Authentic Italian Cuisine by the Nile at Nile Ritz Carlton’s Vivo.
Head Chef Antonia and Sous Chef Carmine create Italian classics under the guidance of twice Michelin-starred Chef Oliver Glowig.
Ambiance: A rustic Italian ambiance with a panoramic view of the Nile.
Type of cuisine: Handcrafted Italian cuisine complemented by seasonal flavors and locally sourced produce creating specialized unique dishes that give you an explosion of color and taste.
Signature dishes: A variety of pastas to suit all palates, including several vegetarian options. The homemade ravioli is a favorite on the menu.
Dishes sampled: We opted to start off this eventful night with the eggplant parmigiana with eggplant filling, layered with cheese and tomato sauce, the perfect choice for any vegetarian. Then we decided to get a little adventurous and dove into the grilled octopus with green beans, and potatoes with pesto; it brought a certain kind of freshness to our table. The veal tonnato, sliced pale pink veal encased in tuna mousse also made a perfect Italian classic summer dish.
Both off us were fans of the home-made ravioli with caciotta cheese, basil and tomato sauce; being one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. The black ink spaghetti with octopus ragout and lobster was a true work of art, slowly cooked to perfection for 90 minutes; the ragout was rich and packed with generous bits of lobster meat. Liguine with basil pesto had a beautiful balance and a delicate boldness to it. All the pastas are made in-house, they have the distinct texture that only fresh pasta has, and it was cooked to perfection.
For the main course we decided to share the seafood mix grill with a tender lobster tail, prawns, scallops, calamari, red tuna fish, potato and spring onions; this was a true seafood foodie feast that let us taste the true character of Italy.
Even though the thought of tackling dessert was a daunting task by this stage, Chefs Antonia and Carmine brought out two of the most beautiful creamy tiramisu, one which was accompanied by coffee foam and the other a pear foam topped with blue berries and cherries and shreds of silver paper, adding a little bit of bling to the dessert. It was the perfect finale to a great meal. It’s safe to say that our taste buds have gotten a more detailed insight into the wonderful country that has inspired Vivo.
Other menu options that appealed: On our next visit we would love to try the beef tenderloin with foie gras, fresh spinach and peanuts. Also the caprese cake with vanilla ice cream and almonds.
Beverages: There is an extensive wine selection, and perfectly mixed cocktails.
Décor: An elegant setting transporting you to the Italian countryside where you’ll get to enjoy rustic Italian cuisine with a view of the city of lights beyond the Nile.
Clientele mix: Whether you come with a friend, or a group of business associates, it will be absolutely great.
Opening hours: From 6pm to last order at 11:30
Address: The Nile Ritz Carlton, 1113 El Street, Nile Corniche
Tel: 02 25778899
Facebook page: The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo
Instagram: The Ritz Carlton
Linguini Pesto
Pesto Sauce
Ingredients: (Makes 5 portions)
- 80 gm Basil
- 50 gm Parmesan cheese
- 30 gm Pecorino Romano cheese
- 30 gm Raw pine nuts (untoasted and unsalted)
- Half a head of garlic
- 200 gm Extra virgin olive oil
For each portion:
- 10 gm Pine nuts for toasting
- 80 gm Linguini (pasta)
- 90 gm Pesto
- 10 gm grated parmesan cheese for serving
Preparation:
Pesto Sauce:
- Wash and dry the basil leaves
- Mix all the ingredients with salt and pepper
Serving:
- Toast the pine nuts
- Put the pesto sauce in a pan without heating
- Season with salt and pepper
- Add the pasta to the pesto
- Garnish with toasted pine nuts and parmesan cheese
