Hayda Lebanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Giza

On an unplanned trip to Dokki, we stopped at Hayda to try their Lebanese food. The restaurant sits on the Nile River-but views were mostly (not entirely) blocked by the enormous boat next to it. We were there early, before the dinner crowd. The place was empty. Tables were set up and ready for hungry visitors. The chair cushions need to be deep cleaned. Menu prices reflect tourist prices, but weren't ridiculous. My favorite dish-actually an appetizer -is chili potatoes (batatas harra). My husband ordered the mixed grill. I had a macchiato and he tried their piña colada. The batatas were excellent-but lacked the heat of the chili. They were cooked to perfection-ligjtly crisp on the outside, soft and hot on the inside. They simply needed more chili flavor. The mixed grill was good-kofta, chicken, and beef. Option if rice or french fries. The Piña colada simply isn't an Egyptian beverage, and no place we've gone really knows how to make this simple drink. It was overly sweet, and over ice instead of being blended. The macchiato was OK. Nothing spectacular here. Once the food was served, the waiter never came to check on us to see how everything was.

We'd like to visit the restaurant again someday. The food was good and we'd like to try more...

Here are the things to consider: 1- The view is astonishing. Particularly at night. It's literally in the Nile river. I got a table next to the window and man the view was amazing and we got a nice breeze coming from the Nile. 2- The food is really good. For sure it was not the best Lebanese food that I've ever got but in general the portion was big and the quality was quite good. BTW, the bread was awesome. Hot and tasty. 3- The service was the best. The waiters were attending and quick to respond. Bring food and everything we need really quick. 4- The price was really decent. I ordered 1 humus and lamb, 1 Kabab and Kofta, 2 teas and 1 water all with VAT and Service came to 800 EGP meaning $16.

Last word, if you want to dine next to the Nile river and don't pay too much and get a really good food and great service go...

Disappointing. It looks nothing like the pictures. There is a huge boat parked in front of it and that obstructs 60% of the view, so you can only sit facing one way. I was expecting somewhere upmarket but inside it is like a barn and outside has the road noise. Food was just okay but service from the waiter was absolutely excellent. He is wasted here! Prices are as to be expected when you sit near the nile (overpriced). I can't recommend this place and I won't be returning. If you are not interested in a Nile View, then a winter evening here for a themed night with music may be the way to go. Probably at night with ambient lighting and entertainment it would be okay. Certainly don't waste any time travelling here, I did, based on the reviews and it...