Type of cuisine: The menu is a mix of Middle Eastern specialties and international flavors. With high quality ingredients and an experienced head chef, the cuisine can rank with some of the best the city has to offer.
Signature dishes: The succulent slow-cooked lamb we sampled for dinner is the star dish of the new and improved menu.
Dishes sampled: To start we chose the Mezze Platter with an extensive selection of dips: a perfect way to start our evening. Garden Salad was followed by hummus, tahini, labneh, baba ghanoush and baladi bread. The portions were large and tasty, and prepared our palates for more of what the restaurant had to offer. After meeting the chef, he surprised us with a specially prepared Rack of Herb-Crusted Lamb on a bed of vegetables with a side of potato. It would not be an understatement to say that it was the best lamb we have ever had. Mouth-watering, juicy, cooked perfectly, and paired perfectly with its sides. It was almost tear-jerking when it was over. While nothing could compare to dinner, dessert was a delicious Mango and Pomegranate Flan.
Other menu options that appealed: The menu is being re-done as the restaurant is still in its soft-opening phase. The Executive Chef promised a new menu offering creative and fun dishes. The end goal being a rooftop bar and grill serving as a go-to spot for trendsetting Cairenes in Maadi.
Décor: The décor is very simple with dual-use seating that allows guest to enjoy their food and drinks indoor and outdoor. Oversized black lanterns, clean and crisp colors, umbrellas, lounge chairs, mood lighting, and soft jazz give a vacation vibe to the restaurant. The décor inspires a ‘stay-cation’ feel.
Ambience: The ambience is relaxing and laid back. The hotel pool and Nile create the perfect backdrop for an evening out on the town that is relaxing and stress free. The food is upscale, but the ambience is very chill and unpretentious.
Beverages available: Beverages cover a full bar with an extensive wine and cocktail list, in addition to many soft options.
Top Tip: The restaurant is located on the top floor of the Holiday Inn Hotel. The view from the restaurant is breathtaking with a sightline to the Nile and Giza Pyramids in the distance. Timing your visit to the restaurant would allow you to watch the sunset and enjoy some cocktails and appetizers before dinner. Plan to stay a while, have an after dinner shisha overlooking Cairo.
Clientele mix: Hotel guests and local clientele.
Price range: Above average, but the quality and food and menu selection reflects this, so it is well worth parting with the extra money.
Address: 29 Corniche El Nil, Maadi, Cairo
Opening Hours: 10 am -12 am
Tel: 02 25260601
Facebook: Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi
