Casa De Falafel, the shawarma is prepared with the same care and respect that defines the rest of the menu.

Chicken Shawarma

The chicken is marinated until the spices penetrate deeply into the meat. It is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. When cooked, it develops a beautiful caramelization that adds depth and complexity. The seasoning blend is aromatic without being overly intense. It pairs perfectly with garlic sauce, tahini, vegetables, and warm pita.

Beef Shawarma

The beef is bold, savory, and rich. It carries a robust flavor that comes from the marinade and the cooking process. The slices are tender, not chewy, and the seasoning highlights the natural taste of the meat. It is satisfying, hearty, and full of character.

Both shawarmas showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality. These are not proteins rushed for speed or diluted to save money. They taste like true home-style shawarma, the kind prepared with pride and family knowledge.

Baklava Bites: The Sweet Ending Every Meal Deserves

No meal at Casa De Falafel feels complete without the homemade baklava bites. These pastries are flaky, sweet, and beautifully layered. The honey, nuts, and pastry come together in a perfect balance. They are not overly sweet. They are not soggy. They have that delicate crispness that makes good baklava so satisfying.

These bites are intentionally portioned so you can enjoy them without feeling overwhelmed. They are the perfect finish to a meal full of savory spices and fresh ingredients. Even people who do not normally like baklava find themselves ordering an extra container to take home.

They represent the same values as the rest of the menu. Homemade. Fresh. Created with intention.

The Atmosphere and Experience

Casa De Falafel’s Glendale location is warm and inviting. It feels clean, friendly, and energetic without being noisy or chaotic. The staff moves efficiently, but they never rush guests. They explain the menu to newcomers. They make recommendations. They greet regulars by name.

The hospitality is genuine. This is a family-run business where the staff takes pride in treating customers well. You can feel that the restaurant is built on relationships as much as it is built on recipes.

Whether you are dining in, picking up takeout, or grabbing a quick lunch, the environment feels accessible and welcoming. It is a place where families gather, where coworkers stop for lunch, where students grab food between classes, and where anyone craving fresh Mediterranean cooking feels at home.

Why Casa De Falafel Stands Out in the Valley

There are many Mediterranean restaurants in Arizona, but Casa De Falafel stands above the rest for several reasons.

Everything is homemade

Nothing is pre-made. Nothing is mass-produced. Every dish starts with fresh ingredients prepared daily.

The flavors are honest

There is no attempt to Americanize or dilute the cuisine. The food tastes like true Middle Eastern home cooking.

The falafel rings are iconic

They are unique, unforgettable, and executed with precision. No one else does falafel this way.

The hospitality is real

You feel welcome the moment you walk in. The staff cares about the food and the customers.

The restaurant grew organically

Casa De Falafel did not rely on gimmicks. It grew through reputation, passion, and consistent quality.

This makes it a place worth supporting and celebrating.

A First Timer’s Guide: What to Order

If you are visiting Casa De Falafel for the first time, here is the perfect lineup to experience everything they do well.

Start with the falafel rings
They are the signature dish and a must try.

Order a plate or bowl
Choose chicken shawarma, beef shawarma, or falafel as your protein. Add vegetables, rice, sauces, and all the toppings you want.

Try the lentil soup
It is comforting, flavorful, and one of the most popular items for a reason.

Finish with baklava bites
Light, flaky, and the perfect ending to your meal.

Everything on the menu complements everything else. It is easy to build a meal that feels balanced, satisfying, and full of fresh flavor.

Practical Details

Casa De Falafel
4920 W Thunderbird Rd Ste 119, Glendale, AZ 85306

Ideal for:

• Quick lunches
• Takeout dinner
• Vegan friendly meals
• Family dining
• Mediterranean food cravings
• Affordable, fresh meals

Final Thoughts

Casa De Falafel is one of Arizona’s true culinary gems. It is a restaurant built on passion, tradition, and pride. It is a place where every dish is fresh, every flavor is intentional, and every meal feels like it was made with care. From the iconic falafel rings to the shawarma, lentil soup, and baklava bites, everything tastes homemade and thoughtfully prepared.



This is the kind of restaurant people return to again and again. It is the kind of place that builds community. It is the kind of food that speaks for itself.

If you have not experienced it yet, you have to try Casa De Falafel.