Layla's Falafel

Layla's Falafel serves Middle Eastern food built around its falafel, patties of dried garbanzo beans that are spiced and fried until golden. Shawarma is a signature dish, offered as a wrap, pita or platter, and the menu also covers kabobs, a build-your-own bowl, soups, salads, and Mom's spinach pie. The restaurant grew out of a family sandwich shop in Bridgeport and opened its first location in Fairfield in 2000.

The Stamford location is open every day from 11 AM to 9 PM, and the family also runs locations in Fairfield and Westport. Gift cards work at all three. Catering is available for corporate events and weddings, and the restaurant has received local magazine and reader-poll awards for its falafel and Middle Eastern food. The menu includes meat, vegetarian and vegan options, and the kitchen says it is now seed oil-free.