Situated in the fashionable but run-down upper-middle class neighbourhood of Mohandiseen, Cedars has the atmosphere of a restaurant that, like its area, has seen better days. It’s still popular with the smartly dressed locals and Gulf Arabs for the shisha and soft drinks but the Lebanese food is very disappointing for such a high price tag. There’s a nice terrace with fans but the décor is a bit dated. No alcohol is served.
The best thing about the food is the bread: Cedars has the best manaouche (flat and fluffy Lebanese bread) in Cairo. Sadly, the meal goes downhill from there. The hummus was bitter, the fattoush salad was sour with too much lemon, the shrimp in garlic sauce was tasty but tough, and the mixed grill was small with poor quality meat.
After the starters and mains, I didn’t feel like bothering with a dessert and didn’t get round to it anyway because there was a power cut. This is a common occurrence in Cairo, but restaurants with Cedars’ prices and reputation should have generators.
I left feeling sorry for the friendly staff who work for a management who are clearly only concerned with making a profit. If I feel like having Lebanese food in the future, I’ll be heading to Sequoia or Tabouleh for excellent food at the same price and better atmosphere, or Estoril for a more laid back and affordable meal.
Expert Review
Situated in the fashionable but run-down upper-middle class neighbourhood of Mohandiseen, Cedars has the atmosphere of a restaurant that, like...
Situated in the fashionable but run-down upper-middle class neighbourhood of Mohandiseen, Cedars has the atmosphere of a restaurant that, like its area, has seen better days. It’s still popular with the smartly dressed locals and Gulf Arabs for the shisha and soft drinks but the Lebanese food is very disappointing for such a high price tag. There’s a nice terrace with fans but the décor is a bit dated. No alcohol is served.
The best thing about the food is the bread: Cedars has the best manaouche (flat and fluffy Lebanese bread) in Cairo. Sadly, the meal goes downhill from there. The hummus was bitter, the fattoush salad was sour with too much lemon, the shrimp in garlic sauce was tasty but tough, and the mixed grill was small with poor quality meat.
After the starters and mains, I didn’t feel like bothering with a dessert and didn’t get round to it anyway because there was a power cut. This is a common occurrence in Cairo, but restaurants with Cedars’ prices and reputation should have generators.
I left feeling sorry for the friendly staff who work for a management who are clearly only concerned with making a profit. If I feel like having Lebanese food in the future, I’ll be heading to Sequoia or Tabouleh for excellent food at the same price and better atmosphere, or Estoril for a more laid back and affordable meal.