Salvatore Coraccio IV
I say what I told my girlfriend after I left; it felt like I had been invited over to a friend’s house, and given a homecooked meal. It felt kind, and warm – and it was authentic.
… moreAmanda
Cozy and beautiful with a relaxing ambience. Everything is delicious and fresh on the menu. The attentive staff attend to every detail. This hidden gem is the perfect place for friends, a romatic date, or take out. I would highly recommend eating inside. Soft lighting, music, and Aladdin decor.
… moreGrant Gunn
My mouth hasn’t been so happy in a long time till I had this. Full of flavor, just the right amount of spice.. I don’t feel like dog poo after eating the food one of the best owners you could encounter. Definitely worth a stop and you’ll probably want more.
… moreStacy Boggess
Had some confusion when ordering and ordered a salad when a decent salad came with my platter. Great meal nonetheless- when checking out MJ came over and immediately noticed the leftover salad and removed it from the check when I had every intention to pay. Service was perfect this was above and beyond. Then he asks specific questions like where I eat Lebanese food usually, which i do frequently. He encouraged me to have him make my food personally next time I come. Intrigued, I’ll be back MJ, thanks for the food!
… moreRoselynn Lemm
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 the food and restaurant atmosphere I took my fiancé back the next weekend. He also found a great joy in talking to MJ and the rest of the staff and loved the food. We plan to go back soon to take our friends!
… moreHassan Machlab
As someone of Lebanese heritage, I feel compelled to address my recent experience at your establishment, which, unfortunately, did not align with the standards of authentic Lebanese cuisine or professional hospitality.
Food Quality
• The falafel served was soggy rather than the expected crispy texture that is a hallmark of traditional Lebanese preparation.
• The stuffed grape leaves were made with bulgur instead of rice and lacked tomatoes, deviating from the classic Lebanese recipe.
• The hummus was grainy rather than smooth and creamy, which is not consistent with authentic Lebanese hummus.
The chicken is dry and unflavored.
Service
• The service was unsatisfactory, as the server displayed an unprofessional attitude.
• There was no visible management presence, which suggests a lack of commitment to both customer experience and the accurate representation of Lebanese culinary traditions.
… moreMelinda
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 region then I highly recommend them!
… moreCameryn Berridge
Delicious food! Ordered the gyro plate and it was delightful
… moreJennifer Gardner
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.
… moreTrevor Lane
Open Sesame is proof that Des Moines has taste beyond casseroles and ranch dressing. The chicken shawarma is legitimately perfect because it is tender, garlicky, charred in all the right places. The spice blend makes me want to know their supplier’s phone number. Wrapped in fresh pita that’s actually soft (a miracle in the Midwest), loaded with pickles and that garlic sauce that could convert vegetarians back.
… more