I genuinely envy people who live in the hip neighborhoods surrounding the Beverly Hills and West and Hollywood area due to their easy access for dining in some of the most interesting and authentic close to home destinations. I am very willing to drive a long distance for an amazing meal, but think it would be amazing to just walk to them.

Open Sesame Patio

Open Sesame Patio

My recent foodie journey to discover world flavors took me to a magical Lebanese restaurant on Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles, where authentic ambiance, warm atmosphere and an amazing Lebanese menu say ‘welcome home’! The staff are thoughtful so very attentive.

Open Sesame is a great bet for anyone who is Lebanese or anyone who genuinely loves middle-eastern style food preparation and presentation. The restaurant is located in a quaint old house tucked away on a busy section of Beverly Boulevard. A friend from Lebanon accompanied me for this dinner, and said the tiles on the floor were authentic of the type found in older homes in Lebanon. The open pation, which wraps around the restaurant, is a romantic spot for dining with soft lighting and music playing, and the inside dining room features tempting aromas of chefs preparing the plates.

Open Sesame Dining room

Open Sesame Dining room

Ali, the charming GM is a delightful host, and his staff are very skilled at suggesting specialty dishes, as well as offering wine paring or cocktails to sip with your dinner selections. The Salads and appetizer dips with freshly made pita bread are outstanding. Lebanese style desserts are sweet tastes I am familiar with and love, including their amazing baklavah that can be savored with a Lebanese ice crème trio of Ashta, pistachio, and almondice.

Open Sesame appetizer combo plate

Open Sesame appetizer combo plate

According the the owners in Lebanon to eat is to feast and in doing so evoke a celebration. The idea is to share, so start with the basics…A Mezza of Hummus, Kibbi, Fried Potatoes and Tabouleh. Let the bread act as your utensil with which to eat. Use it to scoop up the food… SAHTEIN!

Delicious menu items include Lamb Kabob marinated lamb charbroiled and served over kabob salad and basmati rice $24, Lamb Chops charbroiled French cut lamb chops marinated in fresh lemon juice, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Served over kabob salad and basmati rice $24, Filet Mignon Kabok charbroiled filet served over kabob salad and basmati rice $26, The Sulta a combination of marinated lamb chops, grilled tiger shrimp and filet mignon all charbroiled. Served over basmati rice $16.

Lamb Chop Dinner

Lamb Chop Dinner

Also Chicken Shawarma marinated chicken breast & thigh cooked on an upright spit, thinly sliced, served with garlic sauce and wild cucumber pickles and rice (2) $17. Beef Shawarma marinated top round cooked on an upright spit, thinly sliced and served with tahini sauce. Kafta skewers of extra lean ground beef, lamb, parsley, onion and spices, charbroiled. Served over kabob salad and basmati rice $18, Ali’s Favorite charbroiled sliced top sirloin steak on a layer of spicy roasted tomatoes and onions. Served over basmati rice. ChickenTawook, skewered cubes of marinated, charbroiled chicken breast served with garlic sauce and wild cucumber pickles, rice (2) $16. Kafta skewers of extra lean ground beef, lamb, parsley, onion and spices, charbroiled. Served over kabob salad and basmati rice $18, and more.

Lebanese Coffee

Lebanese Coffee

It’s all wonderful at this experience of the senses venue, where the atmosphere is one of having a good time while savoring the authentic flavors of Lebanon, in the company of friends and family. The original Open Sesame is located in Long Beach, where Ali Kobeissi is the CEO.

Open Sesame Los Angeles

7458 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 525-1698

info@opensesamegrill.com

By Bonnie Carroll

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