- new york times chinese restaurant review hot dish2

The restaurant environment in Cairo is improving every year.
In addition to many Egyptian restaurants in all price ranges, the city is also a great place to sample other Middle Eastern cuisine.
Fresh fish are local specialties ordered by pound from the display and cooked in order.
Now there are many nice Italian, Swiss, French and Asian restaurants in Cairo.
Muslims don't eat pork, and restaurants rarely serve it.
Drinking is also prohibited by strict Muslims;
Most restaurants, however, serve at least wine and beer.
In most of the places listed, the main credit card (
Visa, MasterCard and American Express)
Accepted, but it is better to call first to confirm.
No reservation is required unless otherwise stated.
Here is a sample survey of restaurants in town.
Depending on the cost of the dinner, it is expected to be paid within these general guidelines, excluding drinks, taxes or tips: $ = less than 50; $$ = £E 50-£E 100;
$ = Over £ 100.
This is a sophisticated place frequented by upstarts in Cairo. Good French-
This is a great bar. Live music. Open noon-3 am. $$. Al-Nil St. (Giza), Cairo. Phone 335-5552.
If you are a wealthy, stylish young man in Cairo, this is a place to see and be seen.
The bodyguards at the door ensure a selective atmosphere.
Although the food was good, it was the live music and lively atmosphere that attracted the audience.
Open daily at noon2:30 am. $$$.
Most credit cards.
11221 Marina al-Nil (
Zamalek, opposite the World Trade Center), Cairo. Phone 579-9678 or 579-6512.
This bar/restaurant has experienced several avatars before solving the current problem: a party scene.
This is a group of trendy foreigners in a hot little space.
Weekly activities include salsa night, Russian night, deejay night and Mexican night.
Special catering corresponds to the theme of the night.
Thursday night is essential for preclub warm-up crowd. Lots of fun. $-$$.
No credit card. 32Jeddah St. (Mohandiseen), Cairo. Phone 361-6888.
This Grill is located on the second floor of the semirams hotel, with stunning views of the Nile River and first-class service.
Taste New French cuisine such as shrimp wrapped in wontons and Parmesan crust and black beef filet. olive sauce.
Open at seven o'clock P. M. every night-midnight.
Booking is recommended. $$$.
Most credit cards.
Inter Milan-
Continental Marina AvenueNil (Garden City), Cairo. Phone 355-7171.
Named after the trendy suburbs of Beirut, this open-
The air restaurant and bar by the Nile is the best and most authentic Lebanese cuisine in Cairo.
The service is fast and subtle, and the Middle East Live music is fantastic.
From the traditional hummus to the less traditional hendaba, a series of Lebanese meze begins.
If there is any space available, you can choose a delicious meat main course.
Finally, watermelon, ice cream and Turkish coffee are served. Open noon-midnight. $$$.
Most credit cards. Corniche al-
Opposite the World Trade Center in Cairo. Phone 575-9709.
Justine's leather armchairs and clever service make this an exquisite and international place.
The chicken in the pineapple and pepper curry sauce and the beef in the bonanza sauce are two highlights.
Save space for the warm apple pie. Open daily 1-3 pm and 8-11 pm. $$$.
Most credit cards.
In four corners of Hassan Sabri Street 4. (Zamalek), Cairo. Phone 341-2961.
Khan Khalili restaurant/Naguib Mahfouz cafe is the only good place for Khan al-
This is a restaurant and cafe run by the Oberoi chain, named after the famous Nobel Prize.
The award-winning writer who used to eat there almost every day.
The service is impeccable and the Middle Eastern food is excellent. The atmosphere here complements the five foods.
Enjoy a good meal or a quick meal at Naguib Mahfouz cafe in front of the restaurant.
Open daily at noonmidnight.
Dinner is recommended. $$.
Most credit cards. 5 Sekket al-
Khan al BayeKhalili, Cairo. Phone 590-3788 or 593-2262.
Le chateau Grill, a high-end French restaurant, is a favorite for business people, probably because the wooden paneling environment is quiet and the service is thoughtful.
The menu tends to eat red meat and seafood.
Taste the warm pieces of lobster, shrimp and scallops with cream dill sauce;
Finally, the pine cones baked in Grand Marnier. Open noon-11:30 pm.
Dinner is recommended.
Jacket is needed. $$$.
Most credit cards. Al-
Al-Nast BuildingNil St. (Giza), Cairo. Phone 348-5321.
In an intimate and comfortable atmosphere, les trifries has an elegant meal, perfect for special celebrations and romantic nights. The view of the Nile is very peaceful.
There are a lot of French food here: the orange ducks are great, and the pastries and desserts are delicious.
Open daily at noon3 am. $$$.
Most credit cards. Corniche al-Nil (
Opposite the World Trade Center), Cairo. Phone 579-6511.
Moghul room is not only the best Indian food in Cairo, but also the best food.
This restaurant is located opposite the pyramid. the excellent Mena House Oberoi hotel offers unparalleled service.
Large portions.
We recommend everything on the menu without a doubt, but it is recommended that you be sure to leave room for kulfi (
Indian ice cream).
Live Indian music is played at a volume suitable for dining and talking.
Open at 12: 30 a day-
At 2: 45 p. m. and 7: 30-11:45 pm.
Booking is recommended. $$$.
Most credit cards.
Oberoix House Hotel
Harlem Street, CairoPhone 383-3222.
This is a restaurant serving kebabs and kofta dishes. it has been in business for more than 60 years.
There are pigeons, lamb chops and grilled chicken on the menu.
Provide the most basic Egyptian food in a friendly atmosphere. $.
No credit card. 3 al-Alfi St. (downtown), Cairo. Phone 577-1888. El-Popular (and packed)
The most popular local restaurant, kosheri, rice, lentils, and pasta are mixed with hot sauce.
This is why locals and tourists come from all over the city.
Upstairs is a vegetarian cafe with a pool table and coffee corner.
Open 24 hours a day. $.
No credit card. 6 al-Gazar St. (
Mohandiseen, near Atlas Hotel), Cairo. Phone 345-2387.
Felfela grill is part of a chain restaurant in Cairo that specializes in the following restaurantsto-
Egyptian food on Earth.
Very good (and cheap)is fuul (bean dish)
Pour oil or eggs.
The downtown branch is the most convenient for visitors.
Interior: pure kitsch.
Guests range from designer in costume to galabiya-clad. Daily 7 am-12:30 am. $.
No credit card.
15 Hoda salad Street(
City center, near Plaza Talat Harb), Cairo. Phone 392-2833.
If you want to taste real Cairo, Ghash Lodge will go to this fuul restaurant, which is famous for providing the best beans in town.
Fuul comes with a variety of ingredients, salads and bread.
Guests sit at a table set out on the street outside.
This place is open to four o'clock A. M. , only after midnight, when (it seems)
All the Cairo people hang out on the street and chat while eating. Shisha (
Water pipes with tobacco)
Soft drinks are provided without alcohol.
Speak a little English.
About five minutes by taxi from the city center. No phone. $.
Marassina Street (Sayeda Zeinab), Cairo.
Samakmakfish lovers should try Samakmak, the famous Alexander restaurant Cairo branch.
There is a friendly atmosphere and a selection of fresh fish;
You can choose from a large counter.
Taste a selection of baked and smeared in Samakmak's famous spice mixture.
Fresh and delicious Middle Eastern salad, rice and pasta are served at each meal.
Open at ten o'clock A. M. daily-5 am. $$.
No credit card.
92 Ahmed Alabi Street(Mohandiseen), Cairo. Phone 347-8232.
The disco party ball and the wall paper of the group may be cheesy, but the food at this upscale Chinese restaurant is serious.
The food here comes from many regions, of which Sichuan is probably the most popular.
The waiter is highly efficient and has a casual attitude. The free appetizer will increase your appetite.
Sweet and sour taste is actually sweet and sour, unlike modern art.
Please note, however, that the portion size is small. 7:30-11:30 pm. $$.
Most credit cards.
In Four Corners, 4 Hassan Sabri Street. (Zamalek), Cairo. Phone 341-2961.
If you like Korean cuisine, try it here.
Decorated restaurant.
All foods start with instant noodles, sauerkraut dishes, fried tofu, black beans and other vegetables.
Continue to pulgogi and cook beef strips on your table.
Both hot and cold soup are great.
Zamalek hotel on the Nile. Daily noon-10 pm. $.
No credit card. 21 Maahad al-Swissry St. (Zamalek), Cairo. Phone 341-9734.
The best of candaha-
The restaurant is kept secret in the town, hidden on the first floor of a building in the city center, with a glass elevator outside.
Owned and operated by the same Oberoi chain, which operates a valueable Moghul Room at the Mena House Oberoi hotel, but the location may be easier for visitors to arrive
The food here is very tasty, the staff is efficient, and the atmosphere is calm and elegant.
In Kandahar, the Ministry of Agriculture and animal husbandry, paneer makhani and cream buns are especially delicious.
Open daily at noonmidnight. $$.
Most credit cards. 3 Gamaat al-Dowel, al-Arabia Street (Mohandiseen), phone 303-0615.
Authentic Sichuan cuisine cooked by Chinese chefs.
The hot and sour soup is the best. the main course, especially the sweet and sour shrimp, is delicious.
Elegant environment, exquisite furniture, first-class service.
Open daily at noonmidnight. $$.
Most credit cards.
Hilton hotel Ramms, 1115 Corniche al-Nil (downtown), phone 575-8000.
Authentic Japanese like when they came.
The fish is very fresh and the sushi is well prepared.
Taste seven different kinds of sushi selected by the chef, or a light and tender teppanyaki of fish and vegetables.
Open daily at noon3 pm and 6 pm-midnight. $$$.
Most credit cards.
1191 Corniche al-ground floor, World Trade CenterNil, phone 578-5161.
Operated by Marriott, this hotel is one of the most elegant cruising restaurants on the Nile.
Daily cruise 8-Ten o'clock P. M. and eleven o'clock P. M-
A la carte menu selection for live entertainment is included at one o'clock A. M.
Lunch cruise on Friday. Sunday 2:30-4:30 pm. $$$.
Most credit cards.
If you need to book, please call 340-8888, ext. 8340.
The boat stops across from Cairo Marriott hotel.
The ship, run by the Oberoi hotel chain, is one of the best dinner cruises in town. Fixed-
The price menu includes five main courses, salad and desert bar.
The food was good but the two bars were the best.
Great entertainment including belly dancing and folk performances.
Pharaoh decoration makes you happy.
Dinner cruise at 8: 45 and ten o'clock P. M. every day.
Lunch Cruise at 2: 30 a day and 4: 30 p. m. $$.
Most credit cards.
If you need to book, please call 570-1000. 31 al-Nil St. (Giza).
Carabi is one of the oldest and most famous cruising restaurants in the city.
Buffet restaurant with international flavor.
Both appetizers and entrees are good (
Meat, chicken and fish)
And delicious desserts.
Middle East dance performance with belly dance.
The deck is the place after sunset aperitif
Digest dinner.
Cruise ship 2: 30 per day-4 pm, 7:30-
At 9: 30 p. m. and ten o'clock P. M-midnight. $$.
Most credit cards.
If you need to book, please call 354-3198.
The boat stops in front of the Shepheard Hotel on Ocean RoadNil (Garden City).
A smooth private restaurant with a floor-
Classic French cuisine, arrogant waiters.
Delicious beef slices, creamy white bean soup, smoked duck slices and delicious asparagus prawns.
Professional service, experienced.
Open at 7: 30 per night-11:30 pm. $$$.
Most credit cards.
Le Meridien Cairo, Corniche al-Nil (Garden City), phone 362-1717. ITALIAN (
Pizza shop included)
With a soothing peach color scheme and live piano music, the upscale, relaxed Italian language of rosini piano is enhanced.
There's an open
On a warm night, the outdoor seating is in the air.
Recommended: squid octopus salad, garlic shrimp, Stone spot with garlic, tiramisu.
It's a good idea to book.
Open at one o'clock P. M. daily-1 am. $$$.
Most credit cards. 66 Omar ibn al-Khattab St. , phone 291-8282.
The small and comfortable restaurant attracts fans from all over Cairo.
Delicious pasta, beef and seafood, full bar.
Please note that this place is a bit difficult to find, just keep asking the people on the street for directions.
Open at one o'clock P. M. daily-midnight. $$.
Most credit cards. 32 Jeddah St. (Mohandiseen), phone 335-3273.
This restaurant is popular with almost everyone: wonderful service, delicious food and a happy atmosphere are the perfect choice for a business dinner, romance or even a relaxing meal.
The Antipasto bar offers a variety of appetizers followed by cream pasta and then (perhaps? )
Lamb with rosemaryOpen 1-
Four o'clock P. M. and 6: 30 pm-midnight.
It is recommended to book dinner on weekends. $$.
Most credit cards.
Cairo Marriott HotelZamalek), phone 340-8888.
Information prepared by Weismann travel report©2000 by Reed tourism group.
All rights reserved.