Zenobia: Canfield's Mideast Gem

It is purely coincidental that I am reviewing a Mideast restaurant this week midst the turmoil in Egypt. But nothing stops the pursuit of culinary excellence. Not even revolutions. While they may be marching in the streets of Cairo, right here in Canfield is a gem of a place called Zenobia. Who knew you could find such boffo Mideast food in the Hilltop Plaza at Route 224 at Talsman Drive? BTW, it is named after an Egyptian Queen who beheaded a few people in her time, and then became a social butterfly in ancient Rome. Way to go Queen Zenobia!!!!

Let me start by saying that I am not a fan of Mideast cuisine. I like it. It doesn’t like me. And if the recipe starts with “take three cloves of garlic”, I am in big trouble. So when I saw that Renee’s was out of this spot and a Mideast place was in, I yawned. No way in hell will this place make it! I was SOOOOOOO wrong. Zenobia is a hit.

The set up is like the old Renee’s with a Mideast décor taking the place of the French bistro stuff. But you don’t order at the counter. This is a sit-down establishment. When you walk through the door, look to the right in front of the case and you can ponder some of the authentic Mideast pastries. The first time I was there, it was brimming. The second time, not so much. The first time was better!!! But all are good.

There are some tables in the front room, more tables in the back. The décor actually works. I don’t know how the pulled it off, but they did. My only criticism is the make-shift office in the hallway off to the right. A little tacky, but then again, there is no place else to put it!!!

Let’s get to the parsley in the tabouli. The food here is terrific. I can’t describe a lot of the dishes because they are new to me. Both visits I stuck to more simple things, my favorite being the grilled lamb platter, served with peppers, onions and mushrooms and wonderful rice. Garlic sauce, tabouli salad, and hot peppers are served in small side dishes. It was good, plain and simple!!! I am going back for more. My wife stuck with gyros, also a home run. For dessert, baklava for me, rice pudding for her. The rice pudding is different. It is almost like a sweet, cold soup. At first I thought yuck…then I tasted it. Very, very good!

Zenobia has a full menu ranging from appetizers to full dinners. I don’t know what was on those dishes coming out of the kitchen, but it all looked wonderful.

The atmosphere is family chic with wifi. Both times we visited the place was packed. This past Thursday night the folks were lined up for tables. People sat around sharing pictures, reading books, working on computers while literally stuffing their faces with this wonderful cuisine.

This is a family run place, with friendly, smiling service. The ladies are extremely helpful in helping you choose from an unfamiliar menu, and genuinely care if you are enjoying your meal. It also offers a selection of mideast beers and wines.

The hot spiced tea is addicting.

Somehow Zenobia fits right into Canfield, and I hope that it will be with us a long time. Baba Ghannouj anyone?

Four Lebanese Meatballs.


Zenobia
584 East Main Street
Ste 10
Canfield, OH 44406
330-286-0800