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Open Sesame
Master Critic Review
Open Sesame
8.7
This 26-year Lebanese institution draws crowds for generous portions of charbroiled kabobs, shawarmas, and chicken tawook alongside exceptional vegetarian mezze. Chef Ali Kobeissi's commitment to fresh ingredients and authentic flavors has made this Belmont Shore fixture a Mediterranean food destination where reservations are strongly recommended.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tawook, Mixed Kabob Plate, Open Sesame Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Lebanese recipes passed through generations with emphasis on fresh daily preparation
Who should go: Mediterranean food lovers seeking authentic Lebanese cuisine
When to visit: Weekday lunch for shorter waits, reserve ahead weekends
What to order: Chicken tawook, any kabob platter, falafel
Insider tip: Order the hummus trio sampler to experience multiple house-made variations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street and surrounding blocks - typically easy to find before 6pm, tighter on weekends. Small public lot one block north on Termino.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - locals come in everything from beach casual to date night attire, no pressure either way
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but conversational, busier during weekend dinners but you can still hear across the table
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation, sometimes longer during peak 7-8pm window - reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - extensive mezze selection including baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, and multiple hummus varieties
Vegan options: Very good - most mezze dishes are naturally vegan, confirm preparation methods for specific items
Gluten-free options: Moderate options - grilled meats and many mezze work, but limited substitutes for pita bread which is integral to the experience
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the warm lighting and moderate noise level create an intimate setting without being stuffy. Sharing mezze platters is naturally interactive and the 26-year track record means you're making a safe, impressive choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6pm) you'll likely get seated quickly. Weekend dinners are risky - call ahead even 30 minutes out, or be prepared for a 30-45 minute wait. The bar area sometimes has first-come seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, very welcoming to families - relaxed atmosphere, generous portions to share, and mild-flavored options like chicken tawook and rice appeal to younger palates. High chairs available. Busier weekend nights lean more date-night crowd.
How large are the portions? Generous bordering on massive - most platters easily feed two people, and mezze portions are designed for sharing. First-timers commonly over-order. Start conservative and add dishes if needed.
Is it good for groups? Excellent for 4-8 people - Lebanese dining is built for sharing, and the variety of kabobs and mezze means everyone finds something. Larger groups should call ahead to arrange seating.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Lebanese home-cooking flavor profiles, generous portions that prioritize value, and a casual neighborhood vibe where 26 years of consistency means zero pretension - you're eating real family recipes, not Instagram concepts
Skip if: You want modern Mediterranean fusion, a quiet romantic setting (it gets lively), or you're looking for a quick in-and-out meal on busy nights - the popularity and generous portions mean this is a commit-to-the-experience spot