Bonus review: Quay

We didn’t have enough space in the print edition, so special online, here’s a bonus review of Quay.

I was told Quay was a nice, high-end spot on the Nile – but I didn’t expect the third-degree grilling I got from a Quay employee.

Croc: Hello, I’d like to make a reservation for tonight.
Employee: Sure thing, sir, have you visited us before?
Croc: No.
Employee: How many people?
Croc: Six.
Employee: Couples or singles?
Croc: Couples
Employee: Anyone under 21?
Croc: No.
Employee: Do you know our dress code?
Croc: No.
Employee: It’s smart casual, which means no jeans, sneakers, galabeya, 3abaya or 7egab!
Croc: OK…
Employee: Will you be joined by any Arabs?
Croc: …No.
Employee: Anyone from the Gulf Area?
Croc: Nooo…

By then he figured out I was starting to get agitated, so he broke off the interrogation. The funny thing is, once you get to Quay, there are children, teenagers wearing jeans and sneakers, veiled woman and no alcohol! So what’s all the fuss about?

But despite some troubles getting a reservation at Quay, the restaurant turned out to be nice and spacious, with comfortable outdoor seating and a great Nile view. The atmosphere is pleasant, but the food is a bit more touch-and-go. The cheese and zaatar mana’eesh were good and filling, but the appetizers were small and overpriced. Entrées were a mixed bag as well: the seafood salad was excellent, but the shwarma plate was mediocre. For dessert, steer clear of the fruit platter, which consists mainly of canned fruit. The generous portion of chocolate cake was delicious, and a much better bet.

The best reason to go to Quay is the shisha, especially the apple and mixed specials. The waiters are very attentive, so the shisha lasted a long time, and the service is good. Quay is nice – though not as fancy as Sequoia – but the food doesn’t measure up to the high prices.

Address: Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud St.
Manyal, in front of Galaxy Cinema
Phone #: 0124915274

Mohamed Sabe

Has anything like this ever happened to you? If you’ve had any strange, weird, or just downright uncomfortable experiences at a restaurant or bar in Cairo, share your stories in the comments section below!