Ecerytime I come to school from my classes I get off around 12 and I come straight here and…read moreeverytime its so good, when I finish my bachelor's degree ill be very sad because I won't be able to eat here anymore because the prices are so good and they fill you up with good food.

Although the food was good? The restaurant was not clean to my liking. The falafel was great and…read morethe tzatziki was a nice added touch.

Great fresh Mediterranean food, friendly service, and generous portions. The Green Olive is a Des…read moreMoines gem.

5-Star Plus Plus Review: Green Olive at 1960 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265…read more Green Olive absolutely delivered a meal that felt like comfort food and a special treat at the same time. I ordered the combo meal, and it was the kind of plate that makes you slow down and enjoy every bite because there is so much flavor and variety. The chicken was tender and well-seasoned, with that perfect balance of warm spices that tastes rich without being too heavy. The beef had a deep, savory flavor and a satisfying bite, and the lamb was the real standout. It tasted clean, bold, and cooked just right, with that hearty, slightly smoky taste that makes lamb worth ordering. Every protein on the plate felt like it was prepared with care, not rushed. The rice was fresh and fluffy, and it did exactly what great rice should do. It held the meal together and soaked up the flavor from everything around it. Then came the best part, the variety of sauces. Each sauce brought something different. One added a creamy smooth finish, another gave a bright kick, and another brought that deeper, bold flavor that keeps you coming back for one more bite. I loved being able to mix and match because it made the meal feel like several meals in one. To finish, I had the cheesecake and coffee, and that was the perfect ending. The cheesecake was smooth, rich, and satisfying without being overly sweet. The coffee was warm, strong, and comforting, and it tied everything together like a great closing note. Bottom line: Green Olive gave me a full, flavorful, and well-balanced experience from the first bite to the last sip. If you want a meal that is filling, fresh, and packed with variety, the combo meal is the way to go. The staff were friendly and kind absolutely OUTSTANDING!!!

Garbanzo is fantastic! I was in Iowa for work and was looking for a quick but healthy lunch option…read morewhen I stumbled upon Garbanzo. Their food is fantastic, service is quick, and it tastes great! It's fast casual "build your own bowl" style place, very similar to Chipotle, just with Mediterranean options. Portion sizes here are great and all of the ingredients seemed very fresh. This is going to be my "go to" stop for the next couple of days for lunch!

I have been wanting to try this place forever and I'm so glad I finally did. I love a little bit of…read morea healthier option, but that is still quick and easy. There are many options for food and their ingredients are fresh! The staff has always been helpful and prompt. I have been here about once a week since I first tried this place and I still can't wait to go back every-time! The gyro meat is delicious and the tzatziki and garlic sauces are a must. I always make my own bowl and I love that it also comes with warm pita bread. This is a great option for food on the go that's not fried and good for you.

On our way back to Chicago from Omaha & Iowa state we stumbled upon this little gem!! Great food,…read moreprompt service, cute ambiance. We will be back on our road trips!!

service was great! just wish they had calamari like i saw in the photos before going, but the…read moreposeidon pasta was pretty good.

While someone has reported this place as closed, it isn't. I ordered from here Saturday through…read moreDoorDash. The food came hot, very tasty and was really good for recovery from stomach flu. I got the Gyro bowl. It had gyro meat, cucumbers, garbanzos, tomatoes, kalamatas and really good seasoned rice. I also got the hummus and pita and the falafel. My only complaint is that the bowl was a bit smallish, as was the falafel. But all was really good. I think this operates out of the Greek food restaurant on south duff, as a ghost restaurant. Prices were in the teens for the bowl and less than $10 each for the hummus and falafel. Lot parking, if you are visiting, which I've never done yet. Also, my DoorDash person was awesome. MarcyDiner'sTantrumScale 5/5- NoScreamingKids. CyHawkApproved

From the owner: The Simple Greek is a locally owned and operated, fast-casual Greek Restaurant that offers a…read morebuild-your-own concept. Featuring authentic flavors and healthy recipes from the Mediterranean, our menu offers a variety of proteins, fresh vegetables, spices, and made from scratch sauces. Our fast-casual, open kitchen concept allows you to create your own bowl or pita with ingredients you can feel good about. Eat Simple. Eat Fresh. Eat Greek!

Excellent, fresh food. Many healthy options. Order one of the bowls and don't forget the mushrooms!read more

The waiter was the main reason I would never return. He had all the charisma of Rasputin, was surly…read moreand exhibited not a shred of joy. The food was OK. Still, it was nothing that would ever draw me back given the discomfort we three felt from the waiter. Sorry, we were hoping to find a gem. We only found a dour place to eat and drop $45 for three meals.

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.

They have multiple branches and every branch provides you with a different experience. This one is…read moreparticular is awesome. The staff greets you the moment you walk in. The gentleman with the long hair was awesome and made sure I was getting a sandwich that I would love. Provided awesome service and accommodated every request.

The food was fresh, hot and tasted really good. It was my first time trying baba ganoush and I…read moreliked it. I ordered through DoorDash and picked it up in restaurant. Place was clean and staff was friendly. I'd had the same gyro bowl at their store in Ankeny, delivered via DoorDash, so I knew what I was getting. I got the cilantro sauce and dill sauce for topping. Lot parking here. My only complaint was there was no fork to eat my food with. MarcyDiner'sTantrumScale 5/5- NoScreamingKids. CyHawkApproved.