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oChef » Falafel Boy – San Francisco
Falafel Boy - San Francisco
Photo from Falafel Boy
Falafel Boy at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- 🫒 Mediterranean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 15 of the guests
#1811 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#36 Mediterranean Restaurant out of 40 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
110
Reviews
65.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Crispy falafel
- Vegan options
- Clean ambience
Frequently criticized
- Order errors
- High prices
- Food inconsistency
The Mediterranean restaurant, Falafel Boy San Francisco Location CLOSED Effective Sunday August 21,2022 Until Further Notice Due to Renovation, was located in San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley. Before its closure, you could find a menu featuring Halal food and vegetarian options, alongside small plates.
It offered various service options for your convenience.
Overview: Introducting Falafel Boy
Falafel Boy offers a generally pleasant experience, particularly noted for its flavorful Middle Eastern fare. Many appreciate the delicious crispy falafel and the tasty sauce that accompanies dishes.
The restaurant also provides very good Vegan and Vegetarian options , making it accessible for various dietary preferences. However, some diners have encountered issues, particularly with order accuracy and perceived high prices for certain items.
While the service is really fast for many, there are instances where orders are incorrect. The cute and quaint place itself often receives praise for its cleanliness.
Good
6.8
out of 10
110
Reviews
65.5%
Satisfaction
32
negative
6
neutral
72
positive
Falafel Boy earns an overall Restaurant Score of 6.8, placing it in the good range, though leaning towards average. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 65.5%, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception from diners.
With 72 positive remarks against 32 negative ones out of 110 total customer comments, there’s a clear lean towards favorable experiences. Digging deeper, Food stands out with a strong score (7), frequently praised for its quality and variety.
The Ambience also scores well (8), often described as clean and inviting. However, Service (6.1) and Value (5.7) hover in the average territory, suggesting areas where experiences can be inconsistent.
While service is often fast, some report order inaccuracies, and value perceptions vary, particularly regarding portion sizes.
What people like
- Delicious crispy falafel
- Good vegan options
- Clean, quaint ambience
What people don't like
- Order inaccuracies
- High prices, small portions
- Salty/reheated food
Falafel Boy presents a mixed but generally appealing option, particularly if you’re seeking well-prepared falafel and diverse vegetarian choices. With a Recommendation Score of 7, it suggests a visit could be worthwhile, especially for a quick, flavorful meal in a pleasant setting.
However, be mindful of potential order mix-ups and consider if the pricing aligns with your expectations for portion sizes. If you prioritize delicious crispy falafel and a cute and quaint place , it’s worth a try, but double-check your order before you leave.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Falafel Boy
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre looking at a pretty good experience overall, with a solid score of 7. Many diners rave about the flavorful shawarma plates, crispy falafel bowls, and comforting lentil soup. Even the Baklava with Oreo gets a special shout-out, contributing to the 57 positive remarks out of 82 total opinions.
However, its not all perfect. Customer satisfaction sits at 69.5%, which is a mixed bag, leaning towards good. Some folks found the falafel and wraps to be dry, and a few mentioned the food being too salty or portions feeling a bit small.
These points, from 23 negative comments, suggest there's still room for improvement.
Food
82
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
23
negative
2
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful shawarma plates
- Crispy falafel
- Delicious baklava
What people don't like
- Dry falafel
- Salty food
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodThey are not trying to be trendy, but they don’t need to be. The food is so good. BEST SAUCE!
- lentil soupReally liked the lentil soup! (though slightly salty)
- falafeldelicious crispy falafel
- falafel wrapI love their falafel wrap, it is such a good combination of flavors
- sauceI had the falafel bowl, which was delicious. The falafel itself was wonderfully crispy, complemented by a tasty sauce and a beautiful bed of arugula. It was a great lunch.
- Baklava with OreoThe Baklava with Oreo is to die for
- Mediterranean foodbest Mediterranean food I’ve ever had
- Mediterranean placeI'm always excited for a new Mediterranean place and this one was great. Looking forward to adding them to the regular rotation!
- Middle Eastern foodgreat spot for Middle Eastern food
- Vegetarian optionsThey all some very good Vegan and Vegetarian options for almost everything
Frequently criticized
- falafelwas incredibly tiny. Half the size of normal falafel
- falafelsThere was a noticeable pool of juices at the bottom of the tub where it was served. My observation was that the falafels were not fried fresh; they appeared to have been reheated in a toaster oven, similar to how Subway prepares its food. I believe there are definitely better Mediterranean options nearby that would provide a more satisfying experience compared to this establishment.
- beef and lamb shawarmabeef and lamb shawarma wrap and bowl were both sooooooooooo salty
- breadThe bread was also a bit dry and tough
- chicken plateThe chicken plate was greasy and dry
- dolmaThe dolma was just as expensive and the taste was too wet
- foodLook like the meat cook head of times.
- food qualityit all gave me tremendous gas and upset stomach
- hummusthe hummus, pita, and salad are very mediocre
- juicesthere was a pool of juices
If you're craving flavorful Mediterranean dishes like shawarma or falafel, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some items might be a bit dry or salty, so you might want to ask for extra sauce or specify your preferences.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
Many folks have had a pretty good time with the service here, noting the quick service and friendly staff that make for a smooth experience. Out of 18 comments, 10 were positive, praising the overall service and experience. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows.
With a score of 6.1 and customer satisfaction at 55.6%, the service is a bit of a mixed bag. Some have faced issues with wrong orders and the online ordering platform, leading to a less-than-ideal experience, with 6 negative comments highlighting these problems.
Service
18
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick service
- Friendly staff
- Smooth experience
What people don't like
- Wrong orders
- Online order issues
- Poor service
Often praised
- serviceThe service is really fast
- staffI wish I had taken a photo before eating because the food was so good that I didn’t want to stop eating. I also loved the location and the nice staff. It is for sure a place you must go and try.
- experienceMy experience at this restaurant was excellent
- quick serviceMy experience at the restaurant was great! I enjoyed the quick service and the yummy food. The turmeric rice was the best, and the falafel was very crispy and flavorful.
- smooth experiencesmooth experience every time
Frequently criticized
- serviceI do not recommend. Last but not least, I ordered a soup that was not in the order. Granted, I should have checked the bag, but man.
- businessTerrible business
- establishment was closedestablishment was closed
- online ordering platformordered online through their Ritual online ordering platform
- orderI want to love this place, as it's a good quick food option in the neighborhood. However, four out of the last four times I’ve been, my order has been wrong. I recommend double-checking your pick-up order, opening the bag to ensure you have your soup and add-ons, and then it’s great.
If youre looking for quick service and friendly faces, youll likely have a good experience. However, be sure to double-check your order, especially if you're using their online platform, to avoid any disappointment.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, it seems this spot really hits the mark! Guests are absolutely loving the atmosphere, with comments like El local muy limpio, Love the location, and I found this cute and quaint place. With 3 positive remarks out of 4 total, its clear the ambience is a big draw, scoring a solid 8 and boasting a 75% customer satisfaction rate.
People are particularly fond of the local, location, and the overall place' itself. Interestingly, there are no negative opinions to report on the ambience, which is quite impressive! It looks like the restaurant has successfully created an environment that resonates positively with nearly everyone.
This lack of critique further reinforces the strong positive sentiment, suggesting a consistently pleasant experience for diners.
Ambience
4
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean place
- Great location
- Cute and quaint
What people don't like
Often praised
- localEl local muy limpio
- locationLove the location
- placeI found this cute and quaint place.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place with a great atmosphere, this restaurants ambience is definitely worth checking out. With high marks for its clean, cute, and well-loved setting, it promises a delightful backdrop for your meal. You can expect a consistently pleasant environment here.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, some folks have found a silver lining, especially with a hearty $5 option thats been called muy bien de precio. With 2 positive remarks out of 6 total comments, it seems there are specific deals that hit the mark. While the overall score for value sits at an average 5.7, customer satisfaction is quite low at just 33.3%, suggesting a bit of a disconnect.
On the flip side, the price and prices are a common sticking point for others. Many feel its a little pricey for the portions and that the prices. Are a bit high.
One diner even noted six small puck size pieces for $7 this is too high of a price. With 3 negative remarks, it's clear that portion size versus cost is a significant concern for many.
Value
6
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Hearty $5 option
- Good specific price
What people don't like
- Portions too small
- Prices too high
- Value disappoints
Often praised
- $5 optionhearty $5 option
- pricemuy bien de precio
Frequently criticized
- pricesix small puck size pieces for $7 this is too high of a price
- pricesthe prices, which I feel are a bit high
If youre on the hunt for a bargain, you might find a specific hearty $5 option that hits the spot. However, be prepared that many find the general pricing to be a bit steep for the portion sizes. Its a mixed bag, so go in with realistic expectations about what you're getting for your money.
How are the prices at Falafel Boy?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 15 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mediterranean Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what everyone’s spending, most guests are right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, with just a few venturing a little higher or lower.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 15 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Mediterranean spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It hits that sweet spot for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Falafel Boy
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Excited for Falafel Goodness
I had been meaning to visit this cute and quaint place since I discovered it during a Google Search for Mediterranean food, specifically falafels, in my neighborhood. My friend treated me to lunch recently, and I finally got the chance to try it out. I'm glad I did, as I liked the place and the food.
Unfortunately, they have now closed for renovations until further notice. I can't wait to order from them again once they reopen and hope the renovations don't take too long. I wish I had ordered from here sooner after finding it, but now I have to wait for more falafel goodness.
- place8
- food8
- Vegetarian options9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Great Value, Friendly Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was delicious and very reasonably priced. We received service incredibly quickly, and the staff were very pleasant.
The establishment was also very clean. I 100% recommend it!
- food9
- price9
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Shawarma was way too salty!
My experience with the beef and lamb shawarma wrap and bowl was overwhelmingly negative due to the excessive saltiness. Both dishes were sooooooooooo salty that I couldn't finish mine because the roof of my mouth became sore. This made the lunch experience quite unpleasant.
- beef and lamb shawarma1
- roof of my mouth1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Quick Service, Yummy Turmeric Rice & Falafel
My experience at the restaurant was great! I enjoyed the quick service and the yummy food. The turmeric rice was the best, and the falafel was very crispy and flavorful.
- quick service9
- yummy food9
- turmeric rice10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Hearty Lentil Soup Delight!
My experience was centered around a truly enjoyable bowl of lentil soup. It was quick, filling, and delicious, served with fresh parsley and two fresh pitas. This hearty option, priced at a fantastic $5, is perfect for warming up on a cold day.
Thanks to the team at Falafel Boy(s)!
- lentil soup9
- fresh parsley8
- fresh pitas8
What Falafel Boy offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Offerings
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Small plates
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
FAQs
What were the dining options at Falafel Boy in San Francisco?
Before its closure on August 21, 2022, Falafel Boy in San Francisco offered various dining options. You could enjoy lunch or dinner with seating available, and it was considered good for kids.
What service options were available at Falafel Boy in Hayes Valley?
When it was operational, Falafel Boy in Hayes Valley provided flexible service options. You could choose from no-contact delivery, takeout, outdoor seating, or dine-in, catering to your preference.
What is the overall verdict for Falafel Boy?
Falafel Boy holds an overall **Restaurant Score** of **6.8**, indicating a good experience. **Food** (7) and **Ambience** (8) are strong, while **Service** (6.1) and **Value** (5.7) are considered average.
What are the highlights of the food at Falafel Boy?
Customers frequently praise the delicious crispy falafel and tasty sauce . The restaurant also offers very good Vegan and Vegetarian options .
Are there any common issues to be aware of at Falafel Boy?
Some customers have reported order inaccuracies and found certain items to have high prices for the portion size.