By: Mariam Elhamy
If it’s a restaurant in Cairo, we’ve got it covered! We feature up to 10 new restaurants in every issue – whether it’s a brand new venue, a new branch of your favorite spot or a new menu to keep the taste buds tingling. Here are some of our top picks for NEW restaurants that opened in Cairo this year – stay tuned for more great reviews like these in 2019!
MaiTa’i at Guezira Plaza
This predominantly Latin American venue opened in September, and we were impressed! Salmon and shrimp feature strongly on the menu, along with meat and poultry, and there are some amazing cocktails as well!
Read our full review of MaiTa’i here!
Mantis in Garden City
Mantis has one of the best views of town and opened its doors in February. Featuring innovative dishes, strictly local ingredient, and a fantastic vantage point of our city – this restaurant has quickly secured a spot on our “recommended” list.
Read our full review of Mantis here!
Aqua in the Nile Ritz Carlton
If the heat and noise of Cairo have you yearning for waving palms, sparkling turquoise water and a soothing breeze, head along to Aqua and be transported. Since May, Aqua offers a large, tranquil garden patio with a spacious designer pool, Aqua is the next best thing to an exotic getaway.
Read our full review of Aqua here!
Monkey bar & Grill in Zamalek
We’re always pleased to hear about new dining spots in the heart of the city, so in November we were delighted to hear that a new gastro-bar was open in Zamalek’s cozy President Hotel. With a menu devised and helmed by a French chef, Monkey Bar & Grill is a welcome addition to the central Cairo dining scene.
Read our full review of Monkey Bar here!
Lyfe in Maadi
Inspired by their travels, the owners of Lyfe have tasted the world and have now poured their shared experiences into this healthy and tasty menu available since March. We visited for an afternoon bite and left satisfied.
Read our full review of Lyfe here!
India along the nile in garden city
The newest addition to Semiramis Intercontinental’s stellar lineup up of restaurants offers hearty Indian food packed with spices and notes from all the vast country and different regional flavors. Head chef Harish Tewari blends unique spice combinations as a part of his craft, creating a blueprint in India Along the Nile you will not find in any other establishment. We visited on a Thursday evening in January to enjoy their authentic cuisine.
Read our full review of India Along the Nile here!
Lucca Steakhouse in Guezira Plaza
If you are a carnivorous individual seeking a haven filled to the brim with every cut of beef known to man, since last December, this place is a slice of heaven. T-Bones, rib-eyes, tomahawks, strip loins, short ribs, back ribs – this place specializes in Black Angus cuts and dry aged beef, a process they showcase upon entry in their eye-catching dry aging climate-control chamber.
Read our full review of Lucca’s Steakhouse here!
Frank & Co in Maadi
Opened in December, we found a place with a chill-out atmosphere to wash away a busy day. Frank & Co presents a menu that is built around the concept of a tapas bar, with a selection of fried, grilled and baked bites perfect for sharing between friends.
Read our full review of Frank & Co here!
Pier88 in Pyramid Hills Compound
Since November, you can expect creative food pairings, contemporary twists to traditional elements, an accolade to global cuisines, created by Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Diana at Pier88. The set-menus with wine pairings created by Chef Giorgio encompass the passion and inspiration that goes into his cooking, so are definitely a ‘must try’.
Read our full review of Pier88 here!
L’Uliveto at Fairmont Nile City
Eager to sample the offerings at Fairmont Nile City Italian fine dining establishment, we visited for a midweek dinner in August and were escorted on a gastronomic journey, with a contemporary twist, into the roots of Italy’s regional dishes.
Read our full review of L’Uliveto here!
Sass in Zamalek
If you’re looking for an evening out with great food, good music, cocktails and a stimulating vibe since the past December this is your place! This new Nile-side venue is fast garnering great reviews and a spectacular Nile view from the whole room.