Maritim Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Gamsha

Let me start by saying that it deeply pains me to write such a review, because Maritim genuinely has the potential to be one of Gouna’s top-tier restaurants. The food is spectacular. Every dish was thoughtfully composed, masterfully seasoned, and presented with elegance. The ambiance? Decent — refined, somewhat luxurious. But all of that was overshadowed, demolished, and completely invalidated by what was easily the most horrendous, discriminatory service I’ve encountered in a restaurant.

Let’s get into it.

We dined at Maritim over the course of two evenings. On both nights, the restaurant was nearly empty — just two tables occupied, ours included. One might assume that with such a quiet setting, service would be swift and attentive. Especially since we were six guests ordering some of the most expensive meals on the menu. You’d think we were the kind of table staff would be eager to please. But no — we were treated like an inconvenience.

Why? Because we were Egyptians.

There’s a word for people who serve their own with disdain while fawning over foreigners — internalized colonials. That’s the only way to describe the behavior of one specific waiter: Remon, whose conduct was disgraceful. He’s the type who’s been conditioned to see white skin and foreign accents as prestige, and who looks down upon his own people as if luxury isn’t “meant” for them. It wasn’t just inattentiveness — it was active exclusion.

We called for him several times — clearly, politely — and he looked right at us, then turned away. Meanwhile, the only other table — foreign tourists — were being doted on like royalty. Constant check-ins, smiles, refills, extra napkins. They were just two people ordering basic dishes. We were six, with a bill that easily tripled theirs. So financially, there’s no logic behind the bias. It wasn’t about tips or profit. It was about perception — and we didn’t “look” like we belonged.

The second night was worse. We returned, hoping it was a one-off. It wasn’t. The same waiter blatantly ignored us again, walking past us like we were invisible. No eye contact, no acknowledgment. When we finally confronted Remon about it, instead of apologizing, he got into a heated argument. He claimed we were “with another waiter,” as if that excused him from responding at all. That other waiter — who hadn’t served us once — isn’t the point. When a guest calls for service, you respond. Period.

To his credit, the rest of the staff that night were deeply understanding and helpful once they got involved. But the damage had been done. Remon’s arrogance, and the management’s allowance of that behavior, made it clear: Egyptians aren’t welcome unless they come disguised as foreigners.

To make matters worse, we overheard a loud argument between staff in the kitchen — shouting voices in a fine dining setting, which only drove home how fragile the illusion of refinement really is.

Let me be clear: this isn’t about expecting perfection. I’ve dined at Michelin stars and street stalls. Hospitality is about respect, not rehearsed smiles. Maritim made us feel unwelcome in our own country — and that is something I will never forget.

Final Thoughts: • The chefs deserve a venue where their work is respected. • Remon needs retraining — not just in service, but in basic human decency. • Management should be ashamed of this elitist, exclusionary culture. • Egyptians: unless you walk in with a fake accent and foreign passport, be ready to be belittled.

Verdict: 1/5. And that one star is entirely for...

It’s easy to find Maritim Restaurant in Abu Tig Marina. It’s one of the few restaurants that sit along the edge, with scenic views of the marina, usually good service, and a very delicious menu. It is one of our favorite places to eat when we’re visiting Gouna. We are repeat diners. The staff is usually knowledgeable and attentive. But sometimes, the service can be slow and leaves you sitting. Service attention does vary, so that is a negative for this place. The fresh ingredients is what brings us back. From our many visits, here’s what we tried and enjoyed: the salads are delicious, the Classic Tuna Avocado Tartare, Maritim Sea Food Salad, and the Spaghetti Frutti Di Mare. The mixed seafood grill is pricy, but delicious. We haven’t tried the Poke bowls yet, but they look very good. The only dessert we’ve tried is the Chocolate Fondant, and the chocolate is really good. It’s a nice dessert to share. Every dish is beautifully plated. (and the plates are beautiful too) The portion sizes are generous for the price. Selection of drinks and alcohol beverages.

While Maritim is on the higher end of the price spectrum, the quality of the food and atmosphere makes it worth every penny. It’s definitely a “treat yourself” dining experience...

This restaurant/bar occupies an envious spot in Abu Tig marina offering great views down past the boats and has the slip way to entertain as the boats are pulled out or dropped in. The bar has had a recent makeover and the old rather rough floor has been replaced with marble giving an upmarket feel to the venue. This sweep of the brush also seemingly applies to the staff and management who are energised, polite and efficient. All the food was to a high standard with no complaints from any of the party. The general aggreement was universal in our high praise for a worthwhile effort to spend a comfortable time with the staff of Maritim. Particular praise goes to Raafat our waiter. Great attitude and just brimming with confidence, appeal and a smile that lights up the area...