Phoenician Taverna — Restaurant in Mason

5 star Mediterranean in a strip mall! We have dined at and taken to-go from Phoenician many times but never stopped to do them the courtesy of a review. If you are within 45 minutes of Mason, OH, and consider yourself a foodie or are just looking for a unique food experience, put this place on your list.

First, the authenticity is beautiful. We live in a community with many Mediterranean residents and they always vouch for it. I do, too, from eating around the world for decades. It is Mediterranean with a Lebanese focus.

Second, the quality is consistent and excellent. I could pick any dish, but I prefer to name the Halloumi. Three pieces of gorgeous halloumi cheese, fried perfectly, served with the traditional accoutrements. We have had this 10 times and it just seems to be better every time. Because, where else can you get it, and the memory of it begins to become a greater desire each time (honestly, kind of like the Cincinnati reaction to a Skyline 3-way).

Third, their prices are ridiculously good. Not only for the food, but when you see the wines by the bottle you will not believe the value. For example, a bottle Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay for $36. Often they have outstanding Lebanese wines and European selections that are interesting and attractively priced.

Fourth, the pita. 🏆 It deserves a point all to itself. I have never had better pita. It comes out so hot you cannot touch it; it smells so good you will touch it anyhow and be willing to be burned. They just give it to you. And you can (should) get it with Baba Ghanoush, Mama (yes, it is a thing) Ghanoush, Hummus, a house sesame seeded oil (they just give it to you) or any of their sauces. Try the Harissa paste!!

Fifth, the deserts. I don't feel I can describe the uniqueness and flavor of these simple creations. But I would never leave without desert and their Lebanese coffee. I would say it is like Turkish coffee infused with cardamom

Finally, the people working there really enjoy working there and they show it with kindness and great service.

I hope you try it and love it.

PS - I have no financial interest in this business other than that I hope it is successful so that it never goes away so that I can always...

It is truly great food if you have a palate for Israeli, Arab or Lebanese cuisine. I often go to only eat the appetizers or small plates. In a group, ordering 5-10 appetizers, to my mind, is the way to go. The hummus is the best in Cincinnati, and the hummus with beef is superb. The felafel is for real; you can't get better in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. The "Taverna Felafel" sits on a bed of wonderful eggplant.The zatar and oil to dip the pita bread is a taste of the middle east that you will not forget (or taste elsewhere in the area. Other winners are the fries, the feta and zatar dish, the kafta harra, the sujok and the kibbeh. And if you like spicy, the harrisa is very hot, but not distracting - it actually complements the flavor of most foods. The entrees are also sublime. Special mention to the lamb loin (sharhat ghanam), the lamb ouzi, and the warm stuffed vine leaves. Ask about specials - the beet dip special with labane is sublime and the stuffed cabbage (not made with tomato sauce) is so very good and special.

The pita bread is uniquely Lebanese. It is served often and hot. I learned from Cincinnati Magazine's review that it is made in house and is considered some of the best in the area.

For dessert, this place has a pistachio baklawah that is the best I have ever eaten. It is very light, with just the right amount of honey. With a cup of "Turkish" coffee, it is a great way to prepare to head home after a great meal. Also noteworthy is the knafe bel jibne, warm cheese in a semolina crust and the sweet cheese crepe. Man, so good.

The only menu item that did not wow me was the shwarma. But that is more in the nature of middle eastern "street food" and I that is not really the profile of this restaurant.

A top 10 Cincinnati Magazine restaurant for 2017, and that is long past due. This spot has been serving some of the most authentically seasoned middle eastern foods, not only in Cincinnati, but in the entire region for several...

After spending several months in lockdown due to COVID-19, my wife and I made reservations to have dinner with four other friends at Phoenician Taverna, a local Lebanese restaurant in Mason, Ohio. The evening was going wonderfully, and our dinner was excellent, the company outstand and divers. Two of my guests were from Lebanon; one was from Jordon, one was from Estoneina, my wife is from Russia, and of course, I was the only American in the group. Our group has been close friends for many years, and we often dine out together. Most of the restaurant staff speaks Arabic, and my Arabic speaking friends were speaking in their native language with them, I can only assume they were using some humor because there was a lot of laughter. I thought it was going to be just another perfect evening out with friends, but no, this evening was different. As our evening was coming to an end, I paid my huge bill with pleasure and included a 40% gratuity as I usually do, only to have the owner of the establishment come over and scold me in front of my guests. I was stunned momentarily but then asked him what are you talking about here? He looked at me and said, who do you work the FBI? Who? Again," I said, what are you talking about?" Other than saying, Thank you to restaurant staff or placing my order for food, I didn't even speak to his employees. The man just stood there and scolded me for no reason at all. I was infuriated, so only I just stood up and left. No customer should ever receive such poor customer service. In closing, I have never had a business owner treat me in such an aggressive and humiliating manner. I dine out more than I dine at home, and I will share this experience with as many people as I possibly can' He will never see another penny of my money. I would advise anyone thinking of dining at Phoenician Taverna to steer clear of the owner, as I believe he is a very...