There has been an exceptional level of food media frenzy around the falafel at Dune. Instagram accounts are flooded with images of the colorful sandwich, and bloggers discuss whether it is the best in town. So do the large orbs of moist falafel on freshly grilled housemade flatbread topped with a healthy serving of fresh herbs and picked vegetables merit such a momentous title? It‘s not out of the question. [Photo: Crystal Coser]

Not all great falafel joints have been the recepients of frenetic media hype. George Abou-Daoud’s (Bowery Bungalow, Rosewood Tavern) Urban Garden has been quietly serving some of the most underrated falafel in the city since 2012, first on Fairfax before moving to its current Beverly Blvd location. The dedication to authenticity is seen in every element of the sandwich: housemade za’atar bread is made to order on custom dome-shaped grills, the sesame-studded falafel are extraordinarly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, and fried shallots add subtle sweetness and crunch. If the massive $9 sandwich weren’t so good you could split it with a friend, but you probably won’t want to share. [Photo: Crystal Coser]

Grand Central Market’s Madcapra is also responsible for bringing falafel to the forefront of Los Angeles food trends at the moment. Here the little squares of ground chickpeas are more of a vessel to carry the flavors of fresh and pickled vegetables that are offered in three varieties: red, with tomato and basil; green, with pickled cauliflower and fennel, and orange, with a bright carrot salad. [Photo: Yelp]

You wouldn’t expect soul-warming plates of grilled meats and homemade spreads to come from a strip mall in a rather rundown streth of East Hollywood, but that’s exactly what you get at Marouch. The balls of falafel mixes fava beans in with the chickpeas, showing Egyptian influence, and are fried extra crisp. Just be wary of rather steep prices. [Photo: Crystal Coser]

A clear Eater LA reader favorite, Ta-eem has made itself a Melrose fixture thanks to its Israli-Mediterranean cuisine, long lines, and rather exceptional Yelp reviews. While the chicken schwarma is a popular order, the falafel laffa certainly stands on its own. [Photo: Yelp]

With four different ways to consume their delicious falafel, Dr. Sandwich certainly doesn't make picking how to eat your falafel easy. Choices include the standard pita, plate, laffa and even a baguette. To make things ever more difficult Dr. Sandwich carries whole wheat pita. The falafel itself is fried on the spot and seasoned to perfection. —NL[Photo: Yelp]

Ihsan’s brings amazing falafel to farmers markets all over L.A. Their Sudanese spin on falafel includes a spicy peanut sauce as opposed to the usual tahini. All of their ingredients are organic and for the gluten free crowd, they will wrap your falafel in collard greens instead of a pita (which may be the way to go, regardless of your gluten tolerance). —NL[Photo: Yelp]

While Falafel King certainly has fantastic falafel, the toppings are what really make it stand out. It features all of the usual toppings, Israeli salad, tahini etc., but also offers feta cheese and their signature fried potato crisps, which add just the right amount of crunch to any falafel pita. —NL[Photo: Yelp]

With tons of sides, sauces and salads, the Hummus Bar makes falafel less of grab and go meal and more of a sit down meal. While you're there don’t forget to order a side (or two) of their hummus as well. —NL[Photo: Yelp]

Although Elena's is best known for its kabobs, it’s falafel is stellar too. The falafel is drenched in hummus and Armenian spices so each bite has an extra dose of flavor. —NL[Photo: Yelp]

This Glendale (and North Hollywood) Lebanese restaurant offers its garlicky falafel as an entrée with tomato, turnip pickles, cool tahini, cabbage salad, hummus, and pita that can be constructed into a DIY sandwich. [Photo: Yelp]