I think it’s fair to say I’ve sometimes been underwhelmed by the restaurant offerings close to where we live in New Cairo. I do like Beirut and Sakura in City Square and enjoy the food at Casper & Gambinis but other places have been pretty average, nowhere I’d rush back to. This changed with our visit to Kazoku. I had planned to visit this restaurant when we first arrived in Cairo, but life got in the way and we finally only managed a visit a couple of weeks ago. At Kazoku everything comes together; the ambiance, the service and most importantly the food…….

The ambiance

Tucked away in Swan Lake compound the contemporary design of the restaurant allows huge amounts of natural light into the room and the space has been well thought out. It has a very welcoming feel with various seating options, cute art features and a laid back vibe. When we first arrived it was quiet with only a few tables occupied, but it slowly started to get busier and there was a lively buzz. Most of the seating is indoors but there are a few tables on the terrace overlooking the pool. This makes me sound really old, but I liked the fact the music isn’t intrusive -you can still have proper conversation without shouting! However, I have seen footage of the Saturday brunch which seems to have much more of a party atmosphere. The restaurant is the type of place you can go to as a couple, with family and friends in larger groups – it is great for any occasion.

The service

On both of our visits the service has been spot on. Friendly but not over the top, efficient but not hovering and they seem genuinely interested in providing guests with a good, all round experience which is refreshing to see. On our first visit it took about 15 minutes for our drinks to materialise but Greg commented that this was probably as good thing as it stopped us drinking too much before eating! On our next visit the drinks were served a lot faster.

The food 

Offering a comtemporary, Asian inspired menu, we were spoilt for choice. On our visits we have enjoyed the slightly spicy tempura shrimp, salt and pepper squid, various gyoza, sushi rolls and sushi temaki as appetisers. I think the best thing to do is try different dishes by ordering several and sharing tapas style.

My favourite main course (and one of the most expensive dishes on the menu) is the miso black cod which was cooked to perfection. I also really enjoyed the beef tenderloin which was served meduim rare. Two main courses with a complimentary side dish each are enough for 2/3 people. Our friends enjoyed the Thai curry and roast duck, however I found the duck a little dry, as I prefer it a pink and this was well done.

I loved the concept of bento box desserts and they were reasonably priced at 150LE. We shared the peanut butter rice pudding, white chocolate mousse, match creme brulee, chocolate fondant and the chocolate semifredo. However, the firm favourite was the tangy, sharp, yuzu lemon cud which was very refreshing.

Kazoku also has an extensive cocktail menu, there are pages of classics such as a Moscow Mule through to the Serenity which features sesame oil. The wine list showcases local wine as well as imports. I am speaking from experience when I say is easy to spend as much (if not more) on drink than food so be warned!

I am really pleased we have discovered Kazoku, it is a gem of a restaurant and a place we will return to again and again. No, it’s not cheap in comparsion to other restaurants I have reviewed,  but here you definitely get what you pay for….

On a side note I have found it quite difficult to use their website, it doesn’t seem to load very well. I also found the menu on there isn’t the same as the menu we were given at the restaurant, so you may want to double check with them. From what I can gather there are 3 ‘sittings’ 2-7pm 7-10pm and 10-1am and reservations are advised.