The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

The Terrace is located in the comfortable and stylish
surroundings of Designopolis, Cairo’s new art and design hub in the Sixth of
October Area. Now open from 2PM to 9PM during the week, The Terrace is a
nice place to escape from the city for a meal with a side of culture.

Not surprisingly, The Terrace is a model of
architecture and interior design. A large and imposing multi-level steel and
glass structure with a large outdoor terrace, the design of the space makes for
a quiet and cosy dining experience, with each table tucked away; allowing
diners to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.

The menu features a well-chosen selection of dishes. A
three-course meal for two with drinks will set you back at least 300LE. Appetiser
choices range from classic Greek and Caesar salads (40LE) to more offbeat
selections, like the surprisingly flavourful and sophisticated potato wedge
soup (25LE). 

Main dish options are diverse. We chose the Terrace burger
(70LE), a respectable take on the American classic, and the sea bass with
ginger-butter sauce (180LE), a different and delicious combination of flavours
complemented perfectly by the fish’s mild flavour. The beef medallion, though
tempting, was a bit pricey at 260LE. The house French fries are a highlight;
thin, crispy, perfectly fried and salted, you can’t do better in all of Cairo.
Excellent pasta choices are also on offer; try the chef’s choice pasta (60LE)
or the creative toasted linguine dish (90LE).

The desserts, more sculpture than nourishment, were
for 40LE each, and included a sumptuous chocolate gateau, hot apple and raisin
pie, sweet sensation chocolate fondant, berry brioche, and fresh fruit salad for
the health-conscious. The Terrace has a
full bar with a wide selection of cocktails starting at 40LE.

Unorthodox ingredients like rose petals and
gingerbread, combined with a layer of flavour complexity not normally
experienced in Cairo restaurants, makes The Terrace a truly unique experience
in the city. Picky eaters should be wary, but those who seek gourmet indulgence
will find themselves heading out to the Terrace time and time again to
experience some of the best cuisine that Cairo has to offer.

The Terrace has had to postpone plans to turn its
premises into a stylish club by night due to the ongoing curfew, but has
compensated by introducing a new weekend brunch menu every Friday. The
international, three-course à-la-carte selection (130LE) features a choice of
eight main courses, including brunch favourites like eggs Benedict and maple
syrup pancakes, and creative choices like eggs with poached salmon potato
cakes. Juice and coffee are included.