As you open the menu of Open Sesame, (7458 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036) you will notice a traditional Lebanese salutation – “In Lebanon to eat is to feast and in doing so we evoke a sense of celebration…SAHTEIN!” (To your health!) So, get ready to chow down on healthy, bold Lebanese and Mediterranean flavors based upon recipes handed down to owner Ali Kobeissi by generations of ancestors.
Open Sesame is a simple, quiet, relaxing oasis, perfect for indulging in delicious food in the heart of Beverly Boulevard. Open Sesame has been serving the people of Long Beach for years, and now we can have their food here, in Los Angeles. As you walk through the golden archway, the warm interior is illuminated but the golden ceiling lamps and the staff welcomes you with huge smiles. Not only is the staff educated on every dish, but they absolutely love what they do. Their is a pleasure in discussing the food that they serve and the history that goes along with it. The menu offerings reference Kobeissi’s childhood.
Some of our favorites was the lamb entree (by far the best lamb I have ever had); the chicken shwarma plate with a garlic sauce that is to die for; the Kibbi (a shell of extra lean ground beef and bulgar (crushed wheat) filled with a sauteed mixture of roasted pine nuts, onion, ground beef and special herbs. Served with wild cucumber pickles, tomato, lettuce and a yogurt sauce); the deliciously simple filet mignon kabob; and the prize winning fried cauliflower (I wanted to lick the plate). For dessert, the K’naafeh (semolina wheat pastry with sweet cheese or ashta, topped with orange blossom syrup) hit all the right notes. Full menu here.
Open Sesame Los Angeles features a full bar, with specialty cocktails that complement the bold flavors of the cuisine, as well as beer and wine. Open Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 10 pm, Friday & Saturday 11 am – 11 pm.
