Starting Sunday, July 12, West Seattle’s brunch scene is getting a Mediterranean-inspired upgrade. Nadia Khazaal, responding to frequent customer requests for more local brunch spots, has spent weeks developing a menu for the Phoencia Restaurant  that takes traditional breakfast staples and reimagines them with a signature "Phoenecia Twist". Running every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the new offering is designed as a sophisticated alternative for adults to gather for food and conversation rather than sports.

Sweet and Savory Innovation

The menu is a balanced exploration of sweet and savory flavors, highlighting Middle Eastern spices and techniques. For those with a sweet tooth, Khazaal highlights the Baklava French Toast, featuring thick-cut brioche topped with pistachio whipped cream and a unique saffron strawberry jam. Another standout is the Dubai Pancakes, which are encrusted in crispy toasted knafeh and served with pistachio butter and chocolate sauce.

On the savory side, the traditional "steak and eggs" is replaced by New Zealand Lamb Chops & Eggs, finished with a house-made za’atar chimichurri. Other savory options include:

• Shakshuka: Eggs poached in a rich tomato and pepper sauce.
• Turkish Eggs: Poached eggs over creamy garlic labneh with paprika chili oil.
• Za’atar Avocado Toast: Served on za’atar sourdough with whipped herb feta and goat cheese.

The Role of Tradition and Spice

Central to the menu is the use of authentic spices like za’atar—a blend of wild thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds. Khazaal notes that za’atar is a breakfast staple in Lebanon, often eaten on flatbreads called manoushe, and is playfully known in her family for "making you smart". Saffron also plays a major role, appearing in syrups, jams, and a signature sauce for the Saffron Chicken Breakfast Sandwich.

Cocktails and Atmosphere

To complement the meal, the restaurant offers a selection of unique beverages. Coffee service features Cafe Vitta, alongside traditional mint tea brewed with rose water. The cocktail program is equally inventive, featuring a Matcha Martini with pistachio cold foam, a Turkish Coffee Martini, and the Carajillo, a Mexican-inspired coffee cocktail with tequila and Licor 43.

Pricing for the brunch ranges from $16 to $29, with the lamb chops at the top of the range. Khazaal envisions the space as a place for friends to "hang out" and "come together," with future plans to introduce themed events such as drag brunches, DJ sets, and singalongs.

The menu was developed in association with Chef Quentin Leyva.

The Phoencia is located at 4717 42nd SW in the West Seattle Junction. Follow them on Facebook here.