The food is fine and fresh, but simply nothing special if you've had Lebanese before. I ordered the vegetarian tasting plate and made sure it was fully vegan. I think it was overpriced (20 USD) and could have been bigger. Maybe you have to pay for the elaborate decorations inside? Anyway, a nice place to have food especially if you've had enough of typical American cuisine.
onionrings
Ordered the falafel plate (without feta) and an extra pita (because I like carbs) via Uber Eats to my hotel room. The grilled pita was soft, warm, and delicious. The falafel was decent, not the best I've ever had. I wish it had a little more hummus on it. The salad it came with was tasty; I liked the dressing.
Overall, it hit the spot and I wanted another one as soon as I was done.
Updated from previous review on 2024-10-31
Idan Nadler
The service was great and the atmosphere seemed authentic. The place was clean. Each dish is around $20 and for that price it should be a little more impressive than it was. This is basically just a sit down street food spot. I left the restaurant feeling like they did the bare minimum of middle eastern cuisine. Probably won’t go back for those prices.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Ahmed Jawad
In summary, dining at this Lebanese restaurant is a great experience. It’s a place where the location, atmosphere, hospitality, and food come together to create something truly special. If you’re in Des Moines, this is one spot you absolutely must visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Susan Pegg
Falafel rice plate and the shawarma rice plate were both excellent. Good salad, fresh. Very authentic and great flavor. Nice medium spice level. We went in for a weekday dinner and OS was a quaint place, very laid back. The waiter was attentive and the food arrived quickly.
Wheelchair accessibility: Roll in, door would require assistance. Did not visit restrooms so not sure about accessibility there.
Incredible food and a great atmosphere and location in East Village!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Danxvaly
I was in town for volleyball tournament and I think was nice to have something different. I make the mistake, some food are ok,but some are not fresh,I realized after 2 hour what I eat wasn't fresh. The place is dirty ,the floor is a mess and they keep little lightg and you don't see to much, they said is a Lebanese atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
Tyler Davis
I visited Open Sesame while in town for a Muay Thai expo. After weigh-ins, I was famished and looking forward to a hearty meal. Unfortunately, the portions at this Mediterranean restaurant were incredibly disappointing, especially considering the price they charge.
The food was so sparse that my four-month-old could have eaten more. For a place that advertises authentic and generous servings, they seriously missed the mark. If you’re hungry and expecting value for your money, I would recommend looking elsewhere. This was not worth the price.
Atmosphere: 1
Neil Skelly
I really can’t talk this place up enough, from the food, atmosphere and people. One of the best meals we’ve had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Broderick H.
Amazing food and service! The waiter loved my Lebanese soccer jersey ??
Recommended dishes: Falafel Plate, Hummus, Open Sesame Salad, Salad, Gyros
Katie
This was our first time here and we will definitely be back when we are in the area again. Our waiter was nice and the food came out quick and was delicious! The atmosphere was really beautiful as well. ❤️
I love this spot so much. I haven’t been in awhile & it was a sweet return. The decor is such a vibe, the service was outstanding, and the food was delicious. I had the #1 combo with rose lemonade. My bill was around $25. I went for dinner around 6:30 on a Wednesday and aside from two other tables, it was pretty quiet. Great spot for an intimate dinner.
The food is fine and fresh, but simply nothing special if you've had Lebanese before. I ordered the vegetarian tasting plate and made sure it was fully vegan. I think it was overpriced (20 USD) and could have been bigger. Maybe you have to pay for the elaborate decorations inside? Anyway, a nice place to have food especially if you've had enough of typical American cuisine.
Ordered the falafel plate (without feta) and an extra pita (because I like carbs) via Uber Eats to my hotel room. The grilled pita was soft, warm, and delicious. The falafel was decent, not the best I've ever had. I wish it had a little more hummus on it. The salad it came with was tasty; I liked the dressing. Overall, it hit the spot and I wanted another one as soon as I was done. Updated from previous review on 2024-10-31
The service was great and the atmosphere seemed authentic. The place was clean. Each dish is around $20 and for that price it should be a little more impressive than it was. This is basically just a sit down street food spot. I left the restaurant feeling like they did the bare minimum of middle eastern cuisine. Probably won’t go back for those prices.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
In summary, dining at this Lebanese restaurant is a great experience. It’s a place where the location, atmosphere, hospitality, and food come together to create something truly special. If you’re in Des Moines, this is one spot you absolutely must visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Falafel rice plate and the shawarma rice plate were both excellent. Good salad, fresh. Very authentic and great flavor. Nice medium spice level. We went in for a weekday dinner and OS was a quaint place, very laid back. The waiter was attentive and the food arrived quickly.
Wheelchair accessibility: Roll in, door would require assistance. Did not visit restrooms so not sure about accessibility there.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Falafel Pita, Shawarma Rice Plate, Shawarma Chicken
Incredible food and a great atmosphere and location in East Village!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was in town for volleyball tournament and I think was nice to have something different.
I make the mistake, some food are ok,but some are not fresh,I realized after 2 hour what I eat wasn't fresh.
The place is dirty ,the floor is a mess and they keep little lightg and you don't see to much, they said is a Lebanese atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
I visited Open Sesame while in town for a Muay Thai expo. After weigh-ins, I was famished and looking forward to a hearty meal. Unfortunately, the portions at this Mediterranean restaurant were incredibly disappointing, especially considering the price they charge.
The food was so sparse that my four-month-old could have eaten more. For a place that advertises authentic and generous servings, they seriously missed the mark. If you’re hungry and expecting value for your money, I would recommend looking elsewhere. This was not worth the price.
Atmosphere: 1
I really can’t talk this place up enough, from the food, atmosphere and people. One of the best meals we’ve had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food and service! The waiter loved my Lebanese soccer jersey ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Super, duper great, light food in wonderfully atmospheric, warm restaurant. Worth a trip to if you're in Des Moines!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Falafel Pita, Hummus, Grape Leaves
Good food, good environment we really enjoyed it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Falafel Plate, Hummus, Open Sesame Salad, Salad, Gyros
This was our first time here and we will definitely be back when we are in the area again. Our waiter was nice and the food came out quick and was delicious! The atmosphere was really beautiful as well. ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shawarma Rice Plate, Salad, Shawarma Chicken
Chicken shawarma plate was delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love this spot so much. I haven’t been in awhile & it was a sweet return. The decor is such a vibe, the service was outstanding, and the food was delicious. I had the #1 combo with rose lemonade. My bill was around $25. I went for dinner around 6:30 on a Wednesday and aside from two other tables, it was pretty quiet. Great spot for an intimate dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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