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.

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.

I've been meaning to try this place ever since I learned there was a WDM location. Located in a…read morestrip mall at the corner of Grand and EP True (by the HyVee), the decor is nothing special but it was light and bright inside. We were greeted and asked if we were dining in (it appears they do a brisk takeout business) and were told to sit where we wanted. It was surprisingly crowded for a Sunday afternoon at 4 pm. The menu is extensive and hubby and I both like Mediterranean food. I chose the Falafel plate, served with five falafel balls, hummus, a pita, and Greek salad. The portion was generous (ended up taking two falafel home). Served with tahini and their house green sauce (olive oil, cilantro, and jalapeño) It wasn't spicy but it was so delicious - I could get addicted to this thinking of all the other ways so could enjoy it!! The Greek salad was served with house dressing - garlic and yogurt, also very good. The falafel was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, and flavorful. The hummus was not at all grainy - smooth but just a tad bland. Hubby had the lamb skewers and liked them very much. Served with rice, salad, and hummus. He also took one of the skewers home. We both had the mango Fresca juice. A bit too sweet for me but I generally drink unsweetened beverages. Hubby liked it a lot. Service was friendly and we were checked on twice to ask how we liked our food. Generous portions, friendly service, good food, but not inexpensive (with tip, $55 for two) but what is inexpensive these days?? We enjoyed reading the story of the couple who started this restaurant, and I'm glad we finally had a chance to try it?

Awesome lunch, first time here. Family Run, get food, great…read moreservice. My friend and I split the #7 and each tried their home made aguas fresca, she had pineapple and I had Cantaloupe. Refreshing!

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.

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.

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: $20 04/27/2026 Tonight's opportunity to enjoy another stop at Tito's came at the end of my journey updating several locations for happyhourdesmoiones.com. It was getting to be dinner time, so asked my wife to meet me here for my last stop. Every time we've stopped here, we have been impressed with the quality of the food and tonight was no different. I had already enjoyed some Happy Hour specials at another venue, but my wife hadn't yet eaten dinner. She ordered the Gyro & Fries (see picture) and as you might guess, I did try a couple of bites. We both thought it was a very good gyro and were delighted to see that it is the daily special each day from 11-2, so we will definitely be coming back for lunch some day. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow.

The wife and I tried this place for the first time. I've known about this lounge because of my son,…read morebut he and I never made it here. Don't tell him I went without him :) Anyway, I'm glad the wife and I gave it a try. We walked in at 5:30 on a Friday and it was busy. We didn't wait but for a few minutes and had a table. The greeter was very friendly and our server was super nice and pleasant to have as a waiter. His recommendations were spot on. The whole restaurant was hopping busy but operating very smoothly. Not a quiet place, a true sports bar ambiance. The wings were very very good. Maybe some of the better ones I've had here in town. The gyro was fantastic, and huge. Great value. The wife's flatbread was great too. Excellent food all the way around. Prices for very reasonable. Happy hour helps some of the prices for sure, but still a well priced establishment. We are fans of this place and will most certainly be back.

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.

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.

Amazing food! Love the spice and flavors! And the floppy bread. Got the sampler platter thingy! So…read moregood!!

Food was good. I did a lamb and beef bowl and it was great. The only thing is I wish the meal was a…read morelot warmer.

There have been restaurants with several styles of food that have come up lately that have made us…read morevery happy, and I have talked about them in their reviews. We went to one such today. Lizzie and I have bemoaned the lack of a good shawarma place. You're get no more moaning from us, except moans of pleasure. We went very simple today, I got shawarma, Lizzie got a lamb kebob, we shared some hummus. First the hummus. It's the best hummus in town. Simple, rich with flavor, with an amazing flat bread that comes with it. I had a taste of Lizzie's lamb kebob, and it was great. A bit of her salad as well, also really tasty. My shawarma was incredible. The meat was spiced nicely, the pickles included were so tasty. The garlic sauce that came with it was subtle, but added so much. We will be going back again and again. This leaped into my top 5 favorite places in town easily today. Go give them a try, you won't be disappointed.

New family owned local restaurant. We had a chicken and a falafel shawarma to go. Both were really…read morefresh and flavorful. My kid devoured it didn't even complain that it had salad :) Also had a Kunafa for desert, delicious!