It has been a delightful year for any foodie living in Cairo. By foodie, I mean anyone with a keen curiosity about all things food related. From cooking it to eating it, 2008 was witness to Cairo’s finest restaurants growing from strong to stronger, making a foodie such as myself quite indulged throughout the year.
The following is Daily News Egypt s pick of what we believe is 2008’s finest; both new and old. These restaurants have competed for stellar quality, exemplary service and ambience, a creativity in recipes and menus, and value for money. The result is a dining scene that, arguably, gives European and American foodie capitals a run for their money.
This list is in no particular order, so take your pick.
Charwoods
Serving undoubtedly the best steaks in town, this little bistro is run by a Frenchman and staff who are both genial and knowledgeable about the menu, guiding one ever so well while pondering one’s options. Seating a maximum of 30-some people, it is both intimate and charming. The meat served is imported from Australia and New Zealand, offering plenty of meat cut options for patrons. The filet mignon ordered medium-rare with a side order of baked potato is a personal favorite. With a choice of sides and a variety of sauces to compliment your steak, you will be in gourmand heaven. Serving wine and beer, pizza and dessert, Charwoods caters to every taste.
Mori Sushi
Known for its funky sushi assortments, Mori has opened a few outlets across Egypt this year. So much so, a Japanese friend tells me that the Japanese community in town agrees: nothing beats Mori. Offering what is termed as a Brazilian take on sushi, Mori offers the traditional fare in addition to the fusion sushi options, including sushi with spiced cream cheese and fried makis. Their soups are delicious, even the tofu miso soup which is, essentially, glorified sea weed. So get over the ingredient part and drink up; it’s good for your health.
Aqua
Everyone agrees: Four Seasons Nile Plaza’s Aqua has raised the bar for fine dining in Egypt. The restaurant overlooks the Nile in a setting both posh and casual. The interiors are not exaggerated so as not to take away from the main act: the exquisite food. Offering an all-you-can-eat steak and menu buffet on Tuesday nights, and an eclectic approach to contemporary intercontinental cuisine, Aqua comes across as a fusion between gourmand French dining and an exotic Thai culinary experience. Being soon converted into a restaurant offering an exclusively French menu with a twist, Aqua under the tutelage of its new head chef, Christoph Gillino will be taking Aqua into new territory, and perhaps, gain Egypt’s first Michelin star in the process.
The Tea Lounge
Across the water is Cairo’s other Four Seasons First Residence, home to the most charming tea lounge: scones, nibbles and light fare, along with delicate teas and an extensive bar for afternoon drinks. The prawn salad is a favorite, grilled and served with a finely diced fruit. A wonderful setting for a casual business meeting or visit with an older aunt, The Tea Lounge is a hot spot for diplomats’ wives and foreigners seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of Cairo outside.
Day and Night
This restaurant is located right off of the Semiramis Intercontinental lobby, a great dining option at any time of day. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, Day and Night caters to a variety of palettes. Diners can move around during the different stations, which during dinner time can include Indian, Chinese and sushi. Chefs are on hand to grill, fry, prepare pasta and roll sushi or other delectable delights as you wish. The interior was recently renovated to create an ambience that is contemporary yet elegant. Overlooking the Nile, it’s a great spot for business meetings or casual get togethers.
Fresca
The Four Seasons St. Stefanos has added quite a bit to the dining scene in Alexandria. Fresca is most notable for its trendy, modern interiors and a view of the sea that evokes Laurence Durell’s Alexandria Quartet. Serving light café and lunch fare, its take on traditional Egyptian plates such as cured fish makes this restaurant perfect for those who seek a sophisticated lunch. And of course, one can indulge in some fresca: nut and wafer treats that are synonymous with beach holidays on the Alexandrian coast.
Crave
Everyone’s favorite neighborhood restaurant, Crave serves an eclectic menu that includes European, Asian and American dishes. Great for either lunch or dinner, Crave is suitable for family outings and casual dinner dates. Crave is most famous for its chocolate fondant cake. Paired with an espresso, one can’t go wrong.
Sequoia
With a vibe that is both relaxed and elegant, The New York Times highlighted this lounge as one of the crucial landmarks visitors to Cairo must dine in. With a menu that predominantly offers Egyptian tappas, traditional bread baked on site, great grills, shisha with creative flavors and a wide array of beverages, everybody enjoys the serene atmosphere under the white canopy which houses the lounge on the waters of the Nile. It is popular with Cairo’s young crowd and foreign expatriates, requiring a hip attitude at the door. Dress smartly for the trendy lounge and order a grilled halloum cheese starter with pickled kamoniya tomatoes. It’s heaven in a sandwich.
Mezza Luna
Tucked away in a little side alley off a prominent street in Zamalek, this friendly restaurant seats no more than 25 people, both indoors and outdoors, offering a casual and comfortable setting for some interesting pasta. Freshly made ravioli and gnocchi are offered with unique sauces; Molokhiya sauce and walnut & blue cheese replaces the conventional arabiatta sauce for a curiously interesting experience.
Abou El Sid
Always a stop when entertaining visitors from abroad, Abou El Sid offers traditional Egyptian dishes in a setting reminiscent of black and white movies; French antique style dining chairs and paintings of Egypt’s old cinema starlets evoke the sense of having gone back in time. Food is authentically Egyptian, and comes in filling portions. Recommended is the molokhiya, commonly referred to by Americans and Europeans as Jew’s mallow, with a side order of Daoud Pasha, an Egyptian take on spiced meatballs in a red tomato sauce.
