Open Sesame

Lebanese Restaurant $$ 4.5 (563)


Open Sesame provides a delightful dining experience with an authentic take on Middle Eastern cuisine. The restaurant is celebrated for its warm atmosphere and friendly service, which contributes to the overall positive dining experience. However, some guests have expressed concerns regarding portion sizes relative to the price, suggesting opportunities for improvement in that area.

Overall:

4.5

(462 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.3

Atmosphere:

4.4

Service:

4.4


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (515) 288-3151

Address: 313 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Paid Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" I can't express how much I loved this restaurant! The decorations were warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot for an intimate dinner. The food was bursting with flavors. I highly recommend the falafel and the rose lemonade – a refreshing twist! The only downside was the wait for seating during peak hours, but so worth it. " (*Curated Review*)

" After hearing lots of good things, I finally made my way to Open Sesame. They nailed the Middle Eastern vibe from the decor to the menu. I tried the mixed grill and it was delicious; everything was grilled beautifully. The service was quick, but the portions left me wishing for more. I’d be back for sure to try other dishes! " (*Curated Review*)

" I decided to take my family to Open Sesame for a special dinner. We all loved it! The decor had a nice ambiance, and the staff was cheerful. The falafel and mushroom appetizers were fantastic! Just a note - we found the main dishes a tad lacking in portions. Although we thoroughly enjoyed it, larger servings would really elevate the dining experience! " (*Curated Review*)

" I had an incredible dining experience at Open Sesame! The interior is beautifully decorated and creates an intimate atmosphere. The highlight was definitely the chicken shawarma, which was marinated to perfection. I also enjoyed the garlic sauce that they serve on the side. The service was fast and the staff was so friendly. I can't wait to go back and try more dishes! " (*Curated Review*)

" Visiting Open Sesame was a delightful experience! Cozy, beautiful setup with fragrant dishes. The service was spot-on, and I loved the kebabs they served! My only complaint was regarding the size of the plate – wished for more, especially for the prices they charge. Great food overall, but let’s work on sizes! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (452)

" Open Sesame is an absolute delight! The friendly staff made us feel welcome right away and the extensive menu made it hard to choose. I landed on the lamb kebabs, which were some of the best I’ve ever had. The atmosphere was vibrant yet laid-back. The only kicker was the wait time; it took a while to get seated. All in all, I’d come back for more! " (*Curated Review*)

" Is it possible to be too in love with a restaurant? Open Sesame is my new go-to for Middle Eastern food! The mezze platter was a dream come true – everything from creamy hummus to crispy falafel was spot-on. The atmosphere is warm, making it a perfect spot for gathering with friends or family. Their service was quick and caring. I’ll be back soon! " (*Curated Review*)

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