Metropolitan Cafe

The Metropolitan cafe is part of the Edris Group which also owns the Metropolitan restaurant, Metropolitan Bowling club and the El Kababgy, all on the the lower corniche. The Metropolitan cafe is opposite the Winter Palace end of Luxor temple. The Edris group eateries along the lower corniche share the same menu, but not everything is available at all outlets. This cafe specialises in snacks including pizzas, drinks and ice cream.

The Metropolitan used to have more of a street cafe feel. It does still have some tables in small clusters either side of the pathway but much of the seating closest to the Nile is now under a shelter. From time to time there have been sponsored brightly coloured furniture and shelters, but the colour scheme is generally relatively neutral. In common with the other restaurants and cafes along this stretch of the lower corniche, there is a superb view of the Nile.

The food is OK for an outdoor cafe but not particularly good and expensive for what it is. Hot and soft drink prices are on a par with the other restaurants along this stretch - above the prices you would pay outside hotels, but this is what you would expect when you take into account the prime position and the view. These cafes used to sell beer but alcohol is no longer available. There are toilets nearby but they are often locked, so you may have to ask the staff for access.

If you just want a drink, or if you are in the Luxor temple area of the corniche and don't want to walk further south or away from the Nile, then the Metropolitan is fine for something quick in a Nile side location, on a par with El Kababgy to the south and, in our opinion, better than Al Soury further along. If you want to eat from a more varied menu or if you want something less expensive, you can walk around the temple and choose from many better value alternatives such as Hamees and Sindbad or go to the market and try Jamboree.

 

Review updated January 2012