La Bodega is definitely one of the nicer restaurants in Zamalek. Classy, tasteful and with fine cuisine, it feels like you’re stepping out of the busy traffic and city into a European high-end bistro restaurant.
La Bodega boasts fine European fare, with an excellent selection of seafood, pastas and meats. It also specializes in aperitivos (50EGP/US$7 and upwards). The restaurant has stylish décor and attracts upper class young Egyptians and international visitors. The high ceilings, dark walls and glowing crystal chandeliers all add to the feeling of luxury. It is definitely a unique experience in Cairo! Yet, the restaurant has a definite charm, with its blend of European artwork and plush upholstery.
The staff were excellent and very attentive. Whilst we were deciding our orders (which took quite a long time, as the menu options all seemed fantastic) we were brought a nice selection of breads with olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette and Parmesan. For starters I had octopus, which, although nice, I thought could have been a little tastier. For my main course I had a beef fillet which was cut, seasoned and grilled perfectly. It was served on a bed of fresh spinach with cherry tomatoes and with roast potato. It was very, very tasty, and cooked perfectly.
Whilst the restaurant is not cheap, you definitely pay for what you get – an excellent opportunity to relax and be treated to great service and delicious food. The only real problem we had was finding the restaurant. This up-market gem is well hidden! It is on the first floor of a dodgy looking building (confusingly labeled “Baehler’s Mansions”) next to a café (Cilantro). Once I walked into the building I passed a side room with two local Egyptian men wearing traditional clothes and eating off newspaper on the floor, before heading up the stairs (you are still not sure at this point whether you’re in the correct building) before seeing a sign and the main wooden doors to the restaurant. However, once inside it’s definitely worth the search!
Expert Review
La Bodega is definitely one of the nicer restaurants in Zamalek. Classy, tasteful and with fine cuisine, it feels like...
La Bodega is definitely one of the nicer restaurants in Zamalek. Classy, tasteful and with fine cuisine, it feels like you’re stepping out of the busy traffic and city into a European high-end bistro restaurant.
La Bodega boasts fine European fare, with an excellent selection of seafood, pastas and meats. It also specializes in aperitivos (50EGP/US$7 and upwards). The restaurant has stylish décor and attracts upper class young Egyptians and international visitors. The high ceilings, dark walls and glowing crystal chandeliers all add to the feeling of luxury. It is definitely a unique experience in Cairo! Yet, the restaurant has a definite charm, with its blend of European artwork and plush upholstery.
The staff were excellent and very attentive. Whilst we were deciding our orders (which took quite a long time, as the menu options all seemed fantastic) we were brought a nice selection of breads with olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette and Parmesan. For starters I had octopus, which, although nice, I thought could have been a little tastier. For my main course I had a beef fillet which was cut, seasoned and grilled perfectly. It was served on a bed of fresh spinach with cherry tomatoes and with roast potato. It was very, very tasty, and cooked perfectly.
Whilst the restaurant is not cheap, you definitely pay for what you get – an excellent opportunity to relax and be treated to great service and delicious food. The only real problem we had was finding the restaurant. This up-market gem is well hidden! It is on the first floor of a dodgy looking building (confusingly labeled “Baehler’s Mansions”) next to a café (Cilantro). Once I walked into the building I passed a side room with two local Egyptian men wearing traditional clothes and eating off newspaper on the floor, before heading up the stairs (you are still not sure at this point whether you’re in the correct building) before seeing a sign and the main wooden doors to the restaurant. However, once inside it’s definitely worth the search!