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    Open Sesame

    4.2 (4.4k reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:30 pm

    Order Open Sesame Takeout or Delivery

    Open Sesame Photos

    OPEN SESAME ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Open Sesame

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    Yassmina vg Pizza, and the Falafel vn Pita Sandwich lunch special with hummus for the side.
    Wendy H.

    It has been YEARS (15 or so) since I've eaten here. We were seated quickly, though we sat for a bit before being acknowledged by the waitress. What we ordered was good, though I enjoy a few other restaurants on 2nd St. more....

    Chicken shawerma
    Lucy T.

    The Lebanese food was perfect. The Shawarma had the perfect amount of seasoning, the hummus was delicious, and the salad was amazing! The shawerma had great quality and wasn't over seasoned. The waitress was so sweet and charged my phone because it was dying! The ambience is really cute and quiet!

    Chicken tawook
    Mercy H.

    My friend introduced us to this place in 2024. I've been addicted ever since and always stop by when I'm in Long Beach. I always get the same thing: the chicken tawook plate w spicy hummus, no salad, w extra rice and no pickles. The spicy hummus isn't spicy to me. Their yogurt cucumber dip is so good and refreshing. I also highly recommend their spicy potato's. They will be the best potatoes you've ever had. This restaurant is full of art inside and their restrooms are very clean. I recommend parking on Corona street if you don't want to pay for parking.

    Open sesame pizza, Spicy Garlic Potatoes vn gf
    Vanessa G.

    - Vibes: modern, tight, social space - Crowd: recommend a reservation, crowded on weekends - Menu: lots of selection, good for health conscious - Value for price: 5/5 very well made, great quality food - Service: 5/5 very kind and attentive - Parking: metered street parking nearby. If you walk a bit you can find for free Came to Open Sesame with my Long Beach friend on a Friday night. She's on an elimination diet so this was one of the few places she's able to enjoy. Expect it to be bustling, we made a reservation. Good place for a first date or dinner with friends. I tried the Open Sesame pizza, which was delicious. Our neighbors asked what I ordered so they could copy me. Fresh tomatoes, delicious cheese, and a great option for pickier eaters. My friend had the garlic potatoes, which she loved. I also tried a lentil soup, which was shockingly filling and has a lovely flavor. Definitely recommend this place for slightly pricey but highly delicious difning.

    Foul M'Damas w Veg Plate vn gf
    Christine C.

    Honestly, the best Lebanese/Mediterranean restaurant I've been to. The dining room is small and space is a bit tight, so you may want to opt for the patio if it's a nice day. The food is exceptional. Everything we ordered was very good-- portions are relatively good sized and you will leave full!

    Chicken shawarma
    Celina E.

    Parking is hard to find but is free after 7p during the week at meters. Food is a good deal and tasty! I especially loved the orange blossom oil for our hands after the meal. Interior decor is nice too. Outdoor seating kinda tight so keep convo low or neighbors will hear everything lol

    Baklava
    Raymond B.

    We usually see this place have a wait when we pass by so we're happy we were able to get seated quickly. We ordered the skewers (bottom) which had two meats (chicken and beef), onions, tomatoes, rice & open sesame combo which had 2 meats, hummus, salad, pita bread and rice. The food was delicious and very tasty! No complaints at all with the two plates we ordered! We'll definitely come back again for more next time - haven't had a better place than this yet!

    A lovely view inside.
    RoseEllen S.

    Once upon a time, another fabulous meal here! Love the rose/grape drink, chicken skewers, and the eggplant dip were perfect! The end.

    Menu 7/23/26
    Catherine N.

    I've been coming to Open Sesame for a few years now and have always spoke highly of this place. They have an online waitlist on their website. Unfortunately when we visited, it was so disappointing and underwhelming especially when I was hyping it up to my boyfriend since it was his first time. I understand that it was busy on a Wednesday night, but the service was lacking. Our appetizer came out pretty quick after we ordered, but after that it took awhile for our main entrees to arrive. We both ordered our steak kabobs to be cooked medium, but it was soooo well done. The servers are helping guests inside and outside, which can make it difficult to grab their attention since they're busy running around. We asked for a box and check, but waited awhile for it not to come out. We ended up having to ask another worker. The servers weren't at all mean, it was just that we were unnoticed for a long time and we weren't asking for crazy accommodations. It was just simple things like getting a water refill, box, and the check.

    My husband got the steak and shrimp kabob plate, and I got the mlokheye. As someone middle eastern, everything was delicious! The mlokheye tasted authentic but definitely have to add the lemon. Would definitely go again.

    Menu
    Brenda K.

    I love this place! I can't get enough of the food here! It is terrific! The service is normally great and the ambience is amazing as well! The only downfall here is the limited seating and the close proximity of all the tables. There isn't a dish here that I've tried that I haven't liked! On weekends and evenings it can fill up fast and it can be a long wait for a table.

    Baba Ghannouj vn gf is a must
    Johny L.

    Beautiful day to sit outside, sun out, great people watching scrolling around on a Sunday. Prefect weather for watermelon and halloumi, Baba ghanoush, FATTOUSH Green leaf lettuce, tomato, cucumber, green onion, parsley, radish, bell pepper, mint, sumac, house dressing, pita croutons and added Chicken Tawook 5 piece More than enough to shared

    Celina C.

    DISCLAIMER: FOOD WAS AMAZING. Everything came out flavorful and fresh. I really enjoyed the Zaatar and the open sesame combo plate. The three stars is for the service. I came in today (2/25/26) and the male server was just rushing whenever he would speak. First, we were served our pizza without any utensils but it was fine because it was just pizza after we finished it, the main dishes came and we still weren't given utensils hahaha anyway that would have been super minor if the server was less rushing. Maybe it was a hectic day for him but I noticed that the table next to us also felt the same way because they were trying to figure out what he said. Anyway we still left the place happy because the food was so good we just ignored how the inattentive the server was.

    Open sesame combo with open sesame salad and spicy hummus

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    8 days ago

    I dream about their watermelon salad. Great service and lively vibe. Their hummus is to die for and I love their open sesame platter.

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    Page 1 of 111

    Open Sesame Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Open Sesame

    Are small dogs allowed on the patio?

    Yes. I take my Westie there often.

    This place is listed today as having outdoor seating. Is it still available? If it is, is it covered or heated? How many people can sit there? / June 8, 2023

    Depending on the weather, there is outdoor seating that covered by an awning that has a rollup, clear plastic that can be dropped down, depending on whether or not, it's raining or too cold

    Hello, what is the situation for Ramadan is it a buffet or by order?

    Always by order

    Do they still have half price bottles of wines on Mondays?

    Yes! We do have half off select bottles of wine every Monday and Wednesday (excluding holidays)

    Do they have a corkage fee? Are signature cocktails served at the Long Beach location as well?

    Hi Ana, We only server beer and wine ar our Long Beach location and yes there is a corkage fee of $20. Thanks and hope to see you soon.

    Is this hand slaughter zabiha halal or machine cut zabiha halal?

    Our meat is Zabiha Halal but it is not hand slaughtered. The machine cut is very precise, and is an approved method by our certifier, many Imams and Islamic organizations as one of the permitted Halal slaughtering methods. Please do note that all… 

    Will you ever bring back your weekend specials?

    We have brought back our Kabssa on Saturdays and Molokhia on Sundays. We’re still working on bringing back a few other items so keep checking our online menu for any updates. Thank you for reaching out!

    What is the liquid that you sprinkle on customer's hands after their meal?

    That would be rose blossom water. We hope you enjoy!

    Do you take reservations for dinner?

    Yes reservations would be best as it gets full on certain days and times.

    Which delivery service do you use? I can't find the restaurant listed in any of usual Grubhub etx

    Hi Rose, if you go through our website opensesamegrill.com and then choose the 'order online' button. This will direct you to either a pickup or delivery option. Thanks and… 

    Do you take reservations for lunch?

    We currently do not take reservations.

    Do the falafel have eggs in them or are they vegan?

    Our Falafel does not have eggs and are vegan.

    They don't allow reservations on Friday nights. Any chance of getting a table around 7?

    I hardly have issues getting a table on Friday nights. Also, there are 2 locations in the same street. It's not typical to wait a very long time!

    Are there accommodations/reservations for a big party of 20+ people?

    Yes online you can reserve it I believe

    I'm confused are they Halal says they serve wine..?

    They do serve wine for those who don't observe, but meats/food are halal

    Is there parking?

    There is parking on the street and surrounding streets. There is a parking lot behind Rite Aid across the street if there isn't any on the street in front. There is also the Bank of America parking lot and yes it does cost a few dollars, 2nd Street… 

    Can i call and order for to go?

    Yes You can :) You can also order online & pick it up. Super easy!

    Hi is there a corkage fee?

    Hi Patricia - yes there is a $15 corkage fee.

    Do you have parking?

    There's meter parking on the street but it could get busy on the weekends and if you get lucky you can find free parking but not near the restaurant you might have to walk.

    What meats are marinated in yogurt? Is the beef kabob or filet mignon kabob dairy free?

    The Chicken Tawook and lamb kabobs are marinated in yogurt.

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    Hands down one of the best Mediterranean meals I've had in Long Beach…read more Everything we ordered was incredible. The lamb chops were the star of the meal--perfectly seasoned, savory, juicy, and beautifully grilled with that fresh, smoky barbecue flavor. The hummus was a 10/10: silky smooth, topped with whole chickpeas, and full of rich, authentic flavor. The rice deserves its own mention. It was light, fluffy, buttery, and perfectly cooked--not sticky at all. Paired with the fresh salad, it balanced the meal perfectly. For drinks, the sorbet drink was so refreshing, and the pomegranate tea was outstanding with bright, fruity notes that made it the perfect way to end the meal. The ambiance is absolutely beautiful. Sitting outside on the sidewalk felt cozy and romantic, and the decor inside genuinely made me feel like I was back in Turkey. The restaurant is spotless (including the restrooms), and the customer service was warm, attentive, and welcoming from start to finish. If you're looking for authentic Turkish and Mediterranean food in Long Beach, this place is a must-visit. I'll definitely be back for those lamb chops!

    What an incredible experience. I haven't had food that woke me up like this in a long time. We…read moreordered the icli kofte, tabbouleh, the lamb and beef kabob, and babanoush. Everything came out so quickly, and they provided pita with tomatoes as an appetizer. This is a mom and pop shop and the owner came out to check in on us multiple times. It really felt like I was being invited into their home. Thank you for such a delicious meal! We will definitely be back

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    Turkish Pomegranate tea + apple tea

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    Nazelie's Lebanese Cafe

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    Great locally owned spot!! Definitely worth checking out! Chicken and Tri-Tip shawarma is delicious!read more

    Dear Owner, Your…read moreresponse to my review says considerably more about your business than my review ever could. After 19 years, apparently you've decided that the solution to customers not wanting onions is to remove them from everyone's food, leave them listed on the menu, and then insult the first customer who notices. That's certainly one way to run a restaurant. And your comment that I "lowered myself as a Middle Eastern man" because I complained about onions is honestly the most absurd part of your response. I didn't lower myself. I simply expected the food I ordered to contain the ingredients your own menu says it contains. You say that everyone has asked you to remove onions for 19 years. Fine. Then update your menu. This isn't complicated. If onions have supposedly been gone for years, why are they still being advertised as an ingredient? Customers aren't mind readers. And let's address your claim that the chicken was "very moist and delicious." How exactly would you know? You weren't there when I ordered it. You weren't there when I opened the sandwich. You weren't there when I ate it. You weren't even the person working that day. Yet somehow you have enough confidence to tell me what my own food tasted like. That is an impressive level of certainty for someone who wasn't even present. What I actually experienced was dry chicken, lettuce, no onions, a menu that apparently doesn't reflect what your restaurant serves, and an employee who argued with me rather than simply acknowledging the discrepancy. Then, instead of apologizing or explaining why your menu is inaccurate, you came into the comments and attacked the customer. That tells me everything I need to know. And as for the "Middle Eastern" aspect of your response, I find it especially disappointing. Onions aren't some obscure garnish that I'm demanding out of nowhere. They are a foundational ingredient in Middle Eastern cooking. If you've spent 19 years serving Lebanese or Middle Eastern food, you should know that. If your restaurant has evolved into a watered-down, Americanized version of Lebanese food to accommodate customers who don't like traditional ingredients, that's your choice. But own it. Don't pretend the menu says one thing while serving another, and don't insult someone for noticing. You could have simply said, "We no longer include onions, and we apologize that our menu hasn't been updated." Instead, you chose to attack my character, question my identity, and insist that food you didn't taste was delicious. That was a spectacularly poor business decision. So yes, I stand by my review. The missing onion wasn't the real problem. The problem was the dry food, the inaccurate menu, the poor customer service, and an owner who apparently thinks insulting customers is an acceptable substitute for accountability. After reading your response, I'm even more confident that I won't be returning. Nineteen years in business should have taught you how to handle a dissatisfied customer. Apparently, it didn't

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    Chicken shawarma sandwich
    Chicken shawarma sandwich
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    Vegan friendly
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    Enjoyed a delicious lunch bowl today with exceptionally wonderful service from Peter.read more

    Taboon has been our favourite Mediterranean spot in Long Beach for years now, and we wished we…read morestill lived in the area! This place seems to use only quality ingredients, as everything always tastes fresh. Order some pita bread, and they'll taste like someone just prepped them before you arrived! The chicken shawarma plate is our favourite order, as it is plenty to feed both my wife and me. It comes with delicious chicken, a small salad, hummus, and pickled vegetables. Everything tastes good! Occasionally, we get the falafel, which is also tasty! The garlic sauce that comes on the entrees here is likely our favourite of all garlic sauces we've tried in other spots. We used to frequent this spot, and I've certainly brought a number of friends and coworkers around to bring joy to all of our bellies. Prices are average, and the service is fast. Although there is only street parking available, you'll likely be able to find parking along Bixby Road or Atlantic Blvd, though I tend to avoid the traffic of Atlantic Blvd. There is plenty of seating within, along with some outside seating if that's your vibe. Ambience is nice, and the place is decorated with Turkish lamps. The food at Taboon does not disappoint! Come through, and support local!

    Photos
    Lamb chops entree
    Lamb chops entree
    Halloumi Cheese
    Halloumi Cheese
    Chef's Salad

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    Chef's Salad
    Alibaba Mediterranean Cuisine

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    8 August 2026 | 3PM…read more Came in after a friend gathering at the beach nearby/traveled in from San Diego, feeling a bit fatigued from the sun's heat, entering the space was a sweet release from the weather outside. Nice and spacious with ample seating for big group, big windows to still enjoy the sun while eating. Garreth (Apologies if i butchered spelling!!!) was servicing the front. What a gem he is, it's not often where I see great hospitality to the degree he put down. Fun menu presentation and shared personal favs as well as general customer favs, highlighted lunch specials, and things you could substitute if need be. And me being a yapper, was fun to chat with him! He exemplified fantastic hospitality with everyone that came through the doors, something I noticed while I enjoyed my meal in. You can tell he'a the type of person that if he'a going to do something - it's done well. I hope if he ever comes across this, that he knows I truly enjoyed the energy and care he has. As well as the ambiance he created with a nice selection of music - a food delivery person came in dancing from the music! it was so cute The food was delicious as well. Meat is well seasoned and not over cooked, rice was supple, and hummus was a texture i really enjoyed (I don't favor hummus that feels on the thin side). Not pictures is the tzatziki app I ordered, but i loved pairing it with the meat to add a refreshing element to my meal! Again, appreciate you super much Garreth!!!

    Great food! And great price! I like the soup and you get…read moreyour order fast! Food is great 4/5 but overall experience to me is 5. Very convenient.

    Photos
    Chicken Kabob Plate  with double salad, hummus & pita
    Chicken Kabob Plate with double salad, hummus & pita
    Falafel plate
    Falafel plate
    Beef sambosak

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    Beef sambosak

    Open Sesame - mediterranean - Updated August 2026

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