Phoenicia Restaurant
588 S Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI, 48009
Phoenicia Restaurant Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Birmingham for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Birmingham for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Birmingham for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
588 S Old Woodward Ave
Birmingham, MI, 48009 - Phone (248) 644-3122
- Website https://phoeniciabirmingham.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Jaime B.
We come here close to once a week and it is always excellent. The food is great the service is great atmosphere is great! People say it's expensive I say you get what you pay for! You don't have to hear that creepy music that you usually do in Middle Eastern restaurants in you get service you don't usually get in Middle Eastern restaurants. Love it!
(5)Naveen N.
Wonderful tasting food in a great atmosphere
(5)Stacy B.
Way over priced and the food wasn't really that good, my chicken was extremely dry. For half the price check out Falafel King on Woodward just south of 14 mile in Royal Oak.
(2)Mrs. Hyman R.
Overrated. Disgusting.
(1)Peter G.
simply the best restuarant in birmingham
(5)Omar H.
Trendy place and food is good. A bit on the pricey side though and portions are not too big. If you're in for the atmosphere with good middle eastern food & money is not an issue then this place would be a good choice. Otherwise if you like good food and larger portions but do not want to pay at least 70$-100$ for two people then there are other places to go to that have food as good or better and much larger portions. You just might be sacrificing some trendiness.
(3)Libby T.
Went to Phoenicia for the first time Friday night with a group of 7. Service was good. The atmosphere was lovely, quaint and modern while the crowd were the typical Birmingham Friday night 40-somethings; my grandparents felt a bit out of place. For the food; we shared the makdouce (which was phenomenal), hummus and hashwi and artichoke hearts as appetizers; my husband and I split the shish kabob (lamb was perfectly cooked and tender) and the stuffed swiss char (easily my new favorite vegetarian dish). What a great meal! Will definitely be back.
(5)Ann W.
Phoenicia is a low-key neighborhood restaurant that quickly filled up with regulars on a recent Saturday evening. My friends were running late which left me time to take in the menu and ambiance. The dining room had a simple elegance, especially the booth where we sat, that was both comfortable and welcoming. The bartender created a warm and friendly environment while a baseball game played quietly in the background. Nearby, a server expertly deboned a fish tableside. Elsewhere, servers swiftly cleared dishes and refilled glasses. The menu was varied, especially the appetizers. I thought the mouhamara and makdouce looked interested but went with my favorite, the baba ghanoush which was smoky, lemony and flavorful. I also tasted the well-blended hummus which had a smooth, creamy consistency. There were several interesting specials that evening including branzino and Dover sole. I seriously considered both before settling on the mixed grill, which allowed me to sample the shish kabob (lamb filet), shish tawook (chicken kabob), and shish kafta (ground lamb), served with grilled vegetables. When given a choice, I tend to prefer smaller bites and tastes. All of them were prepared well. A light salad and rice are served with the meal. Service was fantastic. Our server was quick and attentive. Despite the waiting guests, the restaurant did not make us feel rush (mindful of those waiting, we, of course, left soon after we finished). A private parking lot accommodates guests since the restaurant is farther away from Birmingham's downtown core.
(4)Howie O.
Really nice restaurant for entertaining guest. It is upscale but with a neighborhood feel. Collared shirt and jeans is In ordered the chicken shwarma for the main course. It was absolutely perfect. Great wine list as well. So the only must have is a walnut pomegranate appetizer. It is one of the best pita dips I've ever had.
(5)Joan H.
What a lovely long-time (44 years in all - 30+ years at this location) establishment of Birmingham. I'm not a local, but was taken here for a business dinner. Everyone seemed to know everyone here, and it's obvious people love coming back here again and again. We got to try a lot of the restaurant's best dishes - including the many times basted char broiled chicken, very tasty lamb chops, dry rub ribs, hummos, tabouleh, baba ganoush, a variety of sides, amazing baklava, and the best rice pudding I ever had in my life (really - don't skip this!). The owner, Samir, came to greet us and gave us such an amazing run-down of their best dishes (which ended up over a dozen choices - we really could not decide). He proudly serves fine meats that are hormone and antibiotic free, and all from the USA. He emphasizes ingredients and quality and you can taste it. Would love to visit this restaurant again!!
(4)Emily M.
I went here for Valentines Day! Great service and romantic ambiance! Not quite as good as Anita's, but definitely a worthwhile Lebanese restaurant if you're looking for a change! I encourage you to check out the specials. I had a lamb dish special that was tossed in a pinenut sauce. Unique amongst the Lebanese food I've had before. Overall a bit more upscale and pricer than other middle eastern restaurants in the Detroit metro area but worth it. Will be back!
(4)Von M.
Phoenicia has been our family's favorite white tablecloth Middle Eastern restaurant since the day it opened. On our countless visits, we have never been disappointed by the service or the food. If "disappointment" is associated with anything here is is that the meal eventually must come to an end and you have to leave. We are fortunate to come from a distinguished line of Lebanese cooks, and we know the good stuff when we see it from 50 yards away. What sets Phoenicia apart is the French sensibility that the owners have applied to the food and service. Sauces and dressings are much more refined than at your regular, run of the mill Middle Eastern restaurant. The presentation is exquisite, and plates are precisely and artfully composed. Meanwhile, the service is what you would expect at a much higher end restaurants like The Lark or Da Eduardo. Incredibly attentive and gracious. Other Yelpers have sung the praises of many menu items. Permit this review to honor their roasted chicken. The roasted herbed chicken will snag a spot on virtually everyone's top ten list of best chicken dishes. Crispy skin, fall-off-the-bone tender meat and every bite is redolent with the most divine herb mixture. I have been trying to replicate this dish at home for years.
(5)Phillip B.
Stopped by here on the day of the Dream cruise... huge mistake. The hostess was to busy playing on her phone to care to sit guests herself and told my party its a free-for-all today so site where you want "very professional". We sat our selves and then waited for 10 mins with no menus in-tell a server who could barley speak English came up to us and took our drink order and as he ran away we asked for menus me muttered something that I only guessed was i'll be back.... Few more minutes passed, we got our drinks and we asked about the menus and he told us it was a limited menu day.. There was no notice of that anywhere like on the front doors or a mini limited menu on the table or hostess that could of told use on our way in. So we asked what was being offered and he stumbled out Ribs, Chicken salad, cheese burger or ham burger " I've never heard anyone have such a hard time saying burger before.." So i asked what the ribs came with and he said nothing... Well then how much do they cost and he said $24. At that point I looked at another table and they just got the ribs and it looked barely like a half slab. I asked him how much they cost normally and he said $25.... So with no sides it's only a dollar cheaper. My girl friend asked him about the hummus we can see other tables eating and he said we have some but i'm not suppose to give it out... But we could see other tables eating it.. At this point we decided to leave. Very poor management decisions and lazy uncaring staff made this a never again spot.
(1)Tom S.
Well everybody likes the ribs but they are very ordinary. And I am not positive, but I think the rib sauce is French's Cattleman's barbecue Sauce. The shrimp was OK but way too much garlic. All in all, not bad but not worth the trip and not worth the price. Try Anita's in Ferndale instead.
(3)Corene F.
My office chose this restaurant for its annual holiday lunch. After the experience we had, we won't be going back next year. I'm truly amazed that this place has a 4 star rating. We started with several appetizers. The spinach pies were flavorless. The sausages might have been tasty, but who knows as they were covered in an overpowering sweet pomegranate molasses sauce. The hummus and taboulie were just ok. The bread was nothing more than store bought pita, which is more than upsetting. A Middle Eastern restaurant without fresh baked bread? I had no idea such a thing even existed. For an entree, I had the shish kafta, which is one of my go to dishes at any Middle Eastern restaurant. It came with a less than thrilling salad and that's about it. Two tiny portions of kafta, a few bits of onion, peppers and tomatoes and that's it. No rice, no nothing. All for the ridiculous price of $15.95. Then there was the service. My water was not refilled once in two hours. Our entrees all arrived at different times over a ten minute period. When we arrived, the place was packed, but thirty minutes later it was nearly empty and there was no excuse for the poor service. None. If you're one of those people that cares about nothing more than being seen out and about in Birmingham paying for mediocre over priced food, then I guess this is the place for you. However, for those of us that aren't morons, we shall take our business to one of the many Middle Eastern restaurants in the area that actually know what they are doing.
(2)C B.
Consistently excellent. The hummus with hashwi is amazing. You will crave it.
(5)Danny I.
I'm really picky when it comes to middle eastern food. Mom and Grandma make it best for me. Your typical middle eastern restaurant does not use top quality meats and fresh ingredients. Fortunately, this place does that. It's really one of the best high end middle eastern restaurants I've been to in awhile. Hummus was on point as well as the Lebanese salad. Nothing better than the fresh taste. I was not a fan of the sausage. The deboned chicken was full of flavor and amazing. Lamb chops were cooked to perfection and the wife loved the fish. You can tell they use top quality ingredients. The drinks were very generous and service was great. Sam was our waiter and did an amazing job. We will be back!
(5)Karina K.
Beautifully redecorated, this is a family owned restaurant at it's best. There is NOTHING that's not great on the menu. Take it from me and try the Lebanese sausages and get hummus on the side, pour the sauce on the hummus once ur done.... Thank me later. For dinner, the veal chop is divine, but my personal favorite are the ribs... But secret: order them "Samy style"--- well done and spicy. Yummy, with their homemade BBQ sauce, which I could drink by the bottle. Seriously everything here is amazing, you can't go wrong.
(5)Randy G.
Middle Eastern food is a staple in Detroit. It's almost in every neighborhood and if it's certainly not in yours, it will be in an adjacent community ready to serve you hummus, baba ghanoush, fresh pita, falafel, shawarma, and so many items particular to that cuisine. Detroit area supposedly has the highest middle eastern population outside of the middle east, so naturally the area is going to have a plethora of choices and regional cuisine differences. Having the opportunity to travel to middle east multiple times, I have not only appreciated what's authentic, but what varies from fine dining to street vendor food. That said, there is a level of comfort and familiarity when trying to places, Phoenicia deviates from that expectation. We started with the Artichoke Hearts appetizer. I was expecting grilled or sautéed artichoke hearts, but received a dish completely difference than we all expected. It was mixed into a sauce with carrots and lots, I mean lots of lemon juice. We are a group that usually finished everything and we all decided to let this one be, unfinished. Along with this appetizer, we tried some of their baba ghanoush. Some places have theirs more bitter, some smooth and creamy, but here, it's smokey. It didn't appeal for any of us. It was served with pita bread, store bought pita bread. Are you kidding me? This was straight out of the plastic bag packages that you can find in the specialty markets. It WAS NOT the freshly baked bread that some restaurants have with the stone oven near the patrons and watch the bread rise while you while for the steaming hot pita. Where I give them credit is having an item on the menu not commonly found, sweet breads. This is my second try at it and our server told me to was specifically lamb sweet bread. It was extremely tender and delicious. They do know how to prepare it well. It was probably so tender from the amount of butter and oil in the dish. It was swimming around on the plate looking for a diving board. It's also cooked with wonderful slices of garlic. It's no joke garlic too. It's not one clove thinly sliced, but probably six cloves all thinly slices and spread evenly to extract the flavor well and to have one in almost every bite. It was certainly a highlight when comparing it to the other dishes we sampled. On the side I ordered rice and curry. For those of you who are familiar with Chaldean households, this is a staple on the stove that sits around all day for you to pick at. There are a few Chaldean restaurants that offer this off the menu, just ask and you won't be disappointed. However, theirs has the elements to the dish, tomato base, some spices, potatoes, but it doesn't sing as it does in others places. Where they lost the third star is for prices. For the quality of the flavor, the prices clearly do not justify it. I can easily find a better tasting place that is less expensive in almost any city in the Detroit area serving almost the same food.
(2)James K.
Arguably one of the best restaurants in Detroit, always packed on weekends, which says a lot for a place that has been around for thirty years. I eat here twice a week if not more, the food is always consistently good. The sandwiches at lunch are great and reasonably priced. Everything on the dinner menu is very good and cooked with the freshest ingredients. The owner is usually there and will always come by to find out how you are enjoying your meal, they recently opened a patio for outdoor dining during the summer making it one of the few birmingham restaurants to offer outdoor dining.
(5)Buster P.
I have been going to Phoenicia for about 7 years now whenever I'm back home and I think it is definitely the best restaurant in town. First, the atmosphere. They recently renovated the entire place it looks spectacular. It is very nice and comfortable and not over the top in any way. It's a great spot for a casual lunch or a nice night out with family or friends. The bar is beautiful and somewhat separated from the rest of the dining area to give an entirely different experience if you just want to have a drink. As for the food, I almost always get the same things and am never disappointed -The sausage appetizer, get some soft pita bread with it and mix in the hummus for my favorite taste in town. -Deboned chicken is the best piece of chicken I have had anywhere -The ribs are outstanding, they make their own barbecue sauce, which I suggest getting a side of. -Any lamb you order is also fantastic. I read some reviews complaining about the restaurants catering service or the prices. Birmingham is a nice area and Phoenicia is price competitive with every decent restaurant in town. As for the catering, i can't speak to that but any fool knows that ordering out from a nice restaurant isn't going to deliver the same quality as actually going in. You should try this restaurant.
(5)Nancy V.
Just had the most amazing incredible dry rub ribs I have ever had Not a big eater but these ribs caught my eye and stomach I'm super picky and you have to try them I promise you will love love them
(5)Dana L.
Blind date dinner and a movie in Birmingham. yea ( not really ) The highlight of the evening was dinner at Phoenicia. Nice upscale atmosphere, As we got to know a little about each other I enjoyed the Lebanese salad, I love the extra acid from the vinegar and light olive oil. All the while dipping into the hummus, a nice balance of garlic. For my main course I ordered Kibbe Nayyeh. my date did not really take note when I ordered, but he sure noticed when it was served. The look on his face was priceless as I drizzled some olive oil and broke the white onion over the top. "What is that ? It Looks Raw?" Dude, you took me to one of the nicest middle eastern restaurants in the area and you do not even know the traditional dishes ? Fail ! If he had been listening to me, he would have heard I eat lunch at least once a week in Dearborn with clients at authentic Arabic restaurants All in all It was excellent. And I am sure it put my date off that first kiss he was hoping for :) Movie Review The movie theatre up Woodward , Wolf of Wall Street.... ok , the first half was a little crazy, second half predictable. .... but really, 3 hours ..... It should have been made into 2 parts .....Wolf 1- The Debauchery......Wolf 2-The Prosecution Date review Good Looking, narcissistic, judgmental, not seeing me again ...yea
(4)Art M.
First time here. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal, from appetizer through entree and dessert. Great service.
(5)Jalal A.
Honestly if you go there and you like it, you might as well bend over and let people take advantage of you. If someone going to charge me $100 for a $25 food, then you can take your food and you know what to do with it. Look at the prices at the Palm or Al Ameer. To go there and pay the price is to support day light rubbery. After I paid my bill I felt like a fool that was suckered into this. The Palm has a better ambiance. I am by no means cheap. I do not mind paying top dollar for my food when it is deserved. But the same food and larger quality with better ambiance should not be 75% cheaper. If you go there, do not be a hypocrite and get upset for someone stealing your money. Do not be hypercritical and get upset at rising cost. The only reason why the cost is this high is because they compare themselves to steak houses, I am glad ALL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT IN MI, give you your money worth without the price of the Phoenicia. If your money is hard earned, if you do not support price gouging, if you want to tell people that you will not be taken advantage of, well do not go there. And by the way the food just like Al Ameer and the Palm, is outstanding.
(1)Nancy S.
Just finished eating. Very underwhelming. Many times the quality of the bread portends the quality of the overall meal -- and what we got tasted like mass produced pita, and it was cold. Baked kibby tasted like dried out meatloaf. Soft shell crabs (which I generally adore) were overdressed in oil and lemon. Rice on the side was insipid. Vegetables were a stalk of seriously undercooked (raw) broccoli and 2 tiny asparagus spears. House salad was a lot of lettuce and 1/6 tomato wedge, also dredged in too much oil & lemon. Drinks (vodka martini and Moscow mule) were sub par, as well. Definitely doesn't deserve its reputation. The atmosphere was nice and the server was very attentive, but the food was unsatisfactory. We had great food with home made, pillowy pita and amazing rice pudding at a Lebanese place in Rochester Hills last year. Should have driven the 11 miles to tonight.
(1)Rachel M.
This place is a amazing. From the ambiance to the service, you can't get much better. I don't think I've ever been interested in lentil soup, but now I am. Yum! Had the mixed grill and lamb chops. Surprisingly, I fell in love with kafta. Don't be intimidated by the uniqueness of the menu, the servers are more than happy to help those new to Mediterranean cuisine. Also, the carrot cake was very good. I will be back!
(5)Mara H.
I have been meaning to try this restaurant for a while. While I was not impressed with the seating - a tiny table with people at a bar that kind of stood over us - there were some pretty great food items on the menu. The branzini was amazing. I would order that over the ribs every time. If you make a reservation ask for a table away from the bar unless you like the social scene of the bar. Hands-down if you are a fish person order the branzini.
(3)Lori A.
Another fabulous meal! From the moment you walk in you're taken care of. Really great wine selection, & best rib-eye in town! We honestly have the hardest time selecting what to order because we love it all! Thank you kindly Samy. Happy New Year to you and your family!
(5)Samir N.
I came here for restaurant week, so I was limited to what was on that menu. This was a steal for $15, The rice pudding was amazing - the cinnamon just sets it off. The lentil soup was tasty, too. I like that the pita bread that comes out is warm-that makes a big different. I had a chicken stir fry-type dish, which was very similar to its Chinese analogue; the taste was subtly different, but the ingredients really made it. Given the proliferation of cheap and good Middle Eastern places all over Detroit, I am not sure if I could justify paying full price for this place. If not for Restaurant Week, I would probably never have come here. This place is better than the rest, but I am not sure if it is worth the price premium. The service is superlative and I love the old school decoration (especially the bar) inside. The bonus: they also have free parking.
(3)Anna L.
Upscale, consistent meals, lively ambiance and newly renovated as of 2012. You can meet the owner there. Very good.
(4)Ingrid P.
I was a vegetarian for 15 years until giving in to the dry-rub ribs at Phoenicia. They taste even better than they look. Vegetarians will love Phoenicia -- you could eat here for two weeks straight and not have the same thing twice. The quality of the ingredients is superb. The food is all exceedingly fresh and the olive oil they use is delicious. Eating here feels like doing something very good for yourself. It's on the expensive side, but well worth the price (nothing worse than paying a lot for a meal you realize afterwards was not as delicious as it should have been). They make consistently excellent cocktails, and I am very particular about my cocktails. They will never, ever shake your Manhattan. Service doesn't get more professional than this. Both formal and comfortable. When you walk into Phoenicia, you're taken care of. They try very hard (and always succeed) at making you happy. The rice pudding is so good, if you don't have room for it after dinner, order it to take home and eat it tomorrow. One of my favorite restaurants in the world. Worth a trip to Detroit just for the food.
(5)Jesse S.
I wasn't extremely impressed with the food or the service. It was OK at best. Wouldn't race to go back there at all.
(3)Kareem J.
The staff is professional the ambience is fantastic the food is amazing I love coming here!!
(5)Scott S.
Always very good. Have been eating here for decades. Had carry out tonight. All was good but to echo one other review. The pita was beyond stale. We just threw it out. Rubbery and crusty in the same batch. It had always been like this but tonight was worse and spending fifty dollars on carry out should get three dollars in fresh pita.
(4)Christina M.
Upon first glance, Phoenicia is a tad on the underwhelming side. Dated decor, occupied mainly by upper class old money and the prices make you wish their mediocre pita bread was brushed in gold leaf. But i digress. Once the entrees arrived all my woes quickly dissolved. My fish special (bronzini) was amazing, perfectly seasoned crispy skin, moist flesh..it needed nothing else. My SO ordered the bone in veal chop which is not on the menu but was suggested by our more than accommodating waiter. That too, was sublime; cooked and seasoned just right. Our other dining companion ordered the deboned char-grilled chicken, again, culinary excellence on a plate. I hear the chef makes a trip to the market every morning for that days food, It shows. So..If you're looking for a place where you can see and be seen, I'd try Fort'e or Chen Chow, but if you know good food and good service and you don't mind being the youngest one in the dining area, give this place a try it is most definitely well worth the trip and the cash.
(4)Kelli A.
The service is outstanding! The tomato kibbie is AMAZING!! I crave it. Constantly. Your recipe is perfect, Phoenicia.
(5)kelly w.
I am a little surprised at John M.'s review... For starters, ask if you can have a table by the window- personally I think these are the best seats in the house. Of course when you are in a middle eastern restaurant you start off with hummus- duh, that's a no-brainer. BUT... there is a but-- I think you should get the red pepper appetizer as well. Grilled red peppers drenched in a balsamic dressing.. very tasty. Now, what I DO agree with John M. on is the ribs. They are dry-rubbed ribs that are fantastic! come on John, let's give credit where credit is due ;) Also, the lemon vinaigrette that they put on the house salad is a perfect palate pleaser to get you ready for the ribs. Delish! I have heard that they go down to the market every morning in Detroit at 4 or 5 a.m. to ensure they have the freshest food possible for that business day! Samir, the owner, is so incredibly nice and I always see him or his son Sammy (whom I believe is co-owner) walking around to every table greeting people and making sure they enjoy their experience. Gotta give them props on the quality control. If my wallet would allow, I would be here at least twice a week.
(5)Robert J.
It had been a long time since I had been back to Phoenicia. As far as I know, they've been around ever since I moved to town over a decade ago. I had always loved the food. I really loved the Sweetbreads, the Dover Sole, the Lebanese Sausages, and the Baba Ganoush. I hadn't been back since long before the remodel by Victor Saroki. The place is gorgeous. I love Victor Saroki's style with the clean lines and subdued palette. Love the use of glass and marble. It's a stunning place, IMHO. We got a few items to go--old favorites like the sausages, hummus, chicken shawarma salad. I'm pleased to say that Phoenicia has retained its level of quality over the years. My wife had never been there. I'm glad she enjoyed it.
(4)Adam O.
You could still smell the fresh paint when we walked in for dinner Tuesday night. This was my first visit after the re-design and it's very well done. They modernized it very nicely. This is the most expensive Middle Eastern food you will ever have but its also the best service I've ever received at a Middle Eastern restaurant. A small trade off for the quality of the food and service. Sampled a few grape leaves to start along with the fatoosh. Both were among the best I've had although the fatoosh couldn't top Gemmayze or Le George. Was most excited for the entree of sweetbreads which are semi-difficult to find around here. They were charbroiled and swimming in a pool of butter, garlic and shallot. Delicious. They only have two items on the dessert list and you can probably guess what they are. Split the rice pudding and it was good, not great. I prefer mine more on the sweet side. Coffee was great. All in all, a very nice, but pricey, Birmingham and Middle Eastern restaurant. If not for the sweetbreads and the service it would be firmly 3 star territory, but as it is, 3.5 stars.
(4)Sean P.
I am tough grader, I admit it. I was very very happy with my meal here. I would gladly go back. The service was excellent. Water immediately when we sat. The waiter not only was attentive but also had great recommendations about his favorites and how to eat them, as I am not a regular with middle eastern food. They were friendly and didn't rush me or my wife despite our being the last ones there. The decor is very nice and elegant but not too fancy. Plenty of other folks were there for a wednesday night and it was quiet and dark. The food was great. Everything tasted fresh, well seasoned, and well cooked. We had traditional middle eastern dishes and they were executed well. The wine list is not huge but had some good selections at fair prices. And of course they made friends by giving us a free dessert for our anniversary. It was a rice pudding and was quite good.
(4)F S.
I will begin with a general criticism and disclaimer, also, stick with this post, it's long, but you will be rewarded in the end. This is my first post. I am an avid yelper, but not so opinionated generally that I need to share it. However, and now for the criticism; when I see a one star rating for a restaurant like this, I feel duty bound to post and voice concern that someone who clearly does not have the requisite experience, taste or faculties to mete out judgement has the same ability to as those that do. Frigging constitution I guess. The person that left that one star post has no concept of fine dining. The food here is beyond excellent, but there is more than food to a great, or even a good, restaurant. Comparing this place to average middle eastern is like comparing burgers and steak and saying they are both meat. Take into account the service, which in my experience, is beyond compare. I have eaten at every fine restaurant in the detroit area and the service here is the best. You want a knowledgable, charming staff that goes above and beyond to make your experience great? This is your place. Now, take a look at the menu. You cannot even call this middle eastern. There is an influence, without question, but to pigeon hole it as just middle eastern is to seriously misjudge it.You like ribs? Try an order and ask for them slightly under done. You will say to yourself, "yes, this man knows what he's talking about. Though he need not be so long winded to be sure." Whats next you ask? The sausages I reply. "Sausages?" You say. "What am I in Chicago?" Im not Abe Frohman, I reply, but I know sausages. You want some middle eastern flavor? Hummus and hashwi. Boom. Now tell me this is just middle eastern. I've been to the Middle East buddy and I can say with absolute authority, you are out of your element Donny. You an adventurous eater? You want some kibbye? You like kibbye? Try this kibbye. Then, get on your internet machine, figure out where that one star guy works, go there, and tell him what you think (do not actually do this, but you will want to because the kibbye is so good that you may weep). The owner and his son are fixtures. They are knowledgable about food, wine and whiskey. They are charming and sophisticated and comfortable with the many celebrities and dignitaries that frequent this gem. I personally saw Clint Eastwood here. If Clint Eastwood met that one star guy he would make him cry with just a withering stare after first enjoying the Bronzino. Eastwood loves Mediterranean fish. Look it up. The owner makes his own vodka for crying out loud. The owner and his son make the rounds during the evenings greeting familiar faces at almost every table. If repeat and regular customers are any indication of a restaurant's success, I challenge you to find its equal. This is old school charm and service. Show me another example that equals this in the detroit area. I dare you. Need another dish reccy? Order the baked chicken as soon as you sit (it take about 45 min). Afterwards, quietly sit and realize that you will never have another chicken this good. Don't say it out loud, just realize it. You don't eat meat? You like fish? You want some fish? Don't wear socks when you come. Now order the Dover sole, prepared table side. Socks? You wore them? Knocked off. Completely off. I told you. Don't blame me for your embarrassing predicament. Now, I asked you in the beginning to stick with me, and if you've come this far, maybe you'll come a little further. The veal chop. Do it...do it. Take a meat guy in there, I mean a guy who really knows his meats and how he likes them prepared. Ask him to trust you and tell him to order this. This man will now be in your debt...for life. State your wish and he will comply. First born? Done. Prima Nocta? Done. And your reward for persevering through this, the "Illiad" of yelp posts? Ask Marianne behind the bar for a Spanish coffee. When you have done these things, then you have the requisite experience to post about this place. Enjoy, but don't tell everyone...I have enough trouble getting a seat...
(5)Gina S.
Love this place! Jimmy was our server and he was very helpful, attentive and friendly. He made a few menu suggestions. . .my husband got the lamb shank, which he enjoyed. I ended up with the Mjadara (a vegetarian lentil dish) which was excellent. In fact, there is a whole vegetarian section of the menu and it all looked tasty. We also got the baba ghanouje as an appetizer which was excellent--not too salty like some other places I've tried. The owner also came around at the end of our meal to see how we enjoyed our dinner. He also asked if I was a vegetarian (seeing my dish), and told me about a dish that I could order next time that was"off the menu" but always available. I told him about his reviews on Yelp and he was quite disappointed that half a star was missing...he wanted to know why, so he could tell his employees! Jimmy also mentioned that this was one of the best restaurant owners he has ever worked for.They must be doing something right. They've been around for 30 years. Minus one star because the baklava was not too good--it was tasty but tough...I think I've had better at the local Coney Islands. :( Also the salad dressing was much too vinegary for my tastes--burned my lips a bit! Overall, I thought the prices were a great deal for the overall restaurant experience at Phoenicia. I will be back and will spread the word about this place... :)
(4)alicia v.
My absolute favorite restaurant! Yes it is expensive, but the food is fresh and delicious! A must for any vegetarian, there are so many options. The owner goes to the market for fresh ingredients every morning, have to love local business that supports Michigan farmers! The restaurant is family owned& run. It is charming and always delicious! I have never been disappointed.
(5)Sarah M. B.
Ok, it's expensive....more expensive than middle eastern food should probably be BUT it's better...... Everything is better and fresher here....take the normal middle eastern dishes-hummus, chicken tawkook/shawarma, etc. even their salads are fresher with a homemade dressing that is flavored to perfection. The bread, however, is the traditional large flat pita and that is one thing they could do better, but other than that you pay for what you get here and you get quality...if I could spend the $$$$ to eat here more than once in a while I would.
(5)Salvatore M.
We like the middle eastern food of Elie's in Birmingham and thought we would enjoy something similar here, but to out surprise and delite it's pretty different and extremely good. We went on a late weekday nite, they had about a 1/2 hour wait which is too long for a type A, so we when we were offered a seat at the bar we grabbed it (we like talking to the folks behind the bar, often owners as well as barkeeps). In this instance, we also got to meet a long-time regular sitting at the bar. He was having a huge veal chop beautifully prepared, cooked is a special oven, we were told. The decision for me was ez, I had the chop -- it was as tasty & tender as it looked - outstanding. My wife had lamb chops, not normally her bag, but she was very pleased with the dish. As an aside, the crowd here is very interesting. We get to Birmingham a lot but this was a different bunch. They seemed more artsy, I think advertising agency types, independent professionals. If you enjoy people watching, we do, this is a very cool space -- the beautiful people in a cool space. We've added it to the long list of wonderful restaurants in Birmingham.
(5)Jennifer R.
This place is a solid three-star joint. Our table generally enjoyed their entrees, but for the money, I won't be returning. Maybe it was all of the tasty meals I had at La Shish over the years, but I am hard pressed to understand why everything I had seemed to need a bit more flavor punch. The pita bread is terrible (oh, La Shish, how I miss you!), and the baba ghanouj was missing something...salt, garlic, and acid come to mind, as all were lacking. The lamb shank entree was pretty good. The salad was a snooze. No one refilled water, and our table's second bottle of wine took way to long to arrive. This was my second visit and I remember not being too excited about my first, so I think this did it for me. Sorry Phoenicia!
(3)sara s.
One of my top favorite restaurants in the Birmingham area -- The food is on the pricier side but I would highly suggest that it's worth every dime. More than most middle eastern food, everything at Phoenicia tastes absolutely fresh and without too much salt. I recommend the babagannoush which has a delicious smokey taste and is big enough for four people to share. I also like their house salad and usually order the salmon dish which is quite large & too big to finish alone. It comes topped with fresh veggies and is always cooked the way I love it. I've never tried dessert but the drinks & wine list are great as well.
(5)Claire D.
I love middle eastern food, I seek it out and enjoy it where ever I am but this place? I payed 22 bucks for a plate of chicken shwarma and it was just ok. The hummus was good, the service was ok. My fiance tried the ribs (I guess they're known for their ribs) and thought they were good but nothing to return for. I guess when you're surrounded by well-priced, borderline cheap Lebanese food that tastes excellent, the Phoenicia becomes another overpriced place to be seen on the weekends. I really wanted to like this place, but it fell way short of my expectations.
(2)Susanne L.
Phoenicia is always excellent and the quality of the food is exceptional. You can not begin to compare it to any of the other "fast food" middle eastern restaurants in the area. Five Star experience every time.
(5)Jen F.
You will never have better hummus anywhere. We compare any middle eastern food we have to the quality of Phoenicia. These negative reviews on Phoenicia evidently don't know good Mediterranean food. The shrimp are incredible and ribs are like no other. The service is excellent, all staff is very friendly and attentive. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and good drinks. Highly recommended for excellent quality and consistency.
(5)John M.
meh. attempts to be fancy middle-eastern, but something's missing. could it be... great food? atmosphere? the "secret" ribs are good, tho. for middle eastern go to The Sheik or Cedarland or Beirut Palace or La Shish or... for birming-fancy go to mitchell's or that one four-star hotel restaurant where the old people go.
(3)