Phoenician Garden Mediterranean Bar and Grill - Fresno, California

Rekha G.

Had a great dining experience at The Phoenician Mediterranean Grill! We ordered the Spicy Chicken Hummus and the Grand Feast, expecting to take some food home—but it was so good we almost didn’t! The service was excellent, and although the restaurant wasn’t very busy when we arrived (between 3-4 PM), it seemed like they were transitioning for dinner. Parking was easy, and the overall atmosphere was pleasant.

One thing that was a bit confusing was the restrooms. There was an all-gender restroom with two sinks, but one wasn’t working. Down another hall, there was a restroom with a triangle sign, but no clear indication of men’s or women’s. When I went in, it had a urinal and a private stall, which made me second-guess if I was in the right place. The restroom setup and signage could definitely be clearer. Also, they could use some upgrades and better upkeep, as they felt a bit outdated.

Overall, the food and service made up for it, and I’d still recommend this spot!

Joseph E.

We arrived on a Thursday just after the lunch hour. Phoenician Gardens was close to empty. We were quickly greeted and seated, and our drinks order was taken. We had to wait for a real waiter to place our appetizer hummus order. The hummus arrived pretty quickly, in a toasted pastry 'bowl', and it was very tasty. Smooth with just a little texture, but none of the pastyness. The pita bread was soft. well baked, and easy to scoop hummus with. The pita was rubbery, but not doughy, and the pita-hummus combo was delicious.
My wife ordered the lamb kebabs, and I ordered the lamb shank. The lamb shank came to the table first, surprising, as the shank takes much longer to cook. My wife's lamb kebabs arrived a bit later. She cut into the largest kebab and there was not even a hint of pink. She cut open several other kebabs - all overcooked. She had the waiter verify the not rareness of the kebabs and then take away the plate to have it redone. A while later the waiter reappeared with the redone kebab plate. My wife again sliced into a few kebabs, GREY! No pink at all. Take it away¡! Screw up a rare kebab order, not once but twice? And those tiny chunks of lamb brown so quickly, don't turn away! The restaurant was almost empty, and no one came in after us, so it's unlikely that cookster-boy was juggling a bunch of dishes on the fire. No, more likely cookie-girl don't know no rare.

The shank meat was already partially detached from the bone, and a gentle prod with a fork detached the rest. I tasted a bit of the lamb meat, it was exquisitely tender, but not that flavourful, so I dipped the meat in the sauce. The sauce both warmed up the lamb meat and imparted oodles of flavour. YUM! I next put lamb and pilaf on the fork and dipped them both in the sauce. YUM!! YUM!! The lamb shank is absolutely delicious and cooked perfectly. I would rank it up there with the Seco de cordero that was once available in Fresno.

As my wife had had no lunch, she wanted no dessert, so we just paid up and left. The waiter was not responsible for the overcooking of the kebabs, but he did have to deal with the returning of the kebab plates, so I tipped him at 20%, of a bill that would have included the kebabs.
Service - 4, could have been more attentive
Food - 2, excellent shank, twice failed kebabs
Atmosphere -2, fast food like lack of ambiance
Recommendation - 50/50. The lamb shank was outstanding, but the kebabs were failures twice. And lamb kebabs are the cornerstone of any Mediterranean restaurant. This should be their best and easiest dish to prepare and serve. I cut them some slack because of the different cooking times on the shank and the kebabs, but no such excuse for the second overcooked kebabs.
Go to Phoenician Gardens for the hummus and the lamb shank.
Keep your wife happy, don't take her to Phoenician Gardens, there are lots of other Mediterranean, Middleastern and even Armenian restaurants to choose from.

Patrick T.

It’s been a few years since I’ve actually eaten here. I did order the baba ganouj and the hummus here for my wedding a few months ago. I believe this to be a somewhat hidden gem because I have recommended people looking for Mediterranean food and most don’t know about this place when I mention it. All the times that I’ve been here to eat, the food and service is always excellent. Today I ordered the Vegetarian plan. It comes with baba ganouj, hummus, pile of pita bread, couple falafel, couple grape leaf roll (Dolmas) and a bulgar wheat which they made it into a rice looking entree. Everything on this plate was so good. I highly recommend and you don’t have to be vegetarian to enjoy. Then I ordered a gyro with a beef and lamb meat that was so scrumptious. Also a must have or try. Lastly, for dessert we ordered the Kneffeh which is a sweet mozzarella with ricotta cake pudding topped with shredded Philo dough that was soaked in rose water. This was short of nothing but fantastic. If rose water sounds like a turn off, this one shouldn’t because I’m not a fan but this I am a fan. Oh and it was topped with crushed pistachios. I highly recommend this place and the service is always excellent. They also have a full service bar. Make this place a must visit.

Gutierrez F. (. F.

Loved the food, atmosphere, and service. The waitress was so nice. They were so nice and had no problem serving cake for my daughters birthday.

Lourdes M.

Fresh, juicy meats and vegetables! Amazing homemade dishes that make you feel like their favorite child! Hummus is unbelievable smooth n fluffy taste just right! Desserts wow!

Idella W.

I've lived in the Fresno area for 15 years and this restaurant never disappoints. My favorite meal for celebrations birthdays anniversaries is the lamb shank and it is always served beautifully and very flavorful. I've also had their eggplant moussaka and it is delicious. My partner is vegan and can always find very tasty vegan and vegetarian options. They always are busy with the booths filled and steady take out service. So I think that speaks highly to how good their food must be. The waiters are not territorial and whoever passes by the table will always make sure your glass is filled The decor is nice, and even though the booths are a little dated the atmosphere is still warm and pleasant.

Tom T.

Service was great from host to server to...owner I think? Older gentleman dressed differently from the rest of the staff hooked up some delicious ashtaleih for the wife and I after some shwarma and kebabs. The food is 10 out of 10 I finished my plate and hers. Can't recommend enough!

Adrian G.

We met one of the Chefs John a.k.a “Tiny” at San Joaquin river and he recommended this place. It was an amazing eating experience. The plate sizes are huge and the food is fresh and authentic. I recommend the fish shawarma, it was the best flavorful, tender, juiciest fish I have ever eaten! Very nice restaurant with friendly staff. Best Mediterranean in the county hands down!