Alfanoose

Owner Mouhamad Shami found the city’s falafel too oily, so he introduced his own at this cafeteria-style lunch spot, which also serves fine shawarma, kebabs, baba ghanoush and other Middle Eastern standards. The crunchy chickpea fritters are worth a detour: The tasty patties are lighter than most and subtly spiced with cumin and coriander. The results are good enough to grace “Best Falafel” lists, and have amassed a large following among Financial District workers. It’s healthier than most takeout, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t cheap (a falafel sandwich goes for $5, a platter $9) or fast.