From Heliopolis to Sahel: Andiamo Makes a Grand Coastal Return

Deep in Sahel’s Marsa Baghoush, a new chapter of a timeless story is unfolding. Andiamo, the celebrated Italian restaurant, is extending its reach from Heliopolis to the sunny north coast of Egypt. Opening its new doors in early August, the classic restaurant’s new location is already set to be a go-to for those seeking an authentic Italian dining experience combined with the serene ambiance of a beachfront escape.

Andiamo’s ever-evolving journey began in 2015 in Heliopolis, where it quickly became a cultural staple. Its owners, Patrick Kamel and Rawy Rizk, along with their wives Carine Sabbagh and Lilian Hanna, are the brains behind the organization. The duo had already long established themselves in the Egyptian F&B industry, opening what became the first proper cocktail bar in Egypt called Amici in Zamalek’s President Hotel.

From the start, authenticity was at the core of their philosophy. Every ingredient—from the flour to the tomato paste to the many toppings—was imported from Italy. The menu, with its blend of tradition and innovation, featured their signature mixed roulade, a mini pizza pastry stuffed with cheese and rolled to perfection, alongside their famed thin-crust pizzas.

Heliopolis instantly embraced Andiamo, not just as a restaurant, but as a social locale where the vibrancy of Italian cuisine met the warmth of Egyptian hospitality. Walking through its doors felt like entering a place "where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came." It was a seismic cultural hub, filled with familiar faces and lively conversations.

Now, Andiamo is embarking on a rebirth as it opens in Marsa Baghoush. This new location, conceived by interior designer Sarah Hamza, exudes a blend of relaxation and culinary delight, set against the backdrop of scenic Marsa Baghoush. The restaurant is strategically located a short distance away from the shoreline.

The design of the new Andiamo is nothing short of poetic. Outdoor seating under a beautiful pergola with white arches invites diners to take in the coastal breeze beneath flower-patterned ceilings and amidst a landscape of feathery pampas and lush citrus trees. Checkered tiles lead the way to colorful rattan chairs surrounding green tables, while cozy sofas line the patio's edges, offering a perfect view of the horizon.

A short walk away, just four meters away from the shoreline, the Andiamo beach bar stands ready to entertain. Unlike other more elaborate clubs where one might feel an obligation to dress up and put on their best face, the vibe here is much more subtle and laid back. It’s an immersive experience that provides a welcome contrast to the restless nightlife of nearby resorts like Almaza.

After spending years fine tuning the food and beverage scene in Egypt, Kamel and Rizk now bring their expertise to the Andiamo drinks menu featuring international cocktail stars. Patrons can enjoy Brazilian Caipirinhas, Japanese Hibiki, German Jägermeister, and many more, all authentically concocted using only the core ingredients; a rare find in Egyptian bars.

Inside, the resto-bar area will come alive with the beats of an in-house DJ, blending music that flows from the intimate dining spaces to the open air of the beach bar. This duality of quiet, sophisticated charm and vibrant nightlife encapsulates the essence of Andiamo in Marsa Baghoush.

As the doors open and the first dishes are served, Andiamo in Marsa Baghoush is poised to become a new favorite for those seeking an authentic Italian dining experience in a serene, beachfront setting. The story of Andiamo continues to evolve, offering a slice of Italy on the shores of Egypt.