The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

To start, we analysed the extensive drinks menu; out of their wide selection of different coffees, teas, hot chocolates, iced teas, fresh juices and smoothies, we picked one lemonade limo (28.50LE); a refreshing concoction of fresh lemon, sparkling lemon, lime and orange juice which turned out to be smooth, sweet and delicious, with all the flavours complementing one another perfectly. We also ordered a mango fountain (34.50LE); a mix of fresh mango, peach and kiwi juice which was also appeasing, thick and smooth, though the peach juice was largely overpowered by strong tasting mango.

The food menu is a mixture of sophisticated, delicious sounding grills, salads, seafood dishes and, catering for the less adventurous, some simpler meals such as pizza, pasta and soups. Shortly after ordering, a bread basket was placed on our table along with three dips; caramelized onions, black olive and green olive paste. All three were amazingly flavourful whilst the bread was fresh and warm. Although we assumed they were a wonderful gift from the restaurant, we did actually have to pay 12.50LE, which we considered a bargain for the quality.

For our starters we went for a creamy chicken soup (32LE) with copious amounts of tender chicken chunks. We also ordered Napoli (39LE) – three fat, gooey sticks of fried mozzarella cheese with a small dish of tasty, juicy, grilled mushrooms and a powerful, herby garlic mayonnaise.

Next, we chose to indulge in cheesy vegi pollo (86.50LE) and BBQ steak with dried apricot and mustard sauce (109.50LE). The food arrived underneath two silver cloches and, after they were removed, generous, perfectly presented dishes were revealed. They tasted as good as they looked; both meats were tender, moist and had a melt-in-the mouth consistency. The sides of rice were perfectly cooked, being neither crispy nor stodgy. The chicken came with a side of soft, buttery vegetables and a creamy cheese sauce. The beef also came with a creamy sauce, flavoured with just the right amount of Dijon mustard and excellently cooked roast potatoes.    

Advised by the tempting photographs of the dessert dishes on the menu, we ordered  chocolate mousse (44.50LE). The layers of whipped cream, chocolate mousse and dark chocolate sponge were topped with hazelnut shavings and came in a tall sundae glass with an extra long spoon to help us get right down to the bottom. Unfortunately, due to the richness – and the size – we could only manage about half of this wonderful creation.

Throughout the meal, the staff were courteous, polite and attentive, always cordially serving the ladies of our group before the men.