? Granita is easy to walk past — but inside the grounds of the All Saints Church in Zamalek sits a lively cafe. Named after an Italian dessert made of iced water, sugar, and various flavorings, the cafe serves a slew of international dishes representing local, European, American, and Asian cuisine.

Two different experiences up for grabs: Indoors, the color palette is white mixed with dark greens, the tasteful greenery and comfortable seating lends a calm, refined ambiance. On the contrary, the exterior’s warmer browns and blues, wooden furniture, and fun decor offers a casual lounge-like feel. Each affords a rich feeling without being overdone.

Our highlight: the Penne Arrabiata. Literally translating to ‘Angry’ in Italian, this arrabiata is a subtle take on the Italian classic. Although mildly spiced, the rich tomato sauce coating the al-dente penne and fresh olives makes for a tasty dish. Tastier still given it was a sizable portion that arrived within minutes of ordering.

A diner classic: Granita’s BLT sandwich puts a little twist on the vintage snack, replacing the bacon with local pastrami. It works. The salty kick of the pastrami was the ideal counterpoint to the creamy tomato, lettuce, and mayonnaise filling. It’s a good choice for a quick lunch break or study snack to keep your energy rolling throughout the day.

The drinks are worth a try too: The eponymous lemon “granita” is a must on a hot day — just the right mix of zesty lemony goodness and sweetness. We’re excited to return and sample their other granita flavors like the berry and hibiscus. Looking for something a bit heavier? The strawberry milkshake isn’t overly sweet and it comes topped with a hefty mound of whipped cream to spoon out. The shake leans milky rather than fruity, however, so anybody expecting a strong strawberry flavour may be a bit disappointed.

Don’t feel like making the drive to Zamalek? You can find granita in Sheikh Zayed’s Arkan Plaza and Azhar Park. Want the food without the vibes? You can plan an order on Talabat or Elmenus.

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