Snobs

Snobs used to be in very small premises located amongst recently-built flats in the residential area on the way to Television Street, a little way off the tourist trail. Even so, it became very popular with people who were willing to seek it out to enjoy the quality food for which it soon gained an excellent reputation.

In the autumn of 2005 Snobs moved to much larger premises in El Rhoda El Sherifa St, opposite the Lotus hotel, much closer to the hotels at the southern end of town. At the time the road was a side street with no other tourist restaurants and little else of few interest to visitors. Since then many other restaurants have followed Snobs into the road and more are on the way.

The restaurant has been restyled recently in smart burgundy and cream. The waiters blend in too, with burgundy shirts and cream ties.

Snobs is run by Moamen Abdel Fatah, an extremely talented young chef, providing the kind of individuality and finesse rarely seen in hotels and busy restaurants. The management at the Old Winter Palace (see review in this section) could learn a thing or two from Snobs.

The menu has English and international options, including Egyptian and oriental choices with a good variety of vegetarian dishes.

Prices are keen for a restaurant of this quality. Three courses with soft drink can cost under LE60. Soups are just LE12, which compares very favourably with local competition, and a range of salads are mostly under LE20. Pasta dishes are from around LE20 and steaks with sauce are from about LE44. An impressive range of fish, meat and poultry main courses start at well under LE40. As well as excellent dining in the evening, Snobs has a full lunchtime menu including some of the best omelets in town from around LE15; sandwiches, jackets and other favourites.

Snobs does not sell alcohol but you can take your own wine if you are discreet. There is no formal dress code, but you may feel out of place if you are not smartly dressed.

If we could just eat in one place in Luxor we would have to think for a while. We have high regard for several restaurants, such as Ritz, that offer extremely good value for a simple but wholesome meal. We also like Sofra, near the railway station, for excellent value genuine Egyptian food in a colonial setting. However, if we really, really had to choose just one, for variety, quality and value, it would be Snobs.