A new restaurant is opening in the former Saint Jacques space in Raleigh

The old Saint Jacques space, which has sat empty for nearly a year, will soon be filled.

Jalwa Indian Bistro plans to open in the place formerly home to the popular Raleigh French eatery.

Jalwa owner Ajit Pal Singh Khanna told The News & Observer that he expects the new restaurant to open in September or October at North Ridge Shopping Center. Located at the intersection of Falls of Neuse and Spring Forest roads, the shopping center is home to Harris Teeter, Westlake Ace Hardware, Starbucks and Salt & Lime Cabo Grill, among other retailers.

There are plenty of Indian restaurants elsewhere in the Triangle, Khanna said, and he saw an opportunity with the old Saint Jacques site to bring “authentic Indian taste” to Raleigh residents.

“I’m a foodie myself,” Khanna said.

While the menu is still in development, it will be focused on the cuisine of Northern India. Khanna said he hopes the dishes will reflect foods he loved eating during his upbringing in the country, whether they were prepared by local vendors or his grandmother, who cooked often for family gatherings. Expect items such as butter chicken, kebabs, chicken tikka masala and curries.

Jalwa, which means splendor or charm, will also have a full bar.

A redesign is currently underway at the old Saint Jacques space. Customers will experience an expanded bar, new seating and flooring, plus space for meetings or small gatherings.

The restaurant, which will hold about 70 people, will feature a mix of modern design with traditional Indian elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Jalwa Indian Bistro is located at 6112 Falls of Neuse Road .

What happened to Saint Jacques?

Saint Jacques quietly closed in July 2023, The News & Observer previously reported .

Husband-wife duo Lil and Lori Lacassagne opened the French restaurant in 2004. Former N&O dining critic Greg Cox often included Saint Jacques in his list of the Triangle’s best restaurant, and he once even gave it a rating of 4 1/2 stars, noting its “Old World charm.”

In 2015, Ashlie Cade became owner of the restaurant, as the Lacassagnes sold Saint Jacques to focus on another of their concepts, Gibsonville’s former North Carolina Inn, which they renamed the Burke Manor Inn. Cade, who is also behind The Bison bar and the old Blowfish bar, which was located on Glenwood Avenue, could not be reached by The N&O for comment when news of Saint Jacques’ closure was reported.

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