Tucked away in a strip mall just off Page Avenue is a Palestinian culinary delight that can’t be missed. Meet Pali Grill, a family-owned restaurant led by Ahmed Hasan, who has called St. Louis home for the past 12 years.
Pali Grill opened in July and has since attracted a steady stream of customers, especially families. One draw for patrons is its generous hours: Pali is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant sits at 10612 Page Ave., in the space that formerly housed Ms. Piggies Smokehouse. Hasan said he chose Overland for its central location.
“It’s in the middle [of St. Louis City and County], and it’s a quiet spot. I see families here, and they’re enjoying themselves. I see kids coming, even college students. It’s not modern or fancy, but we tried to make it peaceful and quiet,” he said.
Pali Grill has the cozy feel of a diner. The 1,800-square-foot space seats about 50 people, offering a relaxed atmosphere where guests can sit back and enjoy their meal.
“You can see all different people from different [backgrounds] here, and they try different [menu] items. That’s something different. It’s neat to me when I see four tables with people from four different nationalities; it’s something special,” Hasan said.
Everything about Pali Grill proudly reflects Hasan’s Palestinian heritage, from the logo and packaging to a shelf of trinkets and personal items from his life back in Palestine. Over by the booths, vibrant murals by St. Louis artist Adam Brink add a burst of color to the walls.
“I moved here 12 years ago. I’m still attached to memories back home. We want this place to feel like your second home,” Hasan said.
Place your order at the register and grab a drink before finding a table. Try a can of Pali soda, available in lime or cola, or try a yogurt drink: cold, tangy and refreshing.
One of the cleverest aspects of Pali Grill is Hasan’s effort to reinterpret traditional Palestinian dishes through familiar American formats. The restaurant’s namesake Pali Burger is a perfect example: a Palestinian-inspired lamb and beef patty on a classic hamburger bun, topped with signature Pali sauce, a mayo-based condiment that adds a tangy, zesty bite.
The rest of the menu features similar fusion items, such as arayes (a Middle Eastern pita sandwich stuffed with ground beef and lamb, onion, tomato, and parsley) and the grilled chicken liver sandwich.
For purists, the all-day breakfast menu offers 25 traditional Arab dishes “made the Palestinian way,” Hasan explained. Try shakshouka, a dish of spiced, sautéed tomatoes and garlic served with sunny-side-up or scrambled eggs, or ejjeh, scrambled eggs with parsley, tomato, onion, and mixed spices.
Makdous – eggplant preserved in olive oil and stuffed with nuts, garlic, and pepper – might even convert eggplant skeptics. The olive oil used to preserve the eggplant is sourced from Qusra, Hasan’s village in Palestine. It softens the eggplant and gives the makdous a deep, earthy aroma. For the perfect bite, tear off a piece of pita, dip it into some labneh, and top it with makdous for a taste of culinary heaven.
What gives the food its umami depth and richness is the olive oil and za’atar that Hasan and his team use, both imported from Qusra. Bottles of olive oil and za’atar are currently available for retail purchase, and Hasan said bottles of sumac will be available soon.
Many of the lunch and dinner dishes cater to adventurous eaters, but for those seeking something familiar, Pali also serves American staples such as nachos and French fries. No matter what you order, each bite showcases Hasan’s thoughtful blend of Palestinian and American flavors.Visit Pali Grill on Instagram and Facebook for updates.