The food outshined the service!…read more Ambiance: 4 stars Food: 5 stars Service: 2 stars Well, I came here with a friend for lunch. He loves the place and said the Gyros are fantastic. So I went with his recommendation. First impressions: The place is small and nicely located in the District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny. They have adequate seating and were only slightly busy when we arrived (I would say it was at half capacity the entire time we were there) We stood at the reception location for a while before we were 'greeted' and finally seated. We sat for quite a while before the guy with the headset to came back to take our orders. This was the weird part - he was fine, but he spoke so quietly we were not sure he was addressing us or talking to someone in his headset. Eventually we got our orders in, and we again waited. Some time later the water showed up, then after another pause the drinks we ordered were delivered, and sometime later the food showed up. He even remembered the dipping sauce which I thought I was going to have to ask for. We ate our entire meals without once being asked how things were, and eventually after the food was all gone, he came back to unceremoniously plop the bill on the table, and after another extended period he came back to process the payment. All-in-all the interaction with this guy was 'just weird'. (It was suggested that he might be the son of the owner...) He was doing his job but there was absolutely not any extra effort put in to make us feel welcome, and the total lack any real interaction was off-putting. The overall appearance of the place was nice and appeared clean, the decor was fresh and classy. However the bar area around the kitchen was very cluttered and looked like it was being used for overflow storage and it was a bit chaotic and had lots of clutter. Please forgive the fact that I forgot to take pictures of the delicious food. I got into conversation with my friend and just forgot! It was a very well made traditional Gyro with generous portions of meat, fresh hummus and a perfect portion of super fresh tzatziki sauce. I ordered fresh jalapeños and they got that right too! The side of fries were delicious as well, seasoned perfectly, crispy and fresh, and the garlic sauce...well did not lack for garlic! Wowza!! Overall I do recommend this place for the food! I will most likely return and I hope that the service will be a little better next time around.

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.

I drove almost an hour to have my shawarmas here but when i reached they were out of halal chicken,…read moreso I would recommend calling them first and checking with them if they have the chicken available. Got the lamb shawarma and it was really good but was a little bit disappointed because I didn't get the chicken.

We had been big fans of the food truck, we used to follow it around whenever possible. We were very…read moresad when it closed down. We saw that this had opened awhile ago, but have not had the opportunity to go up and give it a try. It was well worth the wait. We got both the chicken and the steak shawarma and gave each other half. The meat is rich with an amazingly deep flavor for something so simple. Add the bite of the pickles and both of these are superb sandwiches. The food truck had different sauces for each sandwich, that has changed. Just the one sauce now, but it is a lovely yogurt based bit of tastiness. We also got a side of falafel. Falafel is always hit and miss for me. This was a definite hit. Once again a wonderfully complex taste from something so simple. The wrap had a nice bit of crunch to it after being on the grill. This is not as long and involved as a lot of my reviews, but it doesn't need to be. It's a very small, simple menu, but oh my it is great. We will get back up there when we can, we hope that they will open a shop in Des Moines.

the menu there is always amazing!! the food is sooo good!…read morethe atmosphere is please'n, while wait'n for your meal. last but not least, the service y'all.. wonderful

Since the Catfish Po' Boy was out of this world, I think it's safe to say the rest of Rodney's food…read moreis...Hats off to the simple selection, quality ingredients, and soulful touch to each meal. I will certainly return when in Waterloo and plan to spread to word to friends, family, and colleagues.

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.

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.

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: $20 04/27/2026 Tonight's opportunity to enjoy another stop at Tito's came at the end of my journey updating several locations for happyhourdesmoiones.com. It was getting to be dinner time, so asked my wife to meet me here for my last stop. Every time we've stopped here, we have been impressed with the quality of the food and tonight was no different. I had already enjoyed some Happy Hour specials at another venue, but my wife hadn't yet eaten dinner. She ordered the Gyro & Fries (see picture) and as you might guess, I did try a couple of bites. We both thought it was a very good gyro and were delighted to see that it is the daily special each day from 11-2, so we will definitely be coming back for lunch some day. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow.

First time you ordered the calamari for an appetizer, and Cevapi…read more Your restaurant/bar is very nice and clean. The staff very friendly and approachable. First time having Cevapi and the bartender showed me how to eat it correctly. Which changed the whole taste of individually eating the sausages.

Food: Hot, fresh and delicious! Ordered the Mo'z box to-go which came out hot and ready. It comes…read morewith a chicken shawarma and fries. Obsessed with the garlic dipping sauce that comes with it. Atmosphere: Felt like I was back in Greece. The vibe is so cute with greenery over the ceiling and artwork. Could be a fun casual date night spot or a lunch spot. Seating: Booths and low top tables available About: They're a local family run business and if you like supporting local and love good food and shawarma's, it's a must-have. Definitely adding this into my rotation of spots.

Despite being one of the few halal restaurants in the area, we won't be returning. We'd honestly…read morerather settle for a vegetarian meal elsewhere. The hummus was grainy and overly sour--I've had better from the grocery store. The kebabs were extremely dry, lacked flavor, and were only edible after drowning them in sauce. The side salad was soggy, and even the olives tasted like the inexpensive canned variety. Overall, the meal was disappointing, especially considering how hard it is to find good halal options nearby.

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

What a charming spot!! Walking into this place feels like stepping right into the Mediterranean --…read morethe decor is absolutely on point. I ordered the rice platter with falafel, and wow, flavor explosion! The tzatziki tasted homemade (because it probably is) and was super creamy and delicious. Now, let's talk about the tiny plot twist -- they charge $0.75 each for olives and feta. Not a dealbreaker, but for that price I was hoping for more than five lonely olive slices and a baby spoonful of feta. Still, everything else totally made up for it -- the food came out fast, fresh, and full of flavor. I'll definitely be back!

This was a great spot! The inside space had a great vibe and energy; on brand decor, bright…read morelighting, neon signs. The staff were young and friendly. The seating space indoors was small but there was substantial patio seating available if the day was sunnier! We ordered two ginger lemonade which were fresh and delicious. Started with an appetizer of pita and red pepper hummus which was average. For mains, we did a falafel burger and a moroccan chicken skewer which were AMAZING. I mean, like flavors that made me so happy. The chicken skewers had a strong seasoning and were accompanied by a sauce that created a dynamic flavor pairing. Finished with baklava that was average; had a good flavor but it was a bit dry. Will be back!