Phoenicia Mediterranean Deli — Restaurant in Ellisville

My daughter and I stopped in late one night not too far from closing time. We decided to just get some quick appetizers so the owner wouldn't have to stay late. He was such a wonderful and welcoming host. Pleasant conversation but not obtrusivly chatty. Really he was just perfect. The food was outstanding! The portions were very well sized. I'm hard to please on restaurant food but the food here was fresh and authentic. My only complaint, which really isn't a complaint..more a critical observation...the owner really did a good job on the decorating, but it still felt a little cold and sterile (an update on this..it only feels that way after dark with the fluorescent lights ). The tables and chairs and bench around the wall were a little different, but I guess they are fitting to the "deli" name. I guess the food just leaves you thinking you are in a fancier restaurant than the ambiance supports. Over all this place is worth revisiting again and again!! Update: We went here again recently and I remembered how I felt awkward the first time going in. You do actually go up to the counter to order. While my 5 star rating does hold true, I do agree with some other reviewers that he could possibly use some help. It's really quite a wonder that he handles call in orders, in store orders and all the cooking himself. Sometimes food comes out in odd order and my water glass wasn't ever refilled, but seriously...a one man show!! And the food was...

I can’t wait to go back! From the moment I walked in and received the warmest welcome, I knew I was in for a treat. The owner engaged and shared that this was their family restaurant with unique recipes. When I go to a place like that, where they take pride in the food they prepare, it is always fantastic, and this is no exception. This was my first visit, and as it turns out, the two other tables that were already there were also visiting for the first time. The owner asked if I had any questions about the menu, which looked incredible. I went with a large Mediterranean salad with chicken Shawarma and the pistachio baklava. The salad was huge, and before I even put the dressing on, it was delicious, sprinkled with Greek seasoning over the fresh vegetables. The dressing was extra-virgin olive oil with lemon and vinegar, which was so good! It was very filling, but the table beside me had just finished raving about their baklava, so I couldn’t resist. The pistachio baklava is sweetened only with dates, pure rosewater, and pure orange Blossom. It was perfection! It was the perfect amount of sweetness.

Next time I return, I will get the gyro, as the table beside me was ordered, and loved it. I highly recommend...

TLDR: Hidden gem. Delicious authentic lebanese food. Great value. Highly recommend.

Wow. I've been on the search for the best middle-eastern place in St Louis, and this is the best and most authentic middle-eastern food. All though the inside isn't as fancy as comparables in the area. The quality and freshness of the ingredients is much better. The spices taste like a home blend instead of a cheap store bought one (like 99% of other places do) and the difference jumps out at you. The owner and his family are extremely friendly and make you feel welcomed. The restaurant smelled like a great home cooked meal. We had sujuk, shawarma, falafel and baklava. The sujuk was the star of it all to me, a bit spicier wouldn't have hurt. The chicken shawarma tasted fresh and juicy. All veggies used tasted very fresh which was very pleasing, not one bad leaf. The baklava is good and worth trying for the price, but could definitely be improved.

The only nitpick I want to make is i wish they used pickled beets instead of pickles for their sandwiches. Also the sign at night isn't lit and I missed the turn a couple of times because I...