Feniqia Review

This is a place I like to go to when in Byblos. It’s located literally a stone’s throw away from the Byblos Citadel, the Old Souks and the Old Port, and since the municipality there decided that area is pedestrian, it makes it all the more enjoyable and quiet.

If there is one thing I love about Feniqia, it’s the sublime presentation of everything. Their drinks come in big old pickle jars full of ice. They hang your salad from a hook and chain attached to a pulley on the ceiling. You get a plate of complimentary appetizers with it’s very own mini-saj. The steak comes on a mini-grill complete with small pieces of charcoal keeping it warm as you enjoy your meal. There are a lot of other nice things about the presentation, such as pieces of apple with your steak, wedges, zucchini and corn on the cob, which I think is awesome.

The prices are fair too. You can get a decent steak with loads of sides for just 26,000 LBP (one of the highest prices). If not, 30,000LBP should be enough for a sandwich or platter with a coke. What’s nice about this place is that there isn’t too much hassle, you just show up and sit down. But it’s also perfect for a nice, romantic date, or watching a World Cup quarter final match, which I think is a versatility rare to find in a restaurant.

The one thing I can complain about is the service, which has a lot of room for improvement. The waitresses and waiters often look unhappy and busy and often mix up signals of when to remove your dish for example, versus I’m still halfway through eating this. But, apart from that, I can’t complain.

Verdict: Love it. If you have a date, wanna watch the game or just have an argileh, this place is a good option
Price: 40-60 USD should be enough for you and your date (appetizer, main course and drinks)
Location: Right across the street from the Byblos citadel, souk and port
Atmosphere: Beautiful presentation and sometimes quirky cool decor
Staff: Lots of room for improvement, but not bad