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ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Mid-Wilshire
Best Middle Eastern in Mid-Wilshire
Master Critic Review
Open Sesame
8.5
Open Sesame’s Beverly Grove location brings the long-running Lebanese brand’s generous plates, halal grilled meats, and mezze-heavy menus to a colorful indoor–outdoor space. With over a thousand reviews and steady 4.0+ ratings across platforms, it’s the reliable choice for shareable shawarma, chicken tawook, and salads before or after a night on Beverly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tawook plate with spicy garlic potatoes, Open Sesame combo with fattoush salad and hummus, Fried cauliflower with tahini and lemon
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-volume Lebanese spot with halal grills, big portions, and a long track record of steady crowds.
Who should go: Groups craving shareable Lebanese plates and halal-friendly options.
When to visit: Evenings for lively atmosphere; earlier weeknights to avoid long waits.
What to order: Chicken Tawook plate, fried cauliflower, Open Sesame combo with fattoush.
Insider tip: Bring a bottle for low corkage and build a mezze spread to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Beverly can be tight after 6pm; meters and neighborhood side streets are the most reliable. No valet at this location.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests come in jeans, light layers, and comfortable dinner attire.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but manageable. Indoor tables get louder during peak hours, while the patio stays easier for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak windows.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait or a short 5–10 minute pause for patio seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of mezze, salads, and grilled vegetable plates accommodate vegetarians easily.
Vegan options: Moderate—hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, lentil soup, and several sides work for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Good options—grilled meats, salads, and many mezze are naturally gluten-free; ask staff to skip pita and flag items with dressings or marinades.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, shared-plates style date. The patio is the best pick—comfortable, colorful, and energetic without feeling overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, especially on weeknights. For weekend evenings, expect a wait unless you arrive early or choose outdoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Large booths, shareable platters, and mild dishes like rice, hummus, and grilled chicken make it approachable for kids 5+; staff is used to families.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions, halal-friendly grills, and big-group sharing—ideal when you want reliable Lebanese classics without the formality of a fine-dining spot.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale Mediterranean tasting menus or very quiet, intimate dining; its lively energy won’t suit those seeking a subdued atmosphere.
Hours
Monday3pm - 10pm
Tuesday3pm - 10pm
Wednesday3pm - 10pm
Thursday3pm - 10pm
Friday3pm - 11pm
Saturday12pm - 11pm
Sunday12pm - 10pm