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Open Sesame Grill - Long BeachA-Worth Trying
5215 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803
· Mediterranean restaurant, Caterer, Delivery service
· 4.7/5 Google (2641 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Well-loved Lebanese spot with reliably tasty grills and mezza, lively patio energy, and solid service; prices are mid-to-high for the area but value holds if you order smart.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Open Sesame Grill delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by standout shawarma, kabobs, and mezza, paired with warm, attentive service. The lively 2nd Street patio setting and strong loyalty base reflect a beloved neighborhood institution, though occasional consistency variations and tight table spacing prevent grade A territory. Competitive with Long Beach's better dining destinations for authentic Lebanese cuisine.
Restaurant Summary
Set on Belmont Shore’s 2nd Street, this spot buzzes with lively patio energy and colorful rooms where servers check in warmly and plates crowd the table. One diner captured the vibe: "We emptied every plate and felt genuinely looked after." Expect a scene that is casual and bustling rather than hushed fine dining. The cooking leans classic Lebanese: juicy shawarma, tender kabobs, lemony mezza, and manoushe that is easy to share. It is produce-forward and tradition-driven more than experimental, with standouts like flash-fried cauliflower and zesty garlic potatoes. Prices sit a touch higher than neighborhood counters, but quality ingredients and steady execution make it feel fair. Families fit in easily thanks to familiar comfort items—pita, rice, fries, grilled chicken, and falafel sandwiches. There is no explicit kids menu, but the current menu includes many kid-approachable plates and vegan or gluten-free choices. For quieter conversation, opt for an inside booth over the street-facing patio.
At a Glance
- Well-executed Lebanese staples with standout shawarma, kabobs, and mezza
- Welcoming service and lively patio atmosphere
- Strong options for vegans, vegetarians, and halal eaters
- Can be loud outside; tables may feel tight
- Occasional service lapses and rare cleanliness complaints
What Sets It Apart
- decades-long local following
- broad vegan and halal-friendly menu
- Lebanese manoushe offerings
- lively patio setting
What People Love
- Juicy, well-marinated shawarma and kabobs
- Zesty garlic potatoes and creamy hummus
- Friendly, attentive servers and management check-ins
- Cozy decor and a buzzing patio vibe
- Reliable experience for repeat visits
Points of Concern
- Street-facing patio can be noisy and tightly spaced; choose inside booth for conversation
- Occasional delays at peak times and pacing hiccups
- Isolated reports of hair-in-food or dirty utensils; management response varies
- Pricing is mid-to-high for the area; premium items climb into the mid-30s
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$38-$58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Add falafel or tawook to salads for a fuller meal
- Share a Mezza Sampler to explore dips before committing to mains
- Choose manoushe as a value-friendly starter at $11
Perfect For
- Casual date night with shared mezza
- Group dinners before or after a 2nd Street stroll
- Family meals with varied dietary needs
- Out-of-towners seeking reliable Lebanese comfort food
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Belmont Shore strip with shops, bars, and beachgoers; casual yet polished dining scene.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic and lighting; typical busy coastal street conditions.
Nearby: Near 2nd Street retail corridor, close to beach, cafes, and nightlife; popular for evening strolls.
Belmont ShoreBelmont Shore is a vibrant, beachside neighborhood popular for its lively dining and shopping scene. It attracts locals and visitors who enjoy a casual yet trendy atmosphere with many outdoor dining options and a strong community vibe.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:30
Tuesday11:30–21:30
Wednesday11:30–21:30
Thursday11:30–21:30
Friday11:30–22:30
Saturday11:30–22:30
Sunday11:30–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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