For those in the know, Phonecia has long been a source for Mediterranean breads, groceries, and yes, foods in Austin. Staff and owners are friendly and willing to help if you can't find what you're looking for. They also serve my favorite shawarma in town. These goodies are put together at a stand in the back, cut from a glorious rotating lamb roasting on a spit! Scooped into a pita with veggies and taziki sauce, it's bound to satisfy your tummy! read more

This place is filthy, stocked with well past "best by" date groceries at gouge-level prices, unapologetically charges more than in-store posted prices for sandwiches and is staffed by a customer-hostile crew. A sandwich made with a stale, dry roll cost two dollars more at the cash register than a price for that same sandwich on a sign just behind that cash register. This will earn any establishment a fine courtesy of the City of Austin. Complaining about the stale roll is met not by an apology, but rather with the ridiculous claim that the roll "was baked this morning." The store is a mess, and virtually every grocery item costs twice what it would anywhere else. Phoenicia remains in business only because it is one of the few "Mediterranean" food outlets in Austin, and also because it may have once been good. But now it is a disgraceful must to avoid. read more

This is the best middle eastern bakery, grocery store, and restaurant in Austin!! I stopped in here this weekend to get a chicken shawarma wrap and oh my god it was perfect. My boyfriend got the regular (meaning beef/lamb) shawarma wrap and it was insanely good. We also enjoyed some fresh pita bread and hummus and shopped around the store as well. Such an awesome place run by some really incredible people. Service here was fantastic and the seating area was super cute as well! Please come give this place some love!! You won't regret it! read more

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Very fresh pita bread and hummus. Great selection of groceries too. Owner is awesome too. Very energetic and happy to meet people

Love the falafel. Great pita bread. Been going here for years. I wish I lived closer. read more

I still go to Phoenicia Bakery and Deli - it's a really unique store and offers some great international items that you can't get anywhere else. Plus the service here is always nice, professional, and very friendly. They are always willing to help you with whatever you need. And if you listen closely - you may even get some good stock tips as I hear the guy who runs this store is like the Lebanese CNBC Jim Cramer. I think they've said his nickname is the "Sihr Of Wall Street". I mean why didn't I listen to him when he told over 4 years ago to buy bitcoin? Sheesh! I was just there the other day and he was out of the office, I heard he's cashed out his coins and is buying up real estate left and right all over Texas. He practically owns a small town now, and his next venture is to run for Mayor. I told him he should run for Governor. Well I love the olive bar here - and I still go for those Turkish olives but they are hard to get but they now get similar olives packaged up in a tub, and they are not quiet the same but still pretty good - and these olives are unique and can't find them anywhere else. I also love their homemade packaged food they make in the back. Their quality is superb here. The garlic paste here is awesome. The hummus is superb. Love the grape leaves, tabbouli, and eggplant too. They used to have Russian Potato Salad here - haven't seen that in a while but it was so good. I love walking down the isles here and seeing all the unique things they import from other countries. A lot of sauces and spices and foods you can't get anywhere else. The baked goods and pastries up front always look good too, and they usually sell out too. read more

Great to find a place in Austin that has a a lot of the same products as the amazing Phoenician in Houston. No they aren't related. No it doesn't have everything or is nearly as big but the people are nice and it has what I need. The bakery with the same name is part of their operation also. The cheese and zatar flat bread was amazing. read more

Phoenicia Bakery and Deli - Delis Near Me - Austin, Texas

Probably the worst food experience I've had in a while. I ordered the Kaftka plate and got 4 pieces of kaftka that were extremely dry and rubbery. Felt like they were a couple days old. I wouldn't even feed this to my dogs. Never coming here again and left an extremely bad impression. If you want good Mediterranean food go to Kabobzi. Family owned and they do it right read more

Phoenicia Bakery and Deli - Delis Near Me - Austin, Texas

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It's wonderful that places like this still exist in Austin, or anywhere. Old-fashioned Middle-Eastern grocery, with large assortment of imported foods, and some yummy stuff made on site. Some of the items are, of course, expensive, as they have traveled from overseas. But you can also find great deals on stuff like feta cheese and deli meats. Their pita bread, freshly baked each day brings people from all over Austin. I've seen some customers carrying out hundreds of packages. We go regularly for Bulgarian feta, Italian mortadella and salami, Balkan lutenitsa, olives, and philo dough. Sometimes items are out of stock and the Lebanese owne shrugs his shoulderrs dejectedly; but this is part of the charm of family-run business like this. Shout out to Junior, for his welcoming presence, always jovial mood, and the magic he works at the deli counter! read more

My family started going to the original South Lamar location when it first opened. We lived a couple of blocks away so we could walk over and grab sandwiches for dinner. Decades later, we're still hooked. The pita is exceptional, the olive bar is extensive, the shelves are packed with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and European foods, and the sandwiches are incredible. A sample of the Phoenicia specials to whet your appetite: hummus, gyro, kafta, three different kinds of shawarma, za'atar bread, muffaletta, and our family favorite--the roasted chicken. Trust me, you have to try the Falafel Supreme. It's loaded with crispy falafel, hummus, tabouli, julienned turnips, cucumbers, and just the right amount of tahini sauce. It's fresh, flavorful, and everything you want in a sandwich. But what makes Phoenicia so special isn't just the food--it's the family and their story. When I last visited the Burnet Road store, I was chatting with the guy behind the deli counter. Me: How long have you worked here? Him: All my life. It's my family's business. I was talking with Junior, aka Malek Abijaoude Jr., and he was generous with his time in order to share the story of his family's business. The Abijaoude family came to the U.S. to escape the civil war in Lebanon, bringing with them a love for baking. They opened the first location on South Lamar in the early '80s, initially focusing on pita bread that they baked in special ovens that they had shipped from Lebanon. They became the go to bakery for restaurants all over town. Over time, they expanded the store to include a deli and grocery, stocking Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and European foods at their customers' requests. So when you stop by for an amazing sandwich or an ingredient you can't find anywhere else, remember that Phoenicia isn't just a place to grab lunch. It's a slice of Austin history and a reminder of how food can bring people together. read more

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One of the surprises of moving to Austin is finding some excellent ethnic specialty markets here. I love Asahi Market just up Burnet for Japanese goodies. Phoenicia has an incredible selection of Mediterranean foods. Not only can you get imported food, they have great fresh foods including their bakery, carry out dining and olive bar. I just love the smell wafting out the door as you walk in. The staff here is very friendly as well. Highly recommended. read more

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Really like this store! Great deli area and friendly fellow behind the counter. Great feta and a variety of meats and cheeses. Large variety of olives. Fresh (non-salted) pistachios. Reasonable prices. read more

My first time coming here this weekend and this place is amazing! From the name you wouldn't tell but it is a Mediterranean bakery/deli. The shawarma plate is amazing and there are tons of goodies to shop around for. Yum! read more

Glad I found this place because I needed something to "shawarma" me up! The beef shawarma plate was fabulous. Decent selection of Greek groceries and a pastry section with all kinds of goodies like baklava. read more

Phoenicia Bakery and Deli - Sweet Nuts! - Delis Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I have depended on this place for a quarter of a century (yeah, I'm old as dirt). My visit last week was shocking. (July 16,2020). Three of the behind-the-counter staff members weren't wearing any masks. While standing in line during check out, a vendor with heavily soiled clothes trudged in and made his way within 2 feet or so of two socially distancing customers and the owner at the cash register. HE HAD NO MASK ON. He then proceeded to chit-chat with the owner who didn't seem to think much of it. The vendor was dropping off a lot of fresh handmade Arabic style pizzas. read more

Another Austin been here forever treasure! Not only do they have fresh breads that are, indeed, the stuff that makes life yum. They have meats, dried fruits, olives, unusual pickles and many grocery items. The little take out is always a good to go choice! Come and take your time to see all the goodies. I love this place for unusual entertaining options that travel well! read more

Phoenicia Bakery and Deli - Store front - Delis Near Me - Austin, Texas

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It's wonderful to have these supermarket option on this side of town. I can find all my Mediterranean cooking needs + more. Definitely check them out. Also a location on South Lamar. I go to both. read more

Phoenicia Bakery is such an underrated gem. They have fresh made hummus, tabouli, baba ganoush, and fresh pita chips along with desserts like baklava, kunefe, and danishes. They also have things that are hard to find elsewhere, like pomegranate molasses, Bulgarian feta, pepper dips, lavash bread, dried fruits, olives, cans of table cream, big tubs of dates, spices, ingredients like mahlab, etc. The prices are good and the stock is good quality. I haven't checked out the deli, but I will soon. read more

Great Falafel. Awesome pocket bread available in different sizes.Food is always consistent.

I've been to both of Phoenicia locations and it's honestly a hidden gem! From their pastries and meals to their groceries it's a must try!! You can't go wrong with a falafel wrap or gyro plate the service is always fast and friendly. If you've driven by and thought about stopping just do it! read more

When I'm looking for ingredients for baking or cooking, they always have it and at a great price. So kind, also, and really good food from their deli!! read more

I like popping in for their pre-made tabouleh and dolmas in the refrigerated section. Spot on fresh and delicious just like my Aunt used to make as a kid. The tabouleh is loaded full of fresh parsley and doesn't have too much bulgar wheat which I like. The dolmas with rice, pine nuts and tomato are made correctly! Delicious and fresh! I recommend buying your cucumbers here. They don't have any wax and are super crisp and fresh the way real cucumbers should be!! Eat the skin!! I like their Greek olive oils, too. If you get anything from the grill, the falafel is pretty good. The store on Lamar is good, too. The little owner at the register must have been in a good mood, or he got the memo!! read more

Phoenicia Bakery and Deli - Fresh tabouleh, dolmas and crisp cucumbers - Delis Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Accept Apple Pay which is super convenient. Had the lemon coconut dessert from bakery and was delicious! Friendly staff, would go again!

Phoenicia is a long time "go to" Mediterranean food business in Austin. The make their own Pita Bread and it is always fresh. All of their take out food is outstanding. When you order take out, the meat is grilled then. The lentils and rice and tabouli sides are my favorites. My favorites are the Falafel Pita Wraps and the Chicken Shawarma Dinner. They have a deli and sweets section as well. This place just rocks the house! You won't be sorry that you stopped by Phoenicia for your next Mediterranean food fix. Or, maybe just stop by for the halal of it. read more

Been coming here since I was little. Best products to take home, they have the BEST pita bread. And their cafe food is a quick pick up fantastic meal with so much flavor read more

This is a great place if you are looking for real Lebanese food. There is a market with lots of good stuff my favorite is the Zaatar it's great on everything especially eggs. There is also a restaurant with lots of dank food. The meat and cheese pies hit the spot when you are hungry. It's a must when you are looking for the real Middle Eastern goods. read more

Came here on a whim as it was in my bookmarked places to try and I needed a quick bite in the area. This place is very New York store/deli in its setup. They have a grocery anchored by a bakery/deli on one side and then their little sandwich shop on the other. Nowhere to sit to eat, so it is all carryout. They have a sort of hodgepodge menu that spans the Mediterranean/Greek/MiddleEast spectrum. I got their Lebanese Falafel wrap and, to be honest, was expecting A LOT more for $4.99 for just the wrap (no chips or drink or anything else included). The wrap was also very dry (barely any sauce to speak of) and the falafel were small. So, definitely not impressed w/this offering of theirs. Also got a slice of baklava, which was decent, but honestly not the best I've had and again was a little dry, so I don't know if it was because it was towards the end of the day or what the deal was. Also, I'm guessing the guy who was the owner that rang me up was definitely more interested in talking to the guy in line behind me than acknowledging my existence. Not kidding...he literally did not say a single word to me; just rang up my stuff, stood there looking at my while I got my credit card out, took it, ran it, handed it back to me while the receipts printed then handed me my copy all while talking to the guy behind me. Sorry to say will not be coming back as their customer service seems to be as dry as their falafel wrap and baklava. read more

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I'd give it a 5 stars for the market selection (it is pretty good actually) BUT, the man who is at the cash register HAS TO GO! I drove 40 minutes to get here so I could get over $150 in things I can't get anywhere else near me, and when I pull up with a full shopping cart, he gives snide comments about "I don't have a conveyor belt like HEB so pull your cart up and make it easy for me... and on and on and on..." He was patently OBNOXIOUS, just like he always is. Poor, poor man If he is the owner, a family member, or whatever he is, he is a liability and has to be removed from dealing with the public. I am so upset with him always being like this I'll have to find another middle eastern type of market elsewhere...he isn't worth the drive just to be treated rudely by him. I fervently hope he reads Yelp reviews and sees this. read more

I visited grocery and deli store last week and it was very clean and organized. It had a good selection of Mediterranean, European merchandise. Got an Italian cake and tuna and loved both. It is a small one compared to the international foods but I think it was well managed. I tried their refrigerated baba ghanouj and I also though it was great. read more

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This places has an amazing selection! Unfortunately tonight was the third time they were closed when I arrived due to temporary hours, I wish they would be posted here or on google. Also, do check the expiration dates. read more

Wonderful ethnic food! Wish they were closer to our home! Best place to find ingredients you can't get anywhere else.

Great selection and great people. I can't believe we haven't stopped in sooner. We will definitely make this a weekly shopping stop.

Phoenicia bakery and deli has been always on my radar to get to, but being a family based shop they have very strict hours (9 AM to 7PM Mon to Sat, closed on Sunday), so was really happy to get there on a saturday afternoon, and boy am I glad that I got there. I did not buy any of their groceries so my review is strictly based on their deli (though I already have plans to go back and get some of their awesome halva etc.) The chicken shawarma was one of the better ones I have had in a long time. Falafel shawarma was a tad bit spicy as I think they include jalapeno etc. In the stuffing, but still really good. Got some baklava etc. But haven't had a chance to have it yet, as we stuffed ourselves on the shawarma. Highly recommended to at least try once and form your own opinions!! read more

I love this place. Their Lebanese falafel is so good that I haven't tried anything else. My husband loves their shawarma plate. They have everything, including really good prices on olive oil, spices you can't find elsewhere, multiple kinds of preserved lemons, all those things that good cookbooks require. I should warn people that the owner (I assume) is grumpy. I actually thought I had done something to offend him, and he didn't want me to shop there. I thought about not shopping there, but it's way too good for that. But then an employee mentioned something, and I realized it's like a little bit of New York in Austin. So, don't worry if he's grumpy. read more

Great selection of fresh items and spices. Breads baked daily. Prices are very good. Employees friendly and helpful. read more

I have been buying their Phoenicia pita bread from Arab grocery stores so I decided to check out the place to pick up some fresh bread. It was 1 PM and they were out of bread. "It is sold out", the owner told me. "You have to come in early." Ok, fair enough. Having read some good reviews about their food, I decided to order the chicken shawarma and the Lebanese falafel wrap. As I waited for my food, one of the workers preparing the food went to the restroom with a knee-length apron on her body; and came out, started working in the kitchen with the same apron. Ok, gross! Another server was cooking something on a stove and she tasted the food by licking it off her palm. Both weren't wearing any gloves as they made the wraps. I have eaten from food trucks so I can overlook these unhygienic practices as long as the food tastes good. But unfortunately, their falafel and shawarma were below average and not tatsy. I threw it away after few bites. One star because of bland taste and for being unhygienic. read more

I love the authentic air of this place. Typically I go here for rose water and baklava. Periodically I'll grab some tea. I can't read much of what is on the shelves but I've never felt unwelcome. I've gone to other authentic type grocers and felt quite out of place. They are always welcome here. I'd love to try the food but no idea where to even start. Maybe eventually I'll get brave. As for the rose water, I use it as a body spritzer and hair wash. It's wonderful. Light and smells heavenly. I recommend it. But please don't take them all. :) read more

We were sold sardines that had been expired for a year and the cheese had mold on it. I went back to return everything I had bought that day, expired or not because I was just so grossed out by the situation. The older man was not apologetic, instead asking me if I knew what kind of food I had bought. I know it's not supposed to be molding or expired! Will never shop there again and I suggest everyone check their food before purchasing read more

What is homemade by Phoenicia Deli is superb. Great pita, great yogurt, great baba ganoosh. What is not homemade is more of a mix. Olives are absolutely superb - the best in Austin by far. Nothing comes close. The labneh (yogurt so thick it is practically a paste) is also a star. Canned goods and boxed goods often are very old and very stale. And yes - even cans can get too old. Brazilian, Latin American, Russian or Indian stuff? Fuggetabout it. Oldies to the point just short of being moldies. Feta cheese? The French goat cheese is so good it should be legendary. The other cheeses - feta or otherwise - meh. Deli meats - ho hum. They make fresh hot sandwiches in the back. These are great ... but there is really no where to eat them. The "lunch area" is claustrophobic and oppressive. And hot items from Mideastern grills must be eaten the nanosecond they are off the grill. By the time you wait in line at the cash register, cooling sandwich in hand, to pay for it ... and then go home or to your car or to the park to eat it ... it is dead by the time you are ready for it. * On the question - Sarah;s vs Phoenicia. Sarah's has a better place to sit and eat - and so is a better place for fresh hot food. There are none of the extraordinary thrills of the best that Phoenicia offers. But there are no old stale boxes or cans either. Less risk - more safety - less payoff. For canned or bottled anything go Sarah;s. For food for the gods - pick the best of what Phoenicia has to offer - especially if it is homemade. read more

So I tried this place because I have a love for gyros and I hear they have delish fresh pitas. I arrived at the somewhat nondescript market hungry and ready for some kind of Mediterranean specialty. Do not pass go, do not collect $200, straight to the back of the room where the menu lay in wait. I ordered a gyro after some debate on the schawarma, got me some olives (great olive bar!), hummus, olive oil and some mmm mmm fresh pitas. The hummus has a different flavor I can't quite place but that is really compelling -- and the gyro was ok. Not amazing, but ok. All the stars are for the huge variety of olive oil, the impressive olive selection, the really really nice girl that brought my food to me in the store and for those pitas that I plan on digging into STAT. read more

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