Open Sesame Grill image

Open Sesame Grill

Restaurant Meal takeaway Family restaurant Catering service Vegetarian restaurant Mediterranean restaurant Vegan restaurant Health food restaurant Delivery service Middle eastern restaurant Lebanese restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Meal takeaways in Long Beach


Address

5215 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803, United States

Website

www.opensesamegrill.com

Contact

+1 562-621-1698

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm
  • Thursday: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm
  • Friday: 11:30 am to 10:30 pm
  • Saturday: 11:30 am to 10:30 pm
  • Sunday: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm
  • Monday: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (15) Open (15) Lebanese (14) Sesame (13) good (11) delicious (10) service (10) lamb (10) Long (9) Beach (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Isra H. 2 years ago on Google
    Came here on a busy Saturday night, family of 5 was seated right away. Had a great booth table. This place gets busy on weekends but the staff is so efficient you don't feel it. Friendly staff. Waiter was kind and patient as we had no idea what to order. Got the platter that feeds 5-6 people, still had good leftovers for the next day. It was a great way to sample everything being our first time. Favorite was the kofta, so juicy and not dry at all. Service was so fast. Had dessert of cheesecake and Turkish coffee. If you have kids with you they might want to try the fresh coconut water. They cut the coconut in house and serve it with a straw. Zabiha/Halal meat. Will be back again. Nice family dinner out.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 King K. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was kind of expensive but it most definitely is a popular popular place in Long Beach. If you're native to Long Beach and you want Mediterranean food you know about open sesame. As you can see in the pictures the food was quite tasty I enjoyed the atmosphere family environment friend environment. The head manager was very polite even when we set in a very cold Long Beach evening they were polite enough to see us inside. But I can't get over paying almost $21 for for medium size falafels. There's no falafel in the world that I would pay that much but I did and I was not unpleased. I suggest people to go and check out open sesame because it's like a block away from the Long Beach. I hope you enjoy I would have gave you five stars but the first waiters set us outside instead of inside on a cold night. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jaleisha J. 1 year ago on Google
    I dined here on Sunday with a friend. Around 6:30pm, it took about 20 minutes to be seated. We shared the hummus and watermelon with fried cheese as appetizers. Both were delicious, but I could eat the watermelon with fried cheese every day. I ordered the Open Sesame Combo with beef and Chicken Kafta, the Open Sesame salad, and the spicy hummus. It was amazing! I devoured everything on the plate. I can’t wait to dine here again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paulina W. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place for authentic Lebanese food. It's quite rare to find the real Lebanese restaurants in the US but this is one of them. Fantastic decor, great flavors and a wonderful selection of Lebanese wines. All accompanied by excellent service and in a hip area of Long Beach. Highly recommended! Lots of vegetarian options too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kim G. 2 years ago on Google
    I tried food items that I've never tried before and I'm so glad I did, because I feel in love with this place. If you desire food to die for, try Open Sesame.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edmund C. 1 year ago on Google
    Truly a great Middle Eastern Restaurant. Tasty and reasonable. Great service. Will definitely come back again. Found this gem of a restaurant in Downtown Long Beach Belmont Shores. Lebanese Food at its best!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 La Toya J. 1 year ago on Google
    I visited on a Saturday afternoon. it's ok. I would visit again to try a different dish. the lamb was really tender and I enjoyed the halloumi cheese with watermelon! that was my first time having that cheese. it was really busy. my server was kind and attentive, though. there was outdoor seating as well as indoor. family oriented. also intimate enough for a date. cozy enough for lone dining. the ambiance was really nice. decent prices. I recommend it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Rodel R. 4 months ago on Google
    The meats like the steak, filet mignon and lamb were very bland and under seasoned. On top of this, my medium rare steak was more on the medium well side. Our service was pretty good and the ambience was nice, especially the outdoor seating. The rice, salad and hummus is good, just disappointed that our main courses badly missed the mark. We also spent close to $30 per plate.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Viraj G. 1 year ago on Google
    Food quality is the best. Expect wait time on busy days. Associates are nice and once you get the table, service time is good. Space is kinda crunchy, but ambiance is nice. Can surely recommend it. Parking needs to be along streets. Food and quality 4.5/5 Cleanliness 3.4/5 Service 4/5 Value for money 3.5/5
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pedro Melo R. 11 months ago on Google
    Would say this is definitely a great place. I order the GRILLED HALLOUMI CHEESE & WATERMELON and YOGURT CUCUMBER DIP, both really great appetizers. For entree I had OPEN SESAME COMBO, but didn't love the chicken kafta..too dry. Def recommended. We sat on the side of to go orders so there were people constantly coming in a out, so it was a bit annoying.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Feng Y. 9 months ago on Google
    Lebanes food is one missing gem from Mediterranean cuisine. This place is one must try if you are a fan of beef shawarma or sumac flavor. Everything We ordered are delicious and not over seasoned nor spicy which made them children Friendly.

  • 5/5 Ashley B. 8 months ago on Google
    Title: A Taste of Lebanese Magic at Open Sesame! Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review: Open Sesame Lebanese Restaurant has truly captured the essence of Lebanese cuisine, and their Saturday special, the Kabssa, is an absolute masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to a world of flavor and delight. The moment you step into Open Sesame, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of the vibrant streets of Lebanon. The staff is friendly, attentive, and eager to guide you through their menu, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the Kabssa. This dish is a true labor of love, as the lamb shank is braised for five hours over a low flame, resulting in tender, succulent meat that practically melts in your mouth. The combination of tomatoes, spices, and herbs creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exotic. Served over a bed of fragrant basmati rice cooked with green bell peppers, onions, carrots, and raisins, the Kabssa is a delightful medley of textures and aromas. Each spoonful is a journey through layers of perfectly balanced flavors, leaving you craving more with every bite. To add a touch of decadence, the Kabssa is sprinkled with pine nut and almond slivers, providing a delightful crunch and a burst of nutty goodness. The combination of the tender lamb, aromatic rice, and the nutty topping is simply divine. If you're looking to explore more of Open Sesame's offerings, I highly recommend trying their Open Sesame Combo. This platter is a feast for the senses, featuring a delightful selection of traditional Lebanese dishes. From creamy hummus and smoky baba ghanoush to tangy tabbouleh and flavorful falafel, each component is expertly crafted and bursting with authentic flavors. Open Sesame's commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every dish they serve. The attention to detail in both presentation and taste is remarkable, and it's clear that the chefs take great pride in showcasing the best of Lebanese cuisine. In addition to the outstanding food, Open Sesame offers a welcoming and comfortable ambiance, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal with friends and family. The prices are reasonable, considering the generous portions and the high quality of ingredients used. In conclusion, Open Sesame Lebanese Restaurant is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered. The Kabssa, with its tender lamb, aromatic rice, and flavorful spices, is a culinary masterpiece that will leave you craving more. Whether you're a fan of Lebanese cuisine or simply looking for a unique dining experience, Open Sesame is a must-visit. Prepare to be enchanted by the flavors of Lebanon and the warm hospitality of the staff. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

  • 4/5 John E. 8 months ago on Google
    My atmosphere rating is for the sidewalk tables. What a lovely afternoon in Long Beach! My leisurely lunch started with friendly and efficient service from the person at the front podium. She continued to help guests and passers-by in a kind manner during the two hours I stayed for lunch. The spicy vegetable soup was harira, but blended. Very interesting! The recommended flatbread was okay. The cheese and tomatoes were not attached to the bread. So it reminded me of bruschetta. The recommended Palestinian red wine was just okay. I switched to something else for the second glass.

  • 5/5 AuroraBoobie A. 8 months ago on Google
    Trendy spot good eats & cocktails. The staff are friendly & consistently check up on how you're doing, so tip generously. The prices are great as well. It's very loud with conversations so the only activity I wouldn't recommend is attending Open Sesame on a getting to know you first date, but maybe stop in for a cocktail on your way to a quieter venue. I loved it.

  • 4/5 Gopi G. 4 months ago on Google
    Ordered Vegan entree and chicken tawook. Falafel in the vegan entree was really good. Salads have a stronger flavor than the regular Mediterranean cusisine I had before. Grape leaves could the reason, authentic to Lebanese Cuisine maybe ? Went on a weekday and was able to find free street parking. Great ambience of the restaurant.

  • 5/5 Sharon D. 8 months ago on Google
    Parking can be tricky, but it's SO worth it! This was our first taste of Mediterranean food, and we LOVED it! The atmosphere is perfect, the flavor combinations were so delicious, and the staff were wonderful! Our server was so gracious to help us understand and try all of the items we were interested in! It was an absolutely amazing experience, and if we are ever back in Long Beach, we will absolutely stop in again!! Thank you, Open Sesame, for a great experience for our little tourist family!!

  • 5/5 Jackie H. 9 months ago on Google
    May 2023- My second time visiting in the last 6 months and the service was better this time. Baba Ghanouj and our other dishes were delicious. They have indoor and outdoor seating which is great for people watching! Take a stroll along 2nd Street after dinner and get an ice cream or other dessert from one of the shops along the way. ❤️ LB

  • 5/5 Alex A. 10 months ago on Google
    Excellent Lebanese food with great service. The appetizers were all freshly made and the open sesame plate was delicious. The cheesecake is Fabulous. We tried a white Lebanese wine and it was outstanding. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Kathryn M. 1 year ago on Google
    Service tonight was Very good!! They were attentive without being bothersome. Food was delicious, and lamb was extremely tender & and tasty, Steak was tender & delicious, chicken was seasoned just right!! Everything was well prepared & delicious 😋. I would recommend eating here.

  • 5/5 Yasmin A. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely delicious! Nice ambiance and decor. Tabbouleh was on point! Even good old boring rice was memorable! Although it was busy but food came really quick! I just wish Emma’s our server was friendlier and treated us bette, he was angry and rushing but we still had a great time!

  • 5/5 L. S. 1 year ago on Google
    We knew the food was going to be good when we saw one million people waiting in line... So we got in line too... best decision of the night. Everything about the place was nice... The music in the background tied the entire experience together. The hostess and wait staff worked to make sure we had everything we needed. Yay Kevin!!! The food was amazing. Everything was fresh and cooked well. I decide what my favorite thing was so I declare a TIE! The two types of chicken was amazing. Both the kabob and filet were excellent. The lamb was flavorful. The shrimp succulent. Additionally, we had hummus, baba ghanoush falafel, garlic sauce and salads. The pita bread was served warm. It is thinner than normal which was different to me. I recommend Open Sesame to anyone in Long Beach wishing to have good food in a comfortable environment. This is a great place for a date, family dinner, social gathering with friends.

  • 5/5 Samantha T. 1 year ago on Google
    The Sultan plate was delicious. Meat was cooked to perfection. Super tender and full of flavor I also had the rose water with almonds and it was refreshing not too sweet. I will definitely be back. Service was great.

  • 3/5 Ken S. 2 years ago on Google
    Ordered the Friday special - KABSSA “five hour braised lamb shank cooked over a low flame w/tomatoes, special blend of spices + herbs. Served over basmati rice cooked w/ green bell peppers, onions, carrots, raisin, spices. Sprinkled with pine nut + almond slivers.” I try not to eat a lot of animal protein, so when I do it’s sort a treat to myself. (I’m not a chef, nor do I order Mediterranean a lot), but the center of the lamb didn’t get much seasoning. I didn’t see any sprinkled pine nuts, nor green bell peppers/onions/carrots in the rice. I was hoping for bigger chunks of tomatoes, carrots, julienned bell peppers. Servers were nice though.

  • 4/5 ΓΞЯΞSД̵ C. 2 years ago on Google
    Highly recommended. From an amazing and friendly service to some very tasty food. I love the watermelons and potato appetizers.

  • 5/5 Duncan B. 2 years ago on Google
    Pure kindness! We had kids and a large stroller. When we walked in, they made space for the stroller and gave us a great seat. The service was good and the lamb was delightful. Five stars.

  • 5/5 Brenda M. 2 years ago on Google
    Can't say enough about the experience here from start to finish was excellent. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, answered all questions to ensure any dietary restrictions or allergies were addressed, recommended menu items and top notch service overall. And the food - pictures do not do justice to convey the presentation, look and overall flavor experience. Will be making a trip here each time I get back to the area.


Call +1 562-621-1698 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed outside
  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Halal food
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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