Whether you want to reward yourself for a day’s work well done, or for no particular reason at all, just slip along to Mantis. If your timing is right, you can catch the sun sinking down behind the majestic Pyramids from the 19th floor of this Garden City location. Add a few sharing plates of Mantis’s stellar cuisine, amiable company, a cocktail or two, and life should be just about perfect.
Chef Haya Issa, although young, has several years of international and Michelin-starred restaurant experience tucked under her belt. She is currently bringing global soul food to Mantis in Garden City, Cairo. Her impressive team at Mantis helps express her ecological beliefs. Chef Issa feels a social responsibility to decrease her carbon footprint (foodprint!) and this is expressed in the Mantis menu with the concept of working with organic local farmers to showcase seasonal ingredients through creative sharable plates.
Type of cuisine & Signature Dishes
Innovative, globally-inspired dishes that showcase the freshness and flavor of local produce at its best. Vegans and vegetarians are not forgotten either, there are treats in store.
Signature dishes include the Chimichurri Beef Tenderloin, Mantis Poutine, Chermoula Eggplant, Smashed Pebble Potatoes, Pistachio Chicken, Grilled Chicken Skewers and Mantis Chocolate Truffles.
Dishes Sampled
One of the many joys of Mantis is being able to order a selection of dishes to be shared. We launched into the evening with a plate of Roumi Cheese Puffs. Who doesn’t love a churro, and when they come with flavor-packed roumi wafers and an intense dipping sauce, so much the better. The Garden Salad, with a fresh combination of lettuce, baby arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber and mushroom, lightly dressed with an orange and balsamic dressing came alongside a generous platter of Oriental Beef Carpaccio, enhanced by a garnish of sprouted lentils, arugula and lemon vinaigrette.
We loved the Fish Croquettes, served with citrus-y zucchini, black sesame seed and green curry, as well as the Grilled Chicken Skewers with a creamy herb dip. The Mantis Poutine was a new experience, but the carb-packed delight that was dreamed up in the 1950’s by some inspired Quebec foodies went down in a flash. Fries, pulled beef brisket, gravy, gooey cheese, spicy harissa and ranch dressing? You bet!
Even the simple potato has been elevated to new levels. The Smashed Pebble Potato with Garlic Confit, well-scrubbed skins intact, delivered on texture and flavor. We also loved the Creamy Mashed Potato with Caramelized Roasted Garlic, as well as the Chermoula Eggplant, light and fresh with pomegranate, yoghurt and bulgur.
We couldn’t pass up on the Chimichurri Beef Tenderloin and perfectly cooked Pan Seared Fillet of Seabass. A big plus for us was the total lack of the ubiquitous use of heavy, congealed nondescript sauces that seem prevalent in so many establishments. All food ingredients at Mantis shine by allowing the natural flavors to be showcased.
Capping off a gastronomic journey and thoroughly enjoyable evening, we nibbled our way through a plate of Mantis’s signature truffles. The chocolate-y deliciousness sealed the deal for us. We will be back soon, very soon…
Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages
The few items we didn’t try! The Spareribs are a winter inclusion on the menu.
Beverage options include amazing cocktails, plus tap and bottled beer and wine. Soft drinks and juices for those who prefer.
Décor & Ambience
Lots of black, industrial feel with natural wood and a veritable jungle of greenery. And, lest we forget, the panoramic view over the Nile and Cairo.
Ambience is relaxed and clubby, with music pitched to allow conversation. It will amp up later in the evenings though.
Clientele Mix & Price Range
Business professionals, groups of friends, late 20s upwards. Chic and urbane. Price range is moderate, thanks to the intelligent use of local produce where possible.
Top Tip! Follow Mantis on Facebook for updates on the music scene and DJs you can catch.
Contact Information
Opening hours: 5 pm to 1 am, Thursday and Friday until 2 am. Closed on Sunday.
Address: 9 Rostom St, Garden City – Top Floor – Cairo Capital Club Building
Tel: 0100 178 8807
Facebook & Instagram: mantiscairo
