Beni Falafel, Antwerpen

Celebrated table

Beni Falafel

Recognized by Le Fooding for 2026, Beni Falafel serves traditional Mediterranean fare with cast-iron pitas and house-made staples.

The story

Beni Falafel in Antwerp: A Jewish Quarter Staple Since 1968

A Legacy of Fresh Breads

Beni Falafel anchors the Jewish quarter of Antwerp with its steadfast approach to Mediterranean cooking. Established in 1968, founder Beni Barnatan built a reputation on 100 percent fresh preparations that continue to draw regulars today. The 2026 Le Fooding guide highlighted this endurance, noting how Harris Malkoč and his mother Refija now keep the original vision alive. The heart of the kitchen revolves around pita bread baked traditionally with a cast-iron iron before being split and stuffed.

Kitchen Staples and House Specialties

Regulars consistently rank the generously filled falafel as a local favorite. The kitchen pairs these classics with bowls of silky smooth hummus garnished with a simple mix of tomato and cucumber. You can also order shakshuka or the house star latkes, which are thin and crispy potato pancakes. Those finishing their meal might choose between homemade apple cake and tartlets sourced from the nearby Kleinblatt bakery.

A Welcoming Counter Service Space

The counter service model moves quickly but never rushes the preparation. Visitors can place orders through a dedicated app to reduce waiting times for takeaway, though outdoor seating is available for those who prefer to linger. The space maintains a family-friendly environment while offering vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free options across the board. This practical layout ensures that guests consistently return for dependable Mediterranean fare.

Recognition

Awards & accolades

2026
Le Fooding
Listed

Ambience

A glimpse inside

Details

At a glance

Le Fooding 2026 — Listed
Cuisines Mediterranean
Services Kids friendly, Takeaway, Vegetarian

History

On the record

2026
Le Fooding — Listed

Snack bars come and go, but Beni Falafel is forever. Established in 1968, Beni Barnatan’s modest institution (since taken over by Harris Malkoč and his mother Refija) has been making the Jewish quarter shine with its 24-carat pita breads, baked the traditional way with a cast-iron iron and generously filled with freshly-made falafel – a favorite among regulars which are regularly voted the best in town, and even in the country! What else? A bowl of silky smooth hummus topped with a mixed salad of tomato and cucumber; shakshuka; or the other star of the house, the latkes – thin and crispy potato pancakes. And if you’ve still got room for more, there’s homemade apple cake or tartlets from the Kleinblatt bakery. // Juno Madre

Established

Location

Find us

Lange Leemstraat 188, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerpen, Belgium
+32 3 218 82 11
Visit website
Map showing Beni Falafel