I am really struggling to find the words to describe Maoz, which serves up easily the best falafel sandwiches I have ever had.
There are plenty of places in Paris to get falafel, but my advice to you, oh Paris traveler, is to forsake all others in favor of Maoz. About a 5 minute walk from the Saint Michel metro stop, it is only about 15 minutes from the Notre Dame, and is a perfect place to get a quick, portable lunch or dinner in an ideally central location. They do have a counter with a few seats, and a few tables, but this isn't really a sit down restaurant, and can only comfortably accommodate about 12 people.
But the food is definitely worth the cramped setting. Perhaps the best way for me to explain the deliciousness of their falafel is to tell you that I'm not even a vegetarian, yet I specifically sought Maoz out on more than one occasion, once even fighting through a metro line closure (and the crowded insanity that resulted) and a nearly hour-long commute (because of said metro closure) to enjoy the unbelievably good falafel at Maoz. And I'm glad I did. That was my last night in Paris, and even though it resulted in me getting less sleep than I had wanted to get due to having to stay up extra late to finish packing, I would have regretted missing the chance to eat at Maoz one last time. It's that good. Another good way for me to explain the awesomeness of the Maoz is that every time I went there, one sandwich was not enough. The first time I was there, I got a petite (3 fallafel balls), since I didn't really know what was going on yet, and split an order of fries, but when I was finished with the first sandwich, my craving was not yet satisfied.
The second and final time I went there, when I was better aware of what was going on, I got a grande (5 fallafel balls), doctored it up how I wanted, skipped the fries, and still wasn't satisfied when I was finished. After the grand, my stomach demanded more, even though I was pretty full, since I knew it would be some time before I would get another chance to return to Paris and eat the best fallafel I've ever had. So my girlfriend and I split another petite, and called it a night.
I think part of what sets Maoz apart from the rest of the fallafel purveyors around the city (or around the world, for that matter) is that they mash up their own chickpeas right there in the restaurant, and fry them in the healthiest of oils, so you are getting just about the freshest fallafel you could ask for. The exterior of the falllafel balls are crispy and delicious, and the interior is warm and firm, reinforcing the quality and freshness that you just witnessed.
Another thing that sets them apart, which I unfortunately didn't realize for my first sandwich, is that although they serve you fallafels in delicious chewy pitas with some toppings already included (lettuce, tomatoes), they have a full toppings bar that is basically all-you-can-eat. I don't remember all of what they had, but I was particularly fond of the cilantro sauce, garlic aioli, tomato medley, and cole slaw. When we went to Maoz, I would eat some fallafel and toppings, return for more toppings, and repeat that process until I was satisfied. The great part was that the people working there never seemed to mind a bit. They were very friendly, and although I don't think they understood English perfectly, they were very understanding and accomodating when I attempted French, so that was nice.
So, here's what to do, and what to expect, so you don't get confused, like I did the first time I was there. Walk up to the counter, order a petite or a grande (basically all they have is fallafel and fries) and something to drink (soda mainly), and have a seat. Watch them scoop mashed chickpeas into a ball and fry them, if you want. Retrieve your fallafel when they call you and pay. Smile and thank them profusely, for you are in for quite the treat. Add whatever toppings you would like. Make sure to get a little fork thingy, because you'll need it! Eat. Return for more toppings. Eat more. Get another fallafel and repeat the process. ;)
Another great thing about this place is how cheap it is! I think on both occasions, I didn't spend much more than 20 euro, and I was paying for two people to eat. I believe a grand was maybe 5.50 euro, and a petite was maybe 4.50. You gotta love cheap food in the most expensive city in the world, especially when it's as good as Maoz. Also, if I remember correctly, they are open almost all the time, so you don't have to worry about them being closed if you want a sandwich at 4pm. Please check to make sure, but I believe they are open every day from 11am until 11pm, and they're open until 2am or so on the weekends, I believe. Cheap, delicious, friendly, accesible. What more could you ask for? read more