A city can never have too many eating-out options, and the flurry of restaurant openings in Cairo in 2007 was welcomed by one and all. From Latin flair to Indian fare, here are five of the last year’s most notable additions to Cairo’s dining scene.
El-Mojito, Downtown: This rooftop bar/restaurant on the Nile Hilton offers fantastic views and lively Latin tunes under an open night sky. The food menu is small but varied, with a wide range of tapas and starters, as well as substantial mains like sea bass, chicken breast and beef dishes. They claim to specialize in cocktails (hence ‘El-Mojito’) but measures of alcohol are notoriously stingy. The spacious layout makes El-Mojito ideally suited to groups of four or even more, though high tables around the sides accommodate smaller numbers. Features regular live music and gets wild on Friday nights. Menu is reasonably priced; bookings on weekends only.Tel: (02) 2578 0444
Mori Sushi, Zamalek: Capitalizing on the sushi craze that has swept Egypt in recent years, one of the world’s most popular high-end sushi chains ‘Mori Sushi’ opened a small restaurant in Zamalek. Offering the finest sushi, including maki rolls and sashimi, as well as the usual Japanese soups and salads, along with a fabulous range of desserts to boot, Mori Sushi has, according to our reviewer, not only become the top sushi restaurant in Cairo, but has “earned a spot among the city’s best restaurants. Menu is medium expensive. Due to its small size it is advisable to reserve a table and keep to groups no larger than six.Tel: (02) 2735 6730
Maharani, Zamalek: The Le Pacha boat spiced up its array of international eateries this year with the opening of Maharani. Guests are greeted with popular Indian music, a tantalizing aroma of Indian spices and an eyeful of interesting décor (“It s like walking into the set of a Bollywood movie, our reviewer said). Maharani’s Indian chefs have put together an alluring menu utilizing their country’s rich culinary heritage. Among other concoctions, Tandoori curries and charcoal oven-baked meats are cooked in sauces of butter and tomato with cumin, coriander and fenugreek. The aromas are an experience in themselves. Freshly baked nan bread accompanies, and is perfect for those who like hands-on eating. Menu is medium expensive; booking necessary; the more people the better.Tel: (02) 2735 6730
Buddha Bar, Gezirah:In addition to its branches in Sharm El-Sheikh and more recently Hurghada, the popular avant-garde restaurant/nightclub Buddha Bar opened up shop in the Sofitel hotel at the tip of Gezirah. With its trademark Asian fusion food, great selection of cocktails, outlandish interior design, and chill-out tunes, Buddha Bar is an exciting new addition to both Cairo’s dining and clubbing scenes. Menu is expensive; restaurant reservations advisable; accommodates groups of any size. Tel: (02) 2737 3737
The Grill, Downtown: This popular French eatery closed for renovations in 2005 only to reopen this year a changed restaurant. Its old-world elegance may have given way to a chic and modern interior, but The Grill has retained its class – and its prices. With classical piano playing in the background, and with a great view looking out over the Nile, guests enjoy unpretentious French cuisine, including simple but delicious beef, chicken and seafood dishes. Menu is very expensive; best suited to groups no larger than four; reservations necessary.Tel: (02) 2795 7171
