About Open Sesame

Beirut, Lebanon a country of contrasts and diversities, a place with many old traditions and much sophistication, where modern Lebanon stands alongside ancient ruins and old souks (market places), where trade still flourishes and the aroma of exotic spices fills the air.  This is where I spent the first nineteen years of my life, never imagining the incredible journey I would take.

It was during those early years, working my summer vacations in a spice factory, where I learned to mix many exotic spices, and developed a love for healthy, flavorful food as well as an understanding that healthy food did not need to include any animal fats or additives in order to be considered… delicious...!

It was with this knowledge in 1988 that I arrived in Belmont Shore — a neighborhood that I instantly fell in love with, and had a vision.  My vision then was to have a restaurant focusing on serving guests the most healthy, wholesome and delicious Lebanese food in a casual yet somewhat exotic ambience.

This vision, for me, became a reality in 1999 when I opened the doors and welcomed my first guests to Open Sesame.  Now ten years later the vision continues to unfold as we embark on our latest venture a third location in Manhattan Beach…

To all our loyal guests who have continued to support and believe in us…we thank you and trust you will continue to tell us that we are “Your Favorite Restaurant”.

Ali Kobeissi, Founder

What’s New

Beer & Wine Menu
With wine making tradition dating back 5,000 years the Phoenicians, the ancient dwellers of Lebanon, were tending vineyards, making wine and trading with other major cities long before the Greeks and Romans.

Lebanon is blessed with 300 days of sunshine a year, and enjoys a burgeoning industry producing award-winning wines.

To top off your authentic experience at Open Sesame, we are now offering an exciting list of Lebanese beer and wine.
We will also be introducing an assortment from California and France.

Reviews

Press Telegram, November 12, 1999
”The chicken was irresistible, flawlessly grilled and so juicy.“

Los Angeles Times, October 28, 1999
”One of the best restaurants in Belmont Shore.“
”Open Sesame serves the best shawarma for miles.“
”Open Sesame food has it all, flavor, simplicity, a healthy lightness, in fact all the best qualities that we associate with good Mediterranean Food.“

O.C. Weekly, July 2001 — Debra Santelli
”Hummus is a hit at Open Sesame!“
”The Baba Ganoush alone will take command of your senses.“

Restaurant Spotlight
”Open Sesame the hottest restaurant in Belmont Shore!“

Grunion Gazette, November 22, 2001
”Chicken Tawook is tender and moist cooked perfectly and is extremely tasty.“
”Look no further for food prepared without additives or preservatives something out of the ordinary but well prepared and tasty.“

Los Angeles Times, December 23, 1999 — Max Jacobson  
”Food, Glorious Food!“
”The years and decades best restaurant dishes — Open Sesame makes the best version of Kibbi.“

A Healthy Menu

Eating healthy food has been a way of life for me and therefore it was important that I emphasized this in my restaurant by using only the freshest, most wholesome and nutritious ingredients. Open Sesame appeals to health food enthusiasts, vegetarians and anyone who loves robust, earthy flavored and delicious food. — Ali

For those of you seeking additional information on the Nutritional Value of the ingredients we use at Open Sesame, visit the Nutrition Page, where you will find a listing of the health benefits and nutritional profiles for many of the ingredients that are used in the daily preparation of our menu items. Our Belmont Shore locations serve meat that is certified to Halal standards.
Download a printable Take Out Menu

Take Out Menu

ORDER ONLINE:
Open Sesame now offers online ordering for your convenience. You can place your Take Out order with a click of your mouse!
Click here to place your order and it will be ready for pick up before you know it!

ORDER BY PHONE:
If you wish to call in your order, follow these three simple steps:
1. Download our Take Out Menu here and choose from the same variety of fresh dishes that you enjoy at our restaurant.
2. Call 562-621-1698 and place your order.
3. Enjoy!