Open Sesame Lebanese Grill

Honestly, the food was great. If I was rating based on food alone, I would probably have given a four or five stars. So why the three star rating? One word to describe is chaos or confusion. We walked into the restaurant and was not greeted at all. Staff members were walking around, but seemed to almost already expect us to know what's going on. I ended up going up and stopping one of the staff and they explained that there's no waitlist or anything, and we just stand around waiting for a table to open up? It was just bizarre. Finally a table opened up and we got seated and ordered our food, and it took forever for the food to come, I want to say at least an hour. The place was small, but they didn't have many tables so it wasn't too crowded but the place just seems way understaffed. Everyone looked way too busy and the entire operation just didn't seem efficient and there were a lot of waiting around. The food was great, but I would not come back again. It's not a wait 1 hr for your food kind of great.

Tried this place on my trip to Dallas. I started off with red wine. For food I ordered Hummus and Veggie Grape Leaves. Food was delicious. The appetizers were served with some pickle which was tasty as well. The servers were super polite and attentive. The ambiance was decent. As it’s located in a plaza so there is enough parking spots. I would highly recommend this place! MUST TRY!!

This is my first time eating Lebanese food, and I have to say that it was good. I got the mixed grilled plate. The serving size wasn't bad, and the meats and rice were cooked as well as they smelled. The rice is definitely a new favorite of mine. Overall a good and filling option from the menu.

Open Sesame is a nice local spot with quality food. Interior is clean and service is good. All around good experience and will be back.

Our search for exquisite Lebanese cuisine in Dallas ended triumphantly with the mixed grill for two, boasting tender, juicy meats that exceeded all expectations.

Culturally rich atmosphere Service was above and beyond in laying out the food for us Food all tasted great. Wish there were bigger portions so more to enjoy Overall have to say this is definitely one of the best places in the Uptown area

Very good Mediterranean food. The mix of meats is delicious and perfect for couple. I recommend that place.

I ordered a beef shish-kabob with hummus and tabbouleh on the side. The fist thing out was some warm pita bread with olive oil and dipping spices along with a plate with pickled items and olives. Very flavorful and authentic. When my order arrived, it was beautifully presented and a very generous amount. The beef was tender, it could have been a little more seasoned but I know this type of meat isn't usually spicy. The hummus was awesome with a drizzle of olive oil and perfectly blended and seasoned. The tabbouleh was also very good with the expected hint of lemon juice. The service was okay but she was not overly friendly and kept her interactions to one word. A smile would have been nice. The restaurant was clean and so were the bathrooms. If you like Mediterranean or Lebanese food, try this place.

It's been long over due for this review, so here it is! First and foremost, the ambiance, I mean come on. A hole in the wall that is welcoming, fast service, plays great music and elegant? Can't be beat. The most important part about this place for me though, is that it brings me back to the family home I left in California. The food, the care, the hospitality, the overall vibe. You're always greeted with the upmost politeness which is always important upon arrival for guests. The food, I can't even begin to express how much I love. My partner and I have been going here for a month (very often throughout those 31 days). We tend to be on the look out for hole in wall restaurants/food joints and when we came here we knew it was going to be a Sunday and Thursday ritual. Especially for the coffee and tea after church. I've tried a majority of things on the menu (as well as my partner) and everything is flavorful. The labneh is our favorite, the pita is crisp, yet soft and luscious. The lamb is tender, juicy, and the herbs that are oiled and grilled throughout pair perfectly with the delicate and light rice they serve. The chicken is cooked and dressed to perfection and the juices absorb straight into the pita if you get it wrapped (please do, it's incredible and the best shawarma I've had in Texas). You quite literally, can't go wrong with any item off their menu. 10/10 The service is fast, friendly and they are always up for small good conversation; if it's not busy of course. Being more than a guest and having a relationship with the employees is always great. Thanks so much Open Sesame for the food and spectacular service. Yalla habibi!

Restaurant has a nice ambiance, very well decorated and easy to talk to your table without feeling overcrowded by other tables. Service was quick and helpful. Our server was able to navigate me through the gluten free options (which are more than plenty). I believe there were only two things I could not have off the top of my head. We got the combo and it was absolutely delicious. Would come back here again and again.

Honestly, the food was great. If I was rating based on food alone, I would probably have given a four or five stars. So why the three star rating? One word to describe is chaos or confusion. We walked into the restaurant and was not greeted at all. Staff members were walking around, but seemed to almost already expect us to know what's going on. I ended up going up and stopping one of the staff and they explained that there's no waitlist or anything, and we just stand around waiting for a table to open up? It was just bizarre. Finally a table opened up and we got seated and ordered our food, and it took forever for the food to come, I want to say at least an hour. The place was small, but they didn't have many tables so it wasn't too crowded but the place just seems way understaffed. Everyone looked way too busy and the entire operation just didn't seem efficient and there were a lot of waiting around. The food was great, but I would not come back again. It's not a wait 1 hr for your food kind of great.

Delicious food, service so so. The food is what keeps me going back. We try to order to go most of the time because we then know what's available (they sell out of random things) and we don't have to wait as long

Tried this place on my trip to Dallas. I started off with red wine. For food I ordered Hummus and Veggie Grape Leaves. Food was delicious. The appetizers were served with some pickle which was tasty as well. The servers were super polite and attentive. The ambiance was decent. As it's located in a plaza so there is enough parking spots. I would highly recommend this place! MUST TRY!!

Great food...for a reasonable price the food is great quality. Just don't come here if you're in hurry because they don't have a huge staff. The staff are hustling and very hospitable. The restaurant itself is very well designed with a modern vibe. Overall I will be back because I loved the food and I like supporting locally owned restaurants. Honestly their spicy hummus is best I've had, the other dips we tried were spot on.

A delightful meal tonight at Open Sesame! We had a whole bunch of appetizers to share: kebbi, hummus, and falafel. Everything delicious. The Lebanese wines were lovely. We ordered two bottles of the red blends and drank every drop. The entree course came and went and every plate was cleared. My sister in law and I shared the chicken shawarma. After the first course, sharing entrees seemed like a good idea. It was. Service was attentive and polite. The room is small, but didn't feel cramped. If we lived in the area, Open Sesame would be on a regular rotation for both dine in and take out. There wasn't anything on the menu that didn't look fantastic.

I really enjoyed having dinner here. So good and so reasonably priced. We got their grilled chicken and the falafel plate. The falafels, hummus, and tabbouleh salad were great. They offer complimentary pita bread with olives/pickles. The workers here are so kind.

Highly recommend the krafta and kunafeh. The kunafeh is dessert sweet cheese with pistachios and crispy layer on top drenched in syrup! It is deliciousssss! Krafta is well seasoned. I like spicy hummus as sides and that would be the only side I get. Regular hummus is good too but the spicy one has more flavor Food is good but service is always rude. I have not been here where they were nice to me. Once was rude tone over the phone ordering lunch and the other was condescending tone of why I arrived too early to pick up my food. Must be a cultural thing

We stopped by Frisco a while back and picked up some Open Sesame to go. Even though our food had to endure a 20-30 minute journey back to where we were staying, I was surprised at how well it carried because every component stayed fresh, aromatic, and delicious. I was especially impressed with the quality of the meat. The chicken had that roasty, slightly-charred, bright flavor you'd expect from good Lebanese food while also staying tender and juicy - not an overcooked bit in sight. The same goes for the pieces of steak that were part of our mixed grill dish - perfectly seasoned and cooked, the quality was evident from the first bite. The chicken shawarma was also great, with generous portions sliced thin over a bed of soft, flavorful rice. Another great component was their garlic sauce. Every Mediterranean restaurant has their own version but Open Sesame's garlic sauce punches you with huge hits of fresh garlic that made each bite akin to garlic burp heaven. It was creamy, garlicky, and had just the right amount of acid - get plenty of this sauce because it perfectly complements an already great set of meats, rice, and sides. Despite the distance, Open Sesame managed to deliver a great meal to-go. It's a testament to the care and attention they put into their food and it's an easy recommendation for those who love Lebanese food. I look forward to stopping by again soon (hopefully dine-in next time).

This place has such good Lebanese food. I always get this place for take-out, but the food is even better in person! Exceptional service and the server always gives great recommendations. Very relaxed ambiance and good for small groups. The only item on the menu I did not like was the Fattoush salad, which was way over-salted. Other than that, you can't go wrong!

I went here for lunch with a friend on a Saturday, The ambiance has a slight middle eastern feel and overall was fine. Parking was also find but I can imagine that it could get crowded during peak hours. We went for a late lunch so there was no problem. The restaurant was almost empty. We started with Kibbi, which are fried balls filled with seasoned meat, which come with a mint sauce. They were good and I would get them again. We shared the mixed grill ($18) which is enough for two people. It came with shish tawook (marinated and grilled chicken), beef kabob (I think it was filet because it was very tender), and one kofta. We each picked a side, me: hummus, friend: tabouli. it comes with rice and pita. I liked everything except the tabouli, which was gritty as if the parsley had not been washed well. Other than that, the proteins were all flavorful and well prepared, The hummus was not the best I had but it was not bad and more than adequate. The pita is thinner than usual but still useful as a vessel to pick up hummus and meats. The service was fine. Our waitress was not intrusive but was available when needed. The prices are extremely reasonable. This place is a good value. Overall, there is a lot to like about this restaurant and I would return.

The food was delicious! I ordered the falafel plate with hummus and tabbouleh. It was a good portion of food! Service was fast and friendly. Food came out quickly! It's nice casual place in a small shopping area.

So, this is an interesting one. We ordered the ultimate platter for two, and our friend ordered the combination meat plate, which was about half the price. Let me start off by saying that all of the meats are phenomenal. Do come here, do eat the meat and the rice. You won't regret it. That said, skip the ultimate platter. At twice the price of the combination meat plate, it did not include twice the meat. It had a few added sides, which none of us really cared to finish. In sum: Eat the meat. Skip the ultimate mixed grill. Combination plate is where it's at.

Our previous experience at Open Sesame has been great that we kept coming back. Unfortunately, our latest one was not very pleasant. I came with a medium size group and one person who got there first let them know our party size. There was only one server working and she immediately prepared the table for us, which was great. Unfortunately, she had the U-shaped booth set up and when the rest of the group came, we realized it was too small for us. I politely asked the server if we can have the tables instead. She looked unhappy with my request and slammed a card she was holding on to the counter, much to my surprise. After some waiting, we finally got our new tables, and the rest of our meal fortunately went without a glitch. Food was good, as always. Although I do love me a good roasted cauliflower and pita bread, and I thought theirs was just okay. They have also raised their prices, but every restaurant does that these days.

The food is awesome and service excellent worthy of 10 stars!! I enjoy the ambience very much, people and location are great.... Best Mediterranean food near downtown Dallas!! Antonio V HP

Ultimate mixed grill A meal for two, plus left overs Get it everytime It's one of our faves! Best Mediterranean We will come back soon My girlfriend loves it She worked at a Greek restaurant It's all Greek to me Worth it

Open Sesame is an awesome hole in the wall discovery. Authentic Middle Eastern / Mediterranean homemade recipes and food, at an affordable price. Really simple and delicious, I order the Steak Kabob on rice and will keep ordering it (with sides). Super clean and airy, nice management, enjoy the service, if they're not too busy waiting on the whole place! Pretty good establishment - there's a little more on the inside and your warm full stomach will be thanking you for the rest of the day, recommended.

Excellent service. Huge chicken Shawarma sandwich. Unfortunately roasted cauliflower was way too salty. friendly efficient service.

Little bit of a wait, but it is well worth it. I got the lamb skewers with hummus and tabouleh and it was so warm, fresh and delicious. The ambiance was very modern and had a great vibe. Would definitely go back!

Great food that many have told me is authentic Lebanese. The portion sizes are perfect if you're hungry or to share if you have a smaller appetite. The lamb kebab came out a perfect mix of juicy and tender while not being overcooked and tough. The hummus and baba ganoush are perfectly seasoned and go so well with the basket of pita they bring with each order. The parking can get a bit dicey if it's busy since they share a small lot with several other establishments. There is some street parking nearby but you might have to walk a couple blocks. Overall, I'll definitely be heading back for future meals!

I had a lunch date with some friends at Open Sesame yesterday and the experience was just okay. The atmosphere inside was calm, and the green, faux plant walls were a refreshing touch. I also appreciated the tea Tupperware I saw as I walked in which was designed with fine details and what I'd imagine would be used in a middle eastern setting. My friend and I wanted a bigger table so we asked to be seated at the booth and it took quite a while to be re-seated so after they cleaned off the booth next to us from the previous guests that had dined there, we just took our stuff, the waters that had been placed on the table, and the plates/ napkins and moved ourselves over to the booth. The waiter was friendly when taking our orders, and gave us recommendations. I ordered a mint tea, and a salad with falafel added (the waiters recommendation). The mint tea was decent, but I wish it was loose leaf vs. a tea bag and that they had honey as an option on the side. I did enjoy that they added fresh mint but I think that the size was modest for the price and being a tea bag ($4 for a small). When the salad came out, I was underwhelmed. While the dressing was zesty, the majority of the greens was just lettuce; it would have been nice to have a nutritious fresh mix of greens (ex: spinach, carrots, beets, etc.). I also thought the $5 up charge for 4 pieces of falafel was very steep. We finished eating and received our check. Initially the waiter gave us the check with all items included so we had to find her and wave her over to ask for the check to be split for the 3 of us. The price for the experience (my meal specifically) came out to $20 before tip, and it just wasn't worth that price in my opinion. I probably would not recommend this place as there are other great options around Uptown, but I'm always hoping to be surprised/ proven wrong; if adjustments were made to the ingredients and service, I think I'd be willing to try this place again.

Fast fresh and great food, always consistent Great meats and hummus is on point everytime

My husband and I really enjoy this restaurant and have been for a few years now. Our go-to meal is the chicken shawarma with extra garlic and a side of fries. I don't know what it is, but I could literally drink the garlic alone. It's very filling and such a consistent meal. The staff and service is always top notch and everyone we have encountered there have been very friendly. The ambiance is chill and just a comfortable place to enjoy a good meal. They have updated over the past few years and it's nice inside. Looking forward to my next garlic-filled bite!

Baklava was very dry.. everything else was unique.. hummus was like none I've ever had, same with the pita bread and the lamb, the rice... and baba ganoush, falafel, turkish coffee ... unique AND tasty! the Lebanese food stands out compared to other places in dallas.. laid back atmosphere with good service.

Amazing and authentic eats. Wonderfully cooked with complex flavors. This is a must visit!

One of my favorite restaurants in Dallas! Incredibly delicious chicken shawarma sandwiches!! Really friendly and fast service. Cute restaurant with ample seating. Always leave very happy and full after getting Open Sesame! Can't recommend enough : )

First time trying Lebanese cuisine, and I was left with a great impression after trying the food here. The staff were very friendly, attentive, and respectful. The overall vibe and decor of the place felt cozy. Ordered the Ultimate Mixed Grill. Was a generous portion for two, might have even fed a third person. We got to try the different meats and side dishes. Each item was flavorful and delicious! Would come here again.

It's been a WHILE since I've been here, and what a shame that is! They've expanded and renovated the restaurant since my last visit about a year ago! I love the interior design - they have a super cute instagrammable wall with a neon sign that says "yalla habibi" (hello my friend), and there's more tables and a new bar as you walk in. We walked in around 5:30pm on a Saturday, and the place was pretty empty, but about an hour later, the place was 80% full, with some people coming in and out for to-go orders. We got the Falafel plate, Ultimate mixed grill, and baklava. I got a nice glass of cabernet, too. The Ultimate Mixed Grill for 2 for $42 is such a good deal! It comes with Beef shish kabab, Lamb shish kabab, Tawook, and Kafta served on a bed of rice and their 5 signature sides - Hummus, Baba ghanoush, Tabouleh, Fatoush, and French fries. They even gave us some kibbi too (fried ground beef and cracked wheat stuffed with onions and pine nuts) - it came with labni yogurt spread, which I thoroughly enjoyed. They start you off with some thin pita and olive oil, along with some pickled veggies, but we ate most of the pita when our entree came out - made ourselves some stuffed pita sandwiches with some hummus, pickles, rice, meat, and tabouleh.. MMM! I love how the mixed plate comes with all the meats, as I'm a huge lamb fan, but I love to try other types of meat too! And I always appreciate some veggies with my meats. The falafel were done very well - crispy exterior with fluffy, warm chickpea interior. Gotta love the tahini sauce, too! I was a little disappointed by the baklava, though. It wasn't as crispy on the exterior as I would've liked. But that was a minor issue, as the service and the rest of the food were just perfect.

The best Shawarma plate I have ever had. It is better than anything I've ever had in 31 years of living in NYC. The flavors the spices everything was perfect. You have to try it.

Lebanese at its best! The Kibi is spectacular! The Shawarma is always perfect, and the dips are always fresh and delicious. Whenever we are down in the area we make a point to stop at Open Sesame!

Wow! I've been to dozens of Lebanese restaurants, this place immediately stood out. The restaurant is warmly decorated & service welcoming. The hot mint tea warmed the entire meal: we loved it. And then the food started: it was one revelation after another. The roasted eggplant is spectacular: interesting spices that elevated the ingredients. The low point was the grilled chicken; even that was very good. Open Sesame is a destination restaurant.

Honestly I went into this place to pick up a order to delivery for uber eats, I seen the food on customers plates looking so delicious & the smells was giving "try me" vibes lol. I made it a mission to come back the next day, now I visit this place once or twice a week. Omg 20 STARS. THE FOOD IS A 10 ALSO THE SERVICE IS A 10. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Wow! Wow wow wow! Wow! Everything was delicious. Best falafel in Dallas that we've ever had. Very tender beef kebab. Super flavor chicken kebab. My kafta tasted like someone's grandma made it. Really authentic. Hummus was super creamy. Tabouleh was legit! Even the rice had amazing flavor. This tiny little gem is hiding in a strip mall. This is a if you know you know kind of joint! Eat! Here! Now!

So far, I just entered the restaurant, and we were waiting at the front door. There's at least three staff members walking around us, just ignoring, and not acknowledging us. It would be nice if we were at least acknowledged, and asked to be seated or at least we notified that there is a wait. Instead, we're just standing at the front door being ignored and guessing on what we need to do. After about 15 min of staying there, we just decided to leave. The people in front, and behind us also left, because not a single person was acknowledging. The staff is extremely unhelpful and simply avoids eye contact as they walk by you multiple times.

I checked this place out yesterday for lunch ! This is easily one of my top cuisines . It's a quaint place . Not too small, not too big . I ordered the chicken shawarma and rice , which was amazing ! It comes with two sides . I chose the roasted eggplant (creamed or mashed) and the tabbouleh salad. The chicken also came with an amazing garlic butter . The infusion of flavors was amazing in everything. I also tried the stuffed grape leaves . I've never been disappointed with Lebanese food . Service was quick and great ! I will definitely be back !

Amazing service and food. We love this place, we keep coming back always. My boyfriends family is from Lebanon and they say this place always reminds them of they family cooking from back home! 10/10 would recommend!!!

Delicious food! The menu was simple but it satisfied all my cravings , great staff! The chicken was delicious !

This place is so good! Truly a hidden gem in the area and probably the best authentic Mediterranean food I've had in Dallas proper! We visited on a weekday afternoon, when the restaurant was empty. We were seated right away and went ahead and ordered. I got the beef shish kebab plate with hummus and fatoush. The food came out pretty quickly and looked so delicious. They offer decent portion sizes too! The beef kabab was great--flavorful and grilled to a perfect medium. The hummus was smooth. I tried my friend's baba ganoush, and it was so smoky and tasty. The fatoush was fresh and tangy. Overall, authentic and delicious. I look forward to trying more menu items next time!

Open sesame is a such a hidden gem! It's hidden in a nice little shopping center, but the parking lot is always full because the food calls a big crowd! It's a small restaurant with food that has such a big flavor! My favorite item is shish tawook with rice, hummus, and tabouleh. If you're looking for good food to go, this place is also very fast and efficient with a good price!

I ordered over the phone for pickup. The girl working the front / taking to go orders is very rude and impolite- she hung up on me after saying it'll take 25 mins without giving me the total price. When I arrived for pickup the place was empty but the girl was lethargic and did not greet me. The chicken shawarma wrap was ok and side salad had wilted greens but the dressing was tasty. The wrap was a good size but I did not like the French fries inside the wrap. I most likely will not order again to avoid having to interact just due to the attitude. I like supporting small businesses but not when they are unappreciative of my business.

Absolutely amazing people , amazing food and great service ‼‼( food came at a great time frame , the refills were really consistent and the people here are as well . Always amazing people with great energy to fill the atmosphere. The people are always smiling and welcoming .

This is my favorite food at the moment. I crave it every week. So clean and delicious. I look forward to trying more dishes.

Great spot for authentic and tasty Lebanese food. Don't miss the babaganoush. Good spot to meet with friends.

Food is spot on! Taste is authentic and delicious. Allow ample time as they are always busy

One of those rare gems where you want to thank the owners, staff, and chefs for doing everything right. High quality ingredients, juicy and freshly curated meats, clean presentation, friendly staff, warm ambiance, the Arabic music was on point too. Nice to feel full after a meal. Can't wait to come back!

To be honest with you guys, I don't write many reviews... In fact, this is my very first yelp review so you know the food gotta be Bussin for me to post!! The chicken was the perfect amount of tender and crisp, the rice was delicious and moist, the chard onions, topped it off. This was an extra added... I didn't have anything specific to drink, but I did have a glass of water that they provide when they first serve you... Even the water tasted nice and crisp lol this is definitely new spot that I will go to whenever I need a good healthy meal... Highly recommend checking them out delicious food!

Came for lunch with work team. Had the chicken shawarma plate. Whatever the white sauce is, get it, use it, devour it. That made the meal. Lots of food. Brought back enough for lunch the next day. I'd return.

Fantastic food and nice layout. You would expect this restaurant to be in a nicer shopping center. Plus the staff is super friendly and good. Definitely should check it out.

The best Lebanese food hands down! Quality and value surpasses everything I've tried in North America! Simply delicious