CAIRO: Tuesday’s for the most part are not the busiest days for restaurants. Not so with Aqua, however, which is attracting more and more of Egypt’s sushi fans with it’s Tuesday all-you-can-eat Sushi buffet that requires diligent planning; in order to secure a table, book a week in advance.
Located in the Four Seasons Nile Plaza, expectations are already sky-high prior to entering, given the hotel chain’s reputation.
As you walk into the restaurant, greeted by smiling waiters, it’s hard not to notice the well-displayed desserts on both sides of the corridor, whetting your appetite for sweets even before your meal.
Seat placement is almost as big a factor as the food itself. The buffet is situated between Aqua and Steaks, so you will be seated in one of the two restaurants. Although both venues are aesthetically pleasing down to the very last detail, Aqua is the more popular with guests.
The two restaurants offer their own unique styles. Aqua, decorated with a blue theme, has a wider Nile view, and the large fish tanks give a modern touch to the fancy restaurant.
Steaks is designed in a modern, yet home-like, style. Interesting paintings and photographs of cows decorate the yellow walls. I was seated in a corner in the yellow steak house with no Nile view, but with a great view of the black and white pictures of cows, a bit odd considering that I was there for the sushi.
Heading to the buffet, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was more varied than I had expected. As well as sushi, some salads and noodles, there was a large variety of meat; a fine idea for those desiring to step away from sushi for the moment.
I was feeling adventurous, so I decided to try everything. I began with the sushi which was the centerpiece of the buffet. Although my plate was quickly filled, it became obvious that while the quantity of sushi was great, there were not many options.
Tuna, sea bass, salmon, shrimp and crab were all available. According to the chef, new fish is delivered every morning and the unsullied tenderness of the texture backed his claim. Except for the crab, as they use processed crab meat, though all available foods were obviously fresh.
The sushi is served in pieces slightly smaller than in other venues, which some claim makes it easier to fit in your mouth.
The rolls, both Maki and California, are delicious. But what is extraordinary is the salmon sashimi, as each lump of glowing pinkness provides sublime flavor that gratifies your senses. After enjoying the sushi meal, I could have easily gone home satisfied. But I couldn’t keep my self away from the juicy steaks in the buffet, the ultimate carnivores’ dream.
I headed directly to the spare ribs, an unusual treat not frequently encountered in Egypt. They were a little too fatty for my liking, but were still very tasty. Unfortunately, by this point I had reached my fill, so I was unable to try the famous Wagyu beef.
Amid well-dressed and sophisticated clientele, who added to the glamour of the venue, I took a break and sipped on my wine for a while, hoping to make room for dessert. The friendly, well-attentive waiters added to the dinning experience.
Soon it was time for dessert. The fresh baked apple pie and the vanilla mousse with blueberry sauce, which dissolves fantastically in the mouth, are highly recommended. The entire experience left me satisfied and left me content. It is a great way to spend a Tuesday evening, whether you are a sushi fanatic or a steak lover. You may want to leave a space between visits however, as the prices are a little over average.
Aqua and SteaksFours Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza1089 Corniche El Nil Garden City791 6876
