Zephyrion restaurant , Abu Qir, Alexandria — Restaurant in Alexandria

For 15 years I enjoyed the service, quality and atmospheric charm of Zephyron, watching the last of the cosmopolitan elite of Alexandria enjoy heaping plates of excellent fish and Greek appetizers over bottles of beer in a relaxing environment. GONE, GONE, GONE!!! New management. No more beer with your fish, the manager claims it is a permit issue, however with the presence of a prayer corner in the dining room, I seriously doubt beer will be returning anytime soon. Great place for kids, but definitely not for dining conversation, unless you don't mind shouting over the din of screaming hordes of children running wild while their parents stare zombie-like into their phones. All Greek elements are gone, no feta in the supposedly Greek salad, zero seasoning on the fish, which due to the slow service, is served cold. Bathroom, well. Broken toilet with the previous user's deposit still there, and hand dryers unplugged so you are forced to accept the bathroom attendant's paper towel who of course expect tips. Then there was the outrageous bill which was double compared to the many local (and superior quality) fish restaurants in downtown Alex. If not having a beer with your fish is not a big deal, I recommend Shaaban's fish restaurant in downtown Alex behind the old french market. Better quality for half the price and no 40 minute ride to get there required. R.I.P. original Zephyrion. The only similarity with the old restaurant and the new is the name only. Take down the Greek flag please....

Probably my favorite place in Alexandria. Zephyrion really takes you back to an Alexandrian nostalgia (even if you are pretty young 😬). First, the restaurant is really busy so on weekends so make sure to go early. Sitting outside is a must, the view and atmosphere are amazing. You still get a sense of its Greek heritage with the blue and white tables. To start go pick your own seafood from the fishmonger inside the restaurant, tipping is recommended, and he will help you select your preferences from the fresh catches of the day displayed. They can help you also choose how you would like everything cooked. Food wasn’t very late, and try to not fill up on dips, salads and bread because the seafood is amazing. Fish, shrimps, soups, rice…everything was really good. A big unfortunate thing is the absence of alcohol on the menu which is a very big shame. A beer (or even ouzo) would have been amazing with this whole experience. I hope their management considers doing something about this. Service wise, do not expect a five star service but overall the staff is rather nice. Side tip: try ordering sea urchins (ritza) from the maitre d’hotel. They don’t have it in the restaurant but can send someone to buy some from fishermen close by. They...

An Alexandrian gem.. 40 mins from downtown. What’s good about this place: Location, right by the beach where the sound of waves crashing is the perfect music to listen to while enjoying a flavoursome meal. Interior, still almost the same as when the original owners (a Greek family) established it. Very quaint, white and blue everywhere matching the sky and waves’ palette. Staff is professional and friendly. Food is exquisite, best grilled shrimps in Alexandria and possibly Egypt, very tender and perfectly spiced. Portions are good, prices very reasonable for an iconic seafood restaurant.

What’s not so good about this place:
Alcohol has been removed from the menu since the purchase of the restaurant by an Egyptian family.. and while all you need sometimes with a perfect seafood meal by the beach is a beer, you’ll have to settle for lemon with mint.

All in all an Alexandrian gem , worth the drive and definitely should be on the top of your list if you’re looking for a seafood meal...