? Cairo has no shortage of authentic Lebanese restaurants that deliver on all fronts, yet New Cairo’s Ahwet Zeitouna still manages to stand out. With hopes of heavenly stuffed vine leaves, creamy hummus, and fresh lemon mint, we packed up and headed to the Lebanese bistro to see what all the fuss was about. Spoiler: we were not disappointed.

Following the Lebanese tradition of family-style communal dining, Ahwet Zeitouna’s seating arrangements are designed in a way to spark conversation. Warm wooden accents, cozy and simple chairs reminiscent of garden gatherings, and bright neutrals set the tone for the experience. Upon arrival, we were surprised to find Ahwet Zeitouna nearly packed to the brim — considering its culinary neighbors seemed to enjoy some peace and quiet — yet we were lucky enough to snag a table that was suddenly made available. Rested and comfortable, we got to perusing the menu — which you can find on their Instagram.

It’s all that you’d expect out of a Lebanese restaurant, but done right. You’ll find all sorts of Lebanese staples. If you’re going for breakfast, you’ll find falafel, labneh, halloumi (fried or grilled), ful, eggs, and Saj (Lebanese flatbread). We, however, had our eyes (and stomachs) set on lunch. After careful consideration of the menu’s plentiful options, we locked in our answers and ordered kebbeh fatteh, hummus, vine leaves, and a shish tawook platter.

The fatteh was a showstopper, and one we’ll be coming back for again and again. It’s filling, flavorsome, and simply melts in your mouth — clichés ignored. The vine leaves, served cold with pomegranate molasses, is an appetizer you shouldn’t miss. The hummus had the ideal texture — not too thick, not too watery, and the shish tawook delivered as well, though overshadowed by the fatteh, which was the uncontested culinary victor of the day.

Meal devoured and lemon mint savored, we found ourselves lingering at Ahwet Zeitouna. The restaurant makes it hard not to do so. There, you’ll also find non-alcoholic beer, argileh (when in Rome), and a few light desserts (and a couple not-so-light ones).

WHERE TO FIND AHWET ZEITOUNA- You can find the Lebanese bistro at New Cairo’s 5Aby the Waterway. You can also order through Talabat and El Menus.

? Per person: EGP 900-1k

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

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