Roy's Smokehouse — Restaurant in Geziret al Zamalik, Jazirat al Zamalik

went in for a late dinner. the service was great when i went in. the waiter was nice and polite. a manager came by and introduced himself. i asked the waiter to give me a minute to peruse the menu he said ok he would be back, but he didn't return for another 20 min. i eventually ordered the brisket and fries. something simple. the fries were hot but the brisket was barely warm. the brisket was tender but lacked flavor. i had a margarita which was nice. i ate then i sat and sat and sat waiting for the server to return to ask me how was the meal or to take my dishes and give me the check. i eventually flagged him down for the check. he returned with the check and took my dishes at that time. this restaurant is located in the Marriot hotel and casino in Cairo. what i did not like about the restaurants in the Marriot is there is a 14% vat charge and then there is a 12% service charge. the vat charge i understand. the 12% service charge is unnecessary because it does not go to the server. i was informed of this by my tour guide. we were further encouraged to give a tip because the server does not receive the service charge. so you get charged 26% above the final price of the check. then you should give an additional 10% or more for the tip. come on this is highway robbery. the price i paid for over priced food...

2nd to last day in Cairo, staying at the Marriott, and heard Roy's was good and reasonable so we (me and my dad) decided to check it out since we don't speak Arabic and weren't to comfortable on our own away from the tour. And I gotta tell ya, both me and my dad thought it was some of, if not THE, best brisket we've ever had, and Dad lived in Texas for over 10 years.

Good portion size and so tender you could cut it with a fork. Good flavor with a good smoke ring, all the hallmarks of quality BBQ. I got the nacho appetizer as well, with the brisket, and it was equally good. They claimed to smoke the brisket for 13 hrs and I believe them!

And the staff was nice and attentive, place wasn't packed, and our two meals, with Miester Max beers (local Egyptian 8% beer!!), and a dessert Pepsi I'd been craving was right at $50 US. Really an enjoyable dining experience abroad after some earlier unrelated frustrations. May go back again tonight, although we have to leave for the airport at 0145 (yes, AM, which is a whole OTHER story) and may just try and sleep after we finish visiting the pyramids in the afternoon.

Felt kinda weird eating "American" while in Egypt, but, damn! it was good and I definitely recommend and would eat there again in...

What Native Texas eats Barbecue in Cairo? We do!!! Don't get me wrong, I love the Mediterranean food, but we needed our brisket "fix"! This is the place for Barbecue! Located at the Marriott Cairo, I was greeted with big smiles and such gracious hospitality! I hate to admit it, but their Barbecue brisket is better than mine and most of what I get back home! Absolutely melt in your mouth, perfectly smoked, flavorful and tender brisket. My mouth is watering as I write this review. If I was going to rate it, I would give it 132%... typo you ask? NOPE! It is a number to get your attention, meaning it was over-the-top delicious! The chef, waitstaff, hostess and manager all came up to greet me. They made me feel like family! They truly have incredible food and service, but their spirit for hospitality and kindness was genuinely sincere and heartfelt. I would like to mention their names, as they all deserve recognition for their " over the top" service, commitment to excellence and talents in such a competitive market. The individuals include Ayman, Ibrahim, Mina, Yara and their manager Nasser Hamed. Y'all (you) need to pay Roy's Smokehouse a visit. You simply can't go wrong!...