Rossini

by Jimmy Dunn

This review is obviously not for Egyptians, as they are already familiar with this well known landmark restaurant. Rossini has been a local fixture in the Heliopolis area for some time, and there are really many reasons for this.

Obviously, this is not one of our budget reviews. Rossini is an upscale Italian seafood restaurant. Yet, the ambiance and feel of the restaurant is laid back. Perhaps this all comes about because of the elegantly set tables amidst rows of potted plants and the availability of an open air pergola, likewise surrounded by greenery and fragrant flowers.
There is also a business corner for important lunches where an air of privacy is required, and one may also enjoy the peaceful and romantic Piano Bar in the evenings, available for an aperitif before dinner or simply snacks and your favorite cocktails.

Service is prompt and polite, and the food is consistently excellent, particularly their Italian sea food, the restaurant's specialty.

Favorite dinners include jumbo shrimp, which is sauted in garlic, olive oil, lemon and parsley and White Grouper baked with pesto sauce, but try one of their famously delightful appetizers first, such as calamari, octopus salad or smoked salmon. Or, one may enjoy a taste of everything with their grilled seafood platter, which features giant prawns, lemony calamari and slices of tuna and grouper ringed by al dente carrots, baby zucchini and lemon potato cubes.

But tourists beware. If the next stop on your agenda is a long afternoon tour of the necropolises surrounding Cairo, you may rather feel like a nap instead!
Rossini
Sea Food Restaurant & Piano Bar 66, Omar Ibn El Khattab Street
Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt
Telephone: 291 8282 or 417 1401 Open from 1:30 PM until 4:40 PM
and from 8:00 PM until midnight Piano Bar opens from 6:00 PM until 2:00 AM