Ô Phénicia: a taste of Lebanon on the table, on Rue de France, just a few minutes’ walk from the Château de Fontainebleau. The house took over from number 22, and the City of Fontainebleau presented it as the home of Rita and Rabih Tannoury, proud to introduce people to their culture through food. People come here to share: a table laden with small plates, Lebanese bread being passed round, and the desire to try a bit of everything.
A vaulted cellar beneath the hall
The ground-floor room is bright and understated, with its well-stocked shelves and wooden tables. The real charm lies below: a cellar with stone walls and ancient vaults, lit by lanterns, where you can settle down in peace and quiet. This is the place to ask for if you’re planning a group meal or a birthday party.
Mezze to start with, followed by grilled dishes
The map follows the Lebanese approach: cold and hot mezze (moutabal, stuffed vine leaves, hummus topped with marinated lamb, grilled halloumi), crispy puff pastries, tabbouleh and fattouche, followed by grilled meats and shawarmas served with their hummus. Those who can’t make up their minds should opt for a tasting platter, which brings together several mezze dishes all at once. For dessert, baklava and orange-blossom flan; and for an aperitif, a glass of arak or a Lebanese wine.
For all diets, and even at home
The company has announced halal meat, a a wide selection of vegetarian dishes and gluten-free options. At lunchtime on weekdays, a set menu featuring a main course and a drink makes for a quick lunch. Everything is also available to take away, and O Phoenicia, do caterer for receptions, including weddings, as she herself puts it.
Before or after the visit
After a morning at the castle or a stroll through the Jardin de Diane, it’s the place to go for a taste of travel without leaving the city centre. The mezze are perfect for sharing amongst a group, and the vaulted cellar really makes an impression when we have friends staying over.
