El Cairo Restaurant — Restaurant in San Juan

I recently had the pleasure of dining at El Cairo, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The moment I walked in, the welcoming atmosphere set the stage for a memorable meal. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, making sure our table was comfortable and our needs were met throughout the evening.

The food was truly outstanding. Every dish was a vibrant fusion of flavors, showcasing authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with a refined touch. The appetizers were fresh and beautifully presented, and the main courses were cooked to perfection, with spices and ingredients that transported us straight to the heart of Cairo. Each plate was as delicious as it was artfully arranged.

Beyond the food, the service was what really stood out. Our server was knowledgeable, guiding us through the menu and suggesting dishes based on our preferences. They were quick to respond, refilling drinks and clearing plates seamlessly, making us feel well taken care of.

El Cairo is definitely a place I’ll return to, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience where both the food and service exceed...

Upon arriving, we were seated right away by the waitress. The waitress told us that she does not speak English, only Spanish, & that she would be getting an English waiter to assist us. We waited 20 minutes, no one came to our table to place our order. I then got up to try to look for someone else, when I asked a different waitress, she rudely stated that no one speaks English here and only Spanish. I let her know that the other waitress did say she would get someone for us, but yet she still was adamant about her statement. I asked her if she can get us her manager, she said no manager here.

As serving middle eastern cuisine, and us being Muslim, how can they not have English staff to assist tourists or non Spanish speakers? Especially with Puerto Rico being a major tourist attraction! I was so disappointed. The waitress didn’t even seem like she wanted to accommodate us. We ended up leaving the restaurant as no one was willing to help us.

By the way, the waitress told us the chicken is not halal here. Only beef & lamb are. They should really clarify this on...

Bien rica comida! My business partner and I stopped in for Monday lunch (our 1st visit). We ordered 2 lunch “boxes,” which are served in divided platters (see photos). The food was ready in approximately 15 minutes and came out looking great. We were in a hurry, so the fact that the place had just opened and was empty made us happy and more comfortable to eat quickly inside (no outdoor seating here).

My first bite of the jasmine rice was such a relief. Although the chef mixes in a tiny bit of buttered noodle for taste, the rice came out light, fluffy, and a perfect texture with a hint of buttery flavor.

My next bite was the cordero (lamb), which was perfectly cooked and falling off the bone! Nice! Everything tasted great, if not slightly under seasoned (typical for ethnic cuisine in the USA, but I have no experience with Egyptian food to compare.) My friend described his vegetarian box as tasting “really really good.”

Service was polite, prompt, and pleasant with some English (try some Spanish here if you can). We definitely will return with friends after...