Vegan-friendly
Lacto
Mediterranean
Fast food
Take-out
Middle Eastern
Israeli
Little eatery offering a simple menu of falafel and pita, since 2015. Relocated from 101/45 Grey St, Shop 101. Open Mon-Fri 10:30am-3:00pm, Sat 11:00am-3:00pm.
15 Reviews
First Review by ChellyStokman
Yolanda
Points +1920
Very tasty felafel - Edit
After decades of veganism, I am not that keen on falafel as often times, it has been the only vegan food available to me on my travels. So I have got quite sick of it over the years. But as I did not find Tauranga to be that great in its vegan options on my recent trip, and encouraged by the review of the previous contributor, I decided to give Falafel Metro a go.
Read moreI have to say I found the falafel really tasty- probably among some of the best I have had outside of the Middle East. The server said every option could be veganised, but I went for the 'Jerusalem' as that is vegan anyway. Very tasty. It said it came with tahini sauce but i couldn't taste it. However the falafel themselves, and the pita bread and accompaniments were all excellent. Nice textures.
I do wish though that the menu did have symbols or a sign or something to indicate that they were vegan friendly. if it had not been for Happy Cow and knowing they could do vegan, I would have looked at the menu and left. I don't always feel like having to ask if there are vegan options.
P.S. They go a great lunch special: $20 for falafel, a drink and chips!
Updated from previous review on 2024-10-31
Pros: very good falafel, cheerful helpful staff, bright modern decor
Cons: not stated anywhere they have vegan options
Guest
sir_walrus
Points +65
Best falafel we’ve ever had! - Edit
We stopped by Falafel Metro for a quick lunch, and it did not disappoint! We ordered the Bangkok and Kiwiana pittas and they were both incredible. The falafels were perfectly crunchy on the outside while staying soft on the inside, and the sauce that came with them was delicious and complemented the falafel beautifully. Although a vegetarian establishment, the staff at Falafel Metro were happy to make them vegan for us, which was great! Plus, the service was quick and efficient - we would highly recommend if you need lunch on the go. We shall definitely be returning!
Read moreGuest
Owen2393
Points +324
Good food, poor service - Edit
I am always glad to support an independent vegetarian business, unfortunately this time the experience wasn’t all positive.
Read moreThe falafel is fantastic, some of the best I have had. I wish I could give them five stars, the food and the male server were fantastic. The man serving us was kind and professional, thank you. His female colleague was not. She spoke down to him, displayed passive aggressive behaviour, and was generally a little rude towards us. This all happened during a short lunch time bustle, which she evidently struggled to handle with good customer service.
I would recommend this place, only if this female server can improve her service.
Guest
VeganMountie
Points +503
Best falafel EVER! - Edit
The falafel is so crunchy you will be blown away. They have lots of different flavours you can have in a pita, on rice, or on salad. They have moved to Red Square and have some late nights. Did I mention how crunchy the falafel are?
Read morePros: Super friendly staff, Best falafel ever, agreed by all, Reasonable price
Guest
ChunkyWombat
Points +1182
You don't know good falafel until you go here - Edit
Super friendly staff and good range of different toppings for your falafel. I loved here and only discovered it before leaving. Worth many a trip back
Read moreGuest
Kellyf1sh
Points +100
The best falafels ever! - Edit
As a vegan, I like falafels, but they weren't my favourite choice of vegan protein. However, upon seeing the raving reviews for this place, I had to check it out and I was blown away! The falafels are the best I've ever had, and wrapped up in delicious pita bread and sauces. The place is vegetarian, however there are some options that are vegan by default and the rest can easily be made vegan by request. I will definitely be returning here next time I'm looking for a lunch spot in town!
Read moreGuest
Lukey.S
Points +61
Awesome Falafel - Edit
Metros falafel absolutely slaps. So good! Would recommend
Read morePros: All Falafels can be made vegan , Best falafel I’ve ever tasted, Different type of falafel compared to Nz places
Cons: Price is standard with other joints
Guest
Leanne31
Points +143
Excellent food - Edit
This place is a bit hard to find but their good is sooo good. Lots of flavor. Highly recommend.
Read morePros: Well priced. , Many options, Full of flavor. Great service.
RonLopert
They have relocated from that small alleyway shop to larger brighter premises in Red Square (bottom of Devonport Rd).
Read moreGuest
Tararan
Points +68
Best falafel around!! - Edit
Got lunch here many times while living in Tauranga, really fills you up and tastes SOOOO GOOD!! Also the chips are something else 👌
Read morePros: Small efficient menu
Cons: A tad expensive
Guest
DaveLowe
Points +32
Fresh yummy falafels made with love - Edit
Best, freshest falafel I’ve ever had and all options can be made vegan
Read morePros: Fresh hand made falafel , Quick and tasty , Filling and good value for money
Guest
NatalieRon
Points +20
Best falafel in new zealand - Edit
This is Israeli quality falafel. Loved it. So filling and not expensive
Read moreGuest
vinks
Points +470
Delicious - Edit
Also had the Kiwiana but swapped beetroot for red peppers. Really tasty falafel and nice place. Service good too. The main falafel wraps were NZD 13 each.
Read moreGuest
luv420
Points +72
tasty and affordable vegan Israeli falafel - Edit
Authentic Israeli falafel served in a pocket bread (Pitta). I tried the "Kiwiana" and it was a delicious, healthy and filling dish with great combination of flavors which exceeded my expectations.
Read moreThe portion size was fairly decent relative to the reasonable price ($13 NZD)
The very kind and friendly owners know very well what vegan means, and will happily replace any non vegan ingredients with a vegan one instead. Therefore all the dishes which appear on the menu can be made vegan.
The atmosphere inside the eatery was cozy and welcoming. It was an absolute delight to eat in here and I'll definitely be back there to try all of the other options on the menu as soon as I'll have the chance to do so.
It's just a pity that they close quite early (15:00), but apparently it's a common thing here in Tauranga.
Pros: All options on the menu can be made vegan upon req, Decent portion size, affordable prices, Welcoming atmosphere, very friendly owners
Cons: The daily opening hours could be longer
Guest
laura🌿
Points +222
Amazing vegan food - Edit
Super tasty falafel with Pita and what else you choose. You have to try the Bombay! It tastes amazing!! And the prices also totally okay. Every dish is available in vegan.
Read moreGuest
ChellyStokman
Points +138
amazing falafel! - Edit
really great price and a cute wee place in the heart of tauranga with fantastic coffee next door too!
Read morePros: mostly vegan!
Guest
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