Get yourself to The Greek

In one corner of the capital, a competition for fast-food restaurants leads in numerical supremacy, and this has turned Zamalek into a cacophonous food court.

But off the Nile Corniche in the quieter neighborhood of Maadi, a more selective appetite is being catered to, and its latest stand out, The Greek, is serving as a happy addition to the emerging hue of culinary cuisine.

It was the solid friendship between three young entrepreneurs that helped raise a new and conscientious ambassador of Greek cooking to Cairo.

Off the bat, you can tell that John Benakis, the main chef, Julian Marriotti, the restaurant’s front man, and Sara George, a third partner who completes the trio, put together something with considerable care in the Degla part of Maadi.

Over the course of several months, and with the help of some friends, they chopped the wood, bought the paint, sheared the metal and slaved themselves to design a lively space that can ensure a relaxed and impressive dining experience. Their motivating journey to open a restaurant in Egypt is featured on their restaurant’s Facebook page.

Inside, a see-through kitchen looks out onto a marble-tiled floor decked out with four wooden tables. The whitewashed brick walls showcase artwork by local artist “eemz.”

As Benakis can assure you, all the essential ingredients are sourced from his homeland and he brought his mother out to the restaurant to teach his chefs recipes from a traditional Greek kitchen.

Once seated, you’re greeted with a bounty of warm pita triangles dressed in some olive oil and herbs so remember to pace yourself.

As you move on to the appetizers, be sure to order the tyropitakia (LE22), spinach and feta pastries wrapped in a delicate, tissue-thin crust that are crunchy yet pliable. The stuffing consists of lemony, herbaceous flavors that add complexity to the cheese.

However you proceed next, do not miss a starter of seared kefalotiri cheese served with lemon, also known as saganaki (LE30). Or another of shredded zucchini, mint and feta fritters (LE18). A Greek restaurant must ace grilled octopus (LE30) and The Greek does just that.

The rest of the menu reads with a mix of traditional Greek staple dishes alongside a few contemporary ones. You have the choice of ordering a chicken, beef or vegetable gyro, each offered at a price less than a McDonald’s value meal. Mediterranean food tends to be healthy because of its use of olive oil, lean meats, and vegetables — so the choice here is simple.

This restaurant deserves several visits. One scans the menu and selects a little of this, a dish of that, but it’s all so enticing that soon after putting in your first order, you wonder if perhaps the Greek salad (LE33) might have been worth a try (it would) or if the taramosalata (LE22) might have been memorable (it would).

I’ve actually never helped myself to a main course only because I indulge too much in the appetizers. And while the appetizers are intended for sharing, my advice would be to order one portion each. It’s bound to end in a fight or at the very least a grudging counting of calamari and harsh words.

The reasonable prices contribute to The Greek’s evident draw and because familiarity with the friendly owners breeds attendance, the restaurant is very busy. Make sure to make those reservations ahead of time. The Greek is closed on Mondays.

The Greek

Building 19, Road 231, Degla, Maadi

Open Tuesday-Sunday 2 pm-10 pm

For reservations call: 011-2866-9444