The restaurant Zeeyara, located in one of trip advisor's best of the best hotels, has food to remember. And while I don't know about other times of year, the atmosphere in December out on the rooftop terrace was absolutely perfect.
For appetizers we started with the camel meatballs; and although camel is usually described as a tough meat with unusual taste, the camel meatballs were some of the best I've ever had. Finely ground camel meat mixed with herbs and spices culminated in a rich flavor, with a slightly grainy texture that simply falls apart in your mouth.
For my entree I ordered the lamb chops, grilled to perfection, which were served on a bed of greens; with cooked vegetables and tzatziki yogurt sauce. The beauty of the presentation though is that each element is delivered in a separate dish; so that you can construct the proportions to your liking.
For my main drink I chose the Date smoothie, which is a milk based beverage with small date chunks, and a pronounced yet not overpowering coconut flavour. This was served with a date on the rim. The dates were in small enough chunks that they did not become lodged in the straw, and they added a nice sweet bite.
For dessert, the Zeeyara pie was a favorite amongst the guests at my table. Reminiscent of a toaster pastry with a light yet uniform outer shell with a sponge cake texture, it was filled with a sweet cream filling. Served warm it was very good.
The date pie consisted of an outer pastry shell, filled with a simple mixture of softened whole dates. With a warm flavour and temperature, it was soothing and easy to eat. Since the restaurant is on a terrace, it also had...
Read moreThis rooftop restaurant is a hidden gem in Old Cairo, perched above Khan El Khalili on Al-Muizz Street. It offers a truly authentic experience with breathtaking views. You can hear the lively streets below—the hum of conversation, the rhythm of music, and the call to prayer—yet still feel like you’re in your own serene escape.
The ambiance is unique, with tables made from upcycled wooden doors, adding to the character of the place. As for the food, every dish is exceptional. Their rice tagine (الرز المعمر) is a must-try—rich and flavorful. The hummus, falafel paste, and kofta are outstanding, and the lamb ouzi is simply delicious. They also serve stuffed duck, pigeon, and chicken, each cooked to perfection.
For dessert, their special basbousa is unforgettable, served on its own or with rice pudding, wheat pudding, ice cream, and dragon beard candy—a unique treat you won’t find everywhere.
A truly remarkable spot with incredible food and an atmosphere that captures the magic of Old Cairo. Highly...
Read moreWow. Just wow. The service was impeccable and the food was incredible. Do not miss out on Zeeyara for a fine dining experience and taste of authentic Egyptian cuisine.
It is tricky to find (just look for the Riad Hotel)—Uber dropped us off on the main street because the restaurant is in a pedestrian-only section, through the khan el Khalil bazaar, so we had to walk and find our own way (about ten min from our drop off). We got pretty lost but I was able to WhatsApp the restaurant and received prompt responses that helped us find the way and we were so glad we didn’t give up!!
The hosts were so warm and welcoming and provided a truly curated culinary experience and had the best recommendations for us. The portions are generous, the presentation is beautiful, and the location is perfect for an authentic experience of Egypt. Thank...
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