Open Sesame (Des Moines, IA) Review

4.8* (out of 5)

Yelp Review

Google Review

Food: 5*

Atmosphere: 5*

Value: 4*

Service: 5*

Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

Total check/person: $50

05/15/2026 Open Sesame +1 (515) 288-3151

My wife is fond of her Lebanese heritage, so when we saw Open Sesame on the Des Moines Register’s Must Go List in East Village last month, we knew we needed to check it out. Last night was our opportunity and boy was it ever a memorable experience! Their website speaks of it being a colorful decor – and that is true both inside and out (see pictures)! We were warmly greeted and promptly seated – and asked if he could take our picture under the billowing, colorful ceiling (see picture).

We started with a a round of drinks – my wife ordered the Ishtar’s Revenge (see picture) and I went with the Yazmina (see picture). All of the cocktails are quite unique and we enjoyed both of these. As we started talking with our server, MJ – he looked familiar and his story sounded familiar. We asked and he confirmed that he used to own Gazali’s in Clive, IA – a restaurant closer to our home that we enjoyed several times.

MJ recommended the the Vegetarian Sampler Plate (see picture) for an appetizer and we loved it – offering the opportunity to sample several different Lebanese menu items on one plate. For our main courses, my wife ordered the Shawarma Chicken Pita Wrap (see picture) and I opted for the Combo Rice Plate (see picture), done spicy per MJ’s suggestion. As we always do, we shared tastes of each of our dishes and loved them both! Lastly, the Jalab (rose and date infused water – see picture) caught my eye – so I ordered one of those to enjoy with my meal. Again, it is highly recommended!

What visit to a Lebanese restaurant would be complete without Baklava (see picture), which MJ recommended that we enjoy with Turkish Coffees (see picture and video of pouring). We even got an education on how best to each the Baklava – pick it up with your fingers, take a bite, then keep that bite in your mouth while you take a sip of the Turkish Coffee – then enjoy! While it is hard not to enjoy Bakalava, it was even better when paired with the Turkish Coffee.

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