?This restaurant feels like you’re stepping into a memory. Almeria, tucked away in Downtown Cairo near Radio Cinema, isn’t just another Mediterranean resto-café — it’s an experience wrapped in nostalgia. From the homey carpets to the delicate vintage cutlery, everything whispers of your grandma's home. That charm extends to the food itself, where everything is carefully sourced.

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But there's something worth noting: The portions are tiny. We suggest ordering more than you normally would, especially since the restaurant is still in its soft opening phase.

Small plates, big flavours: First up in the aperitifs was the ringa caesar salad, reinventing a classic with an Egyptian twist — smoky ringa strips replace the usual anchovies, while crispy, golden roumi cheese croquettes add richness and crunch. It’s bold, different, and surprisingly well balanced.

Among the hot mezze, the makanek with lentils stands out. This dish takes the Armenian style sausages and pairs them with an unexpected carrot and qamar el din puree — topped with stewed lentils. The natural sweetness of the puree contrasts well with the spiced makanek. But the Eggplant Milanese was the true highlight. Thick golden slices of eggplant, fried to crisp perfection, rest atop a bed of black garlic labneh. It was hearty and indulgent, and we just couldn't get enough of it.

The mains will leave you wanting more (literally): The Armenian manti arrives with all the rich, meaty flavours you’d hope for — but the portion size is disappointing, even when ordering the large. A few delicate dumplings simply don't feel like enough. The Moroccan chicken pastilla is no better — the sweet spiced chicken filling and crisp puff pastry exterior was divine, but its biscuit-sized portion makes it more of a taster than a satisfying meal.

The only dish that was generously portioned was the manouche with za’atar and olives. Baked over firewood, we knew it would be — and was — baked to perfection. It had a crisp yet pillowy texture that complemented the earthy za’atar and briny olives.

Ending on a sweet note: Just when you thought you know what to expect from dessert, the dessert changes the game. While this dish presents the thick, creamy pudding of a traditional muhallebiya, the twist is in the topping: juicy mango pieces and flower petals. These additions elevated a traditionally simple dish beyond what we could’ve imagined.

It’s a charming contradiction that's worth the visit: Warm, inviting and full of flavor, yet pricey and modest in portion sizes. If you’re making the trip to Downtown Cairo, come for the experience. The food is beautifully cooked and well thought out, but if you’re hungry, be prepared to order multiple plates.

? Per person: EGP 1k to EGP 2k

? Outdoor seating: No

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

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