Jalao

Name: Jalao
Address: 2420 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY, United States, 10033-7327
Telephone: (929) 688-4684
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.3

4.3

291 Reviews

$31 to $50

Caribbean

Top Tags:

Welcome to Jalao! Escape from the streets of New York City to the brightly colored paradise of the Dominican Republic while dining at Jalao. Enjoy authentic Dominican food and vibrant cultural surroundings right in the heart of NYC’s Washington Heights Neighborhood.

Eat surrounded by the vibrant ambiance of Taíno, African, and Spanish influences that blend together in a flavorful splash of Dominican culture. In a courtyard built for live music and dancing, experience the timeless atmosphere of the historic Ciudad Colonial of Santo Domingo.

Located in the brand new Radio Hotel, join Manhattan’s Little Dominican Republic community as they experience a taste of home. Handcrafted Dominican furniture adorns the dining area, while the walls are splashed with brightly colored murals and authentic Carnival masks.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

11:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Caribbean
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Happy Hour Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–7:00 pm Mon–Thu 10:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–1:00 am
Phone number
(929) 688-4684
Website
https://jalaonyc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Wilmer Chuquillanqui

Location
2420 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10033-7327
Neighborhood
Washington Heights
Cross street
Amsterdam Ave & 181st St
Parking details
None
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Chicharrón de Mar$19.00
crispy calamari and shrimp / cilantro-basil aioli
Empanadas$11.00
cheese / mayo ketchup; braised ground beef / chimichurri and poblano alioli
- Cheese$11.00
- Braised Ground Beef$13.00
Bombones de Yuca$14.00
cheddar yuca croquettes / pineapple criolla sauce
Croquetas de Chivo**$14.00
braised goat croquettes / cilantro-basil aioli

Caribbean - Style Ceviche

Sea Bass*$19.00
leche de tigre / rocato / red onion / cilantro
Ahi Tuna*$19.00
passion fruit / pomegranate / lime / ginger

Caldos & Salads

Enhance Your Salad: Chicken +$7, Salmon +$9, Shrimp S +$9, Steak* +$11

Patimongo$12.00
cow-tripe stew "cocido style" chickpea / carrot / potato / onion / white rice / avocado
Sancocho$12.00
"ya tu sabe" traditional dominican stew / chicken / beef / pork / root vegetable / corn / white rice / avocado
Kale Salad***$18.00
cherry tomato / rainbow quinoa / dried cherry / almonds / grape / agrio de naranja vinaigrette
Jalao Salad$16.00
romain lettuce / spicy croutons / parmesan cheese / creamy dominican oregano dressing

Main Dishes

Costillas Ñoñas*** (Baby Back Ribs)$27.00
chinola bbq sauce / yuca frita / grilled corn / peanuts
Pastelón de Platano con Berenjena$22.00
plantain purée / grilled eggplant / mozzarella / tomato / compote / basil and pistachio sauce / mix herb salad
Adobo Grilled Half Chicken$27.00
mashed potato / roasted heirloom carrots / morena criolla sauce
Paila Jalao$35.00
skirt onion-steak / crispy pork belly / chorizo / avocado / white rice / red bean stew
Spaghetti al Pomodoro$29.00
plum tomatoes sauce / crema / shaved pecorino / romano / pollo a la parrilla
Rabo Encendío$42.00
spicy red wine stewed oxtail / moro de guandules
Chivo y Chenchen$29.00
goat stew / cracked corn grits
Braised Ossobuco$42.00
drunken ossobuco in dominican rum / risotto de guandules / pickled chillies
Coconut Fish Fillet$33.00
coconut sauce / roasted red pepper / moro de guandules / tostones
Asopao de Mariscos$35.00
seafood frothy rice / saffron-fish broth
Sea Food Mofongo$45.00
twice fried plantain / sauteed mussels / clams / calamari / shrimp in our ajillo sauce
Pecao Frito$65.00
2 lb deep fried fish / tostones / moro de guandules / poblano tartar / mojo / wasakaka / mayo criolla / avocado cream
- Serves 2 People$65.00

De la Parrilla

all steaks are served with chimichurri and mojo

Salmon*$32.00
14oz Rib Eye*$52.00
14oz Churrasco*$52.00
Jalao Burger$24.00
Dominican Parrillada$79.00
12oz churrasco / costillas / longaniza / grilled corn / yuca fries

Sides

Aguacate a la Parrilla$12.00
grilled avocado / corn pico de gallo
Tostones$9.00
crispy plantain / mojo
Yuca Frita$9.00
crispy yuca / mojo
Truffle Fries$12.00
parmesan / truffle oil
Arroz y Habichuela$9.00
rice / red beans
Moro de Guandules$9.00
rice / green pigeons pees

What 291 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.1Food
4.3Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

291 Reviews

Y
Yorod
New York Area
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
It is a great place to go with friends and family. The service was great and the food was delicious. I will definitely be back again!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 27, 2023
overall1food3service1ambience1
Mala actitud en los meseros Comida un poco desabrida
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A
Addie
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience4
Don’t go for entrees, just get drinks and appetizers and be prepared to wait. I got the paila as an entre and I swear I’ve never had Dominican food so unseasoned before. My aunt had the rabo and even though it says spicy, I could have a whole piece without feeling anything (for reference, the pico de Gallo at chipotle is too spicy for me), it mainly tasted like cinnamon not even salt or wine. The chicharron del mar was the best thing we ate even though the shrimp were SUPER salty. I would definitely go back if I had already eaten and I wanted a good drink and maybe an appetizer. Service was SLOW so make sure you have time on your hands.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jalao is a great Latin / Dominican / Fusion restaurant in the Highbridge area de Washington Hights, in Manhattan, New York City
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m
maba
New York Area
16 reviews
vip
2.0
16 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience4
Food was hit or miss. A couple of dishes were really good but others were bland or didn’t taste good. Service was very poor. Would not recommend.
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CJ
ClaribelJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Solo puedo decir que fue mucho más de lo que esperaba ... El sabor en sus carnes, ese sancocho delicioso el personal muy amable todo inicia con la persona que te recibe un trato ameno, fuimos a celebrar el cumpleaños d emi madre y valió la pena los muchachos (@s) son excelentes ... Lo recomiendo 1000 por mil ... Bendiciones a su negocio .. Ambiente acogedor, cómodo.. Gracias por su trato..
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KF
KaylaF
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience5
I visited Jalao for the first time and my overall experience was okay. The place is beautiful and the vibe if I ever return it will be for the bar. The drinks were great however I was disappointed with my entree. I ordered a meal that had rice, beans, skirt steak, chicharon, longaniza, maduro and avocado. The moment I saw my meal I was shocked how small the skirt steak was ( I am talking bite size steak extremely thin). The reason why I ordered this dish is for the skirt steak and it was the smallest stake I ever seen in my life. I did not mention anything because I thought I maybe missed something in the menu. Now that I look at other reviews and their menu it did not specify how many oz or how big the piece of stake is and to top it off I saw other photos of other people and it doesn’t look as small and mine. I wish I took a photo but I was embarrassed to post it so I did not now I wish I did. Overall service was OK.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jalao was really good. Las croquetas de chivo son deliciosas. La música muy buena .
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Amazing food with diverse menu. Attentive and friendly staff. Great music and atmosphere.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience3
We waited 20-25 mins for a server AFTER we asked the host to be served. Supposedly, the restaurant was understaffed. Food was ok, not worth the pricing. I ordered the spaghetti dish and it tasted like something you can make at home. In the dish, there is chicken breast slices that were charred and it dampened the taste of the overall dish. The ambience itself was nice, the music wasn’t blaring loud. I wouldn’t come back again.
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DD
DebD37
New York Area
62 reviews
vip
5.0
62 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a surprise finally an upscale restaurant in Washington Heights! I always have to leave my neighborhood when I meet friends for Brunch or dinner. This time I only had to walk 4 minutes! We were a table of 8, we sat in the garden, there was live salsa, merengue music, we danced. We loved the food, the service was great. My girlfriends said they felt like they were on vacation. We will definitely be back.
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C
Cielo
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
No me gusto para nada mi experiencia, Tienen un happy hour y cuando pides algo te traen platos del menú regular, que son los mismos platos que ofrecen en su “happy hour” pero más costosos y en el menú de internet tienen bebidas que no ofrecen en el menú de allá.
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L
Leor
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food we had was great. The staff was super accommodating and extremely attentive. Restaurant is decorate beautifully. I highly recommend the ahi tuna ceviche!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Loved the way they serve the fried fish, just wish they improve the flavor. Overall experience great.
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RC
RaynelC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server Hector was amazing!! The manager on duty as well!! My second time at the restaurant and it’s my favorite!! My wife and myself went for my birthday and had an amazing time!!, THANK YOU JALAO amazing food
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CM
CarolynM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, excellent food for family and friends
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excelente servicio y atenciones, se los recomiendo.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Muy buen restaurante la comida , las bebidas , el servicio, el ambiente todo excelente.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excelente servicio y la comida exquisita, el chico que me atendió fue un 10/10
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MG
MarkG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a great experience. The food food, drinks and ambience we all are par.
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F
Fool2222
Hawaii
25 reviews
vip
4.0
25 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Great experience for Restaurant week. A bit confusing upon arrival as there was no clear way to checkin for the reservation. Once seated Service was great and the food delicious. The appetizer was larger than expected so had leftovers of the main entree. Dessert of the 5 tres leche was amazing. I’d go back just for that.
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CC
ChristianC
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Great experience love the Dominican vibes. Good food good drink nice ambience
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V
Vpvrg
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience4
Very nice restaurant. The food is OK, I had better steak and chicken elsewhere. The live music was good, and the environment.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall3food1service4ambience5
First and time dining at Jalao. If you want to have a few drinks and take pictures Jalao is a beautiful spot. If you are going to eat I don’t recommend it! Food was horrible! I went to celebrate my mother’s birthday and I regretted it. I ordered the fish with coconut sauce! Nasty! Nasty! Nasty! All 9 of us had the same experience with our food!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience4
For a nice place like that the food was tasteless service very slow and it was not that busy !! Drinks were good!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is amazing! Beyond impressed! We’ll be back!
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d
dscott
New York Area
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Beautiful setting. Margaritas were delightful. The sauces that came with our fried fish were exceptional.
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ER
EstelleR
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely delicious food and attentive service ! I went with a party of 4 to celebrate my mother’s 78th birthday. I had never dined at the restaurant, but was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful decor, and the food was truly out of this world! I was also grateful that after telling the waiter that I wanted to order some cake and sing happy birthday for my mom, they had several wait staff celebrate her - drinks were delicious, and while pricey, totally worth it!
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H
Hollywood
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent Service!!! Thank you Hector, for your excellent hospitality!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food3service5ambience5
Our waiter Jessica was amazing, we loved the ambiance and the live music. Overall a great experience.
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DP
DPena
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience4
This was my second time going to Jalao and I was sadly disappointed. The chicharron was extremely salty. The server who brought the utensils was relatively rude in the manner they gave us our utensils. Our main server was trying their best to serve us but the food would take ages to come out and by the time it got to us it was cold for example the skirt steak was cold which caused it to be distasteful. We also ordered beef empanadas, which tasted and smelled greatly like meat that was yet again distasteful. And to top things off, the drinks were hot, and I had to go to the bar to get someone in our party drink because they were waiting for 30 minutes. Overall, I wanted to go to Jalao because it was a loved one's birthday, but I would have preferred to go somewhere else given the quality of service and value of the food.
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IN
IvyNYC
New York Area
106 reviews
vip
5.0
106 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a find! This is off the beaten path if you don't live in Washington Heights. The hotel hosting the restaurant is new, modern and hip. The restaurant inside is beautiful and the outdoor patio great! The Dominican menu was excellent. The food was delicious. They have live music Thursday-Sunday; we'll be back for the music. This spot is great for everyday and for special occasions.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Muy buen restaurant, me encanto, volvería de nuevo🥰
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was extremely good, for sure will be going back! 10/10
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h
happy
Los Angeles
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
What a gem in the middle of Washington Heights. The inside dinning room is bright and colorful. The patio is spacious. It was too hot to eat outside when I was there but it is absolutely the thing to do on a cooler day. Food was amazing and the portions were large. My visit was during NYC Restaurant Week and the menu and staff were outstanding.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience5
Some of the food was extremely salty. This was my second time going (ordered two different plates) and I was not amused both times. They should upgrade and add more of a variety to the menu. The aesthetic is nice and all but the food is most definitely not it. The r prices DO NOT MATCH THE FOOD lol. The service was very nice and the waitress was very attentive, 5 stars for that ! Hope this review is informative and helpful
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JO
JennyfferO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excelente lugar un ambiente muy agradable y muy exquisita comida
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
a great restaurant in the Hights to enjoy Caribbean Infussion disses
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D
Ddiaz
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall5food3service5ambience5
Unfortunately my seafood mofongo was really salty but my partner’s churrasco was juicy and delicious. Drinks not too good but that won’t stop me to come back: next time i’ll order something different and see how it goes. Beautiful place in and out, good music and i love the outside area to just relax, have a good conversation and enjoy the breeze.
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MP
MariaP
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Excellent place I love it 😍 lo recomiendo mucho un lugar acogedor muy placentero para pasarla súper .
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FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Jalao using the Order Online button. Jalao also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (929) 688-4684.

Jalao is rated 4.3 stars by 291 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

11:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

2420 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10033-7327

Additional information

Cross street
Amsterdam Ave & 181st St
Neighborhood
Washington Heights
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Happy Hour Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–7:00 pm Mon–Thu 10:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–1:00 am
Cuisines
Caribbean
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Wilmer Chuquillanqui
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://jalaonyc.com/
Phone number
(929) 688-4684

Jalao

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

To Share

Guacamole$16.00

Chicharrón y Casabe$16.00

Starters - Bocaditos

Chicharrón de Mar$19.00

Empanadas$11.00

Bombones de Yuca$14.00

Croquetas de Chivo**$14.00

Caribbean - Style Ceviche

Sea Bass*$19.00

Ahi Tuna*$19.00

Caldos & Salads

Patimongo$12.00

Sancocho$12.00

Kale Salad***$18.00

Jalao Salad$16.00

Main Dishes

Costillas Ñoñas*** (Baby Back Ribs)$27.00

Pastelón de Platano con Berenjena$22.00

Adobo Grilled Half Chicken$27.00

Paila Jalao$35.00

Spaghetti al Pomodoro$29.00

Rabo Encendío$42.00

Chivo y Chenchen$29.00

Braised Ossobuco$42.00

Coconut Fish Fillet$33.00

Asopao de Mariscos$35.00

Sea Food Mofongo$45.00

Pecao Frito$65.00

De la Parrilla

Salmon*$32.00

14oz Rib Eye*$52.00

14oz Churrasco*$52.00

Jalao Burger$24.00

Dominican Parrillada$79.00

Sides

Aguacate a la Parrilla$12.00

Tostones$9.00

Yuca Frita$9.00

Truffle Fries$12.00

Arroz y Habichuela$9.00

Moro de Guandules$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Jalao offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Jalao restaurant rated?

Is Jalao currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information