Hidden in a large strip mall whose other restaurants include Houston's and Chili's, Phoenicia is an unexpected pleasure. With one of the best Middle Eastern kitchens in the area and a handsome dining room, the food is undiluted. The menu doesn't venture beyond the familiar Lebanese dishes, but these are executed unusually well.
Phoenicia opened in the Independence Mall in 2003, taking over the space of a failed, fancy Chinese restaurant. The place took moderate damage from Katrina but was back open within a few months.
Among the most atmospheric of Lebanese restaurants in the area, Phoenicia sports a high, sloping ceiling that makes an impression of comfort and circumstance. It takes you by surprise the first time, because from the outside it looks like any other strip mall restaurant. Occasionally, belly dancers give performances during dinner. On cold evenings wind blows through the dining room whenever anyone opens the door, and it's a bit chilly in there.
Back off one step from the initial order you make. It will almost certainly be too much food.
| Attitude | 1 |
|---|---|
| Environment | 1 |
| Hipness | 0 |
| Local Color | 0 |
| Service | 1 |
| Value | 2 |
| Wine | 0 |
