When it comes to must-eat spots in Orange County, Mexican taquerias or Vietnamese noodle shops get top billing. But in the heart of Anaheim’s Little Arabia, one family-run café’s approach to fresh, plant-based Middle Eastern food has quietly won locals’ hearts (and appetites) for nearly three decades. We’re talking about Kareem’s Falafel. This beloved Palestinian-American restaurant is a go-to for some of the best falafel in Southern California.
Learn more about things to do in Anaheim for food lovers here.
The California Grown team recently visited Kareem’s Falafel to learn the story behind this family-owned gem. From its early days in 1996 to its current status as a community staple and local legend, Kareem’s is more than just a restaurant. It is a celebration of cultural pride, scratch-made food, and the California dream.
Here we’re sharing Kareem’s Falafel’s origins, its standout approach to their fresh, plant-based Middle Eastern food, and how it’s helping shape one of California’s most flavorful neighborhoods.
A Family Legacy Rooted in Real Food
When Nesrine Omari and her husband, Mike Hawari, opened Kareem’s in 1996, it was the first Middle Eastern restaurant in Anaheim. Since then, the focus has been simple: serve honest, high-quality Middle Eastern food, made from scratch and with love.
At the heart of the menu, then and now, is falafel. But not just any falafel. Kareem’s version is impossibly light, crisp, and intensely flavorful, made from a closely guarded family recipe using chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices.
Guests can opt for the Original Falafel or spice it up with the cheekily named Fala-penos served with housemade tahini sauce, pickles, and veggies.
These days, Nesrine runs Kareem’s with her children, Kareem and Nora. And Kareem’s Falafel is now growing beyond the café to include packaged frozen falafel, made in small batches and available at restaurants and local grocers.
Where Middle Eastern Food Shines in Orange County
Located in the heart of Anaheim, Kareem’s Falafel is part of a growing movement to recognize Little Arabia as a cultural and culinary district.
The neighborhood centered around Brookhurst Street is home to dozens of small, immigrant-owned businesses that reflect the rich diversity of Arab-American culture. Kareem’s shares the spotlight with local favorites like House of Mandi (known for its Mandi rice made with almonds, carrots, raisins, and fried onions), Forn Al Hara (for manaeesh flatbreads), and Cairo Restaurant & Cafe (a destination for the Egyptian national dish, koshari). Together, these businesses form a vibrant mosaic of flavors unique to Southern California.
California Roots, Fresh Ingredients
What makes Kareem’s Falafel so uniquely Californian? For starters, the menu leans heavily into local, seasonal, and plant-forward cooking, all hallmarks of the state’s food culture. Many ingredients, from the garlic and parsley to the lemon juice and chickpeas, are sourced from California farms.
In addition to the falafel, Kareem’s menu celebrates California-grown produce. Their Spicy Potatoes are tossed in house spices and herbs, their Sweet Potato Fries are hand-cut and crisped to perfection, and their Fried Cauliflower brings a craveable crunch to any mezze spread.
Another standout is the Pomegranate Brussels, which pairs crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with a tangy-sweet pomegranate molasses glaze. This dish perfectly blends California ingredients with Middle Eastern flavors.
Their signature dips and salads are equally fresh: the Cilantro Hummus adds a bright twist to a classic, the Tabouli Salad is herbaceous and lemony, and the creamy labneh and zesty pickles are house-made.
Here Middle Eastern comfort food is vibrant, healthy, and deeply satisfying Golden State twist.
A Flavorful Stop on Any Food Lover’s Itinerary
Whether you’re a local or just visiting Anaheim for a weekend at Disneyland, Kareem’s Falafel is a must-stop for food lovers. It’s a taste of the Middle East with California roots.
And once you’ve grabbed a falafel plate or two, don’t stop there. Anaheim’s Packing House is just a few miles away, offering a modern food hall experience with wine tasting at Pali Wine Co., Poppy and Seed, craft coffee, and local bites. You can also visit the Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market on Thursdays to browse seasonal produce and small-batch goods.
Looking to explore further? Orange County is home to everything from citrus grove tours in Irvine to U-pick strawberry farms in Buena Park and cooking classes in San Juan Capistrano. Kareem’s Falafel is a shining example of what happens when tradition meets California creativity.
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Article by Aida Mollenkamp. Photos by James Collier.