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.

Had takeout for large group. Beef, Chicken and Filafel Schwarmas. Super fresh, very tasty. Best…read moreever for us!! Highly recommend!!

The Moroccan fries were fantastic I immediately forced their existence into the conversations I had…read moreafter trying them. Addicting Moroccan seasoning atop a good crispy fry. The Fresh Platter with gyro, falafel, and red hummus was tasty and plentiful. With a good amount of seasoning and fresh ingredients. I look forward to coming back here.

Delicious gyros!! 10/10 recommend…read more As far as the guy running the drive-thru, not pleasant. Could use a little personality and kindness.

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.

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.

Came in. I was the only one here at 11:40am on a Saturday. Ordered a chicken gyro and cheese…read moresticks Got the cheese sticks and they were not hot to the touch. But into one and the middle was frozen. Took them to the counter and asked to have the redone. They microwaved them. I know this because then they handed them back to me the cheese melted out of all of them and I specifically asked "were they microwaved???" And they said yes. So I said I don't want them. The lady at the counter said they could remake them I think they just remade the one I had taken a bite of l. Couldn't pick them up. They were too soft and falling apart, and they were stuck to the bottom of the paper boat by all the cheese that had melted out Pretty sure it was still the microwaved ones. If it were busy I would be more understanding of the lazy shortcut. But I was the only person here! The cooks are that lazy? Zero care for quality? You literally need a fork to eat these cheese blobs that can't be picked up and the breading just falls off. The kitchen staff is incredibly disappointing and it's sad that this type of quality is allowed.

Awesome food, hamburger coney style is great as well as their gyros. I live in Polk City and drive…read moreto Ted's whenever I can.

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.

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.

Food: Hot, fresh and delicious! Ordered the Mo'z box to-go which came out hot and ready. It comes…read morewith a chicken shawarma and fries. Obsessed with the garlic dipping sauce that comes with it. Atmosphere: Felt like I was back in Greece. The vibe is so cute with greenery over the ceiling and artwork. Could be a fun casual date night spot or a lunch spot. Seating: Booths and low top tables available About: They're a local family run business and if you like supporting local and love good food and shawarma's, it's a must-have. Definitely adding this into my rotation of spots.

"Do I order here or sit down..." roughly what I asked as well as the next guy who came in while we…read morewere eating. Whoever is at the front desk should proactively greet each person and ask "dining in or to go?" Instead the lady waited for me and the next person to takk with her first. Then she asked if we knew what we wanted. If they fix this, your answer should be "to go". While the ambiance is lovely, the fact they make you buy bottles of drinks instead of having cups of water or other drinks available really decreases the value of sitting in and cheapens the experience. The restaurant ambiance is also marred by all the items for sale like a local market. Perhaps it makes it feel more genuine, but definitely makes it feel less fine dining. That and the music gets interrupted by what is likely alarms or timers on the phone playing music. Perhaps it shouldn't be thought of as fine dining, and more of a foreign family diner. The service was nearly non-existent. As mentioned before you had to proactively ask how things worked, there were no refills as it's just bottles ... and the bottles just sit in a fridge. Outside of that she sat at the front desk on her phone, though she did ask how everything was... once... after we got it. She also thanked us for coming when we left. It took about 10 minutes to get food... not bad since the food seemed fresh. That said the food was good enough. I've had better chicken shawarmas, but nothing tasted bad. It's slightly above average experience hence the rating. I wouldn't go so far as to say you must try this place, but I wouldn't say don't come here either. I hope they improve the experience over time. This review is meant as constructive criticism.

This place has been on my list for a few years now. I actually saw a Tik Tok about a New York…read moreimplant to Des Moines and this is where she goes to get a taste of "home." It definitely didn't disappoint. I shared a pastrami on rye with deli mustard & onions with my husband. We also tried the pickles, along with potato and macaroni salad. Everything was delicious! My youngest daughter had a turkey sandwich on a roll and she ate the whole thing. They have a grocery section and desserts too. We also tried a traditional "black n white cookie" from a New York bakery and it was delectable. This place is definitely an experience and I highly recommend.

Today was our first visit here. The owner was so welcoming and sweet since my husband wasn't sure…read morewhat sandwich he wanted. He said his sandwich was amazing, and loved the pickle. I got matzo ball soup that he even offered to warm up even though we ordered to go. We bought some bread to have later with dinner. It was wonderful and we will definitely be back.