If your alibi is the place you need to get away to, chill out and escape your problems, then this new pub-style bar and restaurant overlooking the Nile in Zamalek is a great new discovery. Check out more photos of cuisine and the venue at the end of our review!
Type of Cuisine & Dishes Sampled
A thoughtfully constructed menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, mains and desserts, all elevated to gourmet status. The menu features verything from tapas to sushi with some favorite main dishes thrown in.
On a very warm night it was a pleasant relief to be served a long, thirst quenching mojito from the comprehensive list of cocktails from the bar, garnished with fresh mint and with a nice kick to it. Their own ‘Alibi’ signature drink is also a must-try: vodka, fresh rosemary, fresh ginger, blue Curacao syrup and club soda – a gorgeous taste sensation.
With such a varied menu it was hard to know which way to go, but we decided to leave the extensive sushi menu on the side and chose a couple of hot appetizers: Goat Cheese Gratin, which came on toasted bread, and a standard Egyptian dish, Chicken Liver; so delicious I couldn’t help but ask for the recipe. Tangy and rich in a liberal sauce, this version doesn’t even need pomegranate to make it irresistible.
We also ordered the Rocca Salad, which came with shaved parmesan and fresh mushrooms, tossed in a sharp balsamic dressing.
There are main dishes here from just about every type of cuisine, Italian pasta, Asian sweet and sour chicken, to standard favourites such as Salmon Fillet and Veal Parmesan. We tried the Shrimp Curry which came in a coconut milk sauce with pineapple, not overly spicy but generous with the prawns, and a satisfyingly creamy Linguine Alfredo with mushrooms.
Other Menu items that Appealed & Beverage Options
Thai Chicken Soup, Seafood Risotto with crab, shrimp, and the calamari and mussels all sound appealing.
Beverage options include special in-house cocktails, spirits, a comprehensive list of local wines and beers at very reasonable prices, delicious fresh juices, soft drinks and a full range of hot drinks.
Décor & Ambience
Alibi offers a deconstructed pub atmosphere with brick, metal and wood accents, low lighting, a choice of high tables or comfortable lounging chairs, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the Nile. Indoor seating also has an additional 40 stools at the bar, and a spectacular Nile view from the whole room.
Alibi boasts a relaxed vibe with TV screens screening live sports events, and low level music playing on the speakers featuring a variety of genres. Live music nights are also available most weekends, ranging from Oriental music, cover band and tribute nights, and club nights.
Clientele mix: Ranging from the young and lively, to families, groups and couples.
Top Tip: Once the summer crowd come back to Cairo in September, Alibi Bar will start serving brunch on Saturdays, offering a great way to hang out with friends at the weekend. Take-out is an option, but there is no home delivery or catering.
Contact Information
Opening hours: 2 pm to 2 am.
Address: The Imperial Boat, Zamalek
Tel: 0122 144 9449
