My daughter and I are from Chicago and one of her favorite restaurants is an Eritrean one. Since I…read morewas in the area visiting her at Iowa State and she wanted a break from dorm food we decided to explore the food scene and sites in Des Moines. First we did have a little trouble finding the place for whatever reason the GPS was trying to take us a half block away. It's in a little strip mall and the sign isn't very big. Inside it's got a counter and a few tables basic but . Now onto the food we had a beef Tibsi (sautéed beef) the Alicha ( curry veg) and some sambussas. The Sambussas were hot and tasty empanada-like appetizers with a unique flavor. Served piping hot. The injera was tasty as were the other dishes and the beef was tender. not a big deal but the menu did not have an English translation and the food wasn't presented as it might be in a more upscale place. But it tasted better than it looked and my daughter said it was waaaaay better than dorm food.

One of my favorite foods is Ethiopian & Eritrean cuisine... so I was excited to check this place…read moreout. The food was served quickly and just as expected on injera. It was DELICIOUS! I also ordered coffee and it was spot on. If you have had real Ethiopian coffee, there's a distinct flavor... and it was perfect. The place was clean and is part of a small grouping of stores. There were only a few other people in there the whole time I was there but the place was very casual and a "hole in the wall" type of feel. I will definitely go back. Service was quiet but polite the entire time. Wish I could give an extra half star ... the only reason not five was because ... although not feeling unwelcome.. I did not feel like they cared if I was there or not.

The oxtails with peas are amazing. Upon entering the overall feel with the Caribbean music and the…read moresweet kitchen aroma of various flavors was intoxicating. Izzy the wait staffer and Stephen the bar manager made sure each table and patio were well served. The total atmosphere was very relaxing. Try the special mixtures for the mocktails-- simply outstanding.

Super delicious jerk chicken, music, and drinks! Loved the vibe and service. I will definitely be…read moreback when in town and check out one of their social events, as I've heard good things. The oxtails had good flavor, just not falling off the bone as I like, and the mac and cheese and jollof rice left a bit to be desired, but I will be back for the jerk chicken and to try more of their menu.

First off, hats off to the chef! The food is amazing! It's spiced, cooked well, all the meat is…read moretender and soft, cooked perfectly! Each dish was great! The fufu is soft, perfectly sticky, and smooth. The palm butter soup, savory, rich, spiced, and the chicken with it is tender soft and falls off the bone! The fried fish! Crispy outside and tender flaky meat! It was perfection. Not spicy and not too salty! The brown rice was amazing too! Soft fluffy grains of rice that is blackened seasoned! Will definitely come again!

I ordered takeout so I cannot comment too much on service. But, the limited interaction I had was…read morevery friendly. A gentleman asked what I ordered, checked with the kitchen and notified me of their progress. Location was cute inside -- parking can be found in the back. I ordered the attieke platter and palava sauce with fufu. I loved the sauce they gave with the platters (it's like a savory spicy sauce, not very spicy though). The attieke platter came with WAY too much attiéké, needs more of the other items to help balance it out (attieke was similar to couscous). The palace sauce dish was flavorful and tasty. Looking forward to trying their other dishes.

A wonderful taste of Greece right here in downtown Des Moines. Pictures of mom back in Greece on…read morethe wall, and her recipes used, lend a real feel of authenticity. We were welcomed warmly and seated immediately. Started with a few appetizers, which were over the top. Enjoyed the Gyro platter and some moussaka all very good flavor. A nice selection of beer and some wines to accompany just about any dish. Complementary salad and soup with almost every entrée mix for a very filling meal. Open most days from 11 AM to 9 PM. Check it out when you're in the area.

Always good! Love the flaming cheese and overall just good food, amazing salad , was seated quickly…read moreand great ready location

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.

MJ and his family are so awesome and kind! I stopped in to try a refreshing drink on my walk in my…read morefirst time ever in Iowa on my walk to the beautiful golden capital and what a warm welcome it was. I met his whole family and he introduced me to all the customers. It was so fun and familial and inviting. Not to mention the decor inside is gorgeous! I love supporting local and trying new things. Definitely give this place a visit if you want good vibes, good energy, and delicious food made with love for real.

Good service. Burmese food is unique.. I have not tried a lot. Just tried couple of items they were…read morevery fresh. We arrived 30 minutes closing time and sit down and ate.. they did not rush us. There is music playing.. clean and tidy place. A lot of space. I will come back to try some other items if I have another chance

Came here on a business trip with my colleague and or first meal after touched down. The restaurant…read moreis big with ample parking. We were the only two customers on a Monday 5:30 and we needed help with the menu as everything looks foreign to us. Server was nice to explain and we got what we wanted. Tasty noodle soup!

Service was amazing, service was really nice, food was great and well seasoned, overall vibe greatread more

Whew! A delightful hidden gem in Des Moines. There are many hidden gems, but not many Honduran…read morerestaurants - especially in Iowa. You definitely walk into another country when you enter here. I think that's why so many of us foodies eat internationally. It's cheaper than a plane ticket! Prices are fair for the glorious food you get - and portions are big! You won't walk away hungry. Mouth watering authentic Honduran dishes and fresh drinks! Don't stick to same ole Mexican. Try other Latin American flavors! Why not take a trip to Honduras at El Pollo Catracho?

Door Dashed this, was quick and arrived hot. The pot stickers are amazing. Enjoyed the Angry dish…read moreand the Drunken Noodles. Both were solid. Would def get again.

Stopped in during their lunch service and it was a good time! Our server was super friendly and the…read morefood came out super fast. We came in around the end of their lunch special so it was a little busy. Goes to show they're pretty popular and get a lot of regulars! The ambiance is pretty open and had a lot more room than I expected! I ordered the pad Thai with beef, which is one of their lunch specials. I asked for level 2 spice but I didn't notice anything when I ate it. I did hear it kinda varies depending on the staff so maybe I need to order a higher level. Otherwise the food was pretty good and a great spot for lunch!