Phara's Mediterranean Cuisine

Here I was minding my own business while my girlfriend was shopping (the usual), when I stumbled across Phara's in this funky little bend in North Loop. I had no idea that Phara's was a restaurant and I was standing right in front of it?! I thought it was just another chick-shop until I peeked in the window. When we first walked in it didn't look like much - only 8 tables. But then the host gave us the grand tour through this huge, sweet backyard area that includes a HOOKAH lounge!! Then there's the belly dancing - of course I was so focused on my beautiful, talented girlfriend, that I barely noticed the lovely dancer. Oh yeah, and the food was amazing. We started with the sampler appetizer plate which came with warm pitas. The hummus was really tasty - a lot more creamy than what we're used to. Then I had the beef kbob and she had a veggie currie. We don't normally eat this kind of food, but wow was it really good! I think they actually cut up filet mignon. I tried all 3 of the homemade sauces too. They were all great and I'm still sweating from my favorite, the habanero sauce. We tried the baklava for dessert which I'm not big on but she really liked it. I just wished that we knew that it was BYOB. Next time we'll be ready. Wow, I can't believe this place is just down the street from us. more

Not much more I can add to these glowing reviews. I tried this restaurant on Saturday night and had one of the most memorable Austin dining experiences. Attentive host and waitstaff, wide menu selection, good prices, and really tasty food expertly presented. This is probably the best hummus I have ever tried.\r Romantic and quaint interior, with a huge outdoor patio in the rear that boasts a hookah lounge, live music and bellydancers. Of course, you can always sit inside for a quiet conversation. With new expanded hours to midnight, this will definitely be on the short list of places to take visitors and friends, or stop by after the theatre. Loved it! \r more

Phara's keeps getting better and better. Some friends of our happened along this restaurant a few days after it opened and we went a few days later on their recommendation. The staff was still catching their stride, but the food was outstanding. We have been back twice since then and the food has improved from its already lofty level and the service has risen to the high standard of our meal. We have tried each of the appetizers (they are all wonderful) and the lamb shanks are nothing short of to-die-for... deliciously flavorful and so tender you can cut it with your fork. The owner, Phara, is always there to greet us and seems to make every time we go a special event. We do wish they had a wine list and expect that will come when they receive their liquor licence. Other than that, we fear the word will continue to get out and one of Austin's ""best kept secrets"" will become one of Austin's ""in"" restaurants... Good thing they take reservations! Bravo, Phara's!!! Pros: Wonderful, unique food, beautifully prepared with generous portions Cons: They need a wine list more

No offense to the previous reviews, but it is not necessary or fair to compare Phara?s to Ararat. Yes, it is in the same location and it is also a Middle Eastern restaurant. But, it is a different owner with a different menu and frankly, it deserves a chance to shine all by itself (which I think everyone will agree it does once they try it). \r As for Ararat, it was so much more than just a restaurant for the Austin community and I will forever miss it.\r Now onto the review. The food is fantastic! I went with a group of friends and we started our meal with a couple of mezza plates: hummus, baba ganouj, tzitziki (I am sure I spelled that incorrectly), dolmas and a delicious spicy green bean salad. YUM! Everything was perfect. I order grilled salmon with a basil-mint sauce for my entree. All I can say is OMG! I am still dreaming about it. Other people at the table ordered a beef tenderloin (which was so tender and grilled perfectly), lamb shank, spicy vegetarian okra dish, etc. EVERYTHING WAS GREAT! \r It has a BYOB policy, which is always a plus. And, there is plenty of seating. The place is huge and so well decorated. Phara and Christopher?s story (written on the back of the menu) is heart-warming and really helps you feel the love. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that wants a really terrific meal. It is well worth the money.\r more

We arrived early, about 15 minutes before opening, but they were super accommodating. The service was very good. We both had the mezze plate (tabouli, hummus, baba ganoush, dolmas and pita) The food was excellent. I don't quite get the 'Fine Dining' part of the restaurant's name. I didn't see anything on the menu that was beyond the usual. Don't get me wrong though, the food was well prepared. The only thing I truly missed was no falafel on the menu. I love falafel... more

My husband and I went to Phara's first on Saturday last weekend, then we went back again on Wednesday. The atmosphere is so friendly, and Phara greets all of her customers personally, and is truly concerned with whether or not they are happy. We've been to a lot of Middle Eastern restaurants, because that's what we like to eat when we go out, and the food at Phara's is delicious. I had the beef kebab, and he had the chicken kebab. It was seasoned and grilled and very tender, served with veggies, tahini and a bed of rice. We brought our own bottle of red wine, as Phara's is a BYOB restaurant, and were given two wine glasses and a corkscrew, which we thought was very convenient! After our meal, we had the mango ice cream for dessert, and it was delicious! It tasted homemade, was very creamy, and had large chunks of mango in it. \r \r While we were eating dessert, we watched Elisa belly dance, to the live music of Rajamani who switched from the oud, to the guitar, to the drums throughout the evening, and later on she came out in a completely different costume, and wowed us with her flamenco dancing! They perform there every Wednesday, and I highly recommend checking them out! The other members of Rajamani's band are just as versatile, with Joseph who switched from drums to flute to the bass, while Cochino played excellent percussion, from the bongo to castanets. We were -very- impressed by the show!\r \r Christopher's is a beautiful lounge next door. It's dedicated to Phara's son, Christopher, who passed away after suffering from cystic fibrosis. The whole story is on the back of the menu, and worth reading.\r \r One quibble: The entrees are slightly pricey at $16.99 a plate, though this is actually fairly average for a restaurant of this class, we have found. But if you don't want to spend a lot of money, I highly recommend the appetizers, which are quite filling, particularly the Mezza plate. Pros: Food, entertainment, atmosphere. Cons: Prices, indoor seating space. more

We tried Phara's last weekend and were very pleased! The atmosphere is great and there are many different areas to sit in that all have a different feel (we chose the patio b/c the weather was nice). We started with some hummus, which was perfectly flavored and super creamy. I had a delicious grilled salmon with a basil mint sauce, and my husband liked his lamb. The only thing that turned us off a bit was the belly dancer...we were the only table on the patio, and while it was fun to watch her perform at a distance when she was inside, it was awkward when she spent an entire song jiggling right in front of us at our table. But check it out, it would be a perfect place for a dinner party with friends! Pros: ambience more

I visited Phara's for the first time last night. I was impressed by the food, atmosphere, and service. I love Middle Eatern food, but stopped dining at Ararat several years ago after I grew tired of the rude staff and filthy conditions. I hope Austin will embrace Phara's. more

I went to Phara's over the weekend, and could not have been more pleased. This charming restaurant offers a casual, quirky environment with delicious food. What a wonderful place to relax with friends after work. My friends and I agree that this is the PERFECT restaurant for a first date. The setting provides an endless supply of ""conversation starts"" for those uncomfortable silent moments. The wonderful entertainment adds to the experience, and it really can't be beat! more