Maxime's

Maxime's is on the main tourist hotel road, to the south of the town (left as you face the Nile from the East Bank), just beyond the Isis hotel and on the same side of the road, above a jeweller called Madonna. Look out for Maxime written high up on the side wall of the restaurant.

The restaurant was refurbished in 2004. It now has two dining floors, with a kitchen on the third, and much more capacity than before. Nevertheless, it is extremely popular and can still become very busy.

The furniture is basic but fine; the table linen and decorations are fresh and the staff attentive.

Some prices are still fairly keen, although they increased significantly in 2009. Soups start at LE8, salads at LE6 and there are desserts from LE10. The menu includes egyptian and international main courses, including meat, fish, poultry and vegetarian selections and some options not commonly seen at other restaurants. Most steaks with sauce are at LE41 - LE42 but there are other international main courses from LE25 and a good choice of fish meals for around LE30. Two can easily enjoy three courses with a soft drink for under LE150. Maximes is not licensed, so no alcohol is available. As well as full meals, Maxime's serves snacks, such as pastas and omelettes.

The dishes are well cooked, and reasonably presented. Portions are generous enough.

Maxime's has become a favourite with tourists and is frequently recommended. It is a safe bet and excellent value for money; a popular choice for those who prefer not to spend the extra for the even better quality at somewhere like Snobs. However, following the recent increase in prices it has lost its major edge and may begin to lose out to nearby 'value' competition from the likes of Ritz, King Tut and Castello, and increasingly from the higher-cost restaurants as well.

 

Review updated March 2010
Prices at March 2010