This year has been one that’s full of a lot of happenings. Luckily, it also witnessed the popping up of new venues and restaurants that have satisfied our taste buds and given our bellies an interesting trip across the globe. Let’s reflect on our weekend pick faves of 2016 and take a stroll down memory lane with these newly opened venues!
1- Le Deck, Zamalek 
Le Deck’s rustic wooden deck is built atop the Nile where you can enjoy a full panoramic view of our wondrous river. With its prime location at Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah, the view is definitely the star here and is probably the reason why Le Deck is very popular. The menu, however, is equally divine with an assortment of French and Japanese fusion cuisine. If you’re a lover of all things beef, you will definitely find satisfaction in their Veal Tartare!
2- Battaw, Heliopolis
The name Battaw comes from an Egyptian flatbread and is definitely Battaw’s specialty. The food was an absolute delight for our stomachs because the restaurant offers all the classic favourites of Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine, just like mama makes it! Including Wara’a 3enab and Ma7shi Koromb! Their mezzas were very addictive, but we truly enjoyed their Hawawshi that was spiced to perfection.
3- El Chico, New Cairo
El Chico is a typical family restaurant which has a particularly homey feel to it. The restaurant’s walls are lined with Aztec plates and the red brick interior gives the place a cozy feel. Served on a sizzling skillet with sour cream and pico de gallo on the side, their chicken and beef Fajita combo will have you hungry for more!
4- Pier 88, Zamalek
Much like its other branch, the food at Pier 88 is enough to satisfy any gourmand. We personally enjoyed their succulent scallops. The restaurant is known for its popular branch on the Marina in Gouna, and we’re ecstatic to have it on our waterfront right here in Cairo at The Imperial boat in Zamalek.
5- Mo Bistro, Mohandiseen
The space looks particularly edgy and will surely be a haunt for trendy Cairenes. What we particularly enjoyed was the plating which was totally different and added a whole new dimension to the dining experience. Here, we enjoyed a sample of their glazed chicken which was especially tender and cooked to perfection. The glaze was sweet and tangy, and was a great complement to the chicken.
6- Breezes, Downtown
The great thing about Breezes is the view and there’s nothing more picturesque than a full view of the Nile and all the surrounding buildings. Located in the Ramses Hilton, the lights, glitz and glamour combined with the amazing weather that comes with being by the river bank makes this the ultimate hangout spot of the season. Breezes’ menu is primarily centered on beverages; you can find a whole slew of cocktails and mocktails to sip on while you lounge. But there is also an oriental grill where you can nibble and munch on your favourite classics.
7- Izakaya, Sheikh Zayed
Nestled in Guezira Plaza at the heart of Sheikh Zayed, this restaurant brings Nikkei Japanese cuisine to the area. Nikkei cuisine is a combination of Peruvian and Japanese food. This fusion of flavors puts together the tangy spices of South America with the technique and presentation of Japan to bring you a truly unique dish.
8- Tavolino, Zamalek
Tavolino brings a modern take on Italian dishes. The restaurant’s design emphasises that modernity with leather seating, geometric mirrors and white washed walls of brick complemented with romantic lighting. We recommend you try the Ossobuco Di Vitello, a veal shank braised in tomatoes and coupled with Saffron Risotto.
9- Nineteen Twenty Five, Downtown
Despite the days of the speakeasies of the the 1920’s being long gone, Nineteen Twenty Five, a bar, restaurant and self proclaimed speakeasy located in the Fairmont Nile City has risen to the occasion to bring to Cairo the old Gatsby-esque days of the the jazzin’ twenties. We absolutely fell in love with their starter of Pan-seared Tuna perfectly marinated in miso and orange spices.
So, where will you be going to next year?
