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.
MidwestViking
I've been here a few times and Mario is the man who runs it. Authentic Mediterranean and Lebanese food. It's not spicy but delicious.
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
GlobalAssKicker
I enjoyed interacting and meeting the restaurant host Mario from Lebanon. If you're close by the East Village, it's easy in/out as well as the parking. They have a full bar too and the service is fast and friendly!
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
Viking94708
I am not local and have wanted to eat here for a few years now. Finally, the opportunity presented itself and friends I was visiting wanted to eat at Open Sesame as well. I will be back again!
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.
They have a good review and are interesting food. The problem what they have the food is not all fresh and if you pay more attention the place is dirty,they keep a low light to don't see. A place to avoid.
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 ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gason Feist
Super, duper great, light food in wonderfully atmospheric, warm restaurant. Worth a trip to if you're in Des Moines!
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.
I've been here a few times and Mario is the man who runs it. Authentic Mediterranean and Lebanese food. It's not spicy but delicious.
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
I enjoyed interacting and meeting the restaurant host Mario from Lebanon. If you're close by the East Village, it's easy in/out as well as the parking. They have a full bar too and the service is fast and friendly!
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 am not local and have wanted to eat here for a few years now. Finally, the opportunity presented itself and friends I was visiting wanted to eat at Open Sesame as well. I will be back again!
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
Restaurantji Recommends
They have a good review and are interesting food. The problem what they have the food is not all fresh and if you pay more attention the place is dirty,they keep a low light to don't see. A place to avoid.
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
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
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