Open Sesame

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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