Carmel Haifa

- 682 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains, NJ 07950

Carmel Haifa, nestled on Speedwell Avenue in Morris Plains, New Jersey, is a hidden gem that has become a local favorite for authentic **Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine**. This family-owned and operated establishment specializes in bringing the delicious, fresh flavors of the city of Haifa to the heart of Morris County. It’s a delightful choice for New Jersey diners seeking a genuine culinary experience that prioritizes quality, flavor, and tradition.

Unlike larger chain restaurants, Carmel Haifa focuses on a philosophy of fresh, made-to-order cooking. Patrons consistently rave about the quality, noting that everything, from the **pita bread to the falafel and Shish Tawook**, tastes incredibly fresh. The restaurant is particularly renowned for its exceptional shawarma and falafel, often highlighted as some of the best in New Jersey. The menu is diverse, catering to a wide array of preferences and dietary needs, and notably offers **Halal food**, making it an inclusive spot for many communities.

The atmosphere is **Casual and Trendy**, attracting a diverse **Crowd** including **College students** and **Locals** looking for high-quality food without the formality. Although it operates as a smaller storefront—often described as having a "hole-in-the-wall" charm—the focus is squarely on the food, which many agree deserves to be put on a pedestal. Whether you are grabbing a **Quick bite**, settling in for a satisfying **Lunch** or **Dinner**, or looking for **Healthy options**, Carmel Haifa provides a warm, friendly, and authentic taste of the Mediterranean right here in NJ.

The menu features a fantastic array of choices, including Meat Platters, Vegetarian Sandwiches, and **Specialty Platters** like the **Chicken Jamileh Special**. The commitment to freshness and the delicious, rich flavors of the Middle East, such as tender grilled meats, flavorful sauces, and crisp produce, are the cornerstones of this highly-recommended Morris Plains eatery.

Location and Accessibility

Carmel Haifa is conveniently located at **682 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains, NJ 07950, USA**. Its position on Speedwell Avenue makes it easily reachable for residents across Morris County and the surrounding New Jersey area.

The restaurant provides excellent accessibility features and practical parking solutions for its customers:

• Parking: Customers benefit from **Free parking lot** availability (often in the back, shared with other businesses) and **Free street parking**, which is a significant convenience in a busy commercial area. While some reviews mention that parking can be "a bit troublesome" during peak times, the availability of both options is a major advantage.
• Accessibility: The premises are accommodating to all guests, featuring a **Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, and Wheelchair accessible seating**.
• Outdoor Seating: Offers **Outdoor seating** options, allowing patrons to enjoy their authentic meal in the fresh air.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: For pet owners, **Dogs are allowed outside** in the outdoor seating area.

This combination of central location and practical amenities ensures a stress-free visit for all New Jersey diners.

Services Offered

Carmel Haifa is structured to offer flexible and fast service, catering to the needs of its diverse clientele, from students seeking a quick lunch to families wanting a flavorful dinner.

• Dining Options: Provides a range of ways to enjoy the food throughout the day:
  • Dine-in: Available for **Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert** with dedicated **Seating** (though it is noted to be a smaller space with a few tables).
  • Takeout & Delivery: Offers robust **Takeout** and **Delivery** services, perfect for a **Quick bite** or a convenient meal at home.
• Catering: **Catering** services are available, making it an excellent option for large parties, business meetings, or family gatherings in the Morris Plains area looking for authentic Mediterranean food.
• Menu Flexibility: The menu is consciously designed to offer options for various diets, including:
  • **Vegan options** and **Vegetarian options**, particularly the highly-praised falafel and various mezzes like **Hummus** and **Baba Ghanouj**.
  • **Halal food** offerings, which appeal to a broad range of patrons in the community.
  • **Healthy options** alongside satisfying **Comfort food**.
• Payment Methods: Accepts all major modern payment types for ease of transaction: **Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments**.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Carmel Haifa apart in the New Jersey food scene are its authentic specialties and commitment to high-quality preparation.

• Authentic Haifa-Style Cuisine: The restaurant is owned and operated by the Jurri family, who brought their specific, authentic style of Middle Eastern cooking from Haifa, which they felt was missing in Morris County.
• Fresh, Made-to-Order Quality: Food is consistently reported as being "amazing and fresh," with sandwiches like the **Falafel Sandwich** being made to order, and the pita bread praised for its freshness.
• Signature Shawarma and Kebab: The **Mix Shawarma Platter** (chicken, lamb, and veal) and the **Shish Tawook Platter** (chicken kebab) are among the biggest sellers and are frequently lauded for their tender, rich flavor.
• Exceptional Vegetarian Dishes: The falafel is a major highlight—often called the best in NJ—and the **Vegetarian Platter** is a fantastic choice, combining falafels, hummus, baba ghanouj, and salad.
• Local Specialty Items: Features unique offerings like the **Falafel Haifa Sandwich** (served with cauliflower and eggplants) and **Marina Bread** (a grilled bread stuffed with onions, perfect for dipping). The famous **Cream of Mushroom soup** has also received rave reviews.
• Family-Owned Service: The staff is friendly, helpful, and provides a warm, family-like dining experience, which adds a personal touch to the service. Patrons are encouraged to "be patient with service" due to its small, family-run nature, a trade-off many gladly accept for the high quality of the food.

Contact Information

For directions, placing a pickup order, or catering inquiries, New Jersey residents can contact Carmel Haifa:

• Address: 682 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains, NJ 07950, USA
• Phone Number: (862) 242-8918
• Mobile Phone: +1 862-242-8918

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Carmel Haifa is choosing a true taste of the Mediterranean right in Morris Plains. It is worth selecting this spot for the unbeatable combination of authentic, high-quality ingredients and a dedication to traditional Middle Eastern flavors. If you are a New Jersey local with a craving for perfectly spiced, fresh, and Halal-certified meats and the best falafel you can find, this is your destination.

The value proposition here is exceptional. You receive generously portioned plates of food, such as the various meat or vegetarian platters served with rice, salad, and pita bread, for a reasonable price. Furthermore, the commitment to providing a variety of options—from satisfying meat dishes like the **Lamb Shish Kebab** to **Vegan and Vegetarian options**—ensures there is something delicious for every member of a **Group** or family. It is a highly-recommended, authentic gem that consistently exceeds expectations, making it the top choice for Mediterranean cuisine enthusiasts in Morris County.

Carmel Haifa

682 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains, NJ 07950, USA