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Open Sesame in Des Moines

Open Sesame in Des Moines

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4.5 (552)

Lebanese Restaurants Cafes Mediterranean Restaurants Middle Eastern Restaurants Restaurants

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About

Open Sesame, the premier Lebanese restaurant in Des Moines, welcomes you to a culinary journey through the Middle East! Located at 313 E Locust St, IA 50309, our cozy Cafe serves up authentic flavors and aromas that will transport you to the heart of Lebanon. Indulge in our delectable Mediterranean restaurant menu, featuring traditional dishes with a modern twist. From savory Middle Eastern restaurant favorites to sweet treats, every bite is a delight for the senses. Our chefs use only the freshest ingredients to craft each dish, ensuring a truly unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Open Sesame is the perfect destination. Our warm and inviting atmosphere makes us an ideal spot for dates, gatherings with friends, or family outings. Come taste the difference at Open Sesame, where every meal is a celebration of flavors and culture.

Open Sesame Review Summary

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Reviews & Ratings

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4.5

(552 Reviews)

5

4

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Melinda -Google user

9 months ago

Definitely one of my favorites in Des Moines! I don't come here often enough, but every time I go in it's perfect! Attentive staff, beautiful aesthetic, delicious food, and great prices! If you like Lebanese food or are familiar with other cultural offerings of that...Read More

Dine inAtmosphere: 5

Cassidy Wright -Google user

3 years ago

Absolutely delicious food, best ive had in a very long time. Very quick respectful service that is well worth the cost. Beautiful atmosphere, sort of akin to an extremely nice bedroom. Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for amazing food on the area

Dine inDinner

Justin Vizaro -Google user

Edited 2 years ago

Overall good food. I went back multiple times, and will definitely go again next time I’m in town. Great place to get some high quality plant based eats too. Lots of vegan options. Hummus: 8/10 Baba: 8/10 Gyro: 9/10 Salad/ 8/10 Falafel: 8/10 Pita: 9/10 Dolmas: 9/10

Take outDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5Gyro Rice PlateLots of veg options, lots of vegan options as well.Lots of vegan optionsPlenty of parkingFree parking lot, Paid street parkingSmall lot in back with 5 spots. Street parking in front.

Amy Bradley -Google user

a year ago

I absolutely loved finding this place.The staff was amazing. The food was delicious, and I will definitely be back here. Their falafel was off the charts good. The staff was super friendly. They are just a short bit from the state capital building....Read More

Dine inDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5Highly recommendClearly labeled vegetarian dishesVegetarian plate.

Alan Dennis, Baron of Cowie -Google user

2 years ago

Excellent small restaurant (about 10 tables) with gyros and the like. Very cool atmosphere. Good service. A small parking lot in the rear.

Pavithra Kamdadai -Google user

2 years ago

We were craving falafels and visited open sesame A cozy restaurant with delicious food and quick service It was a busy evening and we were taken care of …

Jennifer Gardner -Google user

a year ago

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....Read More

Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5

GZS -Google user

2 years ago

A real nice place for lunch. Had the gyro plate and some stuffed grape leaves to go. Food came out fast and service was great. Very busy at lunch so glad I went a little early

Roselynn Lemm -Google user

4 days ago

I recently worked with MJ to host a work dinner at Open Sesame. He was incredibly hospitable and very easy to work with. Everyone had a great time and felt Open Sesame was a great place to celebrate the end of our week long meeting. I enjoyed...Read More

Dine inLunch$20–30Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talk

Alison Ludwig -Google user

a year ago

This is an excellent restaurant. The combo rice platter was to die for. I was only going to eat half and save half for later, but it was so good I ate the whole thing there in the restaurant. The Open Sesame cocktail was delicious...Read More

Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5Open Sesame

L D -Google user

Edited 2 years ago

I came several years ago and haven't had a chance to come back. How foolish I was. The chicken Shwarma pita was amazing. The Greek salad is the best in DSM - even better than the Greek place down the road. The gyro meat is...Read More

Alexander Bell -Google user

6 months ago

Good quality food and a relaxed atmosphere. Good plant-based options.

Food: 5…

Neil Skelly -Google user

a year ago

I really can’t talk this place up enough, from the food, atmosphere and people. One of the best meals we’ve had.

Aja Porter -Google user

4 years ago

We both had the shawarma and it may honestly be the best chicken I have ever had. Cooked to perfection and the flavor was to die for. And don't forget to get the baklava. You will be way to full but it's wonderful and worth...Read More

RunTommy! -Google user

a month ago

We were visiting Des Moines and just happened upon this place. The Gyros and salads were fantastic. The service ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ So friendly, beautifully decorated, outstanding food. Literally every bite was perfect. I can't recommend this place more. ⭐ ⭐...Read More

$20–30Atmosphere: 5Gyro Rice Plate, Gyros, Open Sesame Salad, Gyro Plate1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people, 5-8 people, 9+ people, Suitable for all group sizesNo waitPlenty of parkingMy two sons loved this place

jeanette dainty -Google user

5 months ago

Open Sesame was recommended to us by a bartender at Zombie Burger where we ate the night before. I’m a bartender and when a fellow bartender gives a food recommendation I take it in high regards. Open Sesame was a lovely experience. We ordered take...Read More

Take outDinner$10–20Gyros, Open Sesame Salad

MA Pearce -Google user

a month ago

The owner went above and beyond for me! And the food was top notch. I will be coming back when I stop in Iowa. Almost forgot to mention the Rose lemonade 😅 life changing!!!!!

Take outDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talk

Brittany Dorner -Google user

2 months ago

Such a lovely place! We stumbled on it after a trip to Des Moines and we absolutely loved it! Incredible service, delicious and fresh food and wonderful drinks! The atmosphere is also super intimate and cute! We will definitely go back when we go thru...Read More

Thetardisisinnightvale -Google user

a month ago

This is my favorite restaurant in des moines. I prefer the combo rice plate as the meal, it is delicious. So good I fully intend to make semi regular 4.5 hour trips to des moines.

Nasrin Nawa -Google user

4 months ago

The food is really delicious, but the portion ratio ia not. I got just six bites of gyro on my rice plate. $20 is very pricey for what you get.

Features

Service options

Delivery

Takeout

Dine-in

Highlights

Great coffee

Great dessert

Great tea selection

Popular for

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Wheelchair accessible restroom

Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

Alcohol

Cocktails

Coffee

Comfort food

Healthy options

Quick bite

Small plates

Vegan options

Vegetarian options

Wine

Dining options

Lunch

Dinner

Dessert

Amenities

Bar onsite

Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual

Cozy

Romantic

Trendy

Planning

Accepts reservations

Payments

Credit cards

Debit cards

Parking

Free parking lot

Paid street parking

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