In (or, above) Maadi, 41 Rooftop Serves Views With a Side of Burgers

Situated in (actually, specifically speaking, above) the heart of Maadi, occupying the rooftop of a palatial building on street 213, restaurant ‘41 Rooftop’ offers great vibes, great food, and great views. Secluded from the Maadi crowds by virtue of its rooftop location, 41 Rooftop provides a welcome respite from the sounds, streets and smells of one of Cairo’s most bustling neighbourhoods.

Michael Essam Salama, owner and founder of 41 Rooftop, describes his restaurant as “a project conceived from a nostalgia for the formerly quiet, tranquil aura of Maadi, as much as it is a response to the takeover of fast-food chains and a faster pace of life in the neighbourhood.” This vision of an elegant yet relaxed dining experience is what inspired the choice of location; inside the qubba of one of Maadi’s most iconic architectural landmarks.

For Salama, his team of experienced chefs, as well as for Maadi itself, the restaurant simultaneously embodies “new beginnings”, and a nostalgia for what was, producing a chic, timeless end result. He envisions the space of the restaurant to serve as a place to “escape the city”, allowing customers the chance to breathe, relax, and savour the now.

Against the backdrop of the Maadi skyline, the relaxed ambiance of the restaurant is also echoed in its elegant, minimalistic design, which, as Salama tells SceneEats, “is inspired by nature”, providing a green antidote to the surrounding urban environment. A timeless cream colour scheme and an abundance of plants, light bamboo wood and canopies welcomes rays of natural sunlight by day and is illuminated by airy lighting by night. The open-air seating area, filled with cushions, rattan chairs and low tables forms the perfect space for a slow morning, a midday catch-up or a relaxed evening meal, and can be enjoyed all year round, equipped with heaters for colder months and coolers to combat summer heat.

This peaceful, calming vibe also fosters a great place to concentrate for those searching for new work and study-compatible spaces, where you can caffeinate and reward yourself with the restaurant’s plentiful offering of sweet treats. As well as indulging your senses, 41 Rooftop provides a space that allows you to ponder your thoughts and (quite literally) have your head in the clouds for a while.

Serving a variety of dishes from a variety of cuisines using prime-quality ingredients, the restaurant offers an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful yet refreshing start to your day, or a casual, stylish evening dining experience, 41 Rooftop promises a relaxing atmosphere that can be enjoyed at any time, all day long. Breakfast menu highlights include sweet and savoury filled croissants, pancakes, and Oriental and Western style platters whilst dinner menu highlights include the restaurant’s selection of great burgers, steaks and fresh pasta dishes.

Providing a welcome illusion of detachment from the bustling urban environment, 41 Rooftop offers a peaceful haven providing the encouragement we all need to slow down and appreciate the timeless beauty of good company and good food. A true, hidden gem, this spot factors among the trendiest new Maadi dining spots, for 41 Rooftop, it seems that the sky really is the limit.