Lal Qila Afghan, Persian , Pakistani Mediterranean cuisine — Restaurant in Ballwin

My husband and I came here for the buffet. We like going to Pakistani vs. India buffets as the India buffets are more vegetarian and usually only offer one or two meat dishes and it’s always just biryani or tandoori. This place is super reasonable considering all the meat dishes they offer! This place was above and beyond our expectations! They offered so many chicken and had fresh goat dishes! They had chicken biryani, Haleem, tandoori, korma, and kabobs! Goat Korma and Piye! I love that they mixed spinach and saag (greens) in the Pollack Paneer giving it a very nice rich taste. The chicken kabobs were cooked in the tandoor (clay oven) and were super moist, soft and delicious. They were the best I’ve tasted since leaving Lahore many years ago! Nothing was a bit oily or salty and everything tasted different with its very own flavors! They even had Puri Halwa too! The puris came out piping hot and the naan breads were hot, nice and fluffy! The yoghurt (raita) and cilantro (dunya) chutneys were as fresh as could be! They had chai tea self service so you could have a few cups with buffet and more after. The desserts did not disappoint either as the kheer was nice and creamy and the gulab jamuns were warm and you could tell they used real ghee to make them tasty and not too sweet. If you want a genuine Pakistani buffet, this is the place! Very clean and I like that they have a stack of extra large napkins already on the table for you. The napkins are good ones that stay together vs. falling apart after a couple wipes! They also serve you bottled water vs. a pitcher of water and glasses! They have the whole system down here. Very clean bathrooms and surroundings. There were so many choices, we didn’t get to try everything. Exceptional quality all the way around. After living 25 years in Chicago going to Devon St. (famous Pak-Indo Street) and traveling the country, I can honestly say this is THE best Pak/Indo food buffet! The chef is very friendly and you can tell he enjoys cooking the food with love. If I could give 10 stars I would! When in St Louis, we will be here every time! Can’t wait to go back and try the chefs Chapli Kabobs off the...

From the moment I walked into Lal Qala I was captivated by its warm and inviting ambiance. The lighting was perfect, creating a cozy yet modern atmosphere that felt both relaxed and sophisticated. The interior design blended classic elegance with contemporary touches, making it an ideal setting for both a casual dinner or a special occasion. The service was impeccable. The staff greeted us with genuine smiles and immediately made us feel welcome. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu, offering great recommendations and making sure we had everything we needed throughout the meal. The pacing of the courses was perfect, and our drinks were always topped off without having to ask. Now, let’s talk about the food. Every dish we ordered was a masterpiece. The [Kabaab kobeedeh) was a standout—perfectly cooked, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The flavors were balanced and fresh, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Even the simple Rice and pakora was exceptional, proving that attention to detail matters in every aspect of their menu. The variety on the menu catered to all tastes, and I appreciated the inclusion of options for different dietary needs. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, there’s something for everyone. As for the price, while it leaned toward the higher end, it was absolutely justified by the quality of the food and service. You definitely get what you pay for here, and it’s clear that the team at Lal Qala takes great pride in their offerings. Cleanliness was also top-notch. The restaurant was spotless, including the restrooms, which is always a good sign of attention to detail. Overall, my experience at Lal Qala was nothing short of exceptional. I left feeling satisfied, happy, and eager to return. If you’re looking for a place that delivers both in taste and experience, this is a must-try. Outstanding Lal Qala !!! Highly...

I am rewriting my review after a second visit and unfortunately, I must downgrade my rating due to an inhospitable atmosphere.

I invited a friend and his family for dinner, making us a group of four adults and three kids. Initially, we were given a round table, but due to the children, we requested to move to a larger table. A young waiter accommodated us with a better table. However, while we were eating, an older waiter approached us aggressively, stating that we should not have moved without his permission. He escalated the situation with my guest, shouting at us in front of other customers. We assumed he was the manager, but it turned out he was just a waiter. As we prepared to leave, this waiter provoked us again, loudly criticizing us for moving tables and even started clearing plates while the kids were still eating. everyone in the restaurant was looking at our table. that waiter aggressive served another table throwing spoons and forks in front of four old customers.

Although the owner came and apologized, the damage was already done.

Additionally, when I called to make the reservation, the staff assured me that there were four main dishes that were not spicy and suitable for kids. However, only one dish met this criteria, which was a rice-based dish with no enough meat.

I personally will not be returning and strongly advise against visiting this place until they address their staffing issues and improve their atmosphere and menu.

I must add that , before the owner came, the manager quickly apologized and tried to move on quickly . He even said (we can talk about this issue on another...