Phoenicia Bakery and Deli

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Phoenicia Bakery and Deli is a charming, small family-run spot right on Burnet Road. The heart of the place lies in the back corner of the store, where the friendly ladies make some really good $6.99 subs, freshly prepared to order. It's perfect for a quick lunch pickup, offering quality and convenience in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

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!

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.

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!

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