Open Sesame — Restaurant in Los Angeles

update - updating this review. After calling a few times I finally got a hold of the owner and he refunded our meal, which we appreciated. He was upset none of his staff told him what happened and explained the kitchen got backed up with to go orders. In this case our persistence eventually got through.

I have been looking forward to coming here. I’ve been wanting to try it for a long time as Lebanese food is one of my favorites. Unfortunately, my first dining experience here was pretty bad. I want to make it clear the server is not to be blamed because we watched them put the order in right after we gave it to them And continually go to the kitchen window and ask for it, but the kitchen just must’ve forgotten to cook it. We waited for over an hour for the food that just never came and then finally came and we had to box it up and leave because by that point my friend had such a bad headache and was getting really sick - so we couldn’t even eat at the restaurant. To go in and pay full price for dining experience, including a full tip, and not to eat in the restaurant is inexcusable. We watched three different parties come in sit down, make their order, get served, and pay a bill before we got our food. I think it was pretty bad that we weren’t discounted, that we ended up paying full price and that no one even really apologized. The server did apologize but the kitchen didn’t do anything, the manager didn’t do anything. it wasn’t like it was so busy because we got there pretty early on a Friday evening - well before the rush. They just forgot to cook it. And didn’t even bother to admit it or come over to the table and make amends -so I followed up with a phone call and was told thanks for my feedback. they must not need repeat business.

What we did end up eating at the restaurant, french fries and pickles, tasted good, but the dining experience was...

PREPARE TO BE GASLIGHT AND LIED TO. I placed an order on Uber eats tonight at 8:30p and it was supposed to be delivered by 9:15p. At 9:30p I contacted the driver and asked if everything was okay because the restaurant was still stating they are "wrapping up" and the driver hadn't been handed the meal. I canceled the order and placed the order again at 9:30p. I called the restaurant and they told me that they were closed despite the fact that the app said they close at 10p. I told the lady that I would let Uber eats know and she apologized and said they were slow so they decided to close early. I contacted Uber eats and then they called the restaurant and the restaurant proceeds to tell them that my order is made and it's ready waiting for a driver to arrive. I call the lady back and ask her why she told me something different and how was the order made within 5 min despite her telling me they were closed. She said that they received my order 5 min before they closed and they made it so it was ready. I checked the app and it still said "preparing order". I asked to speak to a manager because I felt gaslighted. I spoke to Woody who attempted to cut me off several times as I expressed my disappointment. He then said ok I would like to point out that this is not our fault. I told him I have to disagree, this is my second order and it has been assigned several times but the order is never wrapped up and his hostess just told me they were closed. He said "ok you can disagree all you want" I told him that this was my first time ordering from this restaurant and it will be the last. I don't care if the food is ready but I'm still cancelling it because I want nothing to...

Went to this Lebonese restaurant for the first time with a work group on Thursday. Enjoyed it so much I returned on Saturday night. The Moroccan green tea is excellent. Loved the Open Sesame Combo. 2nd night, had the Sat special which was like a soup with Lamb and Okra. Did not care for this dish. There was literally only one bite of lamb and the rest was very tomato-y with lots of okra. For $18, I was not impressed. Furthermore, the dish of food wreaked some havoc on my intestines. Guess I’ve never had that much okra before.

We called ahead and made a reservation. Arrived at the time stated and were immediately seated. Quaint little patio and there were plenty of young hipsters there.

I was impressed with the Sat night service provided by Xavier who was very attentive. He was helpful in menu selections and even brought a sample of hummus and garlic sauce. The garlic hummus is amazing and although I originally thought it was hummus during my first visit, was told it is actually whipped egg whites and garlic.

Our water and tea was kept full and never did we encounter an empty glass. Our pita bread was fresh and hot, and never lacking. In fact, when dinner arrived, so did a fresh basket of hot pita.

My significant other ordered the same item I ordered during my first visit (Combo) and loved it. Our total bill with tip was $60 for the two of us. He was so impressed with Open Sesame he mentioned it several times the next day.

Because of the lack of meat in my soup, I’d give this place 4.5 stars but there is no such thing so it will get four. I will...