Belly Dancing Returns Saturday, July 26!
Join us for an evening filled with fresh Mediterranean food, live belly dancing, and warm, welcoming service.
Our Story
From Our Family to Your Table
The Phoenician Garden is a family-owned Mediterranean restaurant in Fresno, California, known for its warmth, authenticity, and food made from scratch. But more than that, it is a place with roots. A place built on tradition and love for good food, good people, and the joy of gathering around a table.
The story began in 2001 when Mo Hmaidan decided it was time to create something of his own. After years of working in kitchens and managing restaurants for others, he followed a dream to open a space where the flavors of Lebanon could be shared with the Fresno community. That dream became The Phoenician Garden.
As the restaurant grew, Mo’s son Tarek stepped into the daily operations. What started as helping out became a calling. Tarek is taking what his father built and carrying it forward with the same values at its core. Family, tradition, and real food made with care.
The Phoenician Garden has been part of the Fresno community ever since.
Made from Scratch, Every Time
The kitchen at The Phoenician Garden follows the same approach it did on day one. Most of the spices are sourced directly from Lebanon. The marinades, dressings, dips, and sauces are all made in-house. Every dish is prepared fresh, using methods passed down through family and refined through years of practice.
This is how the Hmaidan family cooks, and it’s how they serve every guest who walks through the door.
Meals That Feel Like Home
The menu reflects the way people eat in Lebanon. Plates are generous and meant to be shared. Family-style dinners include freshly grilled meats, warm pita bread, rice, sides, garlic sauce, and dessert. The food invites people to slow down, talk, laugh, and connect.
Whether guests are dining in, picking up lunch, or ordering catering for a special event, the spirit of hospitality stays the same. The food is made for gatherings and shared moments.
Stories from the Table
Over the years, The Phoenician Garden has seen many familiar faces come and go. Some guests came in as college students and now bring in their own children. Some have stayed close to the family through years of meals and memories.
There have been unexpected moments too. One afternoon, a car crashed into the front of the building just after the lunch rush. Thankfully, no one was hurt. The story brought new attention to the restaurant and reminded everyone how quickly things can change.
Another time, a child left behind a favorite stuffed animal. Though the family was never found, a different guest brought the toy on a trip to Disneyland and sent back photos of it enjoying the rides. That story still brings smiles years later.
The restaurant has grown, but the heart has stayed the same.
A Fresno Original
The Phoenician Garden continues to serve the Fresno community with the same commitment it started with. While many new Mediterranean-style restaurants have opened in recent years, this family-run spot remains focused on quality, tradition, and care.
Every dish is prepared with purpose. Every order reflects years of family cooking. The ingredients are fresh, the portions are generous, and the food is made by hand.
This is The Phoenician Garden. Fresno made. Family owned. Always from scratch.
Lunch • Dinner • Catering
1 559-261-2747
MONDAY-SATURDAY
11:00AM - 9:00 PM
SUNDAY
11:00AM - 8:00 PM
Happy Hour
Monday-Thursday
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm