Casablanca

Once a popular restaurant on the West Bank, Casablanca moved to the East Bank in September 2006 when it opened opposite Snobs, in the side road opposite the Lotus hotel.

Casablanca seats about 30 in a rather regimented layout within a well-presented room, constrained by its small size and long, thin shape.

The menu is promoted as seafood and oriental. There is indeed a good variety of seafood and, as well as oriental dishes, there is a reasonable range of traditional international options, such as pizzas, pastas and steaks.

Visitors to Luxor who are not too adventurous but wish to sample something a little different will be happy here. Egyptian flavours are blended with dishes that do not stray too far from the western comfort zone. Bread is in the local style and plentiful.

Service is excellent - although there are usually few guests so there is little pressure. If anything the service is rather too attentive. This is fine and response is immediate if something is wanted, but you might want to face away from the service area if you don't like being watched.

The standard of food is very good although not all cuts are the best. The steaks are a little thin, for example, but probably what you should expect at the price. Everything is freshly prepared and cooked to order, so it may take a little time but is worth waiting for. Presentation, too, is fine if not exceptional.

Prices are competitive. Soups are LE15, steaks are around LE40, with sauce, and some other main courses start around LE30. A good range of desserts is available for LE12 - LE20. Tax and service charges are included, so it is possible for two people to have 2 courses with a soft drink or water for a little over LE100 if you choose carefully.

There is no alcohol on the menu, but if you want a beer, wine or spirit, just tell the waiter what you want and he will phone for it to be delivered.

If you are only in Luxor for a short while and want to try a small, locally run restaurant, we would suggest King Tut in preference to Casablanca for value, service and food quality. On the other hand, if you are in town for a fortnight and like to try different restaurants each night, list it as a 'possible'.

 

Review updated October 2011
Prices at October 2011