Not your average dining experience

?️ Despite the surge of new restaurants with diverse cuisines that Cairo has witnessed over the past few years, the traditional dining experience will not always cut it for the restless among us. Sometimes, experiential dining is what we are on the lookout for. The good news? Cairo has no shortage of options. This week’s guide is all about leaving casual dining behind, and embracing the unique.

PANORAMIC BITES-

Sometimes a great view is all you need — especially when food is in the picture. In a picturesque city like Cairo, dining options overlooking cityscapes and cultural sites are not hard to come by. However, some are more memorable than others.

#1- Khufus: Located at the Giza plateau, Khufu’s offers an unrivaled dining experience with the great pyramids towering in the background. Elevating the experience even further is award-winning chef Mostafa Seif, who spotlights Egyptian cuisine at its finest. Khufu’s has become a go-to for both tourists and locals alike, offering access to the pyramids all from the comfort of a fine-dining setting.

CUISINE- Egyptian fusion.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find Khufu’s at the Giza plateau.

#2- The Revolving Restaurant: One of the most iconic restaurants in Egypt sits on the 41st floor of the Hilton Cairo Grand Nile Hotel. Just like the name suggests, the restaurant rotates 360-degrees in just under two hours, offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience with a panoramic view of the capital.

CUISINE- International.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find the Revolving Restaurant at the Hilton Cairo Grand Nile Hotel on the Nile Corniche.

FOODTAINMENT-

Great food tastes even greater when there’s live entertainment, and these two spots don’t shy away from putting their own spin on the classic foodtainment formula.

#1- The Grand Theatre: If you’re looking for a special, celebratory night out, The Grand Theatre at Eastown Sodic’s EDNC offers just that and more. It’s the type of place you can’t miss, with its glitzy decor and lighting in full view through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Dinner here comes with a show, where live singers and musicians put on extravagant performances that keep the energy high all night.

CUISINE- International.

WHERE TO FIND IT- The Grand Theatre calls EDNC, New Cairo, home.

#2- Little Ocean: Sometimes when you’re in need of a change of palate, seafood is the way to go. Dining at Little Ocean offers an all-round meet-up with the ocean. On top of a highly rated and diverse menu, the experience simulates a feeling of being under the sea with its blue furniture and wave motifs. The floors hold an even bigger surprise — fish swimming right beneath your feet. To top it off, the restaurant hosts live bands that play every night to set the mood.

CUISINE- Mediterranean seafood.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Little Ocean has two branches, one at Heliopolis’ Meraki Complex, and the other at Open Air Mall in Madinaty — though if you want the full experience, go for the former.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES-

In F&B, anything is possible. These next spots test the limits of what a dining experience can entail, bringing a great deal of imagination to your plates.

#1- Le Petit Chef: Have you ever encountered theater and fine dining side by side? At Le Petit Chef, storytelling and exceptional flavors join forces for one of the most unique dining experiences enjoyed worldwide. You get to watch in amusement while a tiny 3D chef comes to life on your plate and scrambles to prepare your meal in real-time through captivating, top-notch animation. You’re guaranteed to fall in love with the food — and the tiny chef himself.

CUISINE- French.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find Le Petit Chef at the Four Seasons First Nile Boat in Giza.

#2- Mamushka: Defining itself as a full-on dining experience rather than just a restaurant, Mamushka caters to those of us who find joy in cooking. Inspiring warmth and wholesomeness through its exclusive cooking classes and private dining experiences, Mamushka encourages guests to be with their loved ones in an interactive, one of a kind dining experience. Whether you’re looking for an intimate evening with your friends and family or craving the joy of making your own food, Mamushka is the spot for a memorable dining out experience.

CUISINE- Italian and international.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Mamushka is located in Maadi's Abraj El Diblomaseyeen street.

#3- Dans le Noir: Another global favorite, Dans Le Noir is a restaurant that purely serves our sensory worlds. Dining in complete darkness may sound a bit scary, but the experience — guided by visually impaired staff — invites you to reinvigorate your taste buds, blocking the visual world for an emphasis on taste.

CUISINE- International and Middle Eastern.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find Dans le Noir by the pyramids at Hadayek el Ahram, Khufu Gate, Giza.