On a breathtaking spot on Cairo’s scenic Nile Corniche, lies the famous InterContinental Cairo Semiramis Hotel. On its second floor, also overlooking the majestic Nile river is the hotel’s revered Italian restaurant, Pane Vino. Known for its authentic Italian cuisine, modern ambiance and its stunning views, it is the ideal place for a delicious lunch or dinner.
The restaurant offers a wide ranging authentic Italian menu courtesy of its talented head Chef, Giovanni Romagnoli. Born and raised in southern Italy, Romagnoli first learned the art of cooking from his mother, and her influence continues to shine through in the homemade Neapolitan touch that is evident in all his recipes. “The menu is just the real classic Italian cuisine, nothing more nothing less,” says Romagnoli, who takes great pride in using the freshest ingredients to bring out the authentic pure taste of every dish.
To start, you’ll enjoy nibbling at the variety of artisanal bread in all shapes and sizes in Pane Vino’s gorgeous bread basket. But make sure to leave space for the sumptuous starters that will follow. Choose from a rich menu of delectable classic first courses ranging from the Parmigiana Di Melanzane, with its grilled eggplant baked with a succulent tomato sauce, basil mozzarella and Grana Padano cheese, to the Frittura All’Italiana’ rich pile of fried calamari served with a sumptuous tartar sauce.
If you are pressed for time and will limit yourself to a single course, dive straight into a Bufalina Pizza, a delicious dish that makes for a filling, yet quick lunch option. With its fresh buffalo mozzarella sprinkled with cherry tomatoes and basil, you will be pining for more as you devour your last slice. Its crust is slightly toasted in truly Neapolitan style, offering a delightful contrast to the supple fresh mozzarella cheese. Pane Vino’s delicious signature pasta dishes are also not to be missed. Chef Romagnoli’s fettucine, ravioli and lasagna are freshly made daily in the kitchen, which means that you’ll savour pure freshness with every bite of your Lasagna Al Forno or Fettuccine Alfredo. The creamy fettuccine with salmon doused in Romagnoli’s signature pink sauce, a specialty of the house, will transport you straight to Napoli. Guests with dietary restrictions will be pleased to know that gluten free pasta is available upon request so you can safely experience all the delectable goodies on offer.
As for Pane Vino’s main dishes, there is no shortage of mouth watering meat, seafood, and poultry options for your culinary delight. From sliced beef fillet served on a bed of arugula leaves, baked potatoes, Grana shavings and topped with a balsamic reduction, to the grilled salmon fillet served with lemon and dill sauce, cherry tomatoes and balsamic reduction, your satisfaction is guaranteed. For those with a more hearty appetite, the Osso Bucco Alla Milanese’s braised veal shank served with fettuccine or risotto is to die for. The mushroom risotto made with Italian Porcini mushrooms is truly distinctive and unforgettable.
Last but not least, there’s dessert , of course! To finish off your meal like a true Italian, indulge in Pane Vino’s infamous Tiramisu before you sip your perfect espresso. Topped with creamy mascarpone cheese carefully filled with coffee grinds, set over soft biscuit at the bottom, this dessert will pamper your taste buds and make for a truly scrumptious finale to your meal.
In sum, Pane Vino is the perfect lunch or dinner spot for culinary connoisseurs. What more could you ask for than a delightfully authentic Italian meal as you enjoy the spectacular Nile view? Plus the service is friendly and efficient, guaranteeing you a perfectly delicious meal, while if it’s lunchtime still getting back to the office on time for your next meeting.