I drove almost an hour to have my shawarmas here but when i reached they were out of halal chicken,…read moreso I would recommend calling them first and checking with them if they have the chicken available. Got the lamb shawarma and it was really good but was a little bit disappointed because I didn't get the chicken.

We had been big fans of the food truck, we used to follow it around whenever possible. We were very…read moresad when it closed down. We saw that this had opened awhile ago, but have not had the opportunity to go up and give it a try. It was well worth the wait. We got both the chicken and the steak shawarma and gave each other half. The meat is rich with an amazingly deep flavor for something so simple. Add the bite of the pickles and both of these are superb sandwiches. The food truck had different sauces for each sandwich, that has changed. Just the one sauce now, but it is a lovely yogurt based bit of tastiness. We also got a side of falafel. Falafel is always hit and miss for me. This was a definite hit. Once again a wonderfully complex taste from something so simple. The wrap had a nice bit of crunch to it after being on the grill. This is not as long and involved as a lot of my reviews, but it doesn't need to be. It's a very small, simple menu, but oh my it is great. We will get back up there when we can, we hope that they will open a shop in Des Moines.

Ecerytime I come to school from my classes I get off around 12 and I come straight here and…read moreeverytime its so good, when I finish my bachelor's degree ill be very sad because I won't be able to eat here anymore because the prices are so good and they fill you up with good food.

Although the food was good? The restaurant was not clean to my liking. The falafel was great and…read morethe tzatziki was a nice added touch.

5-Star Plus Plus Review: Green Olive at 1960 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265…read more Green Olive absolutely delivered a meal that felt like comfort food and a special treat at the same time. I ordered the combo meal, and it was the kind of plate that makes you slow down and enjoy every bite because there is so much flavor and variety. The chicken was tender and well-seasoned, with that perfect balance of warm spices that tastes rich without being too heavy. The beef had a deep, savory flavor and a satisfying bite, and the lamb was the real standout. It tasted clean, bold, and cooked just right, with that hearty, slightly smoky taste that makes lamb worth ordering. Every protein on the plate felt like it was prepared with care, not rushed. The rice was fresh and fluffy, and it did exactly what great rice should do. It held the meal together and soaked up the flavor from everything around it. Then came the best part, the variety of sauces. Each sauce brought something different. One added a creamy smooth finish, another gave a bright kick, and another brought that deeper, bold flavor that keeps you coming back for one more bite. I loved being able to mix and match because it made the meal feel like several meals in one. To finish, I had the cheesecake and coffee, and that was the perfect ending. The cheesecake was smooth, rich, and satisfying without being overly sweet. The coffee was warm, strong, and comforting, and it tied everything together like a great closing note. Bottom line: Green Olive gave me a full, flavorful, and well-balanced experience from the first bite to the last sip. If you want a meal that is filling, fresh, and packed with variety, the combo meal is the way to go. The staff were friendly and kind absolutely OUTSTANDING!!!

Finally got to visit this place after hearing people talk and I'd say my first impression of it was…read morereally good! Service was friendly and welcoming. We came for dinner on a weekend night and there was plenty of seating. I think most people stop in for carry out or online pick up orders. We got the #5 gyro platter plate and #10 gyro mix plate. Heavy portions that are worth the price! I think the gyro platter was better but the chicken for our gyro mix plate was delicious! Green sauce was great and has a little kick to it. I'm definitely going to ask for an extra sauce of it next time. Plenty of parking out front, had no issues finding this place. If you're dining in they give you menus after seating. Great casual dining spot.

Garbanzo is fantastic! I was in Iowa for work and was looking for a quick but healthy lunch option…read morewhen I stumbled upon Garbanzo. Their food is fantastic, service is quick, and it tastes great! It's fast casual "build your own bowl" style place, very similar to Chipotle, just with Mediterranean options. Portion sizes here are great and all of the ingredients seemed very fresh. This is going to be my "go to" stop for the next couple of days for lunch!

I have been wanting to try this place forever and I'm so glad I finally did. I love a little bit of…read morea healthier option, but that is still quick and easy. There are many options for food and their ingredients are fresh! The staff has always been helpful and prompt. I have been here about once a week since I first tried this place and I still can't wait to go back every-time! The gyro meat is delicious and the tzatziki and garlic sauces are a must. I always make my own bowl and I love that it also comes with warm pita bread. This is a great option for food on the go that's not fried and good for you.

We love their gyro's!! The French fries are also very good! They are both just consistently very…read moregood. We usually come in over the lunch hour. They receive a lot of traffic from Emerson. But we've always received excellent service! They have beautiful photos of Greece. The blue and white pictures you expect to see. Not our first time in or our last!

Today I chose to go to Opa Grill for lunch and I absolutely LOVED my food and service! It's a…read morecasual and clean atmosphere which is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner! I had the Lemon chicken soup and it was truly amazing! It has that perfect punch of lemon in each bite! I had the chicken gyro and I was equally impressed! I normally do not get the fries that come with a sandwich but the menu stated they were their specialty, and they were fantastic! I would love to eat here everyday! Even if you don't love Greek food they offer a wide variety of items on their menu that's sure to please!

While someone has reported this place as closed, it isn't. I ordered from here Saturday through…read moreDoorDash. The food came hot, very tasty and was really good for recovery from stomach flu. I got the Gyro bowl. It had gyro meat, cucumbers, garbanzos, tomatoes, kalamatas and really good seasoned rice. I also got the hummus and pita and the falafel. My only complaint is that the bowl was a bit smallish, as was the falafel. But all was really good. I think this operates out of the Greek food restaurant on south duff, as a ghost restaurant. Prices were in the teens for the bowl and less than $10 each for the hummus and falafel. Lot parking, if you are visiting, which I've never done yet. Also, my DoorDash person was awesome. MarcyDiner'sTantrumScale 5/5- NoScreamingKids. CyHawkApproved

From the owner: The Simple Greek is a locally owned and operated, fast-casual Greek Restaurant that offers a…read morebuild-your-own concept. Featuring authentic flavors and healthy recipes from the Mediterranean, our menu offers a variety of proteins, fresh vegetables, spices, and made from scratch sauces. Our fast-casual, open kitchen concept allows you to create your own bowl or pita with ingredients you can feel good about. Eat Simple. Eat Fresh. Eat Greek!

Excellent, fresh food. Many healthy options. Order one of the bowls and don't forget the mushrooms!read more

I generally avoid leaving reviews, but I hope management will review this feedback. Our drinks and…read morefood arrived separately, which was inconvenient. I was unable to finish my meal because the panini was burnt and inedible. The drinks were warm, and my margarita was particularly bright green and excessively bitter. It was evident that we were dissatisfied when the waiter approached, noticing our minimally consumed food, and offered dessert. However, he then stood over me, holding the credit card machine and not handing it to me, while looking over my shoulder, which created an uncomfortable atmosphere. Unfortunately, despite our appreciation for the district, the quality of the food was unacceptable.

4.8* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 5* Value: 4*…read more Service: 5* Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely) Total check/person: $50 05/15/2026 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. If you found this review helpful, please Share, Follow & Like.

It's just wonderful to find a taste of the Middle East in the heart of Des Moines! The Lebanese…read morecafé specializes in many handheld's delicacies that include falafel, Shawarma, and gyros. Sides accompany most sandwiches that includes salads or soup. At the base of the state capital, you'll find metered street parking available and easy access. The restaurant is open for lunch hours and then closes for a few hours mid afternoon reopening in the evening. We were there for lunchtime and there was a nice bit of dining and takeout traffic going on while we were at the restaurant. Soft drinks, wines, and a nicely stocked bar is available with specialty cocktails. The food was freshly prepared and nicely seasoned. It's been years since I had falafel and I found theirs to be absolutely delicious! Pricing was very reasonable and service was pleasant and attentive. I would definitely come back to this restaurant to try some of the other specialties offered as the menu is extensive.

Tasty food, wish the portions were bit more but all in all I was full, fortunately I ordered a side…read morepiece of pita bread which helped with fullness

I can't understand how there are so many good reviews for this place. The food is terrible! I have…read moreto say it's probably the worst tasting food I've ever eaten. There were no Mediterranean spices on the meat and it was so bland and tasteless. I wish I could give this zero stars. My husband and I had a graduation to go to at the Knapp Center so we wanted to grab a quick bite somewhere close beforehand. We both got the beef and lamb gyros. The meat wasn't cut fresh off of a big hunk of meat like it is at most gyro places. It was pre-sliced and kept in a bin at the counter along with the other cold ingredients. The man making the gyros did put a lot of meat and vegetables on the pita but it was all flavorless. I have made much tastier Mediterranean food than this. We both couldn't believe how awful the gyros were. The meat was so dry and unseasoned. I have never missed Gazali's food more. Their gyros always had such great spices and flavor and that's what I was expecting of this place. I don't know how this place can call themselves a Mediterranean grill. Their food is just unseasoned meat and vegetables on a pita. There's nothing Mediterranean about it.