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Our Story · Since 2003

A Fresno family, cooking from Lebanon.

Established in 2003 by Mo Hmaidan and now stewarded by his son Tarek, The Phoenician Garden is a small family kitchen at First and Herndon that has grown into one of the Central Valley's most beloved Mediterranean restaurants.

4.6
1,322 Google reviews
Family-owned since 2003 · Led by Tarek today
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Mo Hmaidan and his son Tarek Hmaidan, founder and second-generation owner of Phoenician Garden in Fresno Founder & Son
Mo Hmaidan + Tarek HmaidanTarek runs the kitchen today
Family-Owned Lebanese Roots
Founder Story

Recipes that predate the restaurant.

What started as a small family kitchen has grown into a Central Valley tradition. The recipes we serve today are older than the restaurant.

Family Mezza platter, served family-style at Phoenician Garden

Established in 2003 by Mo Hmaidan and now stewarded by his son, Tarek Hmaidan, The Phoenician Garden is a tribute to enduring family traditions and age-old recipes. Tarek sources the majority of our authentic spices directly from Lebanon, continuing the rich legacy and traditions that define our cuisine. Our dishes are made from scratch from family recipes passed down from generation to generation. Each meal is a journey through the flavors of Lebanon.

Over more than two decades, our dining room has become a gathering place. Weddings on Saturdays. Office lunch crowds during the week. A regular belly-dancing audience on Fridays. Through it all, the kitchen has stayed in one family.

“The recipes are my father's. The spices come from where he learned them. My job is to keep both honest.” Tarek Hmaidan · Second-Generation Owner

Today Tarek runs the kitchen day to day, while Mo still works most Saturday evenings. The plan for our second location, Phoenician Express in Clovis, is the same as the plan for Herndon was in 2003: cook honestly, feed people generously, build something the family can keep.

Let us share our story, one plate at a time. Welcome to Fresno's Original Phoenician Garden.

Food Philosophy

Three things we do not compromise.

The shortlist that has not changed in over twenty years. Made fresh daily, sourced honestly, cooked from family recipes.

Made Fresh Daily

Prepped in-house, every morning

Hummus, garlic sauce, marinades, and dough are made from scratch in our Fresno kitchen, every day. Nothing comes out of a bag.

Ethical Sourcing

Lebanese spices, local produce

Tarek sources the majority of our spices directly from Lebanon. Produce comes from Central Valley growers we have used for years.

Family Recipes

Passed down from Mo

The shawarma marinade, the garlic sauce, the baklava layering. Every signature dish on the menu is a recipe Mo brought with him in 2003.

Signature Dishes

The plates that built the room.

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In the Neighborhood

Our corner of Fresno.

We are at First and Herndon, across from St. Agnes Medical Center. Most weeks the dining room is part wedding reception, part hospital lunch break, part Friday-night belly-dance crowd. We are happy to be the room that holds all of it.

Corner
First and Herndon
Near
St. Agnes Medical Center
Hosts
Weddings, office lunches, weekly belly dancing
20+
Years in Fresno
Family-owned since 2003
1,300+
Google Reviews
See what neighbors are saying
4.6
Star Rating
Average over 1,322 reviews
Phoenician Garden storefront on Herndon Ave in Fresno
Visit Us

First and Herndon

Address
Fresno, CA 93720
Hours
Mon through Sat · 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday · 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Coming Soon sign at the future Phoenician Express location in Clovis, with construction equipment behind it
Coming Soon

Phoenician Express in Clovis

The next chapter in the family. Same recipes, same Lebanese spices, a new neighborhood to feed. We will share details and the opening date as we get closer.

2605 Owens Mountain Pkwy
Clovis, CA 93611

Learn more about our locations
Frequently Asked

About us.

Three quick answers about our story. Want more? Contact us →

The Phoenician Garden opened in 2003. We have been at our Herndon Ave location since the very beginning, family-owned and family-run for over twenty years.
The restaurant was established in 2003 by Mo Hmaidan and is now stewarded by his son, Tarek Hmaidan. Tarek sources the majority of our spices directly from Lebanon.
We cater weddings, corporate events, office lunches, and family gatherings throughout Fresno, Clovis, and the Central Valley. Family platters start at $15 per guest, and we offer $50 off catering orders of $500 or more with code FLAVOR50. See catering details →