Such a fantastic experience at Jafra! We decided to try it out after seeing the outstanding reviews. We went in with high expectations and we were not let down. This place was great, people were friendly, and food was delicious! We started with hummus and falafels. Hummus was very good! We shared a chicken shawarma wrap and 2 mains. The baklava with cinnamon was the best!
Overview
Walking into Jafra Mediterranean Restaurant for the first time, I honestly wasn’t expecting to stay for almost two hours. Yet that’s exactly what happened the night I stopped by the location at 3551 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, St Charles, MO 63303, United States after a long day of client meetings. The aroma of grilled lamb and garlic hit me before I even made it to the host stand, and by the time the server offered me the house-made pita bread, I already knew this place was doing something right.
I’ve reviewed dozens of Mediterranean spots across Missouri for my food column, and the biggest mistake I see is kitchens cutting corners on prep. Here, the process is the opposite. I watched the line cook marinate chicken shawarma fresh from scratch, not from a prepackaged tub, which is rare. According to the Mediterranean Diet Foundation, meals rich in olive oil, legumes, grilled proteins, and vegetables are linked to a 30% lower risk of heart disease. You can taste that philosophy here because everything on the menu leans toward those fresh, balanced ingredients instead of heavy sauces.
One real example that sold me was the falafel. I’ve had falafel that crumbles into dust, but theirs had a soft interior with a crispy exterior, clearly made with soaked chickpeas rather than canned ones. That technique is what chefs at the Culinary Institute of America recommend for authentic texture, and it shows. Even the tahini sauce had a slight lemon brightness instead of the flat, bitter taste you get when it’s rushed.
The staff know their stuff, too. When I asked about allergens for a client who’s gluten sensitive, the server confidently walked me through which plates could be prepared with rice instead of pita. The National Restaurant Association emphasizes that diners now expect transparency around food handling, and this place is already ahead of the curve. It’s not perfect, though. During peak dinner hours, the wait for a table can stretch past 20 minutes, so I’d avoid Friday nights if you’re short on time.
Scrolling through local reviews before my second visit, I noticed a trend: families rave about the portions, while solo diners praise the calm vibe for lunch breaks. I tested that myself during a midweek lunch run and finished a mixed grill plate that could easily feed two people. It’s the kind of portion control mistake I don’t mind making.
What makes the experience stick isn’t just flavor but consistency across locations. I spoke with a regular who’s been coming here since they opened, and he told me the owners trained their kitchen crew using recipes passed down from relatives in the Levant region. That heritage connection lines up with what food historian Paula Wolfert has written about traditional Middle Eastern cooking, where spice blends are treated like family heirlooms rather than factory formulas.
If you care about process, you’ll appreciate the visible prep station near the front. You can see herbs being chopped and skewers going onto the grill, which builds trust. Still, they don’t claim everything is perfect. One manager mentioned they’re still sourcing a better supplier for fresh figs, so seasonal desserts rotate more than they’d like.
By the time I paid my bill, I’d mentally bookmarked half the menu for future visits: the creamy hummus, the smoky baba ghanoush, the citrusy fattoush salad. It’s the kind of diner that makes you forget you’re just off a busy parkway in St Charles. Between the honest cooking methods, thoughtful service, and overwhelmingly positive reviews, this restaurant has earned a permanent place in my rotation, not as a novelty but as a reliable go-to when I want real Mediterranean comfort without driving across the state.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as indigenous-ownedService options
✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Halal food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ GroupsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1576 reviews
We had time to kill and I veered out of my comfort zone. Could not be happier! We ended up doing a bit of sampling not really knowing what to order. Our hostess was very helpful in describing and explaining the dishes. For appetizers we had the Hummus with Beef Shawerma and Meat Pies. The pickles and pickled turnip were a nice, unexpected touch. Not wanting to overdo it we shared a single entree, the Jafra Mixed Grill which was literally a bit of everything. Beef, Chicken, & Lamb Kebobs as well as Shrimp. The flavors and fresh sauces were amazing. Near the end of our entree the hostess enticed us with some Arabic coffee. We ended up ordering a pot to go with desert. While we did what we knew, Baklava. We expected smaller portions so we got 2 and also, at our hostesses suggestion, a Kunafeh. What a dream. Seemingly simple items joined together for excellent, satisfying flavors. A truly wonderful experience and we will definitely be back. We live in South County and it is well worth the trip.
Probably the best middle eastern cuisine that I've ate in the USA. You could call it Mediterranean but middle eastern is more accurate. Each food is top notch, authentic, and hits the spot. The best gnafe, hands down. I just finished eating there and I want it again. Beautifully presented, fast, hot and delicious. Clean restaurant and bathrooms. Nice music. The staff is all family and they are so friendly. They are very welcoming. It's our favorite place to eat when we travel to St. Charles. Wide menu selection. Made from scratch desserts. Eat here and you won't regret it!! Highly recommend 10/10
A Memorable Mediterranean Feast at Jafra Dining at Jafra was a wonderful experience from start to finish. We began with the hummus plate and chicken, and I can confidently say I have yet to find better hummus anywhere—silky, perfectly seasoned, and beautifully balanced. The falafel were another standout: fresh, full of flavor, and clearly made with love. I even tried pickled radish for the first time, which added a bright, tangy crunch that paired perfectly with the warm, savory bites. For the main course, the beef shawarma wrap was outstanding—juicy, perfectly spiced, and wrapped in pillowy fresh pita bread that took the whole dish to the next level. To finish, dessert was a delightful surprise: a luscious creation with the creamy texture of cream cheese and pudding, topped with crunchy pistachios and delicately infused with rose water—a sweet, fragrant ending to an unforgettable meal. Jafra combines authentic Mediterranean flavors with genuine hospitality, making it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates food made with care and heart. I can’t wait to return.
A special place for anyone who appreciates Mediterranean cuisine! The menu is very varied, the portions are huge, and everything was very tasty! The staff is very kind! The kibbeh is delicious. We will definitely come back and try the whole menu.
I can’t say enough good things about Jafra Mediterranean Restaurant. From the moment I took my first bite, I was transported straight to the heart of the Mediterranean. This place serves the best Mediterranean food I’ve had outside of the region itself—no exaggeration. I ordered the beef shawarma plate, kibbeh, and hummus, and each dish was a masterclass in flavor and authenticity. The shawarma was perfectly seasoned and tender, the kibbeh had that ideal crispy exterior with a savory filling, and the hummus? Silky, rich, and downright addictive. If you’re craving a genuine taste of the Mediterranean without hopping on a plane, Jafra is your destination. Highly recommended!
We had dinner at Jafra and it was delicious! I loved the Hummus and the Jafra Mixed Grill. The staff are kind and hospitable. The food was so fresh. Everything we tasted was divine! I cannot to come back for another visit! 10/10
My wife and I had a little lunch date and had been looking for some Authentic Mediterranean food to try. We saw rave reviews about Jafras and decided to check ot out. Our server greeted us as soon as we walked in with a warm welcome and made sure to let us know of we had any questions he was there. I always look at a mebu before i go to new places so i already knew i was getting the chicken shawarma sandwich. We started with the grape leaves as an app and they were soooo flavorful. My wife got the beef kafta plate and i the chicken shawarma sandwich and both were authenticity flavorful. We did get dessert to complete the experience. We decided on the Lebanese Night which was so yummy with the syrup on the side. Our kind server offered us a sample of Arabic coffee which was very good. We will definitely be back.