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 first opened the doors and welcomed guests to Open Sesame.  Now eight years later the vision continues to unfold as we receive rave reviews from renowned food critics and of-course most importantly from our loyal guests who still believe in us and continue to tell us that we are “Their Favorite Restaurant in Long Beach”.

Ali Kobeissi
Founder and Chairman