Amazing Food Ordered…read moreChicken Tikka, hariyali chicken tikka, chicken dum Biryani, chole bhatura (Epic) Food - 10/10 Ambience - Friendly Parking - Dedicated parking lot Great food. Ordered Takeout on way from Omaha to Des Moines Recommend. Will surely try again

Our 8 yr old son wanted momos and asked to try out a different Indian restaurant than our "usual."…read moreI searched the area, checked out menus, and reviews. Chowrastha looked like it would work. It was a Friday evening and when we entered, about half the tables were full. We were guided to a table and given menus and water (glasses and a pitcher) arrived shortly after. My son definitely wanted the chicken momos. We asked for them as mild as they could make them. My husband chose the chicken vindaloo (medium) and I asked for the Korma Masala with chicken. I asked for it mild, especially so our son would be able to have some of mine, but was told it could only come medium or spicy. So I chose medium. We also placed an order of butter naan. My husband and son ordered fountain drinks. The waiter pointed out the fountain machine and told them to help themselves to start and for refills. My son and husband's food came out along with the naan. There was no mention about mine. We started to wonder if mine had been forgotten but then it came. Our son dove into his momos and almost immediately said they were too spicy. The other Indian restaurants we've been to put the sauces on the side. These had the sauce on them. He powered through and ate four. We were proud of him for doing so. My husband and I ate the rest. I enjoyed the flavor but agreed it would be spicy for a kid. The dumpling wrap seemed to be dry in places. Otherwise, I liked them. My husband enjoyed his chicken vindaloo for the most part. He did mention he's had chicken vindaloo at other Indian restaurants and said he didn't recall it being so tangy. My Korma Masala was fine. It was definitely spicier than I'd desired and there was no way my 8 year old would have enjoyed trying it. My nose would not stop running from the spice level. The butter naan was tasty. Service was non-existent once our food arrived. While other tables did get filled and orders taken, we felt completely ignored. We didn't know if the check came to us or if we needed to pay at the counter. No idea where to get to-go containers. We saw people from a large party coming up and ordering at the counter. Since this was our first time here, we had no clue if this was due to being understaffed or just the norm. Definitely not a good service experience. Our son was disappointed and asked to return to our "usual" Indian restaurant in the metro. I can't disagree.

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.

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!

So thrilled to enjoy a Kosher deli in Des Moines! The owner was welcoming, helpful when asked for…read morerecommendations, and prepared a delicious lunch platter!!!

This place has been on my list for a few years now. I actually saw a Tik Tok about a New York…read moreimplant to Des Moines and this is where she goes to get a taste of "home." It definitely didn't disappoint. I shared a pastrami on rye with deli mustard & onions with my husband. We also tried the pickles, along with potato and macaroni salad. Everything was delicious! My youngest daughter had a turkey sandwich on a roll and she ate the whole thing. They have a grocery section and desserts too. We also tried a traditional "black n white cookie" from a New York bakery and it was delectable. This place is definitely an experience and I highly recommend.

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.

Came in. I was the only one here at 11:40am on a Saturday. Ordered a chicken gyro and cheese…read moresticks Got the cheese sticks and they were not hot to the touch. But into one and the middle was frozen. Took them to the counter and asked to have the redone. They microwaved them. I know this because then they handed them back to me the cheese melted out of all of them and I specifically asked "were they microwaved???" And they said yes. So I said I don't want them. The lady at the counter said they could remake them I think they just remade the one I had taken a bite of l. Couldn't pick them up. They were too soft and falling apart, and they were stuck to the bottom of the paper boat by all the cheese that had melted out Pretty sure it was still the microwaved ones. If it were busy I would be more understanding of the lazy shortcut. But I was the only person here! The cooks are that lazy? Zero care for quality? You literally need a fork to eat these cheese blobs that can't be picked up and the breading just falls off. The kitchen staff is incredibly disappointing and it's sad that this type of quality is allowed.

Awesome food, hamburger coney style is great as well as their gyros. I live in Polk City and drive…read moreto Ted's whenever I can.

There have been restaurants with several styles of food that have come up lately that have made us…read morevery happy, and I have talked about them in their reviews. We went to one such today. Lizzie and I have bemoaned the lack of a good shawarma place. You're get no more moaning from us, except moans of pleasure. We went very simple today, I got shawarma, Lizzie got a lamb kebob, we shared some hummus. First the hummus. It's the best hummus in town. Simple, rich with flavor, with an amazing flat bread that comes with it. I had a taste of Lizzie's lamb kebob, and it was great. A bit of her salad as well, also really tasty. My shawarma was incredible. The meat was spiced nicely, the pickles included were so tasty. The garlic sauce that came with it was subtle, but added so much. We will be going back again and again. This leaped into my top 5 favorite places in town easily today. Go give them a try, you won't be disappointed.

New family owned local restaurant. We had a chicken and a falafel shawarma to go. Both were really…read morefresh and flavorful. My kid devoured it didn't even complain that it had salad :) Also had a Kunafa for desert, delicious!

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