The Oasis Cafe

The Oasis is not the easiest eating place to find, but it is worth the effort. Facing the Mercure hotel, go left and take the road that runs along the side of the hotel. On the same side, not very far from the next junction, opposite the Misr bank, is a tall building that houses the Oasis cafe on the ground floor.

In some ways the Oasis is reminiscent of the Sofra, but not as large inside and the furniture is not as ornate. Turn right fro the steps into an entrance lobby, where a cashier or waiter will direct you to the room you need. There is a small room where smoking is allowed and a smaller room that is non-smoking.

The decor is dark and a little tired but suits the character of the building. The menu has plenty of 'brunch' and other snacks and a smaller number of main meals. There are soups from about LE12, salads from LE18, but mostly LE25 - LE30, omelettes from around LE18, but mostly LE25, and sandwiches, mostly around LE25. Main meals include steaks at LE55 and pasta dishes from LE32.

There is a non-optional service charge of 12%, which is added to the bill before you get it. This is not uncommon in Luxor but we think this is a little cheeky. A tip should be given for good service and it is not up to the cafe to assume that all customers will each think that the service is worth the same amount. In reality, regard the prices as 12% more than the menu suggests. So a steak is LE62 and an omelette LE28. The final prices are a bit steep when the going rate at very well reputed restaurants in the centre and at the southern end of town is significantly lower but the quality is excellent and the near-constant flow of customers pays testament to its deserved popularity.

Drink variety is good, too, but again prices are, by and large, a tiny bit higher than at competing restaurants at LE8 for most soft drinks, LE14 - LE20 for most fresh juices and from LE10 for hot drinks, all before the compulsory service charge. A nice touch is that you can specify skimmed rather than full-fat milk in hot drinks.

We particularly like the Oasis salad which is adds fruit to the normal salad fare and at LE34 with service charge is a good bet for a lunchtime snack as well as the start of a bigger meal.

 

Review updated March 2010
Prices at March 2010