Babel Egypt — Restaurant in New Cairo City

After reading various reviews I was very worried about the food being average and the service being poor. However, I’m pleased to say that I experienced the complete opposite.

Food: Best items: The tabbouleh and fatoush were extremely fresh and drenched in flavorful dressing. I especially loved the whole mint leaves in the fatoush and the crisp bread pieces. The shrimp fattah was a first for me but I liked it a lot. The shrimp was a medium size, very flavorful and cooked to perfection. The shish tawook was very well marinated and it’s clear that the garlic paste is made in house. The kunafa pistachio was a particularly generous portion. I loved the contrast of the warm cheesy kunafa with the cold scoops of vanilla ice cream on top. The kunafa was also the perfect level of sweetness.

Average items: The chili potatoes were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside; although I think they could have used a little bit more salt. The maajoua (fried kibbeh stuffed with cheese) was well-seasoned but one of my least favorite dishes, perhaps because I’m not big on ground beef. The grape leaves were full of olive oil and lemon juice but the rice was a bit too squishy for my liking. The hummus was smooth and creamy but not that different from hummus in other restaurants. The starter bread was soft and had herbs on top that gave it a nice flavor. The pita bread served with the hummus also tasted good. However, I think all the bread would’ve tasted better if it was served warm.

General food comments: the overall food quality is impressive; even the average items are still tasty. I also like the breadth of the menu relative to many other Lebanese places. It’s also refreshing to see dishes that aren’t just a version of grilled meats with French fries. Many people complain about the portions but I thought the portions were pretty reasonable. In terms of cons though, I think the seafood options are very overpriced. I’m also a bit surprised that they don’t have traditional Lebanese beverages on the menu like jallab.

Decor and ambience: The restaurant is gorgeous with its cathedral like appearance. It has high ceilings and comfy, yet chic seating with a sapphire and gray color scheme. The music is light and not loud or obnoxious. I can’t really remember what music they played except for some Dalida and Andrea Bocelli.

Service: The service was surprisingly spectacular. Waiters were very professional, friendly, helpful, attentive and responsive. It takes some time though to get used to someone changing your plate with every new dish, even if it still has some food in it. Also, the hosts were friendly in person even though they were somewhat unfriendly on the phone when making and confirming the reservation.

Overall, I loved it and plan to go again! I hope...

Absolutely! Babel Restaurant in New Cairo offers an exceptional dining experience, and Mr. Ahmad's service undoubtedly enhanced our visit. The ambiance is captivating, blending modern elegance with Middle Eastern charm. The menu is a culinary journey, featuring a delightful array of Lebanese dishes crafted with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.

Mr. Ahmad Ashraf service was impeccable—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the cuisine. He guided us through the menu, recommending standout dishes like the hummus trio, perfectly grilled kebabs, and their signature seafood platter. Each dish was a masterpiece, beautifully presented and bursting with taste.

The restaurant's atmosphere is inviting, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The outdoor terrace offers lovely views and is ideal for a relaxed evening. The staff's attention to detail and Mr. Ahmad's personalized service truly made our experience memorable.

Overall, Babel Restaurant is a must-visit in New Cairo, offering not only exceptional Lebanese cuisine but also a warm and welcoming dining experience. Mr. Ahmad's hospitality added a special touch, ensuring we'll be returning to Babel for another...

One of the most complete fine dining experiences… the interior is monumental… the classical arches of the place makes you feel RESPECT to the place … the diminishing proportions between the abnormal grandiose height of the place supported by the huge arches which are based on very big columns and the small scale of the visitors fulfill the intentionality of the designers will to give this RESPECT. And after this intro of grand RESPECT what do you EXPECT… your high expectations are a big pressure on the chefs and the waiters … they have to equal and surpass this overwhelming intro … and they did … all the details of this Lebanese fish cuisine is exquisite and very very different from any Lebanese dining experience in Cairo … this is a near michilen star food experience… maybe if they enhance the plate presentation and design they could reach this unique full star level. A very recommended place to take your loved one for a special occasion…. BABEL...