Hello dear
Jalea Peruvian Bistro, located at 323 N Main St, St. Charles, MO, offers an authentic taste of Peru through its expertly crafted dishes. The cozy atmosphere, complemented by warm service from the husband-and-wife team, creates a welcoming vibe. Signature items like the Pollo a la Brasa and Ceviche Classico showcase fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Diners rave about the tender Lomo Saltado and delightful yucca fries, while complimentary treats, such as Peruvian popcorn, add a unique touch. With exceptional quality and an emphasis on chef-prepared meals, Jalea is a must-visit for anyone eager to savor the vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine.
About
Welcome to Jalea Peruvian Bistro, nestled in the heart of St. Charles, Missouri. Situated at 323 N Main St, this vibrant eatery brings the rich flavors and authentic essence of Peruvian cuisine to our local dining scene. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a journey through the diverse culinary landscape of Peru, where each dish tells a story.
As you step inside Jalea, you are greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere created by the dedicated husband-and-wife team who pour their heart into every aspect of the dining experience. The aesthetic embraces a charming Peruvian vibe that seamlessly blends culinary artistry with a comfortable dining setting, making it the perfect spot for both casual meals and special celebrations.
The menu is thoughtfully curated, featuring standout selections like the Chaufa Aeropuerto, a delightful Peruvian fried rice dish loaded with short rib, pork belly, and shrimp, all beautifully harmonized by Nikkei sauce and vibrant scallions. For something lighter, the Ceviche Classico offers a refreshing experience with freshly sourced fish, paired with zesty leche de tigre and complemented by sweet potatoes and Peruvian corn. The selection makes it clear: Jalea specializes in crafting authentic dishes that are prepared with a commitment to quality.
Among the reviews from delighted patrons, dishes like the Lomo Saltado and Pollo a la Brasa consistently receive high praise. The tender beef in the Lomo Saltado pairs perfectly with fluffy rice, creating a comforting yet exciting flavor profile. And let’s not forget the signature rotisserie chicken, infused with smoky flavors and served alongside crispy steak fries. The snacks like the Plantain Chips and Yucca Fries Huancaina come highly recommended, always leaving diners craving more.
One of the hallmarks of Jalea is its exceptional customer service, which adds to the overall dining experience. From complimentary treats like Peruvian popcorn to attentive servers who genuinely care about your satisfaction, it’s the small details that make a big impact. Each visit feels personalized, whether you’re there for a birthday celebration or an evening out with friends.
As you sip on one of their expertly crafted cocktails, it becomes evident that Jalea Peruvian Bistro is not just about food; it’s about celebrating the vibrant culture of Peru. The carefully selected wines and unique drinks beautifully complement the flavors of the dishes, enhancing your dining journey.
Jalea Peruvian Bistro isn't your typical Main Street restaurant. It’s a culinary gem that promises bold flavors, exceptional service, and a memorable dining experience. Make your reservation today and embark on a delightful adventure through Peru without ever having to leave St. Charles!
“ We loved the very tasty Peruvian food in downtown St. Charles! We had the nicest time having a birthday celebration there and they even made a big deal of our birthday person and gave him a free dessert with a candle and a glass of wine! The food tastes delightful and the fish is very fresh. We especially loved the fried plantains! ”
“ Went there to celebrate for my Birthday and it did not disappoint! Everything from appetizers to the dessert were absolutely amazing! I had the pork chop and my boys had the half chicken and both dishes were flavorful! Our server, Luis who I believe is the father of the chef was extremely sweet and attentive. I highly recommend this place and look forward to going back. My photos does not do justice for the food and I forgot to take photos of the appetizers and drinks! ”
“ This is not your typical Main Street restaurant. If you are looking for a hamburger, this is not the place. This is something exquisite and divine! Authentic Peruvian cuisine with attentive service, delicious cocktails and top-notch quality meals. The menu is not extensive which allows them to offer you chef prepared dishes from scratch, and you can taste that!! I cannot wait to come back and try additional entrees but their Lomo Saltado was hard to top. The yucca fries with cheese are a delicious appetizer, along with the complimentary dried Peruvian corn. I did get to sample the pork belly which was the most tender cut of pork I think I've ever had, creating a dish that tastes like the fall season. Everything was so good, bravo!! Reservations recommended. ”
“ Cute and comfy restaurant with a Peruvian vibe. Friendly and attentive team. Great food, with bold flavors, and great presentation. Very nice cocktails too! This is a winner! ”
“ I recently had the pleasure of dining at Jalea Peruvian Bistro, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm hospitality from the husband-and-wife team who own the restaurant. Their attentiveness and delightful demeanor made us feel right at home. We started our meal with fresh salads that were vibrant and flavorful, setting a delightful tone for the evening. To our surprise, they also served us delicious Peruvian popcorn at the beginning, which was a fun and tasty treat that whetted our appetites. Next, we indulged in the Ceviche Caretillero, which was a standout dish. The freshness of the fish combined with the zesty marinade and crispy calamari made it a refreshing choice that truly captured the essence of Peruvian cuisine. For the main course, we ordered the Lomo Saltado and it did not disappoint. The tender beef was perfectly sauteed with onions and tomatoes, served over a bed of fluffy rice. Each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors that left us wanting more. To complement our meal, we were served a delicious drink with a hint of cinnamon, which added a unique twist and enhanced the overall dining experience. As if that wasn’t enough, we were treated to a wonderful complimentary dessert that was the perfect sweet ending to our meal. Overall, Jalea Peruvian Bistro exceeded our expectations with its delicious food, warm atmosphere, and exceptional service. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking to explore the vibrant flavors. ”
“ Jalea in St. Charles is an absolute gem—one of the best Peruvian dining experiences you’ll find in the STL area. From the moment we sat down, everything about the evening was incredible. The food? Next-level. We started with flavorful, beautifully presented appetizers and moved on to Paella, perfectly cooked chicken, and tender, juicy steak. Every dish was packed with vibrant, bold flavor and plated with care. The traditional Peruvian cocktails were also a highlight—unique, well-balanced, and the perfect complement to the meal. And don’t even get me started on the desserts... absolute chef’s kiss! Jalea is family-owned and operated, and you can feel the love and passion in every detail. The service was warm and welcoming, the ambiance was cozy yet stylish, and we left already planning our next visit. If you haven’t been yet, make a reservation—you’re in for something special. Follow me for more STL foodie finds, local gems, and unforgettable meals! #TheSassySaint #JaleaSTC #PeruvianCuisine #STLEats #SupportLocal #HiddenGems #FoodieAdventures #STLRestaurants #FoodiesUnite ”
“ My favorite restaurant ever! The ceviche mixto and the lomo saltado are 10/10. The service is amazing and Ruth is wonderful person. If you want to try something new and delicious don’t hesitate... make a reservation because it’s always busy. Oh yeah, get a pisco. ”
“ This was a delightful dinner. We were in the mood for seafood and upon seeing the ceviche options, we couldn't resist. We ordered the potato-yucca croquettes, ceviche carretillero, pork chop and jalea mixto (fried seafood). Everything was wonderfully seasoned and fresh. The croquettes came out first and had a subtle smoky heat to them that made us realize we were in for a great meal. My husband has spent a while in Peru and said the spices for the ceviche were very on point. In fact, he got very nostalgic about all his trips to Peru. We spent the rest of dinner reliving his adventures while being blown away by our entrees. I couldn't finish my fried seafood but all of it was perfectly cooked and had a wonderful crunch. My husband downed his pork chop (and sides) leaving absolutely nothing behind. The staff were very welcoming and when they heard I had never had Peruvian food before insisted that I try the inka cola. It was unique, refreshing and next time I'm definitely ordering it. It has wonderful cinnamon notes. This was a great discovery for us, the food was excellent, the staff were warm and welcoming and it was the type of food to spark excited discussions. ”