The Port of Peri Peri — Restaurant in Town and Country

Yesterday I stopped by The Port of Peri Peri St. Louis , this was my first experience at a Halal Restaurant and im beyond impressed.

📍 13951 Manchester Road , Ballwin MO

🔸 Decor - The decor is intentional and very elegant but casual. If you scroll through my pics , you’ll see the library , the open dining room, led lights and homage to their roots while also showing pride to being in Saint Louis. This is the kind of place you would find in the CWE or Delmar Loop but instead it’s tucked away in Ballwin. It brings all the elements of city to the suburbs.

🔸 Hospitality- I had a great time speaking with owner Amosh Kumar and his wife , both moving here from Chicago. Amosh being college educated started his journey many years ago as a refugee just looking for work , climbed up the ladder from dishwasher to owner. The love of culture is present in the food. The level of hospitality shown by he, his wife and crew was exceptional and not to just to me but the other guest patronizing. It felt like I was eating dinner as a guest in their home.

🔸Food - This was my first experience at a halal restaurant and they’re big on the flavor. Kumar taught me that peri peri means spice and I was able to try maybe 9 of their sauces ranging from mild to extra hot with the standouts being the peri mayo , Cajun and Lemon + Herb.

I ordered all of my protein in mild sauce for safety and it complimented the dark meat lovely. I appreciate all of their meat being grilled not only because it’s more health conscious but because of the flakiness and the way the flavor cooks into it.

This was the easily the best lamb chops I’ve ever had in a restaurant setting, it’s evident in first bite that a marinade was executed and it can be found in wings and leg quarters as well.

Many years ago I worked at chipotle and I can remember cooking rice and sides every morning , so I was impressed when I tasted the rice here (light and fluffy , none sticking) along with the hummus and pita bread. The elote was a personal favorite of mine and I poured the Cajun sauce over it. It reminded me of the creole corn I use to serve at my restaurant years ago. I was impressed.

The menu is affordable and you wouldn’t expect this level of execution but it’s happening. This was the second Tiramisu I’ve consumed in the last month , this one had more cake to it than others I’ve seen and I appreciate it because some places go heavier on the mascarpone and it can be overwhelming if the bottom half ends up being soggy. This was one executed perfectly, and anything fried is a win for me and that’s how I ended my night with the cheesecake.

I appreciate the real dinnerware and not just traditional white plates but earthenware. It brought the experience full circle again because it’s an affordable , yet casually elegant experience.

Go and find out for yourself 🔥

P.S

Try the fries with the peri mayo and...

My wife and I were just heading into Fresh Thyme for groceries when we saw the pictures in The Port Of Peri Peri’s window and literally started salivating. Had this Indian food Brazilian vibe that caught our attention and we decided groceries could wait. Best impulse decision we’ve made in a while. I’m a huge sauce guy but can’t handle much spice - you know the type, loves flavor but my mouth is weak. I had no idea about Portuguese food but I learned quick it’s really good. These folks have this amazing spectrum of spice levels from “my kids can handle this” to “why am I sweating?” and they nailed the goldilocks spot for me. Not too mild, not trying to kill me, just right. They actually let you taste the different sauces before ordering which was really helpful because I would’ve definitely ordered wrong otherwise. The chicken was incredible - perfectly grilled and juicy. But honestly? The sides stole the show. Started playing it safe with potato salad (which was really good) but then curiosity got the better of me and I started trying everything. Those peri cassava fries are something else entirely - never had anything like them and now I’m questioning why every restaurant doesn’t have these. The falafel was crispy perfection, there’s this grilled paneer in some unique sauce that I can’t stop thinking about, and the falafel rice was cooked just right. The pita bread was perfect for scooping up all that good sauce because wasting any would be a crime. The whole experience felt genuine - the owner and his spouse provided such great service, family owned place with people who actually care about the food and your experience. Not just going through the motions. As a local guide, I’m calling this one of the best restaurants in town and an absolute must-try. My wife and I are already planning our next visit and this is definitely becoming a regular spot for us. If you have a (spice tooth)and you’re driving by and see those pictures in the window like we did - just go in. Trust me on this one - Amosh & Courtney will take...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Portos Peri Peri in St. Louis, and I can't recommend it enough! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with the warmest hospitality from the owner, Amosh, and his wonderful wife. They made me feel like a part of the family right away. You can tell that they truly care about their guests and are passionate about providing an unforgettable dining experience.

The food at Portos Peri Peri was AMAZING. The peri-peri chicken was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, with just the right balance of heat and flavor. The menu has a fantastic variety, and each dish is packed with fresh, bold flavors. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and it's clear that a lot of love and care goes into every aspect of the restaurant.

Amosh and his wife made sure to check in throughout the meal, offering recommendations and chatting with customers to ensure everything was just right. It’s rare to find such a personal touch, and it really set Portos apart from other places. Their genuine warmth and attention to detail made the experience even more memorable.

If you're in St. Louis and craving incredible food paired with top-notch service, Portos Peri Peri is a must-visit. Amosh and his wife are incredible hosts, and their passion for great food and hospitality truly shines through. I can't...