I’m always on the lookout for great ethnic food close to home. I crave flavors that transport my taste buds and snap me out of the food doldrums. A trip to Layla’s Falafel does just that.

Offering a full menu of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, Layla’s (named for its owner) serves up well-priced, flavorful and fresh fare. Ideal for takeout, a quick lunch or a pre-movie pit-stop, it’s a solid alternative to your standard takeout repertoire.

Some friends and I met for lunch the other day at the Fairfield location (the other two are in Stamford) and shared a variety of dishes at one of the handful of tables in their small and spare setting.